Unexpected drop in jobless rate sparks optimism

Unexpected drop in jobless rate sparks optimism

Carolyn Malone, 62, looks for jobs online at the Milwaukee Hire Center on Friday. The nation's jobless rate fell unexpectedly to 10 percent last month, from 10.2 percent in October, as employers cut the fewest number of jobs since the recession began. But people searching for work like Malone say it's a competitive job market and they're not too hopeful of finding a job.(

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Two years of steep job cuts all but ended last month, unexpectedly pulling down the unemployment rate and raising hopes for a lasting economic recovery.

Federal figures released Friday showed that the rate fell from 10.2 percent in October to 10 percent as employers shed the fewest number of jobs since the recession began two years ago. The government also said far fewer jobs were lost in September and October than first reported.

And the so-called underemployment rate, counting part-time workers who want full-time jobs and laid-off workers who have given up their job hunt, also fell, from 17.5 percent in October to 17.2 percent.

The better-than-expected figures provided a rare dose of good news for the economy, but the respite may be temporary. Job creation is still so weak that more than 15 million out-of-work Americans face fierce competition for few openings.

"We will need very substantial job growth to get unemployment lower, especially when the labor force ... starts growing again," said Lawrence Mishel, president of the Economic Policy Institute, a liberal think tank.

Even counting last month's decline, the unemployment rate has more than doubled from 4.9 percent when the recession began.

The report showed how hard it remains to find work. The number of people jobless for at least six months rose last month to 5.9 million. And the average length of unemployment has risen to more than 28 weeks, the longest on record dating to 1948.

Carolyn Malone of Milwaukee had not looked for work in decades - until she was laid off from her customer-service job in May.

Malone, 62, laughed when asked Friday how many jobs she had applied for. She can't remember. But she does recall how many landed her an interview: One. It didn't lead to a job.

"I just want to get my toe in the door," she said, scrolling through her e-mail at a hiring center.

Still, economists and investors drew hope from Friday's Labor Department report. Employers sliced just 11,000 jobs in November, compared with a loss of 111,000 jobs in October. It was the best reading since December 2007 - the last time the economy added jobs and the start of the worst recession since the 1930s.

The unemployment rate had not fallen since July, when it declined from 9.5 percent to 9.4 percent.

Factories, retailers, construction companies - hardest hit by the recession - all slowed the pace of layoffs in November. So did transportation companies and those in leisure and hospitality.

Job gains were produced in education, health care and professional and business services, which mostly reflected temporary hiring. The government added workers, too. Those included states and localities, mainly reflecting the hiring of teachers.

President Barack Obama welcomed the news but lamented that too many Americans "have felt the gut punch of a pink slip."

Facing the prospect of high unemployment well into the 2012 presidential election year, Obama is drafting a proposal to try to stimulate hiring.

"We need to grow jobs and get America back to work as quickly as we can," he said.

Just a month ago, an unexpected spike in the unemployment rate caused some economists to predict it could climb as high as 11 percent. But Friday's report lessened that pessimism, and economists doubted the rate would reach that point.

Still, the jobless rate is expected to resume moving higher, perhaps to 10.5 percent or more by the middle of next year, before drifting down. That's because the recovery is likely to be too weak to spur the job creation needed to quickly drive down the unemployment rate.

The Federal Reserve has estimated that the rate could remain as high as 7.6 percent in 2012.

"The economic storm destroyed more than 7 million jobs over the last two years, and it will take more than two years to get them back," said Bill Cheney, chief economist at John Hancock. "The economy is still weak."

Competition for jobs is so intense that Marla Goldman of Spring Hill, Tenn., has heard back from only six prospective employers out of 100 she's applied to since losing her job with an electronics systems company in October.

She made it to a fifth interview with a company, which booked her a plane ticket to Florida and even sent her an itinerary. But two days later, the company decided to wait on the job until after Jan. 1.

"There are just far more candidates for every job than there are jobs," said Goldman, 50.

To rev up hiring, Obama plans to send Congress a list of ideas, including new tax breaks for small businesses that hire, some new spending on roads, bridges and other construction and grants to state and local governments to avoid layoffs, according to an official who spoke on condition of anonymity because the package was still being crafted.

Congress is not likely to take up a job-creation package until after New Year's.

The administration credits its $787 billion package of tax cuts and increased government spending with improving employment, though Republicans argue it did not help much. The Fed's record-low interest rates, along with other moves to drive down loan rates and stimulate borrowing, have supported the economic rebound.

Most economists said they did not think the better-than-expected jobs news would cause the Fed to raise rates sooner. That's because they predict the jobless rate will remain high and job creation too sluggish. Most analysts do not expect the economy to add jobs consistently each month until spring.

Until employers gain confidence in the recovery, they will be reluctant to ramp up hiring. The few industries creating jobs will probably include health care, education, legal services, data processing, transportation, high-tech manufacturing, electrical power generation and jobs involved in making homes and buildings more energy-efficient, according to Labor Secretary Hilda Solis and private economists.

But November's report suggested that the worst of the job losses are past. And figures out Friday showed that job losses in September and October were not nearly as deep as previously estimated.

The government said 159,000 few jobs were cut in those two months combined. Such revisions are based on more complete information the government gets from companies it surveys. From January through March, the economy lost at least 600,000 jobs each month.

Employment has improved more in some other countries. Canada, for instance, said Friday that its economy added 79,000 jobs last month, reducing its jobless rate to 8.5 percent from 8.6 percent. Canada did not suffer the type of housing meltdown and financial crisis that slammed the U.S. economy last year.

Welcome back, No. 7: Vick returns to Atlanta

This is a July 10, 2003, file photo showing
Atlanta Falcons qarterback Michael Vick,
right, signing autographs as he leaves the
opening day of the Atlanta Falcons mandatory
two day mini camp in Flowery Branch, Ga Vick
once ruled this city. Fans cheered him. Kids
idolized him. He'll return Sunday under much
different circumstances _ a convicted felon
who's now a little-used backup for the Eagles.

ATLANTA -- Roddy White looks forward to seeing Michael Vick. Just don't expect the Falcons receiver to don another T-shirt showing his support for No. 7.

"I've got to be locked in," White said Wednesday, breaking into a hearty laugh. "This is a big game for us."

No one is quite sure what kind of reception Michael Vick will get when he returns to the Georgia Dome for the first time since serving 18 months in federal prison for dogfighting. After being out of the league for two seasons, the former Falcons quarterback is now a little-used backup for the Philadelphia Eagles (7-4), who face the Falcons (6-5) Sunday in a crucial matchup of NFC playoff contenders.

Far from the spare part he is now, Vick was one of the league's most dynamic players during his six years with the Falcons, leading the team to the brink of the Super Bowl after the 2004 season. Some Atlanta fans continue to wear his No. 7 jersey to games, and one group is even planning a welcome home rally for him outside the stadium.

Of course, there will likely be plenty of boos from fans still appalled at the heinous crimes he committed against animals and how much he hurt the franchise that gave him the richest contract in NFL history.

"I don't really know what's going to happen," Vick said Wednesday at the Eagles' training complex. "I know I still enjoy the city. I'll never forget the fans. I'll always be true to them. Who knows? I look forward to going back and being in that stadium. That's going to be like a dream come true, even though I'm on the opposite side."

Back in 2007, on the very day Vick was sentenced to prison, the Falcons played a Monday night game against the New Orleans Saints. White paid tribute to his disgraced friend by wearing a "Free Mike Vick" T-shirt under his jersey, which he pulled up after scoring a touchdown so a national television audience could see the handwritten message - a stunt that drew a $10,000 fine from the NFL.

White has no such plans for Sunday, and there's been so much turnover on the Falcons' roster that only a handful of players who took the field during Vick's tenure are still around. Among the 22 starters, a mere seven are holdovers from No. 7's era.

"I haven't been thinking about it. It doesn't matter to me," said tight end Tony Gonzalez, who's in his first season with the team. "I know he's coming back. I'm sure there are some people who are going to welcome him and some people that are not. That's not my deal. I'm out there to play football."

But Vick still has friends on the team, including White and another receiver, Brian Finneran. Both have stayed in contact with the ex-Atlanta quarterback.

"We're always texting back and forth," White said. "It's more about life, what's going on, things like that. It's nothing football related."

Have they exchange messages this week? Sure.

"I texted him and said, 'I look forward to seeing you on Sunday,'" White said. "He told me, 'Good luck, get out there and do your thing.' I think I'm going to text him today and ask for the game plan."

The receiver was only kidding, of course, but his feelings for Vick are genuine. He's not defending what his former teammate did away from the field, only remembering the good times they had together.

"He welcomed me here, took me under his wing, got me the ball. How could I be mad at the guy?" White asked. "We're cool, man. Right before he had to go off and do his thing (prison sentence), we used to hang out. We developed a great relationship. We're still going to be friends, regardless of football."

Vick also speaks from time to time with Falcons owner Arthur Blank, who supported his former star's re-entry into the league and has continually said he would do anything to make sure he keeps his life on the right track, though he ruled out any chance of Vick ever returning to the Falcons.

"I'll probably give him a call before I get down to Atlanta," Vick said. "We still have that relationship. I always enjoy speaking with Mr. Blank. He's a great guy. He's awesome. He's done a lot of great things for me, things I'll never forget. He's a special person, a person who holds a special place in my heart."

Atlanta broke all ties with its former franchise player by drafting Matt Ryan with the No. 3 overall pick in 2008. The rookie won the starting job right away and led the Falcons too a surprising playoff berth.

In an interesting twist, Ryan won't be playing Sunday because of a toe injury and Vick figures to get only a few plays for the Eagles, if his role up to now is any indication. The three-time Pro Bowler has 15 carries for 65 yards and is 3 of 9 passing for 6 yards. He has yet to score his first post-prison touchdown though he came close in last weekend's win over the Redskins, breaking off a 4-yard run to the 1.

Vick would love a chance to make up for his last game at the Georgia Dome, which was Christmas Eve 2006. He had one of the worst games of his Falcons career, completing 9 of 20 passes for 109 yards with two interceptions and running four times for 32 yards in a 10-3 loss to Carolina.

But Vick knows he's not likely to get on the field for more than a few snaps - quite a letdown for a guy who once dominated in the dome.

"This week is going to be a little tougher than average because I played in that stadium," Vick said. "That's where I started my career, and I have so many great memories."

He no longer has the ritzy house in a gated suburban community; that was put on the auction block after he went to prison. But Vick still has plenty of ties to Atlanta.

"The majority of my friends are still there in the city, and who knows if I get a chance to visit with a couple of them? My time is going to be very limited, so who knows?" Vick said.

"The primary focus is on the football game."

'Lightning rod' Iverson brings excitement, identity to 76ers

Allen "3" Iverson

PHILADELPHIA -- Allen Iverson broke down just two minutes into his opening statement to the media at his introductory press conference with the Sixers Thursday evening.In attempting to describe his relationship with the fans of this city and the opportunity he has to play in front of them again, Iverson was brought to tears."The relationship that I have with these fans is like no other, I think, in sports," Iverson said. "I have a love for them, and they love me.

"When I had the opportunity to come back here, I couldn't turn it down."

And thus began the newest reality show on television, "A.I.'s Last Chance," to be broadcast three or four times a week on NBA League Pass.

The remainder of the Sixers' season will not be about the team's sudden inability to defend or their abandonment of Eddie Jordan's Princeton offense less than a month into the season. Whether the Sixers are winning or losing, and whether he's the reason for the wins or the losses, Iverson will be the story.

But there is no denying that it's great story. The 13-year veteran and one-time icon, with nowhere else to go, comes home with one more chance to restore his reputation.

"This is where my love is at," Iverson said. "I want to be here. I always felt it was strange having another uniform on. I never felt comfortable with another uniform on."

He admitted to making mistakes in his past. He said he could understand why most teams in the league, despite all his talent, had no interest in signing him, given two opportunities to do so in the last few months.

"That bad rap followed me, and it ended up hurting me," he said.

When Iverson met with Ed Stefanski on Monday, the Sixers president had a notebook with a list of issues the player needed to address.

"That's the biggest notebook you have, as far as issues with me?" Iverson asked. "You need something the size of a phone book or something, with all the things that people have said about me."

He's ready to address all the issues. He's saying all the right things. But he has said all the right things before. At every stop he's made, we've heard Iverson tell us how he's learned from his mistakes. And at every stop, he has continued to make mistakes.

The latest one, his reaction to not starting for the Grizzlies earlier this season, is another one he regrets.

"It was something that I wasn't accustomed to and I didn't know how to deal with it," Iverson said. "And obviously, I didn't deal with it the right way."

The Sixers, despite a huge hole in the backcourt with Lou Williams out eight weeks, have not guaranteed him a starting job. But Iverson sees the talent on the roster and has no problem with playing a different role than the one he had the last time he wore a Sixers uniform.

"It's totally different with this situation," Iverson said, "because if you look at my career here, I was always called on to be the scorer every single night. There's guys on this team that can get it done on given nights.

"It's about winning basketball games. Some nights, I won't be the guy taking all the shots like I used to do. I won't be the guy scoring a lot of the points. But some nights, I will. All it is is playing winning basketball.

"I want to fit in. I want to be just a part of any success that we have. I just want to be one of the guys."

While he understands the criticism about his inability to accept his role in Detroit and Memphis, Iverson denies that he's ever been selfish on the court.

"That's the thing that hurt me out of all the things that I've been hearing," he said.

The Sixers now have three All-Star caliber players. With Iverson controlling the ball, Elton Brand on the block and Andre Iguodala on the wing, this can be a very good team if they're all on the same page. So far this season, the team has lacked an identity, struggling on both ends of the floor, despite a recent history of being a very good defensive squad.

Stefanski calls Iverson a "lightning rod," and believes his presence will be a driving force as the Sixers try to get out of their current funk, having lost eight straight games. He also believes that Iverson's ability to leave everything out on the floor will inspire his new teammates to play with more fire.

"If he can play that same way for our young kids to see it, that's huge," Stefanski said.

The reality show continues Monday. It may make the Sixers a better team. It may not. Either way, it will be interesting. And it will likely be the last chapter of a great career.

Iverson may not have a choice, but he says he wants to retire a Sixer. And he believes that if he can help the team and do what they ask of him, retirement won't have to come at the end of this season.

"I don't want to prove anybody wrong in this situation," Iverson said. "I'm not in it for that. If I can help my team win basketball games the way that coach wants me to help, then I'll be satisfied."

One Philadelphia Man's Vote Swings an Election -- His Own

by KYW's John Ostapkovich

One of our colleagues here at KYW Newsradio has won election to a city office, without even running for it.

Ed Fischer is a dedicated guy. As webmaster, he makes sure that KYW1060.com is current and correct, so it's probably no surprise that he voted in the November 3rd election even though it was an "off" year.

In the voting booth, he says, he made a spur-of-the-moment decision:

"I saw that there was no candidate in either the Republican or Democratic column for judge of elections. I had a pencil in my pocket, so I opened up the little window and I wrote my own name in."

For full story go to:

http://www.kyw1060.com/

Philadelphia Plans Tax Amnesty Period for Those Who Owe

by KYW's Mike Dunn

Philadelphia's cash-strapped government is going to stage a tax amnesty next spring in hopes of getting deadbeats to pay up.

But they're not expecting much.

Philadelphia is currently owed about $1 billion in back taxes, according to city revenue commissioner Keith Richardson, who says the Nutter administration now plans a 45-day tax amnesty starting next May 3rd:

"You would have to pay principal, and half of the interest that is owed."

The city will forgive the other half of the interest owed and all the penalties.

For full story go to: http://www.kyw1060.com/

Comcast Announces Deal to Buy Controlling Stake in NBC

Comcast Announces Deal to Buy Controlling Stake in NBC

KYW Newsradio Team Coverage

Comcast announced on Thursday morning that it has purchased a controlling interest in NBC Universal. The deal makes the nation's largest cable TV provider one of the biggest owners of TV and movie programming.

KYW's Mike DeNardo reports that the deal creates an unprecedented marriage of programming and distribution.

Comcast would not only control a major cable pipeline, but the programming that flows through it.

Comcast CEO Brian Roberts (right) says combining Comcast and NBC Universal creates a company that is "strategically complete." In a conference call, Comcast chief operating officer Steve Burke says there are no major changes planned for the company's headquarters:

For full story go to:

http://www.kyw1060.com/

Obama family lights National Christmas Tree

Obama family lights National Christmas Tree

President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and daughters Sasha and Malia help to light the National Christmas Tree, Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009, in Washington.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama got some help lighting the National Christmas Tree.

First lady Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha assisted with this annual tradition on Thursday. They helped the president press a button and light the 40-foot Colorado blue spruce growing on the Ellipse, just south of the White House. The tree was planted in 1978.

Every president since Calvin Coolidge in 1923 has presided over the lighting ceremony

Secret Service benches 3 over gatecrashing

Secret Service benches 3 over gatecrashing

Secret Service Director Mark Sullivan testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009, before the House Homeland Security Committee hearing on a White House security breach. A placard for Michaele Salahi sits in front of an empty seat during the hearing.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Three Secret Service officers have been put on administrative leave after the security breach at last week's White House dinner, an episode President Barack Obama said hasn't shaken his confidence in his protectors.

The president nevertheless acknowledged Thursday that the "the system didn't work the way it was supposed to."

Despite the screw-up, the president was never at risk, Secret Service Director Mark Sullivan told Congress on Thursday.

"Pure and simple, this was human error" in which normal security protocols were not followed, Sullivan testified. So far, the service's continuing investigation has found three people from the agency's uniformed officer division responsible for the security breach and all three have been taken off duty until a review of the matter is completed, he added.

Sullivan had said early on that it was the Secret Service's fault that a Virginia couple made its way to the administration's first state dinner without an invitation.

But as criticisms grew, the White House stepped up Wednesday to shoulder some of the responsibility. The White House social office was told to return to a long-standing policy of having White House employees stationed at security checkpoints to help the Secret Service clear up any problems over invitations to these exclusive events.

For all the uproar, Obama said he still feels safe in the mansion and trusts the Secret Service to protect him and his family.

"I could not have more confidence in the Secret Service," Obama told USA Today and the Detroit Free Press.

Some House lawmakers, however, weren't as assured.

The chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, Rep. Bennie Thompson, said, "We're all fortunate that this diplomatic celebration did not become a night of horror."

"How in the world could this couple get past the Secret Service?" Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, asked.

Sullivan responded: "I've asked myself that question 1,000 times over the last week."

The couple - Tareq and Michaele Salahi - and White House social secretary Desiree Rogers were also invited to testify Thursday, but all three declined.

Committee staffers are already drafting subpoenas to compel the two aspiring reality TV stars to testify.

The committee's top Republican, New York's Peter King, said it's critical that the White House allow Rogers to testify as well. Sullivan told the lawmakers that the Secret Service and the White House social office together developed the security plan for the Nov. 24 dinner. Thompson is reluctant to subpoena Rogers - an Obama political appointee - because he maintains the Secret Service is responsible for security. King said he will ask Thompson to amend the Salahi subpoena to include Rogers.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs cited the separation of powers and a history of White House staff not testifying before Congress in explaining why Rogers, herself a guest at the dinner, wouldn't testify.

As a candidate, Obama supported Congress' right to subpoena White House employees in cases of wrongdoing, even if it meant as president he might be weaker for it. So far, questions have been raised about Rogers' judgment, but no one has suggested she broke any law.

"This blanket notion that you can't subpoena White House aides where there's evidence of genuine wrongdoing I think is completely misguided," Obama said last year. "We're a nation of laws and not men and women so, you know, and that's a precedent I don't mind living with as president of the United States."

As for any penalties the Salahis might face, there was no indication that the Secret Service had referred the incident to federal prosecutors for criminal charges, but the service's internal probe isn't finished.

Former assistant U.S. attorney Stephen Ryan said he thinks it's unlikely the Salahis will be charged, but the government could theoretically prosecute them for making false statements to the Secret Service, a felony carrying a maximum penalty of five years in prison. That, however, would depend heavily on what the couple told the screeners at the White House that night, which has not been disclosed. "It would seem to me that could cover this event," said Ryan, who once prosecuted a White House fence jumper.

Another possible charge might be trespassing but that could prove difficult because they were granted permission to enter the property.

At the hearing King asked if the Salahis would have been able to penetrate the White House if a representative of the social office staff had been present at the checkpoints for clearance assistance. Sullivan said, "It would have helped."

He added that the agency is still reviewing what security protocols weren't followed.

On NBC's "Today" show this week, the Salahis maintained they did nothing wrong. They have been trying to land a part on a Bravo reality show, "The Real Housewives of D.C.," and were filmed by the TV show around town as they prepared for the White House dinner.

On the eve of the hearing, the Salahis' publicist, Mahogany Jones, said they believe "there is nothing further that they can do to assist Congress in its inquiry regarding White House protocol and certain security procedures."

Jones said the White House protocol at the dinner "was either deficient or mismanaged" and that "there were honest misunderstandings and mistakes made by all parties involved."

After Sullivan left the hearing room, committee staff placed two name cards on the witness table for the Salahis, and Thompson spoke briefly to the empty witness table as photographers snapped away.

Obama calls for new ideas for creating jobs

Obama calls for new ideas for creating jobs

President Barack Obama, accompanied by Vice President Joe Biden, speaks at the opening of his jobs summit, officially known as the Jobs and Economic Growth Forum, Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009, in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House campus in Washington.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama promised at a White House jobs forum on Thursday to take "every responsible step to accelerate job creation," including some ideas he said could be put into action quickly. He cited an expanded program to help make more U.S. homes energy-efficient as an example.

He also mentioned trade measures and possible new tax incentives among ways to stop job losses that are the worst since the 1930s.

"This has been a tough year, with a lot of uncertainty," Obama said as he wrapped up the half-day brainstorming session with more than 100 CEOs, academics, small business and union leaders and local officials. "There's no question that it's difficult out there right now,"

The president said there were some ideas that could be put to work almost immediately and other ideas that will become part of legislation for Congress to consider. He listed "moving forward on an aggressive agenda for energy efficiency and weatherization" as a prime candidate for quick action.

With unemployment levels above 10 percent, Obama said "We cannot hang back and hope for the best."

But, mindful of growing anxiety about federal deficits, Obama also tempered his upbeat talk with an acknowledgment that government resources could only go so far and that it is primarily up to the private sector to create large numbers of new jobs.

He said while he's "open to every demonstrably good idea ... we also though have to face the fact that our resources are limited."

Obama spoke a day before the Labor Department was to report unemployment figures for November. The October jobless level soared into double digits to 10.2 percent, and forecasters don't expect the November figures to be any better - and they could even be worse.

The president was expected to stay on topic with a Friday visit to economically distressed Allentown, Pa.

As Obama and participants focused on the big picture, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., was more narrowly focused, telling reporters that Congress will tap unused funds from last year's $700 billion Wall Street bailout to pay for new spending on roads and bridges and save the jobs of firefighters, teachers and other public employees.

Pelosi didn't give a price tag on the initiative.

However, congressional Democrats who have talked with Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and other administration officials are eyeing up to $70 billion in funds, said a House Democratic aide who required anonymity to describe the private talks.

Obama opened the session by challenging participants to help him come up with innovative ideas for putting millions of Americans back to work, saying he wants the "biggest bang for the buck."

Then the guests broke into different working groups to brainstorm with administration officials.

Dropping in on a session on "Green Jobs of the Future," Obama said, "Not to tip our hand too much, but one of the things I would be surprised if we don't end up moving forward on is an aggressive agenda for energy efficiency and weatherization. Because that is an area where we can get it up and running relatively quickly. You don't need new technologies."

Obama told the group that clean energy was the nation's best candidate "if we are to shift from the bubble and bust model that we have. ... We want to make a push in this area."

He cited the success of the administration's Cash for Clunkers program, noting that car companies carried much of the marketing responsibilities that helped make the effort so popular. Home improvement companies like Home Depot would be key as partners in any future jobs program focusing on energy efficiencies, Obama told company chairman Frank Blake.

Obama also dropped in on a group looking at job creation tied to spending on the nation's aging infrastructure. He told participants he believed a number of "tensions" made development of green jobs difficult, including a struggle with Congress on legislation to combat global warming, the federal government's limited ability to invest the billions needed and the short-term push to create immediate jobs that might clash with long-term environmental initiatives.

The forum was kicked off by Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, who called the present unemployment rate "a stark reminder of how much we have to do." She said the administration "will not rest" until it had been successful at job creation.

Vice President Joe Biden also addressed an audience that included the CEOs of Google, Xerox, Boeing and General Electric, labor leaders and prominent economists and told them they were vital components in any strong recovery. "Without you, it will not become a reality," he said.

Perhaps unwittingly, Biden took the event a bit off-message at the start, painting a more dire picture of the nation's economy than typically heard out of the administration.

He recalled an old Ronald Reagan line that people see the problem as merely a downturn when a stranger is out of work and a recession if it's a relative who is unemployed - but a full-blown depression when they themselves lose a job.

"And it is a depression" for the nation's more than 10 million unemployed, Biden added

Obama said he'd heard some "exciting ideas and proposals" on how to spur hiring. He also said he welcomed the suggestions as well as some "good, hardheaded feedback" from some people who don't always share his views, including the former top economic adviser to 2008 Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain, economist Douglas Holtz-Eakin, who also addressed a rival GOP jobs forum earlier in the day.

Obama said. "Digging ourselves out of the hole we have dug into is not going to be easy."

Republicans invited mostly conservative economists to their competing round-table discussion on jobs.

At that session, Holtz-Eakin suggested the single best thing Obama could do to create jobs was "to reverse course on a dangerous agenda of debt-financed spending, crippling regulation, expensive mandates and intrusive government expansion."

Another person invited to the White House forum who was not a fan of the president during last year's campaign was Jim Whitehurst, the president and CEO of open source software company Red Hat.

But after sitting through his session, he was surprised how officials were asking business leaders for specifics.

"It really was trying to get some practical perspective on what of these things would work," Whitehurst said.

Whitehurst said he expected Obama would tell the nation in a speech on the economy on Tuesday that their first steps were to stabilize the economy and now the White House's economic team would focus on jobs, based on the rhetoric he heard repeatedly during his session.

Meanwhile, Obama rejected criticism from black members of Congress that he is ignoring the more dire economic problems of minorities. Blacks for instance have a much higher unemployment rate than the already high national average. The president said it would be wrong for him to focus narrowly on blacks or any other minority group.

----

Associated Press writers Andrew Taylor, Philip Elliott, Jennifer Loven, Joan Lowy, Brett J. Blackledge and Sam Hananel contributed to this report.

Health bill survives first big test _ on Medicare

Health bill survives first big test _ on Medicare

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nev., right, and Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md. meet with reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday,Dec. 1, 2009.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Unflinching on a critical first test, Senate Democrats closed ranks Thursday behind $460 billion in politically risky Medicare cuts at the heart of health care legislation, thwarting a Republican attempt to doom President Barack Obama's sweeping overhaul.

The bid by the bill's critics to reverse cuts to the popular Medicare program failed on a vote of 58-42, drawing the support of two Democratic defectors. Approval would have stripped out money needed to pay for expanding coverage to tens of millions of uninsured Americans.

The broader legislation aims to extend health coverage to 31 million who now lack it, while barring insurance industry practices such as denying coverage on the basis of pre-existing medical conditions. Though the overhaul is estimated to cost about $1 trillion over a decade, the Congressional Budget Office has said it would cut federal deficits by $130 billion over that period, and probably reduce them further in the 10 years beyond that.

"Our bill does nothing to reduce guaranteed Medicare benefits," said Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., as several fellow Democrats accused Republican critics of making false claims of potential harm during three days of debate.

The AARP supported the 10-year package of cuts in projected spending, giving Democrats political cover for their decision to pare back subsidies to private Medicare plans as well as payments to hospitals, hospices, home health agencies and other providers.

Republicans disagreed vigorously. "Medicare is already in trouble. The program needs to be fixed, not raided to create another new government program," said the party's leader, Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.

The Medicare vote came not long after the Senate backed a guarantee for all insured women age 40 and older to receive mammograms with no out-of-pocket costs. The breast cancer screening test would be included in an array of preventive measures that insurance plans would be required to cover. The proposal cleared on a near party-line vote of 61-39, one more than the 60 needed for passage. It essentially wiped out a federal advisory committee recommendation to defer routine mammograms until women reach the age of 50.

The day's votes were the first since the Senate's health care debate began on Monday, and demonstrated the ability of Democrats to move ahead in the face of implacable Republican opposition.

At the same time, Democrats worked in private meetings to settle controversies within the party that are still standing in the way of the bill's passage. The most contentious of these involves proposals for the government to sell insurance in competition with private companies, an approach supported by liberals but opposed by most Democratic moderates and conservatives.

"Our caucus is now in the process of negotiating with ourselves because we need all 60 of us to get this done," said Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., after one closed-door meeting. Senate procedures require 60 votes to overcome Republican delaying tactics designed to kill the bill.

Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said he expected all such issues to be worked out soon, but he did not specify precisely when.

For the time being, that left the two parties free to engage in an intensely political debate on health care, an issue that is certain to play a role in next year's midterm elections.

Unwilling to allow Republican charges on Medicare to go unanswered, Democrats responded with an alternative that stated no guaranteed benefits would be cut from the program and its finances would be strengthened.

The lead proponent of that provision was Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado, who was appointed to his seat earlier in the year and faces a difficult campaign in 2010. "This is a message amendment," his office informed fellow Democrats in an e-mail unintended for publication, indicating its purpose was partially political.

The bill "does not take away any seniors' guaranteed Medicare benefits," Bennet said on the Senate floor. "We know that the bill extends Medicare solvency for five additional years." It passed 100-0.

Sen. John McCain of Arizona, Obama's Republican opponent in last year's presidential race, laid bare the political nature of the debate by making a recording to be telephoned automatically to thousands of voters in states represented by Democrats, urging the deletion of the Medicare cuts. The calls were paid for by the National Republican Senatorial Committee and took aim at Bennet as well as Sens. Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas, who is seeking a new term next year, and Ben Nelson of Nebraska.

In the end, Nelson and Sen. Jim Webb of Virginia were the only Democrats to support McCain's proposal.

On the other side, Republicans would not allow the Democrats to go unchallenged on women's health with a proposal long backed by Sen. Barbara Mikulski requiring the government to develop a list of tests to be covered at no additional cost to the patient.

On Wednesday, Sen. David Vitter, R-La., made it explicit that mammograms would be covered for women at age 40.

More broadly, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, backed an alternative that gave GOP senators opposed to the Democratic proposal a measure they could support. It urged the insurance industry to consult with medical experts in deciding what preventive tests to provide. But it provided no government guarantee that any would be required, did not rule out copays for patients undergoing the procedures, and would have wiped out a list of free tests for men and women that Democrats wrote into their legislation.

It failed on a vote of 59-41 with Nelson siding with the Republicans.

Political philosophy played a hidden role in the struggle over women's health. Republicans have accused Democrats for months of supporting a federal takeover of health care. Murkowski quietly shelved an earlier draft of her amendment that would have given the government authority to require additional preventive tests and raised the cost of the bill by $30 billion over a decade. One Republican said conservatives objected, forcing the switch.

Overall, the $1 trillion legislation would require most Americans to purchase insurance and provide federal subsidies to lower and middle income individuals and families to defray the cost. Businesses would not be required to provide coverage to their employees, but large firms would face a penalty if they did not and if any of their workers received federal subsidies.

Consumers would be allowed to shop for insurance in a new marketplace in which companies would compete for business by selling policies that provide benefits according to standards established by the federal government.

RFP: Environmental Justice Small Grant Program to emphasize the need to address Climate Change in Environmental Justice Communities.

by Diane White
diane@dlighten.com 
(717) 232-1722 

EPA’s Environmental Justice Grant  RFP

Environmental Justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income when it comes to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.

Fair treatment means that no group of people should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental consequences resulting from industrial, governmental and commercial operations or policies. Meaningful involvement means that all people have an opportunity to participate in decisions about activities that may affect their environment and/or health and Influence the regulatory agency's decision. Meaningful involvement also means that the concerns of the people will be considered in the decision making process and that the decision makers seek out and facilitate the involvement of those potentially affected.

The environmental justice movement started in urban and rural communities populated by blacks, the poor and people of color, who sought to address the  lack of environmental protection in their communities. Grounded in the struggles of the 1960's Civil Rights Movement, this movement continues to sound the alarm about  public health dangers to these families, their communities and themselves. The Philadelphia Front Page News, a community sponsored online news exchange is committed to sounding these alarms loud and clear. with the FPN Environmental News Videos  which post continuously  to the site, demonstrating the commitment of its volunteer staff to bringing its readers the most up to date information possible  along with the resources and tools the community  needs to influence the decision makers.

The EPA has been providing small environmental justice grants for the past 15 years.  The goal of the Environmental Justice Small Grants Program (EJSG) is to support and empower environmental justice communities working on solutions to local environmental and public health issues. They have recently released the Application Guidance(43 pp, 528K) for FY2010. This year's EJSG program focuses on  the need to address the disproportionate impacts of climate change in communities with environmental justice concerns.  The EPA EJ Small Grants Program is a national program with total funding available for the 2010FY at $1,000,000.  EPA anticipates awarding approximately 40 grants in the amount of $25,000 each.

Those wishing to appy for funding are invited to participate in conference calls with EPA to address questions about the EJSG Program. The following are the conference call dates and times. Please call or send an e-mail to Sheila Lewis at lewis.sheila@epa.gov and provide the following information:
your name; the name of your organization; the address of your organization; your phone number; and the preferred date for the call.

Date

Time (EST)

December 3, 2009

1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

December 17, 2009

1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

The Philadelphia Front Page News is committed to bringing you the latest on Environmental Justice.

For more information on Environmental Justice visit:

US EPA Grants & Programs/ Environmental Justice

National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC)
A Federal committee providing recommendations to EPA on environmental justice matters

Meetings | Recommendations | Subcommittees

 
Environmental Justice Grants
Providing financial assistance to for projects to address local environmental concerns

Federal Interagency Working Group on Environmental Justice (IWG)
Various Federal agencies and White House offices working to integrate environmental justice into its individual programs

Environmental Justice Achievement Awards
Recognizing the achievements of organizations that undertake environmental justice initiatives which make a positive impact in the community.

Environmental Justice | Compliance and Enforcement | US EPA

Another Luzerne County Judge Charged with Corruption

A third judge in northeastern Pennsylvania has been charged with corruption on the bench.

Federal prosecutors on Wednesday filed fraud and tax charges against Luzerne County judge Michael Toole (above). Court documents indicate he will plead guilty.

Prosecutors say Toole "corruptly abused" his position by concealing his financial relationship with an attorney who appeared before him in court. They say the 49-year-old judge "improperly ruled" in the attorney's favor in an arbitration case.

For full story go to: http://www.kyw1060.com/

Phila. 76ers Get Iverson's Answer: Yes.

by KYW's Mark Abrams and Paul Kurtz

Allen Iverson is returning to the Philadelphia 76ers. The team's 1996 top draft pick will be back in a Sixers uniform on Monday night.

General manager Ed Stefanski (right) announced on the team's web site that Iverson had accepted an offer to return, although he didn't disclose details.

However, reports say it's a one-year deal with no guarantees.

Said Stefanski in a written statement

For full story go to: http://www.kyw1060.com/

Tiger Woods: 'Personal failings' let family down

Tiger Woods: 'Personal failings' let family down

FILE - In this June 11, 2009, file photo, Tiger Woods and his wife, Elin Nordegren watch the fourth quarter of Game 4 of the NBA basketball finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Orlando Magic in Orlando, Fla. Tiger Woods said he let his family down with "transgressions" he regrets "with all of my heart," and that he will deal with his personal life behind closed doors. His statement Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009, follows a cover story in Us Weekly magazine that reports a Los Angeles cocktail waitress claims she had a 31-month affair with the world's No. 1 golfer.

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) -- With a public apology and another appeal for privacy, Tiger Woods acknowledged Wednesday that he let his family down with unspecified "transgressions" that he regrets with "all of my heart." "I have not been true to my values and the behavior my family deserves," Woods said on his Web site following a magazine report of an alleged affair.

It was his longest statement since a middle-of-the-night car crash outside his Florida home last week set off the greatest media scrutiny of Woods' career and his 5-year-old marriage to former model Elin Nordegren. He did not go into detail and said he would deal with his "personal failings" with his family.

"Those feelings should be shared by us alone," he said.

Shortly after the investigation of the car accident ended Tuesday with a $164 citation for careless driving, Us Weekly reported that a Los Angeles cocktail waitress claims she had a 31-month affair with the world's No. 1 golfer.

About three hours before Woods' statement, the magazine released what it said was a voice mail - provided by the waitress, Jaimee Grubbs - that Woods left on her phone three days before his accident.

"I will strive to be a better person and the husband and father that my family deserves," Woods said on his Web site. "For all of those who have supported me over the years, I offer my profound apology."

Woods' career - as a golfer, a pitchman and perhaps the most recognized athlete in the world - has been largely without blemish since he turned pro at age 20.

Three of his sponsors - Nike, Gatorade and EA Sports - expressed support or commitment to Woods. Gillette said it had no plans to change its marketing programs. AT&T declined comment.

In the most critical comment from a player, Jesper Parnevik said he owed Nordegren an apology for introducing her to Woods. She once worked as a nanny for the Parnevik family.

"We probably thought he was a better guy than he is," Parnevik told The Golf Channel from West Palm Beach, Fla., where he is in the final stage of PGA Tour qualifying.

Police said Woods' wife told them she smashed out the back window of his Cadillac Escalade SUV with a golf club to help get him out after he struck a fire hydrant and tree.

"I would probably need to apologize to her and hope she uses a driver next time instead of a 3-iron," Parnevik said, adding that he has not spoken to Woods since the accident.

"It's a private thing, of course," the Swede said. "But when you are the guy he is - the world's best athlete - you should think more before you do stuff ... and maybe not 'Just do it,' like Nike says."

But other professional athletes had sympathy for Woods.

Jason Taylor walked into the Miami Dolphins' locker room and saw ESPN running a tease about Woods. He reached up and turned off the TV. "Nobody's damned business," Taylor said.

Minnesota Vikings kicker Ryan Longwell lives in the same Isleworth gated community as Woods outside Orlando, Fla., and said it was "crazy" in the neighborhood. He said his wife told him paparazzi were everywhere and helicopters hovered overhead.

"My wife is a blonde and wears sunglasses in Florida, so every time she comes out of the gate, they're snapping pictures," Longwell said. "It's a different thing than we've ever faced down there. It's certainly a new wrinkle to it.

"You just pray for his family," Longwell said. "You pray for his wife and kids. Just pray that if what's coming out is true that he can learn from it and move on."

In its final report released Wednesday, the Florida Highway Patrol said Woods caused $3,200 in property damage, was not wearing a seat belt and was traveling 30 mph in a 25 mph zone.

The six-page report - which did not include statements from Woods, his wife or any witnesses - said Woods' SUV rubbed up against bushes, crossed over a curb, onto a grass median and into a row of hedges before striking the fire hydrant and a tree. Damage to his Cadillac Escalade was estimated at $8,000.

Far more damaging to his image was the Us Weekly cover story.

Grubbs told the magazine she met Woods at a Las Vegas nightclub the week after the 2007 Masters - two months before Woods' wife gave birth to their first child.

In the voice mail released by the magazine, a man says to Grubbs:

"Hey, it's, uh, it's Tiger. I need you to do me a huge favor. Um, can you please, uh, take your name off your phone. My wife went through my phone. And, uh, may be calling you. If you can, please take your name off that and, um, and what do you call it just have it as a number on the voice mail, just have it as your telephone number. That's it, OK. You gotta do this for me. Huge. Quickly. All right. Bye."

The Associated Press could not confirm Woods was the caller.

Woods' limited response after the crash - the first statement Friday spoke of a "minor accident" - fueled speculation about a domestic dispute.

"The stories in particular that physical violence played any role in the car accident were utterly false and malicious," Woods said. "Elin has always done more to support our family and shown more grace than anyone could possibly expect."

Woods acknowledged his celebrity status - 82 victories, 14 majors and the first $1 billion athlete - while maintaining his right to keep his personal affairs just that.

"But no matter how intense curiosity about public figures can be, there is an important and deep principle at stake which is the right to some simple, human measure of privacy," Woods said. "I realize there are some who don't share my view on that. But for me, the virtue of privacy is one that must be protected in matters that are intimate and within one's own family. Personal sins should not require press releases and problems within a family shouldn't have to mean public confessions."

The PGA Tour said only that Woods' statement "speaks for itself."

Such sordid revelations come at a crucial time for the PGA Tour, which is talking to a dozen companies with tournament sponsorship deals that expire after 2010. The tour also is to begin negotiations next year for a new TV contract.

Neal Pilson, former CBS Sports president who runs his own consulting business, did not think it would affect the next deal.

"We're seeing this in the glare of the day, these incredible revelations," Pilson said. "At some point, he'll play golf and he'll move on. At some point, this will become more embarrassing to the media than Tiger."

TV ratings typically double when Woods is contention, and he has begun his season every year since 2006 at Torrey Pines in San Diego, which starts Jan. 28.

"Ratings will be good for golf. Aren't you going to be watching?" Pilson said. "The ratings for Tiger are going to be higher than they might be ordinarily. I don't think there will be any negative fallout for golf. This is a Tiger Woods story. He happens to be a golfer, but he's a worldwide personality."

According to the magazine, Grubbs said she was 21 when first approached by Woods in Las Vegas. The magazine said that meeting "progressed into a clandestine on-and-off affair" that included hundreds of texts.

"I hope he can forgive me for doing this and I know he probably can't," Grubbs is quoted as saying. "Whatever happens with Elin, I hope Tiger and I can reconnect and remain good friends."

Reached in Sweden on Wednesday, Woods' father-in-law, Thomas Nordegren said: "I don't want to comment on this whatsoever."

Fort Hood suspect charged with attempted murder

Fort Hood suspect charged with attempted murder

FILE - The 2007 picture provided by the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences shows Nidal Hasan when he entered the program for his Disaster and Military Psychiatry Fellowship. An attorney for the Army psychiatrist charged with killing 13 people at Fort Hood says the Army is ordering a mental evaluation for his client. Attorney John Galligan says he received notice Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2009 that the Army wants to perform the exam on Hasan.

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) -- An Army psychiatrist who may face the death penalty after the mass shooting at Fort Hood was charged Wednesday with 32 counts of attempted premeditated murder relating to the scores of soldiers and two civilian police officers injured in the attack, military officials said.

Maj. Nidal Hasan has already been charged with 13 counts of premeditated murder after the Nov. 5 shooting in a building at the Texas Army post where soldiers must go before being deployed. Witnesses said he jumped on a desk and shouted "Allahu Akbar!" - Arabic for "God is great!" Army officials have said he was armed with two pistols, one a semiautomatic capable of firing up to 20 rounds without reloading.

The additional charges come less than 24 hours after Hasan's civilian attorney was notified that the Army plans to evaluate Hasan to test his competency to stand trial as well as his mental state at the time of the shooting.

John Galligan, Hasan's attorney, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that Army officials had not returned his calls so he did not know when or where the "mental responsibility" exam would take place. Galligan said he had filed an objection to the evaluation pointing out that Hasan was still in intensive care at a San Antonio military hospital recovering from gunshot wounds that left him paralyzed.

"I'm incensed at the way the military is handling this, serving additional charges on my client when he's in the hospital and defense attorneys are not present," Galligan told The AP by phone from his office near Fort Hood, about 150 miles southwest of Fort Worth. "And nobody will tell me what the plans are for the evaluation."

Authorities have received a request from Hasan's superior for a mental exam but have not yet ordered it, said Chris Haug, a Fort Hood spokesman.

The results of the mental evaluation could prevent Hasan from being sent to death row or even being tried at all, although those scenarios are unlikely, experts say.

The exam is done by a board of mental health professionals to determine whether the suspect had a severe mental illness at the time of the crime; if so, his or her clinical psychological diagnosis; whether that prevented him from knowing at the time that his alleged actions were wrong; and if he is competent to stand trial, according to military law.

The evaluation usually takes several days and involves psychological testing and interviews by the board, said Richard Stevens, an attorney who specializes in defending military cases but is not involved in Hasan's case.

The board can review any evidence presented by prosecutors and defense attorneys, although the exam is closed to everyone except the doctors and Hasan, Stevens said.

"The government often requests a mental evaluation in cases where (insanity) may be the defense, because they want to know sooner rather than later what the doctors will determine about the defendant's mental status so they feel comfortable proceeding," he said.

If the board decides Hasan is not competent to stand trial, he would be hospitalized until he is found competent, Stevens said.

If it deems that Hasan had a severe mental illness but did not lack mental responsibility at the time of the crime, the military must decide whether to proceed with the case or drop the charges and have Hasan discharged from the Army based on his mental illness, Stevens said.

Prosecutors likely would dismiss the case if the board determined that Hasan lacked mental responsibility, because in a trial they would be faced with trying to discredit their own military health professionals, Stevens said.

If the case goes to trial, his defense attorneys can still use the insanity defense, which is rare, Stevens said.

A soldier being acquitted by reason of lacking mental responsibility also is rare and "can create great strains within the military behavioral health care system," according to a 2006 paper by three military doctors in the Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law. The military didn't establish rules for what to do with such soldiers until 1996, according to the paper.

"He wouldn't remain in a military facility at that point because he would have been found not guilty, so the issue now is his mental state," Stevens said.

If a military jury were to acquit Hasan based on the insanity defense, he would be committed to a medical facility and evaluated to see if he poses a danger to society, Stevens said.

Then at a post-trial hearing, if the exam results revealed that he posed no danger, he could be released back to his Army unit, Stevens said. But the Army likely would have him discharged based on his mental illness and then he would be in the U.S. attorney general's custody, which would also happen if he was deemed a threat, Stevens said.

The attorney general usually asks the state to take over and place him in a mental facility, according to military law. If the state refuses, the attorney general would have him confined to a federal facility.

It's unclear if such a defendant would ever be released, but his case likely would be governed by the rules of the state or federal system on involuntary commitments.

Authorities have not said if they plan to seek the death penalty. If they do, and Hasan is convicted and receives that punishment, he would be sent to death row at the military prison in Fort Leavenworth, Kan.

There hasn't been a military execution since 1961, though five men sit on the military's death row at Fort Leavenworth. Before a military execution can be carried out, the president must personally approve. George W. Bush signed an execution order last year for a former Army cook who was convicted of multiple rapes and murders in the 1980s, but a federal judge has stayed that order to allow for a new round of appeals in federal court.

Sarah Palin and Barack Obama by Jerome Maida jeromemaida@hotmail.com (570) 282-1388

Sarah Palin and Barack Obama by Jerome Maida jeromemaida@hotmail.com (570) 282-1388


Going Rogue by Sarah Palin is the
number one book on the Amazon.com
bestseller list today.

Sarah Palin and Barack Obama seem to have a lot in common, although you wouldn't know it at first glance.

Their ideology couldn't be more different and they are of different genders and races to name some obvious contrasts.

But the biggest difference that becomes more apparent with every passing day is how they are treated by the media.

Palin's much-anticipated autobiography "Going Rogue" - which is still flying off shelves and already an enormous sales success after less than three weeks in release - is seen by many as a way for the former Alaska Governor to "stay in the game", keep her star bright, get her personal story out unfiltered and - possibly - help position her for a future Presidential run.

The supposedly non-biased Associated Press had 11 fact-checkers look at "Going Rogue".

Which would be only slightly unfair and overboard if one didn't remember that President Obama - who is also a political rock star who rose fast without many knowing much about him - wrote TWO books about his life and the Associate Press never had one fact-checker look into either one of them. To this day.

Think about that. A man without a long public career wrote two books and no one at the Associated Press thought it might be helpful or informative or beneficial to the public to assign one fact-checker to his book. Not while people were getting to know him in Iowa. Not through the long primary campaign. Not when he had clinched his party's nomination. Not during the general campaign. And he is now the most powerful man in the world, and they still haven't.
Yet Sarah Palin is currently a private citizen and POSSIBLE future candidate. No one knows if she will run for anything as of today. Yet the Associated Press felt they had to make sure they went over her book with the finest of fine-tooth combs and drafted eleven individuals to make sure there were no misquotes, mistakes or factual errors in her book. They feel it is that important to the public.



Yet to this day, they don't feel the most powerful man in the world's life story should fall under the same scrutiny.

Do we really think Obama is that wonderful and perfect and important? Are we in the media that terrified to puncture the myth of a transcendent, perfect Obama that we don't want to know the truth about him?

At the same time, are we so scared about Palin, what she believes and what she possibly represents that it is acceptable to try to destroy her at all costs?

The Associated Press seems to have answered both questions with their etreme reactions in opposite directions to Obama's and Palin's tomes. If this is a sign that the media truly is choosing who they want to build up and who they want to destroy and who gets a pass, that should disturb everyone of all political stripes.

Fines Begin for Driving with a Handheld Cell Phone in Philadelphia

by KYW's Mike Dunn

Following a one-month grace period, Philadelphia police on Tuesday began actually enforcing the city's new ban on handheld cell phones while driving -- or bicycling, or even skateboarding.

For the past month, police have been handing out warnings to motorists spotted chatting on cell phones while driving, but the 30-day grace period is over.

Starting on Tuesday, those drivers were being handed $75 citations.

Everett Gillison, deputy mayor for public safety, says the November warnings made one thing clear:

For full story go to: http://www.kyw1060.com/

AP Source: 76ers offer Iverson non-guaranteed deal

AP Source: 76ers offer Iverson non-guaranteed deal

FILE - In this Nov. 6, 2009, file photo, Memphis Grizzlies' Allen Iverson brings the ball upcourt against the Los Angeles Lakers during an NBA basketball game in Los Angeles. Iverson is set to retire from the NBA, according to an online report, Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009. Commentator Stephen A. Smith published a statement on his Web site Wednesday attributed to Iverson. It says Iverson plans to retire but also that "I feel strongly that I can still compete at the highest level."

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Allen Iverson and the Philadelphia 76ers are closer to a reunion.

A person with knowledge of the contract talks says the Sixers offered a one-year, non-guaranteed contract to Iverson on Tuesday. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the contract talks had not been made public.

Iverson, his agent and business manager met with team president Ed Stefanski, coach Eddie Jordan and two other members of the organization Monday during the first formal meeting between the Sixers and their former MVP.

Iverson announced his retirement last week after an ill-fated stint with the Memphis Grizzlies. The 10-time All-Star was NBA MVP in 2001 when he led the Sixers to the NBA finals.

Another person with knowledge of the deal, who also spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the talks had not been made public, said Iverson's decision should come Wednesday.

The person says the 76ers are taking a chance on Iverson because he's the best free-agent guard available and the financial commitment is minimal. The Sixers would owe just under $650,000 if they guarantee his contract for the remainder of the season on Jan. 10.

"What is the downside if you can cut him any time you want?" the person said.

Iverson would still need to undergo a physical before the deal is complete. As of Tuesday night, the Sixers had not heard back from Iverson's agent Leon Rose.

Iverson announced his intention to retire last week after no other team expressed an interest is signing the four-time scoring champion. The 6-foot Iverson played three games this season with Memphis before taking a leave of absence to attend to personal matters. He was waived after the two sides agreed to part ways.

He's on the brink of getting a second chance with the Sixers(5-13), who have lost seven straight entering Wednesday night's game at Oklahoma City and need Iverson to spark sagging ticket sales and their playoff chances.

This reconciliation was once thought foolish after their acrimonious split three years ago. Iverson's last game with Philadelphia was Dec. 6, 2006 in Chicago. He refused to play the fourth quarter and was banished from the team two days later. He was eventually traded to Denver as part of the Andre Miller deal, and bounced to Detroit before landing in Memphis.

The Sixers finish their four-game road trip Saturday against the Charlotte Bobcats and Iverson's former nemesis, coach Larry Brown.

Brown said Tuesday he was upset that Iverson's best option was a non-guaranteed deal.

"I get worried about that message, but I also admire Philly for giving him a chance," he said. "That's more meaningful for me. I look at a guy that scored 20,000 points and played hurt and did so much and now he's got to play for a non-guaranteed contract, that's pretty troubling for me."

If Iverson accepts the offer, his likely debut would come Monday night at home against Denver. In a double-dose of intriguing timing, the Sixers play at home Dec. 9 against Detroit.

Perhaps Iverson will show his former teams that he still has something left in the No. 3 jersey.

Or, the Nuggets and Pistons will see they made the right choice to move on without the controversial guard.

CSNPhilly.com first reported the offer.

Memphis Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley told the AP on Tuesday that he spent almost an hour on the phone with Stefanski before his meeting with Iverson.

"I told him I thought Allen had the game and I thought he would be a positive contribution to his team and was sorry it didn't work out with us. I thought to get back with Philadelphia, it was a good chance it would work out for them. I feel extremely happy about it," Heisley said.

"Quite frankly, I'm sorry that we couldn't work it out between us and Allen. I don't feel duped. I don't feel upset. I quite frankly arranged for the severance, which we could've stopped, which would've stopped him from being able to play for anybody. I did it so he would have an opportunity to go play."

The 34-year-old Iverson began an indefinite leave of absence on Nov. 7 to deal with a personal issue.

Heisley said he knew exactly what the personal matter was, but he refused to discuss that issue.

"I hope it's cleared up," he said.

Heisley believed Iverson would return at first, then said he thinks Iverson did not want to rejoin the Grizzlies for reasons that could have included retirement or possible interest from other teams.

"I hope he comes back and I hope he has a great career with them," Heisley said.

Obama boosts troops in Afghanistan with exit plan

Obama boosts troops in Afghanistan with exit plan

President Barack Obama speaks about the war in Afghanistan at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2009.

WEST POINT, N.Y. (AP) -- Declaring "our security is at stake," President Barack Obama ordered an additional 30,000 U.S. troops into the long war in Afghanistan on Tuesday night, nearly tripling the force he inherited but promising an impatient public to begin withdrawal in 18 months.

The buildup will begin almost immediately - the first Marines will be in place by Christmas - and will cost $30 billion for the first year alone.

In a prime-time speech at the U.S. Military Academy, the president told the nation his new policy was designed to "bring this war to a successful conclusion," though he made no mention of defeating Taliban insurgents or capturing al-Qaida terrorist leader Osama bin Laden.

"We must deny al-Qaida a safe haven," Obama said in spelling out U.S. military goals for a war that has dragged on for eight years. "We must reverse the Taliban's momentum. ... And we must strengthen the capacity of Afghanistan's security forces and government."

The president said the additional forces would be deployed at "the fastest pace possible so that they can target the insurgency and secure key population centers."

Their destination: "the epicenter of the violent extremism practiced by al-Qaida."

"It is from here that we were attacked on 9/11, and it is from here that new attacks are being plotted as I speak," the president said.

It marked the second time in his young presidency that Obama has added to the American force in Afghanistan, where the Taliban has recently made significant advances. When he became president last January, there were roughly 34,000 troops on the ground; there now are 71,000.

After the speech, cadets in the audience - some of whom could end up in combat because of Obama's decision - climbed over chairs to shake hands with their commander in chief and take his picture.

Obama's announcement drew less-wholehearted support from congressional Democrats. Many of them favor a quick withdrawal, but others have already proposed higher taxes to pay for the fighting.

Republicans reacted warily, as well. Officials said Sen. John McCain, who was Obama's Republican opponent in last year's presidential campaign, told Obama at an early evening meeting attended by numerous lawmakers that declaring a timetable for a withdrawal would merely send the Taliban underground until the Americans began to leave.

As a candidate, Obama called Afghanistan a war worth fighting, as opposed to Iraq, a conflict he opposed and has since begun easing out of.

A new survey by the Gallup organization, released Tuesday, showed only 35 percent of Americans now approve of Obama's handling of the war; 55 percent disapprove.

He made no direct reference to public opinion Tuesday night, although he seemed to touch on it when he said, "The American people are understandably focused on rebuilding our economy and putting people to work here at home."

"After 18 months, our troops will begin to come home," he said flatly.

In eight years of war, 849 Americans have been killed in Afghanistan, Pakistan and neighboring Uzbekistan, according to the Pentagon.

In addition to beefing up the U.S. presence, Obama has asked NATO allies to commit between 5,000 and 10,000 additional troops. The war has even less support in Europe than in the United States, and the NATO allies and other countries currently have about 40,000 troops on the ground.

He said he was counting on Afghanistan eventually taking over its own security, and he warned, "The days of providing a blank check are over." He said the United States would support Afghan ministries that combat corruption and "deliver for the people. We expect those who are ineffective or corrupt to be held accountable."

As for neighboring Pakistan, the president said that country and the United States "share a common enemy" in Islamic terrorists. "We are in Afghanistan to prevent a cancer from once again spreading through that country. But this same cancer has also taken root in the border region of Pakistan. That is why we need a strategy that works on both sides of the border."

The speech before an audience of cadets at the military academy ended a three-month review of the war, triggered by a request from the commanding general, Stanley McChrystal, for as many as 40,000 more troops. Without them, he warned, the U.S. risked failure.

The speech was still under way when the general issued a statement from Kabul. "The Afghanistan-Pakistan review led by the president has provided me with a clear military mission and the resources to accomplish our task," it said. McChrystal is expected to testify before congressional committees in the next several days.

Obama referred to a deteriorating military environment, but said, "Afghanistan is not lost."

The length of the presidential review drew mild rebukes from normally amiable NATO allies. There was sharper criticism from Republicans led by former Vice President Dick Cheney, who said the president was dithering rather than deciding.

Obama rebutted forcefully.

"Let me be clear: There has never been an option before me that called for troop deployments before 2010, so there has been no delay or denial of resources necessary for the conduct of the war," he told his audience of more than 4,000 cadets seated in Eisenhower Hall.

Most of the new forces will be combat troops. Military officials said the Army brigades were most likely to be sent from Fort Drum in New York and Fort Campbell in Kentucky; and Marines primarily from Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.

Officials said the additional 30,000 troops included about 5,000 dedicated trainers, underscoring the president's emphasis on preparing Afghans to take over their own security.

These aides said that by announcing a date for beginning a withdrawal, the president was not setting an end date for the war.

But that was a point on which McCain chose to engage the president at a pre-speech meeting with lawmakers before Obama departed for West Point. "The way that you win wars is to break the enemy's will, not to announce dates that you are leaving," McCain said later.

Obama's address represents the beginning of a sales job to restore support for the war effort among an American public grown increasingly pessimistic about success - and among some fellow Democrats in Congress wary of or even opposed to spending billions more dollars and putting tens of thousands more U.S. soldiers and Marines in harm's way.

Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., and liberal House Democrats threatened to try to block funding for the troop increase.

Sen. Carl Levin, the Michigan Democrat who chairs a military oversight panel, said he didn't think Democrats would yank funding for the troops or try to force Obama's hand to pull them out faster. But Democrats will be looking for ways to pay for the additional troops, he said, including a tax increase on the wealthy although that hike is already being eyed to pay for health care costs. Another possibility is imposing a small gasoline tax that would be phased out if gas prices go up, he said.

The United States went to war in Afghanistan shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001, al-Qaida terrorist attacks on the United States.

Bin Laden and key members of the terrorist organization were headquartered in Afghanistan at the time, taking advantage of sanctuary afforded by the Taliban government that ran the mountainous and isolated country.

Taliban forces were quickly driven from power, while bin Laden and his top deputies were believed to have fled through towering mountains into neighboring Pakistan. While the al-Qaida leadership appears to be bottled up in Pakistan's largely ungoverned tribal regions, the U.S. military strategy of targeted missile attacks from unmanned drone aircraft has yet to flush bin Laden and his cohorts from hiding.

This Day in History - December 1st

December 1, 1955 - Rosa Parks refuses to sit at the back of the bus
This Day in History - December 1st