HCA

HCA IPO will be biggest in a long time and is actually oversubscribed

Tonight will see the pricing of HCA Holdings Inc.’s third IPO and second from private equity ownership in what should be the largest U.S. private equity backed IPO ever. HCA is the largest privately owned hospital chain in the U.S. and is looking to raise about $3.5 billion from the offering. This would translate to a market cap somewhere in the $15 billion range. Back in 2006 the company was taken private by Bain Capital, KKR, and Merrill Lynch Global Private Equity in a $32 billion deal at the peak of the LBO craze. Below is a sampling of the company’s business overview from its 10-K filing:

At December 31, 2010, we operated 164 hospitals, comprised of 158 general, acute care hospitals; five psychiatric hospitals; and one rehabilitation hospital. The 164 hospital total includes eight hospitals (seven general, acute care hospitals and one rehabilitation hospital) owned by joint ventures in which an affiliate of HCA is a partner, and these joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method. In addition, we operated 106 freestanding surgery centers, nine of which are owned by joint ventures in which an affiliate of HCA is a partner, and these joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method. Our facilities are located in 20 states and England.

Many of HCA’s hospitals are located in “high growth” urban and suburban areas with 9,808 beds and 38 hospitals in Florida, as well as 10,410 beds and 36 hospitals in Texas. On the company’s most recent earnings call Chairman Richard Bracken said that the company’s size, efficiency and diverse nature should promote future growth on the bottom line.

According to Renaissance Capital shares are expected to price in the $27-$30 range, but I have seen rumors that demand is high, the deal is significantly oversubscribed and that shares may actually price at $31. Some analysts, however, are suggesting investors wait until August after the 6 month lockup period expires to buy shares. At that time another 383 million shares will be eligible for sale.

The excitement about the offering ignores a heavy debt burden and a somewhat uncertain regulatory environment for healthcare providers. HCA has more than $27 billion of long-term debt on its balance sheet and the Republican majority in the House continues to try to hack away at Obamacare by withholding funding if not outright repeal. Nonetheless, I can understand the deal’s oversubscription. Healthcare spend in this country continues to grow and will approach 20% of GDP over the next several years. The aging of the Baby Boomer generation has just started and hospitals will be a prime beneficiary of this country’s largest generation’s diseases and surgeries. With an economic recovery underway (most would argue), it’s only a matter of time until hospitals see meaningful recovery in their patient volumes and the expansion of the insured population under Obamacare will further reduce bad debts. If nothing else the HCA IPO will bring some attention to a healthcare sector that has lagged the overall market for the past 2 years at a time when investors are looking for more than gold and silver as defensive plays.

Source : HedgeFund

READ MORE - HCA

Peter King

Peter King's Hearings Hurt Our Troops

Quick question - which U.S. President was the first to hold Ramadan itfar dinners at the White House, celebrating the breaking of the fast with Muslims? Hint: That same President visited Mosques more than once during his administration.

Many FOX News viewers may assume that it's President Obama. But, it was actually George W. Bush.

It's no secret that VoteVets.org had a number of issues with President Bush, most notably his decision to go to war in Iraq, and how he waged the war. However, one thing he understood, and often got right, was sending signals to reassure the Muslim world that the United States held no animus towards Islam, both in words and deeds.

I thought of President Bush as the debate heated up over Rep. Peter King's hearings today on Islam in America.

Rep. King is doing our troops no favors, as he specifically targets Muslims, and only Muslims, in his hearings on domestic terrorism. A key part of the work of our troops abroad is winning the hearts and minds of the people in any country we operate, and as of right now, most of them are Muslims. When they hear that the American government considers Islam a threat, and is investigating American Muslims, it only bolsters the message of al Qaeda and other terrorist groups that we are in a war with Islam.

Every wrong signal can be exploited, as we are in this important fight, and we must be extra-vigilant in ensuring that nothing we do aids the underlying message of our enemies, as they seek to recruit. Some signals, of course, are out of our control, like rumors that a soldier used the Quran as toilet paper at Guantanamo. But those things make it even more important that those in power do everything they can to combat the notion that we target this one religion. Peter King's hearings do just the opposite.

Now, there is no doubt that extremists who pervert the message of Islam present a threat to our security, and we need to continue to keep on top of them. Those who are protesting Peter King's hearings aren't saying we should be naïve about the threats we face - and any argument to the contrary is laughable. But, those extremists who are Muslim are not the only home-grown terrorists. In fact, just the other day, police in Washington State arrested a White Supremacist they suspect is behind the plot to set off a bomb at a Martin Luther King Day parade. I would say that plot was extremism and terrorism.

If Representative King was truly concerned about the threat of domestic terrorism, his hearings would cast a wide net, and examine every threat, regardless of heritage or religion. That would not only help us better understand threats within the United States, but would also make clear to the larger world that we do not target Muslims because of their religion.

But Congressman King doesn't seem interested in that - this is a political show to play to the fringe base, not a real attempt to better our security. And, unfortunately, it comes at the expense of our troops fighting overseas, who can't afford to have news of "a US lawmaker's anti-Islam hearings" floating around the population with whom they're trying to work.

Source : The Huffington Post

READ MORE - Peter King

Mickey Rooney Elder Abuse

Blumenthal: Elder abuse a "scourge" and must be stopped

Washington, DC - Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today laid out necessary actions to help prevent senior abuse, including facilitating greater collaboration and training for law enforcement officers and conducting criminal background checks on potential caretakers. Blumenthal made the case for these important steps during a hearing on elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation conducted by the Senate Special Committee on Aging. Blumenthal heard testimony from actor and advocate Mickey Rooney and experts Kay Brown, Kathleen Quinn, Mark Lachs, Bonnie Barndl and Marie-Therese Connolly.

At the hearing, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released an investigative report detailing the devastating scope of elder abuse across the United States. The most recent incidence study found that 14.1% of non-institutionalized older adults were victims of physical, psychological or sexual abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation in the past year. However, the GAO concluded that this number vastly underestimates the actual rate of senior abuse. Recently, Cornell University indicated that for every one reported case of elder abuse, 23 cases go unreported. ( Read Mickey Rooney Elder Abuse more... )

Mickey Rooney's heartbreaking elder abuse story

The Hollywood icon draws attention to a problem that will soon affect a generation of baby boomers

Of the many evil aspects of abuse -- whether it's physical, emotional or financial -- the shame that too often accompanies it, the way it can make its victims feel complicit in their exploitation, is right up there.

But on Wednesday, one prominent survivor spoke to Congress to deliver a message to the world: "You are not alone and you have nothing to be ashamed of." ( Read Mickey Rooney Elder Abuse more... )

Mickey Rooney: Elder Abuse Victim Speaks Out

Mickey Rooney testified before the Senate on an important topic that doesn’t get talked about as much as it should: elder abuse.

The star, who is 90 years old now, was abused by a family member who yelled at him, threatened him and intimidated him, according to court papers. Now he is speaking out about his experiences to the Senate Aging Committee. He hopes to raise awareness and help others. ( Read Mickey Rooney Elder Abuse more... )

Mickey Rooney Elder Abuse Victim – Tells Congress (Video)

The words Mickey Rooney uses to describe his feelings on elder abuse: trapped, scared, used, and frustrated. 90-year-old Rooney claims that he was abused by his stepson, and told the Today show he was abused “financially, medically.”

He was even granted a protective order by a judge in Los Angeles that keeps his stepson, Chris Aber, and his stepson’s wife away from him until an April 5 court hearing. ( Read Mickey Rooney Elder Abuse more... )

Mickey Rooney Today Show: Rooney an Elder Abuse Victim? (Video)

Watch the Mickey Rooney Today show interview in this video clip, where Rooney talks about being an elder abuse victim.

Mickey Rooney testified to congress about elder abuse, with allegations that he was a victim of his stepson’s abuse. Rooney says in the Today show interview that he was abused “financially, medically.”

He was granted a protective order against his stepson and his stepson’s wife. ( Read Mickey Rooney Elder Abuse more... )

Mickey Rooney: Elder abuse made me feel "helpless"

(CBS/AP) WASHINGTON - Mickey Rooney, who began his career as a child star and acted in more than 200 movies, gave emotional testimony before a senate panel on elder abuse.

"When a man feels helpless, it is terrible. And I was helpless," Rooney said of being a victim of elder abuse. "For years I suffered silently, unable to muster the courage to seek the help I knew I needed."

Rooney was testifying before a special Senate committee that is considering legislation to curb abuses of senior citizens. ( Read Mickey Rooney Elder Abuse more... )

Mickey Rooney: Elder Abuse Made Me Feel Trapped

Former MGM leading man Mickey Rooney, at one time the biggest box-office name in the country, appeared before a new audience Wednesday: the United States Congress.

The 90-year-old – whose on-screen problems were always easily resolved when he played all-American boy Andy Hardy – told a Senate hearing of a real-life drama involving elder abuse, and he spoke from his personal case history, he said. ( Read Mickey Rooney Elder Abuse more... )

Mickey Rooney Elder Abuse: Actor Tells Congress About His Suffering [VIDEO]

Being a Hollywood legend couldn't protect Mickey Rooney from a sad problem afflicting many: elder abuse.

Two weeks ago, Rooney, who is 90, was granted a restraining order against his stepson Christopher Aber. A court hearing has been scheduled for April regarding the allegations.

Rooney says that Aber and Aber's wife withheld food and medication and tried to force him to sign over assets. He also alleges that Aber was verbally abusive and prevented him from leaving the house. ( Read Mickey Rooney Elder Abuse more... )

Related Searches:
mickey rooney, charlie sheen quotes, charlie sheen twitter, live the sheen dream, livethesheendream

Courtesy : Connecticut Plus , Salon , Babble , TV Crunch , CBS News , People & AOL News

READ MORE - Mickey Rooney Elder Abuse

CIA World Factbook

CIA World Factbook: A Surprisingly Good Source of Information


The democratic revolutions in Tunisia, Egypt and quite possibly Algeria, Jordan and Yemen could possibly be the biggest world-changing events of our burgeoning 21st century.

For those wishing to learn more, the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) publishes online The World Factbook which is an excellent source of information on almost every country in the world.

Case in point: Check out Egypt and expand the People tab; you'll indeed see how young the average Egyptian really is. It's no wonder they're adept at using Facebook and Twitter to organize peaceful protests to demand a democratic government:


Courtesy : BulletproofCourier

READ MORE - CIA World Factbook

Senate Bill 5 Ohio

Ohio Senate passes collective bargaining overhaul bill

The Ohio Senate voted 17-16 Wednesday to pass a bill that has stirred weeks of protests at the Statehouse, drawing more than 15,000 total protesters.

Senate Bill 5 would substantially overhaul a 23-year-old collective bargaining law, which gave public employees the right to bargain for their wages, hours, working conditions and benefits.

Six republicans broke from their party and joined all 10 Senate Democrats in voting against the bill, which will now be sent to the Ohio House of Representatives. Majority leader William G. Batchelder, R-Medina, plans to bring the bill for a vote by March 15, when hearings on Gov. John Kasich's budget proposal are scheduled to begin. ( Read Senate Bill 5 Ohio more... )

Senate Passage of Ohio Senate Bill 5 Draws Criticism From Lawmaker

BELMONT COUNTY -- Ohio State Senator Jason Wilson (D) was quick to react to the advancement of Senate Bill 5.

Wilson has, all along, opposed the measure saying it's aimed at breaking unions.

But Wednesday, the legislation passed by one vote as Wilson joined six other republicans to vote against the measure. Wilson said there were thirteen amendments to the final bill which, he says, is worse than the original. ( Read Senate Bill 5 Ohio more... )

Senate Bill 5 approved by narrow margin

COLUMBUS — By one vote, a bitterly divided Ohio Senate approved a sweeping overhaul of the state’s 27-year-old collective bargaining law Wednesday.

Supporters including Gov. John Kasich praised Senate Bill 5 as a win for governments trying to balance budgets, while opponents said it is the beginning of the end for union protection of public worker pay, hours and safety. ( Read Senate Bill 5 Ohio more... )

Hundreds Protest After Ohio Senate Passes Bill 5

PAINESVILLE, Ohio —
Hundreds of government employees protested in Painesville Wednesday, as the Ohio Senate passed a bill which will ban public workers from striking and restricts collective bargaining.

The bill which passed by a 17-16 vote overhauls the state's 27-year-old collective bargaining law. All 'yes' votes came from the GOP.

Roughly 350,000 teachers, university professors, firefighters, police officers and other public employees fall under the legal realm of the bill.

"It takes away our bargaining rights. We have no recourse if things don't look good for us, everything is in favor of the city," firefighter Jim Ulle, said at the protest. ( Read Senate Bill 5 Ohio more... )

Committee passes Ohio bill to ban worker strikes

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A bill to overhaul and greatly restrict collective bargaining rights for public workers in Ohio is headed to a vote before a Republican-led state Senate.

The chamber was expected to take up the measure Wednesday afternoon after the bill passed out of committee on a 7-5 vote. All four Democrats and one Republican voted against it in the Senate labor committee.

The approval came after Senate leadership replaced a GOP state senator who expressed his disapproval of the legislation, securing the necessary support to move the bill forward. ( Read Senate Bill 5 Ohio more... )

8,500 union protesters rally at Ohio Statehouse over Senate Bill 5

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio Senate Republicans continued to massage a collective bargaining proposal in a Statehouse committee, introducing 15 amendments to Senate Bill 5, as public union workers again led a spirited daylong rally outside against the proposal.

The changes proposed to the bill today include new procedures for settling workplace disputes with management to replace binding arbitration, caps on employee vacation and sick leave payments, and prohibiting basing layoff orders solely on seniority. ( Read Senate Bill 5 Ohio more... )

Supporters from across Ohio gather for the Rally to Save Ohio's Middle Class

Thousands of supporters from across Ohio gathered in the west lawn of the Statehouse today for the Rally to Save Ohio's Middle Class. The rally was organized to oppose Ohio Senate Bill 5, which would eliminate collective bargaining for state employees, and restrict collective bargaining rights for teachers, police, and firefighters.

Sr. Monica McGloin, a member of the Dominican Sisters of Hope and the Cincinnati Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice, pulled no punches in lambasting Governor Kasich "and his Wall Street cronies. They were fueled by corporate greed, and now they want to tell us that we should do with less." ( Read Senate Bill 5 Ohio more... )

Related Searches:
senate bill 5, senate, ohio senate bill 5, ohio sb 5

Courtesy : The Lantern , WTRF , Cincinnati , Kansas CW , ABC Local , Cleveland & Examiner

READ MORE - Senate Bill 5 Ohio

National Pancake Day 2011: Free Pancakes

Daily Buzz: IHOP is Giving Away Short Stacks for National Pancake Day 2011

If you love pancakes—like this father-and-daughter duo who make them together every morning—then head over to an IHOP (International House of Pancakes) today.

The famous comfort-food-style breakfast chain is, until 10 p.m. EST tonight, giving away free short stacks to all diners. Sure, there's a catch, but it's charitable. ( Read Free Pancakes at IHOP 2011 more... )

IHOP celebrates National Pancake Day 2011 with free pancakes

HOP is once again celebrating National Pancake Day by giving away free pancakes today.

The International House of Pancakes, which has franchises in Union City and Jersey City, is giving away free short stacks to diners until 10 p.m. tonight.

In exchange, IHOP is asking patrons to donate to Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

Since IHOP began its National Pancake Day in 2006, it has raised $5.35 million for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and other local charities by giving away more than 10.1 million buttermilk pancakes. ( Read Free Pancakes at IHOP 2011 more... )

National Pancake Day 2011 and 11 Other 'Holidays' That Are Kind of Ridiculous

For your information, March 1 isn't just Justin Bieber's birthday; it's also National Pancake Day, which IHOP celebrated by handing out free short stacks this morning.

While Surge Desk is always happy to celebrate something -- and eat free pancakes -- we're a little skeptical of this "holiday" and other ones like it that have cropped up over the years. Here are 11 more that strike us as particularly ridiculous.

1. National Hug Day
Celebrated on Jan. 21, National Hug Day promotes a nice, warm embrace between friends.

2. Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day
The last Monday of every January has, for 10 years, been celebrated by bubble wrap fans.

3. National Stuffed Mushroom Day
Just in case you needed an excuse to stuff some mushrooms, the fungus lobby made Feb. 4 National Stuffed Mushroom Day.

4. National Margarita Day
If Valentine's Day is a Hallmark holiday, does that make National Margarita Day a Jose Cuervo holiday? ( Read Free Pancakes at IHOP 2011 more... )

DAILY DEAL: Free Pancakes From IHOP

PancakesDid you know that it’s International Pancake Day? It is! March 1st marks the world wide celebration of pancakes and of course IHOP is celebrating by giving away a free short stack! ( Read Free Pancakes at IHOP 2011 more... )

IHOP Free Pancake Day 2011: Details For The Offer & Locations

t's National Pancake Day! At least according to IHOP, which has brought back its popular national day of free pancakes it's held annually since 2006.

IHOP customers will receive a short stack of three pancakes for free while the promotion lasts from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. today.

Use the IHOP locator to find an IHOP location near you! ( Read Free Pancakes at IHOP 2011 more... )

Free Pancakes at IHOP Today!

on't forget to take advantage of free pancakes today, March 1 at IHOP. The breakfast chain is giving away free short stacks of pancakes as part of its annual fundraiser for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

I've tested this freebie in the past and it is one of my favorites. A short stack is three pancakes, which is quite filling. Roll into IHOP anytime between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. today to get the freebie. ( Read Free Pancakes at IHOP 2011 more... )

National Pancake Day 2011: Free Pancakes

(CANVAS STAFF REPORTS) - If you like pancakes, today would be a good day not to eat breakfast at home.

Celebrate National Pancake Day at IHop and you can enjoy free flapjacks between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Participating stores in the restaurant chain are offering a free short stack of pancakes with the hope that, in return, you will make a donation to its favorite charity, the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, according to IHop's website . ( Read Free Pancakes at IHOP 2011 more... )

National Pancake Day: Get Three Free Pancakes

National Pancake Day 2011 is the sixth national pancake day sponsored by IHOP, which is raising money for children's hospitals.

Two patrons get ready to order their free pancakes at an IHOP in West Palm Beach during IHOP's National Pancake Day in 2009. This year the celebration takes place Tuesday, March 1, and offers three free pancakes to customers who walk through the door. ( Read Free Pancakes at IHOP 2011 more... )

Related Searches:
ihop free pancake day, ihop locations, ihop, ihop free pancakes 2011, fat tuesday 2011 date

Courtesy : Woman's Day , NJ , AOL News , Hello Beautiful , The Huffington Post , Wallet Pop , My FOX Philly & CS Monitor

READ MORE - National Pancake Day 2011: Free Pancakes

2012 Olympics Logo

Iran Opposes 2012 London Olympics Logo

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Iran is threatening to boycott the 2012 London Olympics after its National Olympic Committee sent a letter to the International Olympic Committee that claims the Games' logo is "racist."

Iran is criticizing the logo because it believes its design resembles the word "Zion," which is a biblical term for Jerusalem. The nation even threatened to boycott the games unless the logo is changed. ( Read 2012 Olympics Logo more... )

2012 Olympic Logo – An Ugly Logo for Our A-List Celebrity Athletes!

The newly unveiled 2012 Olympics Logo is already causing controversy. While it’s been widely criticized for its artistic take on the numbers “2012″, it’s now being called racist by Iran who don’t see the numbers at all. Instead they believe it spells out the word Zion and are threatening to boycott the games. ( Read 2012 Olympics Logo more... )

2012 Olympics Logo Sparks Backlash

The 2012 Olympics Logo pictured above was revealed today to a major backlash. The 2012 Olympics will be held in London next summer, and the 2012 Olympics logo is taking major heat, and not because it looks like it’s from 1987. The objections to the London Summer 2012 Olympics Logo are much more serious than that. Do you object to the 2012 Olympics logo? Find out what the controversy is about after the jump… ( Read 2012 Olympics Logo more... )

Iran: London 2012 Olympics Logo Is Racist, Spells Out 'Zion'

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran objects to the logo for the 2012 London Olympics, contending it is racist because it resembles the word "Zion" and warning of a possible boycott of the games.

The secretary general of Iran's National Olympic Committee said Iran sent a letter to International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge. The letter claims the 2012 logo spells out "Zion," a biblical term widely recognized to refer to the city of Jerusalem.

In comments carried by the official IRNA news agency Monday, secretary general Bahram Afsharzadeh said the letter urges other Muslim states to oppose the "racist logo." ( Read 2012 Olympics Logo more... )

Iran objects to London 2012 Olympics logo

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran objects to the logo for the 2012 London Olympics, contending it is racist because it resembles the word “Zion” and warning of a possible boycott of the games.

The secretary general of Iran’s National Olympic Committee said Iran sent a letter to International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge. The letter claims the 2012 logo spells out “Zion,” a biblical term widely recognized to refer to the city of Jerusalem. ( Read 2012 Olympics Logo more... )

Iran objects to London 2012 Olympics logo (AP)

AP - Iran objects to the logo for the 2012 London Olympics, contending it is racist because it resembles the word “Zion” and warning of a possible boycott of the games. ( Read 2012 Olympics Logo more... )

Iran NOC oppose 'racist' London 2012 Olympic logo

Iran could boycott the London Olympics after claiming the Games' 2012 logo is "racist" because it resembles the word "Zion" - a biblical term for Jerusalem.

Iran's National Olympic Committee sent a letter to the International Olympic Committee criticising the emblem and its perceived link to Israel's capital.

The letter also urges other Muslim states to oppose the "racist logo".

A statement from the IOC said: "The London 2012 logo represents the figure 2012, nothing else."

The London logo shows the numbers "2012" in four jagged figures and until now has only been criticised for its design. ( Read 2012 Olympics Logo more... )

Iran objects to London 2012 Olympics logo, claiming it spells word 'Zion'

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran objected Monday to the logo for the 2012 London Olympics, claiming it is racist because it resembles the word "Zion."

Bahram Afsharzadeh, secretary general of Iran's National Olympic Committee, said Iran sent a formal letter to International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge criticizing the emblem. The letter also warns of a possible boycott of the games.

The letter claims the 2012 logo spells out "Zion," a biblical term which is widely recognized to refer to the city of Jerusalem.

In comments carried by the official IRNA news agency, Afsharzadeh said the letter urges other Muslim states to oppose the "racist logo." ( Read 2012 Olympics Logo more... )

Iran claims London 2012 Olympics logo spells the word 'Zion'

Almost four years after the logo's launch, Tehran threatens to boycott the Games unless the design is changed.

Iran has threatened to boycott the London Olympics unless the organisers replace the official logo, which Tehran claims spells out the word "Zion".

The logo, a jagged representation of the year 2012, has been said by its critics to resemble many things, from a swastika to a sexual act, but the Iranian government argues it represents a veiled pro-Israeli conspiracy. ( Read 2012 Olympics Logo more... )

Iran attacks London 2012 Olympics logo as racist claiming it spells 'Zion'

The logo received criticism when it was first unveiled four years ago by Lord Coe in 2007 but it is now being attacked by officials in Iran as being racist.

A letter of complaint has been sent to Jacques Rogge, Head of the International Olympic Committee.

In the letter, Mohammad Aliabadi, head of the National Olympic Committee of the Islamic Republic says that the logo is: 'Definitely spawned out of some people's racist spirit.' ( Read 2012 Olympics Logo more... )

London 2012 Olympic torch designers announced

East London designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby will design the London 2012 Olympic Torch, it has been announced.

The studio will also create the celebration cauldrons to be used when the Torch Relay stops for lunchtime and evening celebrations, Locog said.

The Olympic Flame will arrive in the UK from Greece on Friday 18 May, 2012.

During the 70-day torch relay, 8,000 people will carry the torch en route to the Olympic stadium, where the cauldron will be lit on 27 July. ( Read 2012 Olympics Logo more... )

London studio chosen to design 2012 Olympic torch

LONDON (AP) — A London-based studio will design the torch that will carry the Olympic flame for the 2012 Games.

The design firm headed by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby has been selected by the London Olympic organizing committee to create the torch.

The torch will be carried by about 8,000 people during the 70-day Olympic torch relay across Britain next year. The flame will arrive from Greece on May 18, 2012. The relay will conclude with the lighting of the Olympic cauldron on July 27, 2012. ( Read 2012 Olympics Logo more... )

Courtesy : The Street , Babble , The Huffington Post , The Daily Caller , World Sports Breaking News , BBC , Google , The Guardian , Metro & USA Today

READ MORE - 2012 Olympics Logo

Mardi Gras Parade Schedule 2011

Mardi Gras Parade Cam 2011: Watch Pontchartrain, Sparta, Pygmalion

It's another day of Mardi Gras parades in Uptown New Orleans on this beautiful Saturday, Feb. 26, 2011, and it looks like the weather will be perfect. If you can't be in town for the parades, watch them live on NOLA.com's Parade Cam. ( Read Mardi Gras Parade Schedule 2011 more... )

The Tulane National Primate Research Mardi Gras Golf Cart Parade

DAVID GRUNFELD / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE STARC Queen adult east Gwen Stewart, left and Adult west King Thomas Mills, throw beads during the Tulane National Primate Research Center 12th annual Mardi Gras Golf Cart Parade for members of the St. Tammany Association for Retarded Citizens Friday February 25, 2011 near Covington, LA. STARC members use the throws for fundraisers. A Mardi Gras Ball lunch for the STARC members will follow the parade. ( Read Mardi Gras Parade Schedule 2011 more... )

Mardi Gras Parade Cam 2011: Watch the Krewe of Oshun roll live

Parade Cam, NOLA.com's live webcast of the Uptown New Orleans Mardi Gras parade route kicks off Friday, February 25, 2011 beginning at 6:30 p.m. with the Krewe of Oshun. ( Read Mardi Gras Parade Schedule 2011 more... )

2011 Mardi Gras Parade Schedule

FEBRUARY 1, 2011 — More than 30 Mardi Gras parades roll through the New Orleans area during Carnival season, with most parades happening in the ten days leading up to Fat Tuesday.

Contrary to what is often portrayed in media coverage of Mardi Gras, the parades are actually very family-friendly. Bourbon Street lives up to the more wild reputation, but the parades roll down wider streets in residential districts, and police work hard to ensure that the crowd stays festive but not crazy. ( Read Mardi Gras Parade Schedule 2011 more... )

Courtesy : NOLA & Marching

READ MORE - Mardi Gras Parade Schedule 2011

New York Unclaimed Funds

Unclaimed Funds: How to get your hands on Unclaimed money

Unclaimed money that could be waiting for you with your state’s treasury. It could be dormant bank accounts, leftover insurance money, hundreds or even thousands all just sitting there just waiting for you to pick it up. But the best news, it takes just seconds to find out if you are owed.

“It might be stocks, it might be something that might have been in your family for awhile that you didn’t know about.” Vanessa Lockel of the New York State Comptrollers Office says the state coffers are stuffed with everything from dormant bank accounts to bonds to even un-cashed gift cards.

The state of New Jersey has $3 billion in unclaimed funds. Connecticut has $545 million. In the Empire state… ( Read New York Unclaimed Funds more... )

The Unclaimed Funds of this Renowned and rich

From Angelina to Zsa Zsa, Steven Jobs to Sergey Brin, the chairman of the Fed to the CEO of Goldman Sachs, the well-known and also the rich share a frequent failing with the rest of us: they’ve misplaced a number of their money.

Nationwide the pool of unclaimed property held by states is close to $33 billion and growing.

A MarketWatch review of a number of the main unclaimed property sites maintained by the states revealed some surprising names and organizations that have unclaimed property.

For instance: ( Read New York Unclaimed Funds more... )

Helping Eyewitness News viewers find unclaimed money

NEW YORK (WABC) -- It just may be the cure for the recession blues. Unclaimed money, that could be waiting for you with your state's treasury. It could be dormant bank accounts, leftover insurance money, stock dividends, hundreds or even thousands all just sitting there just waiting for you to pick it up. But the best news, it takes just seconds to find out if you are owed.

It might be news that leave you gasping.Or clapping and and jumping for joy. It's like winning the lottery, only not having to pay taxes on the prize.

It's unclaimed assets. Your money that has been turned over to the state. ( Read New York Unclaimed Funds more... )

Related Searches:
ny unclaimed funds, unclaimed money, 7online, unclaimed funds new york, unclaimed funds

Courtesy : Afghanistan Shrugged , PH Beta & GO

READ MORE - New York Unclaimed Funds

Tanker Decision

Murray: Tanker decision ‘the right one’

Sen. Patty Murray won a fourth term in November following a campaign in which she highlighted her ability to bring federal money back to Washington state.

On Thursday the Pentagon announced that the Boeing Co. won the U.S. Air Force’s $35 billion contract to build 179 aerial refueling tankers. Much of the work will be done in Washington state. Had Boeing rival EADS North America won the deal, it would’ve been a major political blow to Murray. ( Read Tanker Decision more... )

2/23 – Tanker Decision Coming Thursday

By this time Thursday, we will know if the $35 billion tanker contract belongs to the Gulf Coast.

“2/23 – Tanker Decision Coming Thursday” is categorized as “local”. This video was licensed from Grab Networks. For additional video content, click the “video” tab at the top of this page. ( Read Tanker Decision more... )

Oregon likely to gain jobs in Boeing $35 billion tanker contract

WASHINGTON -- That cheering you hear is coming from the North, as the entire state of Washington is party-central after the Air Force announced that Boeing won a $35 billion contract to build a new generation of aerial tankers for the Air Force.

There was happiness in Oregon too, though more muted. ( Read Tanker Decision more... )

Pro-Boeing lawmakers tie tanker decision to job-creation goals

A Boeing win "would be a big step forward in our efforts to win the future,” Sen. Patty Murray said.

If President Obama really intends to “win the future,” his administration should hand a $35 billion Air Force tanker contract to Boeing, several lawmakers said on Thursday.

“A win for the Boeing tanker … would be a big step forward in our efforts to win the future,” Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) said during a press briefing. “American jobs, our industrial base and economic growth is on the line.” ( Read Tanker Decision more... )

Scandalous Air Tanker Decision

Within days, the Obama Pentagon is expected to decide which supplier to rely upon for what is, arguably, the cornerstone of America’s ability to project power for the next 40 years: the next-generation aerial-refueling tanker known as the KC-X. The choice for this role – which is worth conservatively $40 billion – would seem to be a no-brainer.

The obvious winning candidate to produce and maintain 179 tankers for decades to come would be a reliable, experienced and responsible U.S. manufacturer: Boeing.

It seems, however, that Team Obama is poised to entrust responsibility for this vital defense capability to a company that has none of those attributes – the European aerospace conglomerate EADS. The pretext apparently will be that the foreign competitor is offering a lower bid than its American counterpart. ( Read Tanker Decision more... )

Machinists Welcome Tanker Decision

WASHINGTON--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) today hailed the Department of Defense’s decision to award the Boeing Company with a contract to build a new fleet of air-to-air refueling tankers for the U.S. Air Force.

“The Pentagon’s decision will result in an American aircraft, built by American workers for America’s warriors,” said IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger.

“With more than 40,000 U.S. jobs at stake, this decision also significantly strengthens the core of the U.S. aerospace manufacturing industry.” ( Read Tanker Decision more... )

Related Searches:
tanker contract, tanker, seattle times, boeing, boeing tanker

Courtesy : Seattle PI , American Consumer News , Oregon Live , The Hill , Texas Insider & EON

READ MORE - Tanker Decision

Boeing Tanker

Boeing Lands Air Force Tanker Deal...For Now

The never-ending saga of the Pentagon's new aerial KC-X tanker came to a halt, at least temporarily, late Thursday as the Defense Department finally announced it would award the $35 billion prize to the Boeing Co. The Defense Department has been trying to buy a new flying gas station for so long, the top Air Force official who bribed her way into a job with Boeing the first time the contract was awarded has already been prosecuted, served jail time and been set free – all more than five years ago. ( Read Boeing Tanker more... )

Boeing wins contract for refueling tanker

After a decade of embarrassing missteps and disputes, the Pentagon handed the first phase of a job-rich $35-billion contract to Chicago-based Boeing Co. to build a fleet of 179 aerial refueling tankers that carries the promise of work for an estimated 50,000 aerospace employees.

In an announcement that took industry experts by surprise, word came down late Thursday that Boeing had bested archrival Airbus and its parent company European Aeronautic Defense & Space Co., or EADS to build 18 planes for $3.5 billion. ( Read Boeing Tanker more... )

Boeing win is a welcome upside surprise

or a place that's seen its share of nasty surprises in recent years — the collapse of Washington Mutual, a 787 factory in South Carolina — the selection of Boeing to develop and build the Air Force's new tanker is an upside delight.

Just a few weeks ago, the buzz among some defense analysts was that the $35 billion contract would go to Airbus parent EADS, to be assembled near Mobile, Ala.

Had that happened, it would have represented a second loss to the South for the Puget Sound-area aerospace industry. Indeed, according to the Mobile Press-Register, local officials had gathered at the convention center there Thursday "for what was expected to be a victory party."

Boeing feared it would be shut out of the tanker business for 20 to 40 years if it lost. And at the least, the growth of airplane-manufacturing jobs in Everett would have been sandbagged.

Instead: victory. ( Read Boeing Tanker more... )

Boeing Scores Air Force Tanker Contract to Give Economy a Boost

It’s no secret there’s a lot going wrong for Americans right now. The unemployment rate is hanging just below double digits, home values have dropped year-over-year for the 13th consecutive year and one-third of Americans have no retirement or personal savings. But it’s not all bad, at least in the Northeast, where Boeing has just won a $35 billion dollar contract from the Air Force. ( Read Boeing Tanker more... )

Boeing tanker – crossed headlines from Inslee

Moments after the U.S. Air Force announced Boeing’s tanker win, a curious e-mail headline arrived from U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Wash: “Decision will not stand.”

A moment later, a second e-mail arrived: “Corrected — Rep. Jay Inslee: Best Choice Made for Next Gen Tanker.”

Inslee, once a Seattle high school quarterback, fumbled the snap. He’d be wise to work on ball handling, or replace his center, before a widely anticipated run for governor in 2012.

What happened is obvious. Two press releases were prepared. One cheered a Boeing victory worth $30 billion that will mean thousands of jobs for Inslee constituents. The other, anticipating an EADS win, decried injustice and vowed protracted resistance. ( Read Boeing Tanker more... )

Boeing Shocks With ‘Clear’ Tanker Win

UPDATES: Boeing Pledges ‘On Time, On Budget;’ EADS NA Says Boeing Pick “High Risk;”

Boeing continued its dominance of the U.S. airborne tanker business, winning the $35 billion contract to build 179 KC-X tankers, one of the biggest defense contracts in the next decade. The award shocked experienced observers who had predicted a big win for EADS NA. Word came from a Pentagon email announcing the initial $3.5 billion contract.

Deputy Defense Secretary William Lynn, Pentagon procurement czar Ashton Carter, Air Force Secretary Mike Donley and Air Force Chief Gen. Norton Schwartz stood together in the Pentagon’s briefing room, sending a clear signal of resolve and institutional commitment to the incredibly contentious contract award. Donley, flanked by Schwartz, made the official announcement. ( Read Boeing Tanker more... )

Boeing Bid Beats Europe for Tanker

The Pentagon awarded Boeing Co. a contract worth more than $30 billion for aerial refueling tankers, closing a chapter in a controversial and tortured bidding contest, but potentially launching a fresh trans-Atlantic political controversy.

The award preserves Boeing's decades-long position as supplier of refueling aircraft to the Air Force, and shores up its standing as a U.S. national champion. The Pentagon's move is also likely to feed perceptions in European capitals that the U.S. defense market—the biggest in the world—remains largely closed to European defense suppliers. The losing bidder was EADS North America, a unit of European Aeronautic Defence & Space Co. ( Read Boeing Tanker more... )

Boeing touts number of tanker jobs

Boeing touts number of tanker jobs

A Boeing contract to build aerial refueling tankers for the U.S. Air Force would bring 7,500 jobs to Kansas and have an economic impact of $388 million a year, Boeing said Friday.

The 7,500 figure includes existing and new jobs at Boeing and its suppliers, and other jobs created in the community, said Boeing spokesman Bill Barksdale.

Boeing's Wichita facility would become a finishing center for the tanker, should Boeing win the bid against Airbus parent EADS, which is also bidding. ( Read Boeing Tanker more... )

Related Searches:
boeing tanker news, air force tanker, boeing, tanker, eads

Courtesy : TIME , Los Angeles Times , The Seattle Times , Go Banking Rates , Seattle PI , DOD Buzz , WSJ & The Kansas City Star

READ MORE - Boeing Tanker

Gaddafi Shot

Oil prices fall on unconfirmed rumors Gaddafi was shot

Oil traders are citing unconfirmed rumors that Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi was shot to explain a sudden downward reversal in oil prices today.


In New York, oil futures dropped 1.61 percent to settle at $96.49 per barrel.

However, U.S. officials denied the rumors and said it had no reason to believe Gaddafi was dead or even wounded. ( Read Gaddafi Shot more... )

NYMEX-US crude rally fizzles on rumor Gaddafi shot

U.S. crude oil futures dropped more than 2 percent in a late sell-off on Thursday on rumors that Libyan strongman Muammar Gaddafi had been shot, wiping out gains in a rally to near 2-1/2-year highs.

Earlier, news that Saudi Arabia was in talks with European companies affected by the disruption of Libyan supplies and was willing and able to plug any gap appeared to have capped the day's highs, traders said. ( Read Gaddafi Shot more... )

Gaddafi shot? Swiss Assets Frozen, Oil Prices Drop

There is an unsubstantiated rumor that Moammar Gaddafi has been shot. But earlier today, a former Gaddafi aide said that Gaddafi was more like Hitler and would likely commit suicide before conceding his power.

Gas prices are at the highest the nation has seen in years, but today the barrel dropped $3 dollars to a little under $97 per barrel. A United States federal official who would not release his name stated to NBC News that there is no reason to believe rumors that Gaddafi is dead or wounded are true.

The violence in Libya has escalated gas prices and upset the stock markets. Since the rumor of Gaddafi's being shot, stock prices have shot up and oil prices have dropped. ( Read Gaddafi Shot more... )

Libya: Col Gaddafi compares himself to the Queen

Col Muammar Gaddafi on Thursday night pleaded with his people to view him as benign figurehead, comparable to the Queen, as he made increasingly desperate efforts to stave off the collapse of his beseiged regime.

On the streets, resistance to the rule of Col Muammar Gaddafi was coming closer to his stronghold in the capital city of Tripoli. Troops loyal to the dictator opened fire with machineguns and anti-aircraft artillery on demonstrators in the town of Zawiya, 30 miles west of Tripoli.

Residents said at least 100 people were killed before Gaddafi's troops withdrew to the outskirts, though other sources gave much lower figures. ( Read Gaddafi Shot more... )

Was Libyan Leader Muammar Gaddafi Shot? (VIDEO)

Rumors are swirling that Muammar Gaddafi, longtime leader of Libya, was shot by a soldier. Oil prices dropped below $100 based on the rumor.

Most nations around the world are currently advising against non-essential travel to Libya. This afternoon news was released that Gaddafi, who has been in power for 41 years, was shot. A senior White House official told NBC that the there is no reason to believe that Gaddafi was dead or had even been fired upon.

After the rumor was started, Oil prices tumbled $2 a barrel.

A resident of the Libyan capital of Tripoli told CBS Radio News Thursday that supporters of Muammar Qaddafi, the country’s longtime leader, have stormed into hospitals to shoot wounded demonstrators and take dead bodies to an unknown location. The violence seems to be growing. ( Read Gaddafi Shot more... )

Gaddafi: Shot or not?

Global rumors that Libyan dictator Moammar Gaddafi has been shot roiled the markets this afternoon.

Oil prices tumbled $2 a barrel.

The White House says it has “no reason to believe” Gaddafi is dead.

But given how CIA director Leon Panetta gets his intelligence — quick, get him the TV remote control! — there’s no reason to believe the White House knows anything more than you or I do at this point.

Stay tuned… ( Read Gaddafi Shot more... )

Oil tumbles on rumors Gaddafi shot: traders (Reuters)

Reuters - Traders said oil prices fell by more than $2 a barrel in late Thursday activity on rumors Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi had been shot. ( Read Gaddafi Shot more... )

Gaddafi Shot? Maybe, Maybe Not

Oil prices dropped below $100 on rumors that Muammar Gaddafi, who is desperately clinging to his role as leader of Libya, was shot by a soldier and based on Saudi Arabia's declaration that the Arab nation could match Libya's out-put should the situation merit such a move.

With most nations currently advising against non-essential travel to the North African nation, rumors surfaced this afternoon that Gaddafi, who has been in power for 41 years, was shot.

A senior U.S. official told NBC that the U.S. has no reason to believe that Gaddafi was dead or had been fired upon. ( Read Gaddafi Shot more... )

U.S. crude rally fizzles on rumour Gaddafi shot

Gold slipped and crude prices retreated sharply from 2 1/2 year highs on speculation Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi had been shot but other markets did not immediately react to the unsubstantiated rumors.The U.S.

government said it had no reason to believe Gaddafi is dead. There was no immediate indication of where the rumour had originated or any news report to substantiate it.Crude prices plummeted near the end of the session, with U.S. ( Read Gaddafi Shot more... )

Brent, US crude slip further on rumors Gaddafi shot

NEW YORK Feb 24 (Reuters) - Brent and U.S. crude oil futures fell sharply in post-settlement trading on Thursday in a sell-off sparked by rumors that Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi had been shot.

In London, ICE Brent crude for April delivery LCOJ1 dropped to a post-settlement low of $109.60 after having rallied early to $119.79, the highest since August 2008. It settled earlier at $111.36, up 11 cents. ( Read Gaddafi Shot more... )

Libyan: Qaddafi forces shoot hospital patients

A resident of the increasingly violent Libyan capital of Tripoli told CBS Radio News Thursday that armed supporters of Muammar Qaddafi, the country's longtime leader, have stormed into hospitals to shoot wounded demonstrators and take dead bodies to an unknown location.

"They go in with guns into hospitals," said the resident, identified only as Adel to protect his safety. "They take the bodies that are dead. In some hospitals, they have shot the wounded. This is true. I know it's very strange for the States, but this is happening today in Tripoli." ( Read Gaddafi Shot more... )

Amidst Rumors That Gadhafi’s Been Shot, Swiss Freeze His Assets

While rumors that Libyan ruler Muammar Gadhafi had been shot surfaced, the Swiss Department of Foreign Affairs announced it would freeze any and all assets held by Gaddafi or his “environment” to avoid any “misuse of state funds.” ( Read Gaddafi Shot more... )

Libya: Gaddafi's billions to be seized by Britain

Ministers have identified billions of pounds that Col Muammar Gaddafi and the Libyan regime have deposited in London, The Daily Telegraph can disclose.

The funds are expected to be seized within days. The Treasury is understood to have set up a unit to trace Col Gaddafi's assets in Britain, which are thought to include billions of dollars in bank accounts, commercial property and a £10 million mansion in London.

In total, the Libyan regime is said to have around £20 billion in liquid assets, mostly in London. These are expected to be frozen as part of an international effort to force the dictator from power. A Whitehall source said: "The first priority is to get British nationals out of Libya. But then we are ready to move in on Gaddafi's assets, the work is under way. This is definitely on the radar at the highest levels." ( Read Gaddafi Shot more... )

ghadafi, qaddafi, latest on libya, telesur, latest news on libya

Courtesy : IB Times , Reuters , Huliq , The Telegraph , Babble , Michelle Malkin , Rocket News , All Mediany , Malaysia Sun , Reuters Africa , CBS News & Forbes

READ MORE - Gaddafi Shot

George Soros

George Soros: Tea Party Activists Being 'Used,' Obama's 'Lost Control Of Agenda' (VIDEO)

Billionaire George Soros, a longtime backer of progressive causes, suggested that members of the Tea Party movement are being "used and deceived" during an appearance on CNN's "Fareed Zakaria GPS" over the weekend.

Asked to share his take on the coalition of conservative activists, Soros signaled his belief that "people in the Tea Party are very decent people, hard-working." He added, however, that supporters of the movement "have been hit by a force" from a place which "they can't fully understand." Here's what Soros went on to say: ( Read George Soros more... )

George Soros blasts Fox News, Rupert Murdoch for misleading viewers

Glenn Beck of Fox News Channel has repeatedly accused billionaire investor George Soros of being the puppet master trying to bring down the U.S. government.

Soros answered that criticism this morning on CNN’s “Fareed Zakaria GPS.” The program repeats at 1 p.m. ET today. ( Read George Soros more... )

Soros: Profit Master of Uprisings in Emerging Markets

George Soros, the billionaire hedgefund financier who is blamed by some for causing the global financial meltdown of 2008 and the Asian currency meltdown in the early 1990s’, is now looking to make a few bucks on the Middle East meltdown by shorting stocks in the emerging markets and buying gold and oil stocks. By the way, the leftist backer of the Democratic Party is also profiting big time from labor unions losing power. 3.3 percent of his stock investments are with Wal Mart Stores Inc. ( Read George Soros more... )

George Soros Responds To Glenn Beck, Fox News Attacks (VIDEO)

Liberal billionaire George Soros responded to Glenn Beck's frequent attacks on him during an interview with CNN's Fareed Zakaria that is set to air on this Sunday's episode of "Fareed Zakaria GPS."

Beck has repeatedly cast Soros as the "puppet master" and chief architect of a shadowy group of left-wing people and organizations who are determined to destroy the current geopolitical system and replace it with a "new world order." Beck's statements about Soros' experiences during the Holocaust have proved so controversial that 400 rabbis signed a letter asking Fox News CEO Roger Ailes to "sanction" his host for making them. ( Read George Soros more... )

Soros Raises SPDR Gold Holding 0.5% in Fourth Quarter

Billionaire investor George Soros increased his SPDR Gold Trust share holding by 0.5 percent in the fourth quarter and John Paulson kept his investment unchanged, filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission show.

Soros Fund Management LLC held 4,721,808 SPDR Gold Trust shares as of Dec. 31, compared with 4,697,008 shares at the end of the third quarter, according to the filing. Soros’s call options on 705,000 shares in the trust as of Sept. 30 weren’t listed in the latest report. Paulson & Co.’s holding, the largest in the SPDR fund, was 31.5 million shares. ( Read George Soros more... )

Soros Warns Republican Plans To Slash Spending Will Hurt US Economy -CNN

WASHINGTON (Dow Jones)--Billionaire financier George Soros gives Republicans in Congress credit for wrestling the U.S. economic agenda from President Barack Obama, but warns the party's plans to slash spending will hurt the recovery.

In an interview to be aired on CNN's "Fareed Zakaria GPS" program this weekend, Soros said he expects congressional Republicans to be successful in their effort to cut spending and keep taxes from going up.

"But it will be pursued, I think, to an extent where it's more directed at cutting services and achieving the ideological purposes of the Republicans rather than to get the economy going," he said, according to a transcript. "So I think this will have a negative effect on the economy." ( Read George Soros more... )

Soros and Paulson still Gold Bulls

Hedge fund managers George Soros and John Paulson continue to hold tons of gold, filings with the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) show.

During the fourth quarter, Soros increased his SPDR Gold Trust share holdings by 0.5% and Paulson made no change to his holdings of the precious metal. ( Read George Soros more... )

Soros and Paulson Remain Goldbugs (GLD, NG, AU, IAG, KGC, NG, GOLD)

Everyone loves to see Warren Buffett’s portfolio changes, but in some cases it is more important what other gurus are doing with their assets under management. George Soros and John Paulson are two of these gurus and they are sticking with their gold bets. Soros increased his SPDR Gold Trust (NYSE: GLD) by about a half-percent and Paulson kept his holding static.

Soros Fund Management counted 4,721,808 SPDR Gold Trust shares with a date of December 31, 2010. That is up from 4,697,008 shares in the quarter before. Some may have been from call options as those were listed in the third quarter but not this quarter. NovaGold Resources Inc. (NYSE: NG) was another large Soros holding worth for 11,213,000 shares. ( Read George Soros more... )

Billionaire George Soros Investing in Israeli Energy Exploration

Billionaire George Soros Investing in Israeli Energy Exploration
George Soros, seeking to join in Israel's nascent energy exploration sector, has invested $6.5 million in the Canadian gas and oil exploration company Adira Energy Ltd, Globes reports. Adira holds four licenses to explore for petroleum at Israeli sites: the Hula Valley's Eitan license, and the Gabriella, Yitzhak, and Samuel offshore licenses. Adira operates locally through Adira Energy Israel, a wholly-owned subsidiary. ( Read George Soros more... )

Courtesy : The Huffingto Post , Orlando Sentinel , Dallas Blog , Bloomberg , WSJ , Beacon Equity , 247Wallst & The Israeli Diamond

READ MORE - George Soros

Planned Parenthood

U.S. House votes to defund Planned Parenthood

The House voted Friday to block federal funding for Planned Parenthood, which has long been a target of anti-abortion advocates.

While federal law already bars taxpayer financing for abortions, critics say the $75 million in federal money that Planned Parenthood receives for health services such as family-planning assistance for low-income women allows the group to spend other revenue on terminating pregnancies. ( Read Planned Parenthood more... )

Planned Parenthood amendment passes US House

Indiana Congressman Mike Pence proposed the measure, which was approved by a wide margin. Several Democrats joined Republicans in supporting it.

Indianapolis —

An amendment that would strip federal funding from Planned Parenthood passed the U.S. House Friday.

Indiana Congressman Mike Pence proposed the measure, which was approved by a wide margin. Several Democrats joined Republicans in supporting it. ( Read Planned Parenthood more... )

Gibson and Owens vote opposite on Planned Parenthood and ‘net neutrality’

U.S. Rep. Chris Gibson, R-Kinderhook, on Friday, voted in support of an amendment to bar federal funding for Planned Parenthood, said Gibson spokeswoman Stephanie Valle.

“He doesn’t support taxpayer funding to perform abortions,” Valle said.

U.S. Rep. Bill Owens, D-Plattsburgh, voted against the amendment. ( Read Planned Parenthood more... )

House Votes to Defund Planned Parenthood

The House just approved Rep. Mike Pence’s amendment to cut off funding to Planned Parenthood, checking off a hot-button social issue even as it set up a bigger showdown over defunding the health care law.

The vote was 240-185 with 11 Democrats voting for the amendment, and seven Republicans voting against. One member voted present. A group of Republicans on the floor applauded when the vote hit 218.

That amendment managed to suck up three hours of often emotional debate time Thursday night, which is a big part of the reason the health care law defunding votes got pushed into today. ( Read Planned Parenthood more... )

Defund-a-palooza: Planned Parenthood, Obamacare on notice

I am going to celebrate the bipartisan passage of the De-Fund Planned Parenthood amendment by…eating Ramen, of course!

The GOP Rep. Mike Pence-sponsored proposal passed on a bipartisan vote this afternoon 240-185. Nine Democrats joined the GOP majority. Seven Republicans crossed over to hold hands with the Planned Parenthood predation enablers. ( Read Planned Parenthood more... )

Planned Parenthood Funding Blocked In House Vote

WASHINGTON -- House Republicans voted on Friday to strip federal funding from Planned Parenthood, cutting money for contraceptives, HIV tests, cancer screenings and reproductive health services as part of an attempt to weaken the abortion provider. Planned Parenthood does not currently spend federal money on abortion services.

The vote, which passed, 240 to 185, came after an emotional, late-night speech by Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.), who revealed on the House floor that she had had an abortion. Speier criticized Republicans for vilifying Planned Parenthood and abortion-rights supporters. ( Read Planned Parenthood more... )

After 90 hours of debate, House nears completion of government-funding measure

The House on Friday evening appeared on track to work through the night in order to complete its consideration of a measure to keep the federal government funded, with party leaders urging members to limit their amendments and keep debate as short as possible after three straight nights of post-midnight debate and more than 90 hours on the House floor.

With the government funding measure the only thing standing between lawmakers and a week-long recess, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) and Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) took to the floor shortly after the latest round of votes at 10 p.m. to announce that they would limit debate on the 50 or so remaining amendments to six minutes from 10 minutes each. Three of the remaining amendments were to be offered by Democrats while 50 were to be offered by Republicans. ( Read Planned Parenthood more... )

House Votes Ban on Funding for Planned Parenthood

Written by Jack Kenny

In what is likely to be one of the most controversial votes in what promises to be a contentious legislative year, the U.S. House of Representatives voted Friday to ban all federal funding for Planned Parenthood and to eliminate a Title X program that provides aid for family planning and reproductive health services to low-income families.

The amendment by Indiana Republican Mike Pence was passed by a vote of 240 to 185 as part of a Continuing Resolution to fund the federal government through the end of the current fiscal year on September 30. The vote was mostly along party lines, with only 11 Democrats voting for the amendment and just seven Republicans voting against. The measure was immediately condemned by "abortion rights" activists as "extreme and dangerous" legislation and an "assault" on millions of Americans. ( Read Planned Parenthood more... )

House votes to slash millions out of Planned Parenthood budget

Sarasota, FL - Planned Parenthood leaders say if the U.S. Senate echoes the U.S. House vote, then 3 million women will lose access to reproductive health care.

The Tampa Bay area's regional president, Barbara Zdravecky, says the politicians who voted to eliminate $317 million from Planned Parenthood's budget are pro-life.

"It is an ideological vote against Planned Parenthood because we do support a woman's right to choose," said Zdravecky.

This federal funding does not actually go toward abortions. Instead, those dollars are usually used to prevent pregnancy, like providing condoms and contraceptives, to people in low-income communities. ( Read Planned Parenthood more... )

House GOP takes on healthcare, Planned Parenthood, EPA

The Republican-controlled House voted Friday to strip federal money from President Barack Obama’s healthcare overhaul and from Planned Parenthood and to bar the Environmental Protection Agency from issuing global warming regulations.

Upping the ante in the budget faceoff, the Obama administration warned Friday that workers who distribute Social Security benefits might be furloughed if congressional Republicans force cuts in federal spending. ( Read Planned Parenthood more... )

Courtesy : Nola , FOX59 , Post Star , Biggovernment , Michelle Malkin , The Huffington Post , The Washington Post , New American , WTSP & World MAG

READ MORE - Planned Parenthood

Wisconsin Protests

Wisconsin protests budget cuts: a pictorial

A demonstrator in Madison, Wis., holds a “Welcome to Cairo” sign Thursday as protestors mass in front of the state capitol building to decry proposed budget cuts. Republican Congressman Paul Ryan equated the march in his state to the events in Egypt, which toppled Hosni Mubarak. ( Read Wisconsin Protests more... )

Wisconsin Protests: State Police Pursue Democratic Lawmakers Boycotting Vote

Wisconsin Democrats on Thursday fled the statehouse in an effort to prevent legislators from reaching a quorum and passing a bill put forth by Gov. Scott Walker (R), which would cripple the collective bargaining rights of public unions.

The move produced a frantic political drama, as state troopers were reportedly sent out to find the fleeing lawmakers and Walker hinted that the National Guard would be called in to fill the void left by protesting union workers. ( Read Wisconsin Protests more... )

Wisconsin Protests

Wisconsin Protests, (CNN) – Republican Paul Ryan of Wisconsin Republic compared the demonstrations in the capital of his state with those of Egypt that led to the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak. “He (the governor Scott Walker) is riot is like Cairo moved to Madison these days,” Ryan said Thursday on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe”. Thousands protested in the capital on Tuesday and Wednesday on a bill that would deprive the public of Wisconsin employees most of their collective bargaining rights and make them pay more for benefits. ( Read Wisconsin Protests more... )

DNC playing role in Wisconsin protests

The Democratic National Committee's Organizing for America arm -- the remnant of the 2008 Obama campaign -- is playing an active role in organizing protests against Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker's attempt to strip most public employees of collective bargaining rights.

OfA, as the campaign group is known, has been criticized at times for staying out of local issues like same-sex marraige, but it's riding to the aide of the public sector unions who hoping to persuade some Republican legislators to oppose Walker's plan. And while Obama may have his difference with teachers unions, OfA's engagement with the fight -- and Obama's own clear stance against Walker -- mean that he's remaining loyal to key Democratic Party allies at what is, for them, a very dangerous moment. ( Read Wisconsin Protests more... )

Ryan equates Wisconsin protests to Egypt

Washington (CNN) - Republican Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan compared the protests in his state's capital to those in Egypt that led to the resignation of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.

"He's (Gov. Scott Walker) getting riots, it's like Cairo's moved to Madison these days," Ryan said Thursday on MSNBC's "Morning Joe."

Thousands protested in the capital city Tuesday and Wednesday over a bill that would strip Wisconsin public employees of most of their collective bargaining rights and have them pay dramatically more for benefits. ( Read Wisconsin Protests more... )

On the Radar: Bahrain crackdown, Wisconsin protests, Tanzania bombings

Wave of unrest grows – Since the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak in Egypt, unprecedented anti-government demonstrations have swept the Middle East and North Africa. Protests in Libya appeared to be gathering steam Thursday in several cities, with some reportedly turning deadly. In Bahrain, which has been the center of several days of protests, at least three people were killed and nearly 200 injured after security forces stormed an encampment of demonstrators in the dead of night. An ABC News reporter covering the chaos was beaten. In Yemen, at least 20 people were injured in clashes between stone-throwing pro-and anti-government demonstrators in the capital of Sanaa, an opposition lawmaker said. ( Read Wisconsin Protests more... )

Courtesy : Market Watch , The Huffington Post , U.S.S.Post , Politico , Political Ticker & CNN

READ MORE - Wisconsin Protests