Monday, September 30, 2013

The Tea Party's shutdown implosion

The Tea Party's shutdown implosion

Republicans just announced that they'll only keep the government open if President Obama agrees to delay Obamacare—all but assuring that the government will shut down Tuesday. We've launched a rapid-response campaign to make sure they pay the steepest possible political price. Can you pitch in $3?

Chip in $3

Dear MoveOn member,

Big news: Republicans just announced that they will only allow the federal government to stay open if President Obama agrees to delay implementation of Obamacare.

The New York Times says the announcement "all but assured that large parts of the government would be shuttered as of 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday."¹

This is not a drill. After years of threats, Speaker John Boehner and the Tea Party are about to shut down the government for real, with millions of Americans losing access to vital services, hundreds of thousands of public servants unpaid, and a big blow to our economic recovery.²

We can't stop the Tea Party from trying to push America's economy off a cliff, but we can make sure they pay a steep political price like they did in 1995 so that they finally stop this nonsense. Our plan is to start by putting targeted web ads on Facebook and other websites targeting the most vulnerable Republicans facing reelection next year and then keep up the pressure till the Republicans give up on these outrageous demands.

The Tea Party's popularity has already sunk to near-record lows, and if the shutdown backfires, it could send the entire Republican Party into a tailspin.³But time is of the essence—we need to raise $200,000 in the next 24 hours to power our rapid response campaigning and give us the ad budget we need to hold the Republicans accountable. Can you chip in $3 today?

Yes, I'll chip in $3 right away to hold Tea Party Republicans accountable.

The GOP has descended into chaos and infighting—literally yelling at each other on the Senate floor.⁴ The shutdown—while terrible for America—is a big opportunity to go on offense and send the Tea Party into permanent decline.

MoveOn has launched an ambitious campaign to discredit Tea Party Republicans and expose their 1% backers—to hold them accountable for threatening to sabotage our economy and trying to subvert our democracy. We'll keep them on the defensive in the short term and ensure that no one forgets their reckless hijinks as elections approach next year.

After four straight years in which Tea Party Republicans have forced a job-killing austerity agenda down our throats, their reckless decision to risk a government shutdown finally has them on their heels. If they follow through, we'll have a historic opportunity to expose just how extreme they are.

We'll need to move quickly and speak forcefully to win the debate and bring about a repeat of 1995. That was the year Newt Gingrich and House Republicans shut down the government because they refused to negotiate with President Clinton. They paid for it dearly.⁵ Now, it's on us to ensure this time is no different. If we play our cards right, 2013 could become known as the year the Tea Party relegated itself to the dustbin of history.

Our campaign includes rapid response ads and press outreach, as well as long-term strategies to discredit the Tea Party and take away its power, including pushing PBS stations to air "Citizen Koch," the thus-far-censored documentary exposing the Koch Brothers as the Tea Party's 1% financiers. We'll also shine a spotlight on positive alternatives to the Tea Party's agenda, including a higher minimum wage to tackle income inequality. And we're amassing a war chest to ensure that this week is one everyone will remember well into next year. But first things first—the next few hours and days are crucial, and to win this fight, we all need to pitch in.

Click here to donate $3 to help take advantage of this historic opportunity.

Together, MoveOn's 8 million members have tremendous people power. Let's go all in together to seize this opportunity and send the Tea Party packing.

Thanks for all you do.

–Anna, Carinne, Bobby, Alejandro, and the rest of the team

1. "House Leaves U.S. on Brink of Shutdown," The New York Times, September 28, 2013
http://www.moveon.org/r/?r=293865&id=75559-23767539-hJbvgdx&t=4

2. Everything You Need to Know About How a Government Shutdown Works," The Washington Post, September 24, 2013
http://www.moveon.org/r/?r=293850&id=75559-23767539-hJbvgdx&t=5

3. "Tea Party Support Has Shrunk to Near-Record Low," Gallup Politics, September 26, 2013
http://www.moveon.org/r/?r=293838&id=75559-23767539-hJbvgdx&t=6

4. "GOP Anger at Ted Cruz Hits Senate Floor," Politico, September 26, 2013
http://www.moveon.org/r/?r=293851&id=75559-23767539-hJbvgdx&t=7

5. "Republicans Flunk Government Shutdown History," Salon, September 8, 2010
http://www.salon.com/2010/09/08/government_shutdown_1995/

Want to support our work? MoveOn Civic Action is entirely funded by our 8 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Government shutdown 101: 12 ways it could affect you

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/DC-Decoder/2013/0925/Government-shutdown-101-12-ways-it-could-affect-you/What-happens-to-national-defense

Democratic Representative David Scott said what was occurring was nothing less than "a shutdown being ordered by the Republican Party."

"You have been hijacked by a small group of extreme folks who simply hate this president," Scott said, breaking protocol as he addressed Republican House members directly.

"The American people are never going to forget that it was you who shut down the government."

As if anticipating a possible shutdown, House Republicans introduced a separate measure that would ensure US troops get paid in the event of a work stop.

The measure passed unanimously.

Government shutdown 101: 12 ways it could affect you

If Congress fails to fund the federal government by Oct. 1, the start of the new fiscal year, the government will go into partial shutdown. Some government functions – those deemed essential – will continue as usual, while others will be suspended. If a shutdown proceeds the way it would have in 2011 (had the last funding impasse had not been resolved in time), 800,000 of 2.1 million federal employees would be furloughed.

Here is a list of what to expect if a shutdown takes place:

- Linda Feldmann, Staff writer

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Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel addressed employees' concerns about budget-cutting furloughs at a town hall meeting in Alexandria, Va., in May. Civilian workers could be facing more furloughs during a government shutdown. (Yuri Gripas/Reuters/File)

1. What happens to national defense?

As with all government agencies, essential services will continue to be performed, as determined by the heads of the agencies.

“Military personnel would continue in a normal duty status,” a Department of Defense memo stated Sept. 23, adding that a “large number” number of the Department of Defense’s civilian employees would still be temporarily furloughed.

Two types of Defense employees escape furlough: One, if they are “performing emergency work involving the safety of human life or the protection of property”; and two, those whose jobs are not funded by Congress via annual appropriations. All others face a furlough, which bars them from working, including as a volunteer.

James Blunt - You're Beautiful (Live)

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Starship - "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" - ORIGINAL VIDEO - HQ

iConcerts - Santana - Black Magic Woman (Live)

Temple of the King - Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow Live 1995

Volvo may take new coupe from concept to reality

http://news.yahoo.com/volvo-may-coupe-concept-reality-185550967.html

Volvo Concept Coupé

9 hours agoRelaxnews

It's not very often that the Swedish car maker, with the world's greatest reputation for safety, upstages everyone from Audi to Porsche at a motor show, but that's exactly what happened when it took the wraps off its coupe concept at this month's Frankfurt show.

In fact, so great was the reaction to the sleek two-door sportscar -- a modern reimagining of the company's classic 60s P1800 -- that Volvo's board is now deep in discussion over whether or not a very limited and therefore exclusive production run is possible.

Designed by famed Italian coachbuilder Bertone, whose past styling credits include the Aston Martin DB4 GT Jet, Lamborghini Miura and Lancia Stratos, the result is a vehicle that combines the past with the future direction of Volvo's design and, according to a report in Auto Bild, Bertone has already been contacted by Volvo about its ability to handle a limited production run.

Whether or not the car does become a reality, it is pretty much a certainty that it won't come with the engine that featured in the show car -- a two-litre gas engine with both a supercharger and turbo charger plus a plug-in hybrid powertrain to deliver over 400bph -- won't make the jump from concept to forecourt.

Most likely, Volvo will use a more run-of-the-mill, tuned four-cylinder turbo gas engine, which may or may not be linked to an electric motor. But when a car's that good looking, speed is of less importance. If it's going too fast no one will be able to stare longingly at it.

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Friday, September 27, 2013

Clinton meeting showcases a political family

http://news.yahoo.com/clinton-meeting-showcases-political-family-081022902--election.html

KEN THOMAS 6 hours ago

NEW YORK (AP) — On its face, the annual Clinton Global Initiative meeting provides a platform for Bill, Hillary and Chelsea Clinton to announce a series of financial commitments from corporations, nongovernmental organizations and philanthropists to address intractable problems around the globe.

Perhaps more than any other year, the latest New York gathering of Clinton loyalists and luminaries also has offered a vivid look at the past, present and future of one of America's most dominant political families.

Created in 2001, the foundation has allowed the ex-president to tackle problems across continents and burnish his legacy. It now serves as a home base for Hillary Rodham Clinton as she considers whether to run for president in 2016. And it also could become a launching pad for the couple's only child, 33-year-old Chelsea Clinton, should she eventually become a political player in her own right.

"It's a good thing to make big bets in philanthropy," the former president declared at the annual meeting, introducing a short video on the foundation's work narrated by actor Morgan Freeman. "What began with one man's drive to help people everywhere," Freeman said, "moved quickly into a foundation full people of great passion and great gifts."

The four-day CGI meetings, an initiative of the foundation held every year since 2005, offered a study in how the Clintons have transitioned from the White House to create a global clearinghouse to address big problems like AIDS prevention, nutrition, women's equality and poverty.

In a testament to the Clintons' ability to convene big names, the ballroom was awash with former Clinton administration officials, CEOs and corporate executives, and celebrities.

As the ex-president searched for his notes backstage, U2 frontman Bono kept the crowd entertained with an impromptu Clinton impression, complete with a Southern drawl. In smaller sessions, actor Sean Penn talked about his development work in Haiti and actress Kate Hudson promoted leadership roles by women.

The former first lady and New York senator said she would lead an effort through the foundation to evaluate the progress made by women around the globe in advance of the 20th anniversary of her remarks at a U.N. women's conference in Beijing. As first lady, Clinton famously declared at the 1995 conference that "human rights are women's rights and women's rights are human rights, once and for all."

During a session on Wednesday, Mrs. Clinton announced three new commitments to help women around the globe, including a $1.5 billion effort over the next five years to help businesses owned by women. Financial partners include Coca-Cola, Wal-Mart and Exxon Mobil.

"This is such a perfect example of CGI networking," she said. "Leveraging social capital and real capital — it's a great combination."

It's that very combination of money and philanthropy that could serve as a line of attack against the former secretary of state if she seeks the White House. The family has been raising money to build the foundation's endowment, holding recent fundraisers in New York's Hamptons and Washington. A benefit concert in London is planned for this fall, along with events in Washington and Miami.

Bill Clinton was forced to defend his foundation in August after media reports of infighting among staff and questions over the organization's financial management. The foundation disclosed that an outside firm conducted an audit in 2011 that recommended a stronger management staff and a more independent board.

Earlier this week, the former president said he was grateful for the work of his former aide, Douglas Band, after a lengthy report in the New Republic described an overlap between Band's business clients and donors to the foundation.

Republicans have signaled that the foundation's work would be fair game if Mrs. Clinton runs for president in three years. Kirsten Kukowski, a spokeswoman for the Republican National Committee, cited "mismanagement and conflicts of interest" within the foundation and said it showed "how the Clintons operate and is part of the baggage tied to Hillary."

Democrats call it just another attack du jour against the Clintons and say the charitable work speaks for itself. The foundation said this week that it had helped more than 5 million people with AIDS access medication in 70 countries, its agriculture work in Africa had helped 4,300 farmers feed 30,000 people, and its work led to the planting of 4.5 million trees in Rwanda and Malawi.

"Everything and anything will be used against them, but if that's the biggest complaint, that her family has helped save lives around the world, to quote a past president, 'Bring it on,'" said Paul Begala, a former Clinton White House adviser.

The foundation's future could rest in the hands of Chelsea Clinton, who has traveled extensively on its behalf and serves as vice chair. The former first daughter presided over a panel on noncommunicable diseases and announced several philanthropic commitments this week, including efforts to provide clean drinking water and promote the health of women and children in Latin America.

The youngest Clinton has hinted that politics could be in her future. In an interview with CNN from Rwanda last month, she said she was "attempting to lead a purposely public life" and that she might consider politics if she thought she could make a difference.

___

Follow Ken Thomas on Twitter: http://twitter.com/AP_Ken_Thomas

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Thursday, September 26, 2013

Spectacular jaguar attack captured on video

http://www.grindtv.com/outdoor/nature/post/spectacular-jaguar-attack-captured-on-video/

CLOSE ENCOUNTERSAn Outdoor // Nature Blog

Spectacular jaguar attack captured on video

Big cat is observed silently stalking and then attacking and immobilizing alligator-like caiman in Brazilian wetlands; 'This guy knew his business'

September 26, 2013 by Pete Thomas

Jaguar is shown moments before the attack on the caiman. Below image shows the cat swimming toward its prey. Both images are video screen grabs.

Weeks after it published a series of images showing a large jaguar stalking and attacking a caiman in Brazil’s Pantanal wetlands, National Geographic released exclusive video footage of the ultra-stealthy, super-efficient strike.

(The video is a shortened version, showing the cat as it begins its swim toward the unsuspecting reptile, which is resting on a bank. The full video, also worth watching, can be viewed here.)

It’s worth noting, for those who may be squeamish, that there is no visible blood. The caiman was immobilized almost instantly with a single bite to the skull, in an assault so effective that there was almost no posibility of the jaguar being injured in a struggle. (Jaguars, which are prolific swimmers, boast the most powerful bite of all large cats.)

“This guy knew his business,” scientist Luke Dollar told National Geographic. “This guy got right in the thickest part of the brain case and sunk those teeth in, and that’s pretty amazing when you consider that a caiman’s brain is probably the size of a walnut.” (Dollar is also the video narrator.)

This rarely-witnessed event was videotaped by Kedar Hippalgaonkar and his wife, Parul Jain. The Northern California couple was in a small boat with SouthWind Adventures.

Jaguar is circled as it approaches unsuspecting caiman

It was the third jaguar they had seen, an animal affectionately referred to by locals as Mick Jaguar.

Nobody expected to witness predation of such a large reptile (jaguars also eat deer and other mammals), but it became clear that the animal was hunting once it crouched and began to cautiously inch its way along the river bank.

“He’s just crawling first, and then you can see him sort of in hunt mode,” Hippalgaonkar said. “You know he’s definitely going for something. Which is why we decided to wait there, before all the other boats came.”

What was astonishing to the couple was the absolute silence of the cat, even as it walked through water close to the bank, and as it swam toward its prey. (Caimans, which are related to alligators, can reach lengths of 15 feet and they’re also master ambushers.)

Hippalgaonkar said the boat pilot, who routinely watches jaguars in the region, had never witnessed an attack so perfectly executed.

But then, what else would you expect from an animal named Mick Jaguar?