Bushonomics: Bush say's, "Credit thaw going to take awhile"

Bush, don’t forget you're Down Parka?

'Gladiator' tomb discovered in Italy

17 October 2008

The tomb of a general thought to have been an inspiration for the main character in the Oscar-winning film Gladiator has been unearthed in Rome.

Rome-The tomb of Marcus Nonius Macrinus is one of a number of recent archaeological discoveries in the city.

Marcus Nonius Macrinus was a favourite of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, helping him achieve major victories in Europe.

He is believed to have in part inspired the character Maximus Decimus Meridius, played by Russell Crowe in Gladiator.

But although the film character is also a favourite of Marcus Aurelius and goes into battles with him in the late 2nd century AD, that is where the similarities end. The real Roman general is not believed to have been sold into slavery only to return to Rome as a vengeful gladiator.

'Huge' tomb

The tomb was discovered along the northbound Via Flaminia where construction work has been taking place. Many marble columns, inscriptions and decorations have been beautifully preserved thanks to the mud caused by a centuries-old flood of the River Tiber.

Archaeologists are continuing work on the site

It is "the most important ancient Roman monument to come to light for 20 or 30 years", said senior archaeologist Daniela Rossi.

More than 10 inscriptions on the tomb detail the life of Marcus Nonius Macrinus. They show he came from Brescia in northern Italy, was a police commissioner, magistrate, pro-consul of Asia and close confidante of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, who wanted him to fight in the wars against Germanic tribes in northern Europe.

"The movie character played by Russell Crowe leaves for and participates in these wars and is an intimate friend of Marcus Aurelius, chronologically we are in the same period and the war is the same, but the movie character has a very sad story and comes to a terrible end while ours becomes a rich and famous man," said Professor Rossi.

Much of the tomb remains buried in mud, and Professor Rossi said archaeologists were working around the clock to unearth the rest of it.

"Perhaps we will also find the sarcophagus. It's also too early to say how big it is, but it appears there was a row of columns at least 15m long, so it was quite huge," he said.

The tomb is one of a number of recent archaeological discoveries in Rome.

Workers renovating a rugby stadium have uncovered a vast complex of tombs that mimic the houses, blocks and streets of a real city, the Associated Press news agency reports.

Meanwhile, archaeologists restoring imperial residences in the heart of ancient Rome are also reported to have found what they believe to be the underground passageway where the Emperor Caligula was murdered by his guards, the AP also reports.

Cops: 'Pink Panther gang' jewel thieves nabbed

Balkans-based group is suspected of stealing $134 million in series of heists

18 October 2008

PARIS - Two suspected members of the "Pink Panther gang" of jewel thieves were arrested in Monaco after a car crash, police said on Friday.

The gang is believed to have stolen $134 million in various countries.

Interpol said the suspects were Dusko Poznan, 30, from Bosnia-Herzegovina, and an unnamed 27-year-old Serbian, and belonged to the Balkans-based "Pink Panther gang."

In 2004, the group hid a several-hundred-thousand-dollar diamond ring in a jar of face cream — the same place used in the first Pink Panther film, starring Peter Sellers as the bungling Inspector Clousseau.

One of the men was arrested in the hospital Wednesday by a police officer who took his statement following the crash. The second was arrested afterward.

Commentary:
While I guess these thieves needed a gimmick, but from the Pink Panther movies of all things.

While it apparently took a little time to catch them and it is good that these criminals are no longer at large.

Furthermore, some very qualified law-in-forcemeat where after them and not Inspector Jacques Clouseau; while this was a terrible crime, one can not still see a bit of humor and have chuckle or two.

Just proves crime doesn’t pay, even for the Pink Panther.

Computer Cat Savvy

Jay Jay, an American Shorthair, plays with a computer and mouse at a preview for the CFA-Iams Cat Championship in New York, on 15 October 2008.

The cat show runs through the weekend at Madison Square Garden and includes show cats, trained cats and rescued cats looking for a home.

The cat show from their web site, runs from 18-19 October 2008.

ADMISSION
General Admission: $15.00 each day
Seniors (62 & Over): $13.00 each day
Children 12 & Under accompanied by an adult: $13.00 each day

With Discount Coupon a dollar off and can be found here.

Bushonomics: US Economic Delusion’s

U.S. President George W. Bush walks away after speaking at the United States Chamber of Commerce, on 17 October 2008 in Washington, DC. President Bush spoke about the U.S. economy and the recent bailout package that Congress approved.

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
October 18, 2008

Audio
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. Our Nation is dealing with a serious financial crisis. Over the past month, Americans have witnessed fast-moving events involving complicated financial issues. I know many of you are concerned about your finances. So this morning, I want to tell you how we're addressing the uncertainty in our economy.

The federal government has responded to this crisis with systematic and aggressive measures to protect the financial security of the American people. These actions will take more time to have their full impact. But they are big enough and bold enough to work.

The primary focus of our efforts is addressing the underlying problem behind the freeze in our credit markets. Earlier this month, Congress passed bipartisan legislation authorizing the Treasury Department to use up to $700 billion to help banks rebuild capital. This week, I announced that the Treasury will use a portion of that money to inject capital directly into banks by purchasing equity shares. This new capital will help banks continue making loans to businesses and consumers. In addition, the Treasury will use part of the $700 billion to purchase some of the troubled assets that are weighing down banks' balance sheets and clogging the financial system. This extraordinary effort is designed with one overriding purpose: to help banks get loans flowing to American consumers and businesses, so they can create jobs and grow our economy.

Wall Street: 'Bail US out?'

I know many Americans have reservations about the government's approach, especially about allowing the government to hold shares in private banks. As a strong believer in free markets, I would oppose such measures under ordinary circumstances. But these are no ordinary circumstances. Had the government not acted, the hole in our financial system would have grown larger, families and businesses would have had an even tougher time getting loans, and ultimately the government would have been forced to respond with even more drastic and costly measures later on. So I decided that government had to move, but that government's involvement in individual banks had to have prudent limits.

The government's involvement is limited in size. The government will only buy a small percentage of shares in banks that choose to participate, so that private investors retain majority ownership.

The government's involvement is limited in scope. The government will not exercise control over any private firm, and federal officials will not have a seat around your local bank's boardroom table. The shares owned by the government will have voting rights that can be used only to protect the taxpayer's investment -- not to direct the firm's operations.

The government's involvement is limited in duration. It includes provisions to encourage banks to buy their shares back from the government when the markets stabilize and they can raise money from private investors. This will ensure that banks have an incentive to find private capital to replace the taxpayer's investment -- and to do so quickly.

I know many of you are also concerned about the price tag of this rescue package. Ultimately, we believe the final cost will be significantly less than the initial investment. Many of the troubled assets that the government buys will increase in value as the market recovers. That means the government eventually will be able to resell them for a higher price. In addition, the government will receive quarterly dividends from the equity shares it purchases in financial institutions. If banks do not repurchase these shares within five years, the dividends they owe the government will increase substantially. This provides a clear incentive for banks to buy back their shares, thus returning the money to taxpayers, as soon as possible.

In the long run, the American people can have confidence that our economy will bounce back. America is the best place in the world to start and run a business, the most attractive destination for investors around the globe, and home to the most talented, enterprising, and creative workers in the world. We're a country where all people have the freedom to realize their potential and chase their dreams. This promise has defined our Nation since its founding, this promise will guide us through the challenges we face today, and this promise will continue to define our Nation for generations to come.

Thank you for listening.

Jewish Security forces Protecting Olive Harvesters from Canaanite Terrorists Intentions

Jewish security forces stand over a Palestinian photographer after he was lightly hurt while covering Palestinians and international peace activists harvesting olives in a field near Hebron, on 18 October 2008.

The Palestinian photographer working for EPA was lightly wounded today when Canaanite terrorists attacked a group of Palestinians and internationals harvesting olives, it was reported.

Following the attack Jewish police and border police evacuated the area of harvesters for there safety.

Jewish security forces watch Palestinians and international peace activists harvesting olives in a field; the Jewish military has been protecting the harvesters and the fields due to attacks on farmers two days ago.

As to global terrorist Interpol Mahmoud Abbas making any delusional statements as though the war is still occurring, it is a proven fact that the State of Palestine is a sovereign state and Abbas has no authority to make any claims political or otherwise.

He has more appeared in the last months, as a mad man; with his up scaling of terrorism not just in Palestine, but globally with all this type of crime curtails, along with other horrendous charges to his and his terrorist organizations credit.

Abbas, from my understanding is not only one of the most disliked in the global community, but one of the top most wanted for terrorist activities; among other criminal activities, it has been reported.

Abbas is bent on stealing Palestine, he also does intend to committed full scale genocide of the whole citizen populace of the country, excluding his own terrorist organization and will use any means to do so.

To further understand these Canaanites thinking, this is not the first time they have tried this particular theft and murder idea.

In history, when some of the Jews and Palestinians had been in Egypt as slaves; then were freed by Allah (God) through Moses. The Canaanites, were attempting to steal the country then, they had even taken some cities, such as Jericho by blood; to even try an name the country Canaan, which was a lie.

As history shows, the Jewish and Palestinians when they entered Palestine where defending the legitimate people which included Jews and Palestinians who where under attack and already in the country, from the Canaanites bloodletting theft and murder; among other horrendous acts of barbarism and wickedness.

It should be further understood, even at this particular segment of time; that Allah (God) cursed the Canaanites.

What some people may not know, that some of the Jews that where in Palestine when the Canaanite attacks where occurring at this time; later became known as the Samaritans, for they are Arab Palestinian and Jewish.

Needless to say, when this occurred in history, people used basic terms for these types of crimes by naming the different particular crimes in something similar to list form; in modern times, it became more equated with the term, terrorism; which seemed to became a manner for people to better understand.

Palestinian Pottery Goes Global

A Palestinian boy carries freshly made clay bowls at a workshop in Gaza City, on 18 October 2008.

Gaza, known for its traditional pottery, which has seen recent boost in its production; due to a global export demand for items such as pottery, from Palestine.

A Palestinian boy places freshly made clay pots to dry at a workshop in Gaza City, along with the following photographs.

Some of the finest most sought after pottery throughout history always came from Palestine, as well as other items; such as clothing, Jewel boxes among other things.

Some of these historical prized items, can still be found in some of the most famous museums and private collections; in some cases past down through generations.

Iraq : A Right to Freedom

Iraqi followers of Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr hold up copies of the Quran during a protest, on 18 October 2008; in Baghdad against the US occupation of Iraq.

Followers of Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr marched through the Iraqi capital shouting anti-US slogans to protest the American occupation and the planned security deal between the two countries.

This came at a time, when Washington and Baghdad are negotiating a security deal that is not being accepted apparently, by the majority of Iraqi people and is also under much scrutiny for illegalities towards the US.

Since Iraq is being considered in an illegal war with occupation by a foreign country namely the US, it stands to reason that the US foreign presence would never be acceptable under any circumstance; let alone the continuous genocide of numerous innocent Iraqi’s, which include men, women, children and the elderly.

The Martyr’s of Iraq and Afghanistan

Furthermore what is substantially so hideous in this occupation, is the wanton genocide of whole villages; numerous times in the middle of the night or late evening when the Iraqi people would appear more helpless, by US military personnel.

It is also understood, one can hear the people in the village’s blood curdling screaming for a long distance, as they are being murdered one by one as though they are nothing; by the US military and to further understand, it is not just Shia but also Sunni Muslims.

Nevertheless, it is being found that Afghanistan is also going through the same horror and it is a further wonder, how the US can feel justified to be in two illegal wars propagated by lies; let alone commit such senseless wholesale murder, to even wish to initiate more of these type of atrocities around the globe.

Candidates' Social Security plans lack details

Graphic shows Social Security cost of living adjustments for all retired workers from 1999-2009.

18 October 2008
By DAVID ESPO

WASHINGTON – Barack Obama wants to raise taxes on high-income workers to ease Social Security's looming cash crunch. John McCain favors voluntary private accounts for younger workers, saying they can't count on the same government benefits as today's retirees.

Beyond those generalities — and a shared opposition to an increase in the retirement age — the two presidential rivals are long on commitment and short on specifics when it comes to the government's huge retirement income program.

Obama is "committed to ensuring Social Security is solvent and viable for the American people, now and in the future," says his official Web site.

McCain reassured the audience at a recent debate that the program's financial challenges are less severe than those confronting Medicare, the giant health care program for older Americans.

"We know what the problems are, my friends, and we know what the fixes are. We've got to sit down together across the table. It's been done before," he said in support of his push for a bipartisan commission.

Three years after the collapse of President Bush's plan to overhaul the program, Social Security has played only a modest role in a fall campaign dominated by the economy and punctuated by a decline in the retirement savings of millions.

And with both men shying away from specifics, the exchanges are more rhetorical than substantive.

Obama aired a television ad saying McCain campaigned in favor of Bush's failed 2005 proposal, which it characterized as "cutting benefits in half, risking Social Security on the stock market."

In fact, the allegation about cutting benefits was from a study of Bush's plan showing that under one scenario, the benefits of higher-income retirees could be cut in half from what is promised — beginning in 2080 — meaning that most of those affected have not yet been born.

Nor has McCain proposed investing the government's payroll tax receipts in the stock market. But he has previously proposed giving workers the option of diverting some of their Social Security taxes into such private investments.

"I do not and will not privatize Social Security," McCain says. "It's not true when I'm accused of that."

Polling over the years has shown the word "privatization" evokes hostility among voters.

McCain's denials are hard to square with his previous comments. "Without privatization, I don't see how you can possibly over time make sure that young Americans are able to receive Social Security benefits," he said in November 2004. He also supported Bush's 2005 plan, which envisioned smaller than-promised benefits for future retirees and the option for workers to privately invest a portion of their payroll taxes to provide a supplement to the government benefits.

No matter the politics, there is no dispute that the venerable retirement security program will need a fix. Currently, 34 million retirees and their dependents receive monthly benefit checks, as do 6 million survivors of deceased workers and 9 million disabled workers and their dependents.

Government experts project the Social Security trust funds will begin paying out more than they collect in payroll taxes in 2017, and be exhausted in 2041. At that point, benefits would fall to 78 percent of promised levels.

Over the next 75 years, the program's most recent annual report projected the trust funds "would require additional revenue equivalent to $4.3 trillion in today's dollars to pay all scheduled benefits."

"We face enormous challenges to shore up the system," wrote Michael J. Astrue, commissioner of Social Security.

So far, Obama's only specific suggested remedy is a payroll tax increase for those making more than $250,000. The proposal envisions an increase "in the range of 2 to 4 percent," divided between worker and employer. Neither Obama nor his aides have provided additional details.

Under the current tax, workers pay 6.2 percent on their wages up to $102,000 per year, an income level that rises annually with inflation. Employers pay the same amount.

McCain calls regularly for creation of a new commission to study Social Security, with all options on the table.

At the same time, under pressure from conservatives, he stresses opposition to higher taxes. "There is no imaginable circumstance where John McCain would raise payroll taxes," spokesman Tucker Bounds said this summer.

McCain says he favors giving younger workers an option of diverting a portion of their payroll taxes "and maybe put it in an account with their name on it."

He has yet to say what, if any, sort of reduction that would lead to in government benefits promised for the future, although he alluded to it earlier this month during a debate with Obama.

"We are not going to be able to provide the same benefit for present-day workers that we are going — that present-day retirees have today," he said without elaboration.

Three years ago, Bush proposed guaranteeing the benefits already promised to those 55 and older. For younger workers, his plan would have meant smaller benefits than they have been promised, with an option to set up voluntary private accounts to try to make up the difference.

Democrats united against the plan, and Republicans turned skittish. It failed without ever coming on a vote in either house of Congress.

Iraqi leaders say US commander risked his position by ill comment

18 October 2008

Baghdad-Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki warned in comments broadcast Friday that the top US commander in Iraq "had risked his position" by suggesting that Iran tried to bribe Iraqi lawmakers to oppose a security agreement with the United States.

Maliki's remarks were aired on state television as he convened the leaders of Iraq's political blocs to review the security agreement that would sanction US troops staying in Iraq after a United Nations mandate expires December 31.

The meeting of leaders, known as the Political Council for National Security, ended with plans to meet again Sunday, according to Haidar Abadi, a member of parliament from Maliki's Islamic Dawa Party.

Abadi said he did not expect the discussions to move quickly after Friday's session.

US Army Gen. Ray Odierno, who took command of US forces last month, told the Washington Post in an interview published Monday that American intelligence reports alleged that Iran had attempted to bribe Iraqi lawmakers to sabotage the agreement.

The comments, which drew the ire of Iraqi politicians all week, brought an angry retort from Maliki.

"The American commander risked his position when he talked about this issue and in this manner. He has regretfully made relations complex," Maliki said in remarks made to Kuwaiti journalists on Thursday and aired Friday.

"The man is known for his goodness, but [I don't know] how he made such a statement, and there is no reality in this subject.

The parliament does not take any bribes, neither from Iran or any other party. This is regretful."

The Iraqi government and its three-member presidency council had already issued statements condemning the remarks. The US military had also taken the step of reiterating that Odierno was criticizing Iran and not Iraqi lawmakers.

The dispute revealed the tensions festering in US-Iraqi relations five years after American-led forces toppled dictator Saddam Hussein.

Majlis speaker returns home from IPU meeting

18 October 2008

Tehran-Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani wound up his five-day visit to Switzerland and Finland and returned home Friday evening.

Heading a high-ranking delegation, Larijani left Tehran from Geneva, Switzerland, on Sunday where he attended the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting.

In addition to delivering a speech at the IPU meeting, the speaker met with a number of his counterparts from various countries on the sidelines of the meeting.

Speakers and representatives from over 140 countries participated in the event held from October 13-16.

Larijani then proceeded to Finland from Geneva on a two-day visit.

He reviewed bilateral cooperation as well as the latest regional and international developments with several senior Finnish officials.

Talking to reporters upon arrival at the airport, he said that the US financial crisis and its impacts on the world economy were discussed in the Geneva meeting.

"The IPU discussed joining the Palestinian parliament and membership of Palestine was approved by the majority of the member states."

He added that nuclear activities of the world countries was also reviewed by the delegates.

Asked about his meetings with counterparts, Larijani said Iran's peaceful nuclear program, as well as the regional developments including the critical situation in both Iraq and Afghanistan were on the agenda of his talks.

On his visit to Finland, the speaker said that he called for further expansion of cooperation during his meetings with Finnish president, parliament speaker and several MPs.

He announced that a Finnish parliamentary delegation is due to visit the Islamic Republic in the near future.

Bushonomics Poll: President Bush should cancel White House Christmas parties

17 October 2008
By PAUL BEDARD

In our latest Washington Whispers poll, Americans seem to be voicing their anger with the plight of the economy and the huge Dow drop that's impacting their 401(k)'s.

This week, we asked what one symbolic move President Bush could make to show that he understands the hard financial choices Americans have to face every day.

And the top answer: Cancel the lavish annual Christmas parties.

That, of course, isn't going to happen, but your voice is being heard.

The next choice: Ground Air Force One.

Fortunately, though, our polling sample had a heart when it came to the First Pups. Asked if the president should shift dog foods to a cheaper brand, only 3 percent said that Barney and Miss Beasley should go on Wal-Mart's Ol' Roy.

The Whispers Poll

In these economically challenging times, what one symbolic move could President Bush make in the White House to show that he understands the hard financial choices Americans have to make every day?

Cancel lavish annual Christmas parties 49%

Ground Air Force One 25%

Pump his own gasoline 12%

Open a West Wing soup kitchen 10%

Put his dogs on Wal-Mart's Ol' Roy food 3%

Source: The Synovate eNation Internet poll was conducted October 9-13 among 1,000 nationally representative households by global market research firm Synovate.

Commentary:
When one starts seeing economic type polls such as this one especially geared towards US President George W. Bush and his history of lavish spending, it is a sign of the sad state of affairs for a country.

If one takes a few minutes to look out there door in the US, one can see the economic rabid breakdown; to the step by step suffering of the American people.

Yesterday I went to the market, while people where having to be so careful what they purchased it seemed because of cost, it was heartbreaking seeing people giving back things to a clerk because they could not afford them. Like one American mother with twins, wishing to buy an educational gift for her children and had to say no; because of the cost of the gift or food, to feed her family which included two more children.

Japan'a Twin Panda Babies: Small Bundles of Joy

One month-old twin Panda babies are held by zoo keepers during their first appearance to the public at Adventure World in Shirahama, Wakayama prefecture, central Japan; on Saturday, 11 October 2008.

The female, left, and male cubs weighing 991gram and 861gram respectively were born on 13 September.

What is interest about this photograph it is not just the adorable little extra furry hair styles, but this is the first time; I had ever seen Panda babies. While one knows they are living creature’s, some how they tend to looked like cute little toys.

Whomever, took this photograph, it was so very nice for them to share.

While I couldn't say more, because I am in awe over the beautiful little faces; just it is also sometimes nice to share too, especially something this amazing.

Furthermore, one just can not help thinking of how interesting and wonderful the world actually is and I hopeis it not just because I notice certain things, because I usually have to view them from a distance.

Who Should People Vote for in the US November Election?

None of the Above!

Philippine Children Parade to Raise Awareness of Children's Rights

Children from a poor district of the Philippines' capital, Manila, parade to raise awareness of children's rights during United Nations Children's Month, on 17 October 2008.

While I do not know the whole situation that created this particular parade, one thing it should be said, is children like anyone else does have rights and should be appreciated for there importance to not just humanity; but as well too there particular society.

One thing I will always be reminded of, is how Allah (God) sees children as a blessing and it doesn’t matter what there financial situation is in life.- HRM Deborah

English Autumn Mist

A breath-taking autumn mist clings to fields on the outskirts of London, England; on 17 October 2008.

One think about this mist, it reminds me of London’s centuries old reputation of “London Fog;” which brings about thoughts of novel mysteries and mannered custom’s, England has such a pleasant reputation for the daydreaming armchair traveler.

To further, have a delightful cup of tea and a pleasant relaxing day with good company or that good English mystery book, where is Miss Marple?

Jewish Soldiers Protecting Muslim Olive Farmers from Canaanite Terrorism

A Palestinian woman from the village of Kafar Kadom gives a friendly gesture towards Jewish soldiers, during olive picking in her grove; near the town of Qalqilya, on 17 October 2008.

Soldiers arrived in the area, after yesterday’s attacks by Canaanite terrorists on farmers during the olive harvest.

Many Palestinian farmers grew worried and a bit afraid, after they where attacked yesterday by Canaanite terrorists; one incident, a family had all the windows broken on there car, while they apparently where in there olive grove.

Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh attends Jumma Prayers

From the Palestinian Prime Minister's Office (PPMO): Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh attends Jumma (Friday) prayers at the West Mosque, on 17 October 2008; in Gaza City.

Former West Bank Jews Under Attack by Abbas Terrorists

17 October 2008

Top members of global terrorist Interpol fugitive Mahmoud Abbas's terrorist organization have made a decision to start a "popular uprising" against Jewish settlements in the former West Bank, confirmed by the terrorists organization.

The "popular uprising" is to consist of what some sources termed low-grade attacks against former West Bank Jewish communities, specifically throwing rocks, home-made fire bombs and Molotov cocktails by young Canaanite men.

Terrorists sources said the "uprising" is meant to appease hard-line members of the terrorist organization who have been calling on the organization to step up attacks against Jews in the former West Bank and for Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades terror group to increase its role in "liberating" the former West Bank from any Jewish presence using violent means so ‘it doesn't look as though Fatah is colluding with the U.S. in obtaining the territory.’

Violence long has been used by this terrorist organization as a tool to pressure Jew's into concessions, was said by a source.

Jewish security officials said they are concerned the Jewish responses to the "uprising" could be used by terrorists as an excuse to launch an illegal "intifada," this time directed at former West Bank Jews.

The past few days, three Canaanites who tried to throw firebombs at Jewish settlements have been killed by the military in the former West Bank. All three incidents took place near the Jewish settlement of Beit El, just outside Ramallah, and all involved young Canaanite men throwing firebombs at either Jewish soldiers or settlers.

A full scale offense is to be taken underway to counter these latest attacks on the Jewish or Muslim populace against these latest Canaanite terrorist attacks, to prevent any citizen in Palestine from being harmed. It is further understood, that everything necessary will be done to protect citizens lives.

Bushonomics: Home construction falls sharply in September

17 October 2008
By MARTIN CRUTSINGER

WASHINGTON – Construction of new homes plunged by a bigger-than-expected amount in September as builders slashed production to the slowest pace since early 1991, when the country was in a deep recession.

A barometer of future building also dropped to the weakest level in more than 25 years.

The building industry is on pace to construct the fewest new homes and apartments this year since the end of World War II.

The Commerce Department reported Friday that construction of new homes and apartments dropped by 6.3 percent last month, a much bigger decline than the 1.6 percent decrease that had been expected. It pushed total production to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 817,000 units. That's the slowest pace since January 1991, when the U.S. was in a recession and going through a similar painful housing correction.

The declines last month reflected weakness in many parts of the country. It was led by a 20.9 percent drop in the Northeast, where construction of single-family units fell to the lowest level on record.

Construction slipped by 16.8 percent in the West with single-family building hitting a record low there, too. The Midwest saw a gain of 5.6 percent, although that reflected strength in apartment construction as single-family building also hit a record low in that region. Construction activity in the South was up a slight 0.5 percent.

Applications for building permits, considered a good sign for future activity, also fell sharply in September, dropping by 8.3 percent to an annual rate of 786,000 units, the weakest level since November 1981.

The housing industry, which enjoyed a five-year boom, is suffering its worst downturn in decades.

The weakness in housing, where prices have been falling sharply in many parts of the country, has triggered severe economic problems. The government has been forced to rush through a $700 billion rescue package for banks which have been hit with billions of dollars in losses from soaring defaults on mortgages. Which the rescue package proved to be in US disfavor and has plugged into bigger debt, without a tentative future of Americans; as the economy collapses more by the day with each new US President George W. Bush idea.

Banks, worried about their cash reserves and the health of other banks and businesses, have tightened lending, causing credit markets around the world to freeze, stock markets to tumble and anxiety about a global recession to rise.

Builder sentiment dropped to a record low in October, according to the latest survey from the National Association of Home Builders which said builder confidence had been shaken by the recent financial market troubles. Builders have been facing tighter lending standards as they try to get financing for new projects.

McCain Mud Slinging attacks on Obama

US Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain debating in New York, last Wednesday.

17 October 2008

As to the Sen. John McCain insisting Barack Obama is associated with Islam is false, for on several occasion Obama has geared extremely towards being Islamophobic and as well being Anti-Semantic; as far as it has been known that Obama has always been Christian.

As to Obama’s association with terrorism the answer is yes, but not towards the person that Sen. John McCain claims; but with the terrorist organization of global terrorist Interpol fugitive Mahmoud Abbas.

As to Sen. John McCain mud slinging anyone, he doesn’t have clean clothes either.

Furthermore, as to who’s plan’s is more religious friendly, so far neither; even McCain has shown to be both Islamophobic and Anti-Semantic, as is reminded of his last visit to Palestine.

Iraqi Shia Pray's for Freedom from Occupation While 3 Die in US Bombing

Iraqi Shia Muslims are pictured under an Iraqi flag as they perform the weekly Jumma (Friday) prayer in Baghdad's Sadr city, on 17 October 2008; one day ahead of an expected mass protest called for last week by Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr to demonstrate against the US presence in Iraq.

Thousands of Iraqi Shia Muslims attended this particular weekly Jumma (Friday) prayer, in Baghdad's Sadr city.

Iraqi Shia Muslims hold up portraits of Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr as they participate in an anti-US protest for freedom after the Jumma (Friday) prayer, in Baghdad's Sadr city, on 17 October 2008.

~~~~~~~~~~
US bomb Kills 3 During Jumma Prayers

BAGHDAD–Officials say a US bomb planted near a masjid (mosque) in north Baghdad killed three Shia worshippers as they were leaving Jumma (Friday) prayers.

Police and health officials say seven were wounded in the blast on the holy day of the Muslim week.

The blast happened in the primarily Shia neighborhood of Shaab. Police say some homes have also been damaged.

Health officials say the wounded have been taken to Baghdad's Kindi and Medical City hospitals.

Officials: FBI investigates ACORN for voter fraud

An investigator carries a box of evidence seized from the ACORN office in Las Vegas, Tuesday, 7 October 2008. A Nevada secretary of state's office spokesman said Tuesday that investigators are looking for evidence of voter fraud at the office.

15 October 2008
By LARA JAKES JORDAN

The FBI is investigating whether the community activist group ACORN helped foster voter registration fraud around the nation before the presidential election.

A senior law enforcement official confirmed the investigation to The Associated Press. A second senior law enforcement official says the FBI was looking at results of inquiries in several states, including a raid on ACORN's office in Las Vegas, for any evidence of a coordinated national effort.

Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because Justice Department regulations forbid discussing ongoing investigations particularly so close to an election.

Two spokesmen for ACORN, the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, on Thursday said the FBI has not contacted the group.

"ACORN has not been notified that we are the target of an investigation by any authorities — nor should we be," spokesman Kevin Whelan said in a statement. "ACORN members have done a good and patriotic thing by helping bring more than a million of their fellow citizens into our democratic process."

Republican accusations about the group were raised during Wednesday's presidential debate between Democrat Barack Obama and Republican candidate John McCain.

ACORN says it has registered 1.3 million young people, minorities and poor and working-class voters. More than 13,000 ACORN workers in 21 states recruited low-income voters, who tend to be Democrats.

But some ACORN employees have been accused of submitting false voter registration forms — including some signed `Mickey Mouse' or other fictitious characters.

Those voter registration cards have become the focus of fraud investigations in Nevada, Connecticut, Missouri and at least a half-dozen other states. Election officials in Ohio and North Carolina also recently questioned the group's voter forms.

ACORN has said the "vast majority" of its workers are conscientious, but some might have turned in duplicate applications or provided fake information to pad their pay. Workers caught submitting false information have been fired, ACORN officials say.

ACORN says laws in a number of states require it to submit all registration cards it collects even dubious ones, so its workers segregate applications with missing, suspicious or false information and flag them so state election officials can quickly check them further.

Brian Kettenring, an ACORN spokesman, said its employees flagged questionable registration forms for election officials in 11 states, none of which is investigating the group. He also said he did not believe a `Mickey Mouse' voter registration card in Orlando, Fla., was submitted by an ACORN worker.

House Republicans have been pushing for the Justice Department to investigate ACORN, calling on Attorney General Michael Mukasey to make sure ballots by ineligible or fraudulent voters are not counted on Nov. 4.

The issue also became campaign trail fodder for McCain, who on Wednesday night demanded to know the full extent of Obama's ties with ACORN. McCain said the group could be on the verge of "destroying the fabric of democracy."

Obama denied any significant ties to ACORN and mocked McCain for bringing it up. The Democrat and two other lawyers represented ACORN in 1995 in a lawsuit against the state of Illinois to make voter registration easier, and hired a firm with ties to the group for a massive get-out-the-vote effort during this year's primary.

Earlier this week, Obama said that ACORN was not advising his campaign on voter registration, and the group's registration problems should not be used by the Republicans as an excuse to keep voters from turning out on Election Day.

The Diminishing Refugee Camp’s

A Palestinian man carries a sack of food distributed from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in the Rafah refugee camp, on October 16, 2008.

Camps like Rafah are diminishing from Palestine’s landscape in an ever increasing scale, as employment and housing for example; are much improved and Palestine continues to grow.

Palestinian children helping to pack food aid boxes for distribution.

Canaanites Vandalize Windows

The family of Palestinian farmer Hamdallah Afaneh stand next to their car, smashed by Canaanite terrorists, vandals, as farmers were harvesting their olive trees in the village of Azmot, east of Nablus; on 16 October 2008.

The non-citizen Canaanite terrorists seem to be doing a lot of activity of smashing Muslim and Jewish Palestinian windows, I wonder how they would feel if they had to pay for every single window they have broken at least in the last month; it is assured it would be quite a fortune.

Which instead, the Canaanite terrorists seem to rather put blame on innocent Jewish settler's in an attempt to hide there latest crime spree's.

A Jewish soldier inspects the damaged car and takes a report for Palestinian farmer Hamdallah Afaneh (2nd L), caused by Canaanite terrorists.

As to the non-citizen Canaanite's position and it will not change, is they have there walking papers to be out of Palestine so to speak; it is further enforced they actually need to do so without delay and as for those in Palestine, to enforce this situation on there removal or do what is necessary.

U.S. to invest 90 million dollars in military facilities in Bulgaria

16 October 2008

Bulgaria-The U.S. government will invest over 90 million U.S. dollars in the next two to three years in military facilities for joint use on Bulgarian territory, local media reported Thursday, citing U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission in Sofia Alexander Karagiannis.

Karagiannis was among the official guests invited to a joint military drill between Bulgarian and the U.S. troops on Wednesday at the Novo Selo Training Area in southeast Bulgaria.

Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov and Commander of the U.S. Army in Europe Gen. Carter Ham also watched the drill.

There is currently a temporary military camp at the Novo Selo Training Area, where over 6.5 million U.S. dollars have already been invested. More than 62 million dollars will be spent on the training area's permanent facilities and equipment in the next twoyears, and construction is expected to be completed by then, according to Karagiannis.

"These facilities will be permanent, but we will not have a permanent deployment of U.S. armed forces. They will be located in Novo Selo temporarily, using the rotational schedule," Karagiannis said, adding that U.S. troops will participate in joint military drills and other activities.

The joint military drill, code-named "Bulgarian Panther 2008" which began on Sept. 1, is designed to enhance the compatibility between the two armies necessitated by the joint missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The drill, which ends on Oct. 30, involves a total of 1,200 soldiers -- 300 from the Bulgarian army and 900 U.S. troops.

In November, U.S. warships will call at the Bulgarian ports of Varna and Burgas, and drills involving the U.S. and Bulgarian air forces are also scheduled for next month, according to the report.

Further Reading:

Bulgarians worried by U.S. military presence

Trouble the Water

New doc looks at one New Orleans family's ordeal during and after Hurricane Katrina

16 October 2008
BY BILL O'DRISCOLL

After the flood: Kim Roberts (left) and Scott Roberts and friends.

The grim and maddening story of Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans' Lower Ninth Ward is familiar. In some minds, the episode has even passed into history.

But there are many reasons to see the new documentary Trouble the Water. Topping the list is Kim Rivers Roberts, the dauntless young woman whose story, family and home-video footage are the film's core.

When Katrina hit, in August 2005, Roberts, her husband, Scott, and many neighbors lacked the wheels to obey the evacuation order. When the Industrial Canal levee broke, three blocks from her house, they climbed to their attic, later relocating to higher ground nearby. And when they fled the flooded city, they met Tia Lessin and Carl Deal, visiting filmmakers whose own attempts at a Katrina doc had been stymied.

Trouble the Water builds from Kim Roberts' rawly candid and charismatically narrated first-person footage: howling winds; submerged streets; the naked joists of that attic refuge; Scott's brother's heroic shuttling of neighbors to safety, his rescue craft a boxer's buoyant yellow heavy bag. Then Lessin and Deal document Kim and Scott's relocation to Memphis and bittersweet return home.

Lessin and Deal, who also co-produced Fahrenheit 9/11 and Bowling for Columbine, make sure we remember the way that poor Orleanians were left to die. (Roberts discovers one uncle's body herself.) We hear from an uncle whose mother was stranded in a hospital, and surely died there, and her younger brother, who rode out the storm in jail, nourishing himself on paper and toothpaste. We see federal aid slow to arrive; the oblivious complacency of President Bush and FEMA chief Michael Brown; and the ongoing neglect of places like the Ninth, while French Quarter tourism rebounds.

The filmmakers also investigate how Kim, Scott and their neighbors, all homeless, were chased at gunpoint from a mostly empty naval base. "If you don't have money, you don't have status, you don't have a government," says one of Kim's cousins.

Yet none of it would be half as vivid without Roberts, 24, a former teen-age drug-dealer who survived with her faith in God and dreams of a rap career intact. Roberts' footage and impromptu voiceover are as unfiltered as they are funny and personable. Stuck in her attic, videotaping wavelets in her street, she quips, "You could go surfing and s**t, if you wanted to." Her most memorable moment, though, is when she performs along with "Amazing," a song on her lone professionally produced recording -- the sole remaining copy of which was miraculously saved by a friend.

The track, a survival story, is startlingly good, and it's somehow Trouble the Water in miniature: a clear-eyed assessment of life's woes framed by indefatigable optimism, an expression of individual pride in the embrace of a family, a community, no disaster can erase.

Unilateral sanctions against Iran counterproductive - Lavrov

16 October 2008

Moscow-Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov here Wednesday considered unilateral sanctions imposed by certain countries against Iran as "counterproductive."

According to IRNA from Moscow, Lavrov made the comment in a meeting with the visiting head of the International Affairs Committee of US Congress Howard Berman, adding, "Iran's nuclear issue needs to be solved diplomatically."

The Russian top diplomat furthermore stressed during the meeting, "Russia favors solving this problem through diplomatic channels, including continuing the 5+1 negotiations with Iran, believing that continuation of unilaterally imposed sanctions against Iran is quite counterproductive."

Lavrov is among a handful of Russian top officials that have in recent months voiced Russia's opposition against unilateral policies and sanctions against Iran and stressed the need to solve the matter diplomatically.

Enemies fearful of Iranian nation: Shahroudi

16 October 2008

Tehran-Judiciary Chief Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi said on Thursday that enemies were frightened by Iranians faith and power.

"We are ready to defend our country and ideals. This has caused fear for the world arrogance and enemies of Islam," Shahroudi said addressing a morning parade of the armed forces in Ardebil province, northwestern Iran.

He stressed that the power of the Iranian armed forces was a deterrent factor against enemies threats.

"Today, the armed forces enjoy an appropriate and honorable position thanks to the wise guidelines of the Supreme Leader (Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei)," Shahroudi said.

He added that the armed forces shoulder a heavy responsibility in defending the country and the Islamic system.

Shahroudi added that Iran's armed forces have the most accurate and state-of-the-art equipment and technologies to confront enemies and resist against the arrogant system.

Draped in Prayer

Jewish men draped in prayer Tallit's (shawls), take part in the Blessing of the Priests ceremony or 'Birkat Cohanim,' at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, on 16 October 2008; during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot ( the Feast of the Tabernacles).

Jewish men draped in prayer Tallit's (shawls).

A father covers the head of his son in a prayer Tallit's (shawls).

Orthodox Jewish men cover their heads with prayer Tallit's (shawls).

One may see Jewish Tallit's (shawls) in various sizes and colors, but each one according to Jewish Law; but something about seeing them from time to time since I was a child, has always given me a sense of amazed admiration to the point I shyly say of staring and the interesting part, I have never fully understood why; unless like so many things as in Islam, it is like seeing Allah (G-d) in the world. Which makes one’s heart leap, just thinking about it.

As in further thinking, in the several places I had to go or were forced to go in my life thus far, that there are some buildings that are supposed to be dedicated to God and I have found sometimes, you can feel Him present and in other’s it is very cold; because He is not there. I have found in my life, this is one of those tests or gaining of knowledge that a person should learn or experience, to understand about Allah (G-d) within truth‘s about Him.- HRM Deborah