UptownCentral

Happy New Year

2006-12-31T22:13:00.000-08:00

I wish everyone a Happy New Year. I would also like to announce the return of regular weekly posting as the past year has seen a drop in posts due to a busy life with school and work. Also I will be introducing more designs into the UptownCentral Store, announcements will be posted with those launches.

Just a reminder have a fun New Years and please refrain from drinking and driving.

Merry Christmas

2006-12-24T18:45:00.000-08:00

Twas the Night before Christmas Poem
by Clement Clarke Moore

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS

Let's Talk Christmas

2006-12-14T13:45:00.000-08:00

"Happy Holiday's" Who are we kidding with this crap? The political left feels that by saying "Happy Holiday's" no one will become offended since it is politically correct. Well, that is just a bunch on nonsense. The left in this country is trying to hide from reality like normal but I digress. American's aren't stupid they know that when you are talking about holiday's they mean Christmas.

The SeaTac airport incident is a perfect example of this, the Jewish Rabbi got mad since there was no showing of Jewish materials in this holiday display, well its a Christmas display and most Americans are not Jewish, now I can understand wanting to see both religions represented, that is fine but to make the airport take it done is insane. Most places will put on display Christmas stuff since that is what most people celebrate. On top of that you have nativity scenes that are missing the baby Jesus. What the heck is wrong with these people, we all know what is going on, put the baby in it. Its not like most people will forget what is being displayed and will become suddenly naive to the fact that the baby Jesus is suppose to be there.

As well Americans don't go to stores in droves to spend money for holiday's, they go because its Christmas and to call it something else is dumb. Malls extend their hours and call it "Holiday Extend Hours." But in the mall they have a Santa, which is a Christmas thing and then they also have a Christmas Tree another Christmas tradition. So why not call it what it is, Christmas Hours. Its not like people go to the stores since its a supposedly called Holiday season they go because of Christmas. I don't know of any average shopper that will say to another person "Happy Holiday's", so why not just say Merry Christmas, as that is what the shopper will say.

When ever someone says "Happy Holiday's" be sure to say Merry Christmas right back.

A New Low In Bush-Hatred

2006-09-11T10:07:00.000-07:00

Jeff Jacoby writes how the liberal left has sunk to a new low of Bush hating. Its sad that people would make a movie about an assassination as if it has happen in a documentary form. This truly shows how the left is truly pathetic.

The Return Of Lethal Fascism

2006-09-11T09:37:00.001-07:00

An article by Bill O'Reilly on Townhall.com referencing how the Islamic fascists resemble Nazi Germany. Its a good short read.

The Media on Elections '06

2006-09-06T23:00:00.000-07:00

I've noticed as election season the biggest story on the news is "Can the Democrats regain control?". What kind of message is this sending to the American public? Not a very good one. It is sending the message that the only hope for America is that the Democrats gain control of the house and senate. There is no message on the news about how the Republicans can maintain control, it is all about how can the Democrats gain control. This is just another example of how the media is biased towards the liberal side of the isle.

I would love to see the media balance its reporting of the '06 elections but so far it is completely the opposite. When the only coverage on the news is talking about seats that are hotly contested that a democrat could deseat a Republican, they being the media tend to neglect all the seats that a Republican might be able to take from a Democrat. Why must the media always pick a side for a story why don't they do their job and be balanced. They cannot do that because they are so full of themselves. If they really wanted to be impartial good journalists they would run the same stories but talk about it as a seat is hotly contested and that it is anyone's games as to who wins, not what can the Democrats do to win. Should the news be balanced, the American public would be able to make informed decisions, but since the news is not really able to inform anyone, the few that know how to get informed to get informed, while the others become less informed, and they will vote too.

This is a call out to the news to stop your political partisan garbage and start reporting the news in a truly balanced format.

Why Liberals Are Crushing Dissent

2006-08-26T21:43:00.000-07:00

A great article on Townhall.com by Kevin McCullough that burns liberals for their hasty pursuit of crushing opposing view points, because they are so tolerant, ha, yeah right.

Multicultural Candy Bar

2006-08-10T22:00:00.000-07:00

I recently went to a 7-11 to feed the need for some candy. I purchased several Nestle products including the newly named Nestle Crunch White Blanco. This is the first candy bar I have ever seen with Spanish all over it. The nutrition facts, the ingredients, and all other materials are also in Spanish along with the English.

This discovery of a candy bar in Spanish infuriated me. Why does a candy bar sold in America need Spanish on it? I'll tell you why because most of the people that are immigrating into this country south of the border, move here and neglect to adapt to the American language, English. People that move here legally should have to pass an English proficiency test within a year of moving here, or be deported back to where ever they came from. Now that does sound very mean, but if you live here you should adapt to the culture.

Liberals in the United States that demand a "multicultural" America, making all people fell welcome and having materials in their language are crazy. How about if millions of Americans immigrated to Brazil for example, do you think the Brazilian's should adapt American culture and language as a part of their lives, no. Brazil would never do that nor would any other country do that. People that move to other countries are forced to adapt the cultures of the new nation. Why can American not do that, because all these crazy liberals are more concerned with the feeling of immigrants both legal and illegal than American culture. The majority of Americans speak English, why should the majority have to change just to make a few happy, it should be the other way around. I'm not proposing that English should be the only language it this country. I am just saying that people should be able to speak English, if they want to speak something else at home that's fine. But the English speaking majority should not have to change for a few.

So getting back to the candy bar. It should be in English period. English speaking Americans should take it as an insult to have products in another language.

Alaskan Oil

2006-08-07T12:53:00.000-07:00

With the news breaking of the shut down of an Alaskan oil pipeline crude oil prices surged today on fears on smaller supply as this piples accounts for a few percentage points of American supply of oil. The pipeline is being shutdown as a result of damage and a leak that happened. BP Global says that it will try to get the pipeline back online as soon as possible but it could take weeks for the pipeline to be brought back online. The Alaskan economy is already starting to feel the effects at day one due to lost oil revenues.

The tension on the market was further amplified by the crisis going on in the Middle East and the continuing instability there. If tensions in the region continue to worsen prices could rise even more. As they have in the past as a result of war there. Should those tensions come to life, gas prices will shoot up undoubtably. I don't think Americans will put up will prices going up more. As the average is no a little under $3, if they go up to $4, which could likely happen. With ever increasing tighting of supply, middle and lower income America will definatly alter there driving patterns and as a result of that spending in other markets will take a hit as well since consumers are buying less since they aren't going out as much.

Now all the doom and gloom aside, as a Republican, we must find a more stable and secure form of fuel. America cannot be subject to all these ups and downs in supply. And this Alaskan pipeline news only adds to the need to move forward more quickly as our economy could seriously be devistated by a severe crisis in oil supplies.

Only time will tell. Lets hope its a happy ending.

War in the Middle East

2006-08-02T11:09:00.000-07:00

I haven't done a post for the current war in the middle east because it is being so over talked on every news source available, but I finally got fed up with all the liberal media trash. I was watching CBS News (big mistake) and they were reporting on the war in the first few days of the mass American evacuation of Lebanon, and the found some crazy woman yelling "its all Israel's fault, why should we have to leave." Well my response to that statement is that it is not Israel's fault, Hezbollah is the one that committed the first act of war by entering Israel, killing and kidnapping Israeli soldiers. Israel's response should have been expected since it was an act of war. War was declared on Israel, Israel responded, how does that make it Israel's fault.

The Israel army is well equipped and basically every time it has entered a military engagement, it won. This time looks like its no different, Israel is practically has free rein over Lebanon. Hezbollah is only taking pot-shots at Israel hoping to hit something. Hezbollah wants to kill civilians in order to bring down Israel's will to fight. At least Israel is trying to hit military targets, but its hard to fight an urban war.

This war could lead to bad things such as war further erupting the region. Let's just hope that doesn't happen and it stays contained.

Happy 4th of July

2006-07-04T10:00:00.000-07:00

Immigration

2006-05-06T20:11:00.000-07:00

With the increasing frequency of immigration protests immigration policy needs to be reformed and enforced better. This would be done by first securing the boarders. The US would be able to tighten its boarder by build a wall that no one could climb plus place a landmine field on the Mexican side. After that is completed post National Guard troops at the boarder with orders to fire on sight no questions asked. Then after the boarder is effectively secured start sending illegal aliens back to where they came from. This policy outlined here would bring order back to this nation on policies regarding illegal immigration. And to point out if someone does want to come to live in the US and they do in the legal fashion there is nothing wrong with that. The US is a nation of laws and if a person can not respect that they should not be living here.

The major reason I'm opposed to allowing illegal immigrants to stay in this nation is that they mess up our system of democracy. Illegals can vote, illegals can get a drivers license, illegals don't have to pay taxes, illegals get welfare benefits, illegals are a drain on the system, they don't give back to. Yes, they do work in our economy but since they don't pay taxes they don't help that much except for businesses to reduce costs.

Illegal immigration is bad and needs to be stopped.

News Brief: Governor Signs Abortion Ban

2006-03-06T12:00:00.000-08:00

Today South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds has singed into affect a compressive ban on abortion going against many years of judicial philosophy. Many foes of abortion hope that the bill will move forward to the Supreme Court and with a more conservative bench change or overrule Roe v. Wade. Many pro-abortion groups are saying that the are upset with this and plan to fight it.

News Sources
Reuters - USA Today

D&D 4

2006-03-01T18:59:00.000-08:00

Here is an improvement. Only a day late its The Layman's Guide to Debate and Debaters 4.0.

The Reasonabilis Laboreous

This even tempered creature feels a genuine responsibility toward its fellow creature. Following this impulse the Reasonabilis Laboreous will often attempt to inject reasoned discourse into an unruly debate and will take considerable pain to try and explain the intricacies of a subject. Unfortunately this tendency often makes its contributions laboreous and therefore it may be unheeded by the rest of the discussion. This type is largely grouped in middle latitudes, well away from the equator and the poles.

News Brief: Google's Got A New Product

2006-02-24T10:17:00.000-08:00

Google has just launched a new service called Google Page Creator. A very simple interface for web page creation. Demand was so high for the service sign-ups have been stopped due to the high demand.

News Sources
PC Magazine - PC Pro - Tech News World

Commentary
There Google goes again creating another product if they keep this up some more serious lawsuits could be coming.

Abortion Case Goes to The Supreme Court

2006-02-21T19:30:00.000-08:00

Partial Birth Abortion Act, passed in 2003, is the matter at hand. The act bans the use of certain means of carrying out an abortion. The law has never taken affect because it was found unconstitutional by three federal appeals courts. A similar law was found unconstitutional by the Supreme Court six years ago with a 5-4 ruling with Sandra Day O'Connor being the swing vote. With newly appointed Justice Alito sitting on the bench, and if Chief Justice Roberts votes like his predecessor it seems that the court may move in a more restrictive nature upon abortion. Planned Parenthood is outraged by this saying that the court should not hear the case, that it is an act of hostility towards woman.

News Sources
International Herald Tribune - New York Times - ABC News

Commentary
I think that this is good that the court is going to here a case on abortion since its been along time since the last one and the country has changed directions on the issue. And policy needs to be representative of the people's will. However, the court needs to derive its ruling from the Constitution and not be activist.

Layman's Guide

2006-02-21T19:00:00.000-08:00

Late but still coming its the third edition of The Layman's Guide to Debate and Debaters ! (now with an overly enthusiastic exclamation point!).

The Red Breasted Lark (Loudeous Outragious)

This boisterous and colorful creature is one of debate's most interesting specimens. The Red Breasted Lark tends to be a headstrong but deeply politically committed creature. When engaging the Red Breasted Lark it is important not to attach to much importance to its more wild remarks. At the same time it is equally important not to dismiss its ideas without consideration. As always (but in this case more importantly) it is best to treat the subject with a good sense of humor. The Red Breasted Lark can be found in limited numbers in most every climate.

Walmart Forced To Carry Pills

2006-02-15T14:10:00.000-08:00

Walmart is being forced by the Massachusetts pharmacy board to carry emergency contraception pills in its stores in the state. This is the second state to make this decision. The board has insisted that Walmart reconsider its product line in other states, and change it to include those pills. Woman's groups and pro-abortion groups say it is the woman's right to have it available to them. Walmart is saying that they will look into to the issue because they are concerned about woman's health.

News Sources
Business Week - Forbes - Reuters

Commentary
First off, Walmart is a private company the government does not need to go around telling a business what products it should carry, we aren't fascists here. Second if you want the damn pill go to a store that carries it, Walmart is not the only store chain there. So, in conclusion this is garbage legislation that does not need to be occurring. But also this is Massachusetts they should not instruct the company to consider its national policy, that is the federal governments power.

News Brief: Cheney Victim Update

2006-02-14T13:34:00.000-08:00

The victim of a hunting accident involving Dick Cheney has suffered a minor heart attack in relations to the wounds inflict by Cheney.

News Source
Xinhua - FOX News - CNN

For More Information Go Here

News Brief: Dick Cheney Shoots Man

2006-02-12T13:15:00.000-08:00

Vice President Dick Cheney accidentally shot a man this weekend while on a quail hunting trip in Texas. Harry Whittington, 78, was the victim of a shotgun pellets but is "alert and doing fine." Cheney turned to shoot a bird but accidentally hit Whittington. Whittington is a lawyer from Texas.

New Sources
CBS News - ABC News - CNN

****See OLD Article for More Information****

The Strictus Postmodernist

2006-02-12T00:42:00.000-08:00

This is a little late, but here it is! The second installment of The Layman's Guide to Debate and Debaters. I'll try to make this a regular Wednesday feature.

The Strictus Postmodernist

This type stands at the opposite end of the field from the Ideologue. Although this fairly docile type will usually act as a willing listener in any discussion, its tendency to consider all matters of discussion purely an expression of each individuals truth render it an ultimately unsatisfying quarry. If the layman does wish to attempt a discussion with the Strict Postmodernist it is best to keep to a discussion of philosophy, in particular one should attempt to show this type that not all things are a matter of personal opinion. The Strict Postmodernist can most often be sighted in the halls of higher academia.

News Brief: Nerve Agent Scare

2006-02-09T08:15:00.000-08:00

Around 200 people including Senators were evacuated from an Senate office building after the security system detected traces of a nerve agent Wednesday. The building is right across the street from the Capitol Building. After being evacuated they were put under quarantine and were found to be safe.

News Sources
ABC News - CNN - The Boston Globe

News Brief: Superbowl Results

2006-02-05T20:38:00.000-08:00

The Pittsburgh Steelers win with 21-10 against the Seattle Seahawks.

News Source
MSNBC

News Brief: Egyptian Ship Sinks

2006-02-03T12:08:00.000-08:00

A passenger ferry carrying 1,300 passengers and 100 in crew. The ship was carrying 115 foreigners, including 99 Saudis. So far rescuers have 100 survivors and more than a 100 bodies. The cause is not yet known for sure but the weather at the time was rough and there were high winds.

News Sources
CNN - The New York Times - WZZM 13

News Brief: Patriot Act Extended

2006-02-03T10:01:00.000-08:00

The Partiot Act has been extended for another 5 weeks as congress works to renew the act. The vote of extension came down as 95-1. The act with contain new parts that will protect civil liberties. Some of the biggest blockers are saying that most of their concerns have been worked out and that renewal of the act seems likely.

News Sources
CNN - BBC News - Chicago Sun Times

News Brief: Ohio Congressman Wins Majority Leader

2006-02-02T12:45:00.000-08:00

Ohio Congressman John Boehner won the position today for House Majority Leader to replace Tom Delay. The vote came as 122 to 109. This was a run off race as there were three candidates and in the first vote no one was a clear winner. The runoff occur between John Boehner and Mr. Blunt, who had been serving as the interim until a vote, had thought he would win, but he is being humble in the defeat.

News Sources
The New York Times - CNN - San Francisco Chronicle

First 500 Visitors!

2006-02-01T19:30:00.000-08:00

Thanks for visiting the site and reading what we have to say and commenting on it. We hope that more people will keep coming and keep reading our editorials. Please enjoy the coming year with us.

Sheehan Arrested

2006-02-01T13:57:00.000-08:00

Cindy Sheehan was invited to the State of the Union address by a California Democratic Representative Lynn Woolsey. She came dressed in a shirt protesting declaring "2,245. How many more?". After Capitol police had asked her to cover up her shirt, but she refused, upon that she was escorted out and detained. Sheehan was charged with a misdemeanor count of unlawful conduct.

News Sources
MTV - ABC News - Seattle PI

Commentary
I think it is great that she got kicked out. The point is to give a formal speech, it is a formal event and should be treated as such. The dog was a better guest than Cindy Sheehan.

News Brief: Bernanke at the Helm

2006-02-01T12:08:00.000-08:00

Ben Bernanke has taken over as the Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board, he is the 14th since the banks founding it 1913. He was sworn in by Roger Ferguson, the Feds vice-chairman.

****See OLD Article for More Information****

News Sources
Financial Times - MSN Money - Seattle PI

News Brief: Alito Confirmed

2006-02-01T11:58:00.000-08:00

Samuel Alito has been confirmed for the position of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. He was in attendance at the State of the Union. The vote cam down as 52-48 with only four Democrats voting for him. He was sworn in yesterday around noon in a private ceremony across from the capital.

News Sources
Detroit Free Press - Forbes - Newsday

RSS Feed

2006-01-31T21:19:00.000-08:00

Today we have launched our RSS Feed, you can find it on the sidebar under the category Welcome. Click the orange icon and complete the process on the following page. Enjoy.

The Layman's Guide to Debate and Debaters (Abridged Version)

2006-01-31T17:00:00.000-08:00

This marks the first installment of what I hope will become a weekly feature. Each week a different kind of debater will be highlighted, giving the reader a general overview, advice on how to approach each type, and a brief description of each kind's habitat for all those pioneering hunters seeking new challenges. We begin with one of the worst kinds of debaters:

The Ideologue
This unique species is best left un-engaged. The ideologue is typified by a strict adherence to an ideological position to the exclusion of all logic and reason. Because the ideologue is completely resistant to all forms of reasoned dialogue, it is best to conserve one's energies for the pursuit of one of the other species of debater. The best approach (if any) is to deal with the ideologue with humor. This type (and its close relative the lesser ideologue) can be found in almost every political clime.

First 100 Posts!

2006-01-30T20:00:00.000-08:00

Today we have reach the first 100 post on UptownCental. This marks the 4 months UptownCental has been online. We hope to make it to the 200 post mark by April. Lets us know if there is something you like to read about. Thank you for sticking with us for the first 100 and please stay with as more exciting things are to come.

State of the Union

2006-01-30T17:45:00.000-08:00

President Bush will be delivering his fifth State of the Union address of his presidency tomorrow. Analysts expect the speech will be Bush mainly defending the current course and will not include drastic changes in policy. However, there may be a few suggestions for issues including workers rights and social security reform. Also to be expected, Bush will defend the military operations in Iraq and that we must keep going. Some other issues will include foreign affairs.

News Sources
USA Today - FOX News - Washington Post

Commentary
This speech is already hailing political attacks, even before the speech has been given. College Democrats are knocking the speech, demanding laughing, calling it the State of Confusion. I find this thought to be quite insulting, the man is the most powerful individual in the world. The people of the United States voted for him. I bet that they wouldn't want Republican laughing at a Democratic president. I look forward to the speech and what President Bush will say about the state of the union.

Internet Companies Invited to the Hill

2006-01-27T15:00:00.000-08:00

Google, Yahoo, Microsoft and Cisco systems have been invited to Capital Hill to discuss China and its demands for oppression of certain content on their websites. This discussion could lead to a law that will regulate American internet companies operating in foreign nations. The group calling for this, The Congressional Human Rights Caucus, is primarily concerned about human rights and access on the internet. All of the search engines operating in China filter their results in order to comply with the government demands for allowance of operation in China.

News Sources
CNET - Red Herring - BBC News

Commentary
If US lawmakers make a law preventing US companies from submitting to these demands it won't be a bad thing because the companies shouldn't do it, because of moral reasons, but until then they should continue to do so because it is in their business interest. It is a difficult issue and I do find myself going back and forth on what I think about it as more information becomes available, see my other post on this issue.

Market Closing Quotes - 1.27.2006

2006-01-27T13:00:00.000-08:00

Dow -/- 10,907.21 -/- +97.74
Nasdaq -/- 2,304.23 -/- +21.23
S&P -/- 1,283.72 -/- +19.04
10-Yr Note -/- 99.88 -/- -0.03

Quotes Provided By MSN Money

Chat Room

2006-01-26T16:38:00.000-08:00

We now have a chat room. You can find it under the community section on the sidebar. Hope to see you there, enjoy.

Market Closing Quotes - 1.26.2006

2006-01-26T13:00:00.000-08:00

Dow -/- 10,809.47 -/- +99.73
Nasdaq -/- 2,283.00 -/- +22.35
S&P -/- 1,273.83 -/- +9.15
10-Yr Note -/- 99.91 -/- -0.25

Quotes Provided By MSN Money

Google To Filter Results

2006-01-25T19:45:00.000-08:00

Google announced the launch of its Google search engine for China. However, this is a bit different from the other countries that Google has gone to. In China's case the Communist government has asked Google to filter out certain results that are deemed to be politically sensitive to the government. Google is not alone in this move Microsoft and Yahoo had done this as well. Civil rights groups are calling this a black day for the civil rights movement in China.

News Sources
Market Watch - Forbes - Bangkok Post

Commentary
I don't like the idea of a US company following the instructions of a foreign government, but China is ever evolving and someday will have all rights most Americas have today. Until then companies should follow those directives because China does offer the world a market size of at least a billion individuals.

***UPDATED HERE ON 1.27.2006****

Market Closing Quotes - 1.25.2006

2006-01-25T13:00:00.000-08:00

Dow -/- 10,709.74 -/- -2.48
Nasdaq -/- 2,260.65 -/- -4.60
S&P -/- 1,264.68 -/- -2.18
10-Yr Note -/- 100.16 -/- -0.66

Quotes Provided By MSN Money

Market Closing Quotes - 1.24.2006

2006-01-24T13:00:00.000-08:00

Dow -/- 10,712.22 -/- +23.45
Nasdaq -/- 2,265.25 -/- +16.78
S&P -/- 1,266.86 -/- +3.04
10-Yr Note v100.81 -/- -0.28

Quotes Provided By MSN Money

Ford To Make Cuts

2006-01-23T14:25:00.000-08:00

Ford announced today to cut 30,000 jobs and close 14 factories in the nest 6 years and that doesn't include the 4,000 managerial jobs being cut as well. This comes after the Big-Three automakers are also making cuts. This comes as a disappoint to the various unions, but as these factories close and jobs are lost, foreign automakers are opening factories and creating jobs in the US, so there is a change in where the jobs are and who they are with. This comes after US automakers are slipping in their domination of the US auto markets as American move to better fuel efficient cars with rising gas prices.

New Sources
The New York Times - The Moscow Times - MSNBC

Commentary
This job loss is a bad thing for the US economy but the fact that foreign automakers are replacing the jobs is good. I would prefer that the US automakers dominate the US market but they have loss sight of what Americans want, and until they move back to what American want they will continue to be hurt. This seems like a good time to place an attack on unions, the only cost businesses can really control is labor and union create a negative effect on that control, so I'm saying unions are bad, and if they didn't exist the companies would probably give them a pay-cut but at least they would have a job, and also the continued demands for pay raises also probably had an impact on the current state of US automakers

Anti-abortion Rallies Take Place

2006-01-23T14:01:00.000-08:00

Rallies are happening all over the US today in recognition of 33rd anniversary of Roe v. Rade. President Bush, "This is a cause that appeals to the conscience of our citizens and is rooted in America's deepest principle," the president said. "And history tells us that with such a cause we will prevail." The point of these rallies are to convince congress to reverse the decision in order to pursue a more moral United States on the issue of abortion.

News Sources
CBS News - ABC News - Bloomberg
Quote Provided by CBS News

Commentary
I agree with the protesters saying that the decision needs to be reversed, there is no reason why an innocent young unborn child should be killed because the parent is incompetent, there are alternatives. Also I feel that this is another issue that the Democratic party is hypocritical on, as they are against the death penalty which kills criminals saying that it is not nice, but they want to be able to kill babies on demand. If you cannot kill hardened criminals but an innocent child, wow. I think the label pro-choice needs to be changed to pro-killing young innocent defenseless children, because that is what it truly is. Bush is right "We Will Prevail."

Commentary Sources
Quote Provided By CNN

Market Closing Quotes - 1.23.2006

2006-01-23T13:00:00.000-08:00

Dow -/- 10,688.77 -/- +21.38
Nasdaq -/- 2,248.47 -/- +0.77
S&P -/- 1,263.82 -/- +2.33
10-Yr Note -/- 101.09 -/- -0.09

Quotes Provided By MSN Money

Israel Blames Iran and Syria for Suicide Bombing

2006-01-21T17:00:00.000-08:00

At a security meeting Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz accused Syria and Iran of participating in a suicide bombing in Tel Aviv. Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the attack that wounded 20 people. This is the seventh suicide bombing since February 2005 when Israel and Palestinian militants came to an unofficial truce. Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas condemned the attacks but many experts question the ability of the embattled Palestinian leader to reign in militant groups. This comes among rising tensions in the region over Iran's controversial nuclear technology program and Israeli claims that the country will not stop at diplomacy to protect its people.

News Sources
Jerusalem Post - CJAD

Commentary
Israel is the most embattled country in the world at the moment. Not only do they have the daily concern of suicide bombings but they are also surrounded by country's that have overtly or covertly made it their policy to destroy the Jewish State. In many ways the enemy's of Israel are also the enemies of the United States. The countries that support terrorist attacks on Israel are the same ones that support the terrorists in Iraq and Afghanistan. The situation in the Mideast is one without simple solutions or quick answers. But it is assured that countries will do whatever it takes to survive.

Market Closing Quotes - 1.20.2006

2006-01-20T13:00:00.000-08:00

Dow -/- 10,667.39 -/- -213.32
Nasdaq -/- 2,247.70 -/- -54.11
S&P -/- 1,261.49 -/- -23.55
10-Yr Note -/- 101.16 -/- +0.19

Quotes Provided By MSN Money

Market Closing Quotes - 1.19.2006

2006-01-19T13:00:00.000-08:00

Dow -/- 10,880.71 -/- +25.85
Nasdaq -/- 2,301.81 -/- +22.17
S&P -/- 1,285.04 -/- +7.11
10-Yr Note -/- 100.97 -/- -0.31

Quotes Provided By MSN Money

Higher Oil Prices For '06

2006-01-18T14:14:00.000-08:00

Oil prices have been going down for the past few weeks but with current events will that stay about the same or go back up. Analysts are fearing that they will go up because of the current affair with Iran and its nuclear program and saying that any sanctions will yield a massive price blow to the US and many other nations that get a huge amount of oil from Iran. Also in Nigeria there has been a drop in production by 200,000 barrels a day. But the primary fear is that if Iran cuts of the flow of 2.5 million barrels a day it would eat up the production surplus of 2 million barrels a day, that would mean a half a million barrels short of demand, that could send prices through the roof, or who knows what.

News Sources
Business Week - Bloomberg - MarketWatch

Commentary
This is a difficult issue on weather or not the UN should bring sanctions against Iran for attempting to build nuclear devices. It is not so much should we, it is can we do it and not be damaged because of it. Iran is a bad nation and it needs to be stopped. I do feel most certainly that military action should not be on the table because the US military cannot conduct a full scale war with another nation. It is a difficult issue. One other point to say is that this is another reason that we should not be dependent of foreign oil.

Market Closing Quotes - 1.18.2006

2006-01-18T13:00:00.000-08:00

Dow -/- 10,854.86 -/- -41.46
Nasdaq -/- 2,279.64 -/- -23.05
S&P -/- 1,277.93 -/- -5.00
10-Yr Note -/- 101.28 -/- -0.03

Quotes Provided By MSN Money

US Supreme Court Upholds Assisted Suicide

2006-01-17T17:34:00.000-08:00

The US Supreme Court today handed down a judgment maintaining Oregon's assisted suicide law, the Death With Dignity Act, by a vote of 6 to 3. With Chief Justice Roberts, Justice Scalia, and Justice Thomas dissenting. "Virtually every medical authority from Hippocrates to the current American Medical Association confirms that assisting suicide is not a 'legitimate' branch of that science and art," writes Scalia, "If the term 'legitimate medical purpose' has any meaning, it surely excludes the prescription of drugs to produce death." This suit came after Attorney General John Ashcroft rewrote regulations under the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA) barring Oregon doctors from providing lethal does of drugs to patients in 2001. Oregon immediately filed suit challenging the changes Ashcroft made. The court believe that Ashcroft acted outside the scope of the law.

News Sources
ABC News - The New York Times - Bloomberg

Commentary
I feel that, well I don't know, I haven't really thought about this issue before, I'm only really writing about because I live in Oregon. So, I'll take the party line on this one, assisted suicide is wrong because people should not be allowed to kill themselves period, and that fact that doctors are going to be helping them even make the matters worse.

Market Closing Quotes - 1.17.2006

2006-01-17T13:00:00.000-08:00

Dow -/- 10,896.32 -/- -63.55
Nasdaq -/- 2,302.69 -/- -14.35
S&P -/- 1,282.93 -/- -4.68
10-Yr Note -/- 101.31 -/- +0.16

Quotes Provided By MSN Money

Market Closing Quotes - 1.16.2006

2006-01-16T13:00:00.000-08:00

The Market is closed today in observation of Martin Luther King. Jr Day.

Alito Confirmation Hearing Comes To Close

2006-01-13T15:30:00.000-08:00

Samuel Alito's confirmation hearing has came to a close today with Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter, R-Pa. announcing his support for the appointment. However Democrats plan to delay the vote for another week, but it doesn't seem likely that he will not be passed to the general chamber for a vote. Democrats fear that his appointment will tip the court to the right by replacing moderate Sandra Day O'Connor. Republicans had hoped to have the vote next Tuesday. It will come to a vote and it will more than likely be a vote down party lines.

News Sources
Forbes - ABC News - Bloomberg

Commentary
Well here the Democrats go again being obstructionist. He is going to pass, the ABA supports him (see past article), just vote to approve him and stop fussing about it.

Photo Provided By MTV

Market Closing Quotes - 1.13.2006

2006-01-13T01:00:00.000-08:00

Dow -/- 10,959.87 -/- -2.49
Nasdaq -/- 2,317.04 -/- +0.35
S&P -/- 1,287.61 -/- +1.55
10-Yr Note -/- 101.16 -/- +0.44

Quotes Provided By MSN Money

Market Closing Quotes - 1.12.2006

2006-01-12T13:00:00.000-08:00

Dow -/- 10,962.36 -/- -81.08
Nasdaq -/- 2,316.69 -/- -14.67
S&P -/- 1,286.06 -/- -8.12
10-Yr Note -/- 100.72 -/- +0.41

Quotes Provided By MSN Money

Iran Restarts Nuclear Program

2006-01-11T15:45:00.000-08:00

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has ordered the reopening of the Iranian uranium enrichment facilities for uses of nuclear power, this comes after a two year suspension of research. Many western nations fear this, especially the EU and England, saying that Iran should be referred to the UN Security Council for possibly bring sanctions against Iran. Tehran says this program is for nuclear energy only, however, the same material is used in the construction of nuclear weapons. And the fear of nuclear weapons coming from Iran is serious after President Ahmadinejad says that Israel needs to be wiped of the face of the planet and he has denied the existence of the Nazi Holocaust.

News Sources
Bloomberg - Forbes - MSNBC

Commentary
I hope the UN Security Council will do something about this, the fear is great enough that Iran would use those weapons against Israel. Also Iran has shady ties with terrorists and the remote possibly of terrorists having a way to get those weapons needs to be taken care of quickly before there is that opportunity. Plus Iran is not developed enough to know better about nuclear weapons, the nations that have them now have a great care to keep them secure and have a great responsibility which Iran would more than likely not be able to follow. Nuclear weapons need to remain in the hands of the fewest possible amount of nations.

Picture Provided By Wikipedia

Rebuilding New Orleans

2006-01-11T13:56:00.000-08:00

Today the Bring Back New Orleans Commission will be releasing the beginning of a proposal for a plan to rebuild New Orleans. This plan includes an overhaul of the cities school system which had been bad for many years, also the closing a 76 mile shipping canal that does not have heavy use but was one of the main causes of the massive flooding. Power access has been restored to 70% of the city but that does not mean that they actually have power due to the massive damage inflicted upon the homes and business structures. Most of the city has public services including clean drinking water, police and fire. However much the progress has moved forward many citizens of New Orleans fear that the future will have more horrible hurricane seasons and they fell that due to the poor state of the levy system, why go back if its just going to flood again, but still Mayor Ray Nagin is calling New Orleans residents to come back to the city.

News Sources
CNN - The New York Times - USA Today

Commentary
It is a good thing to rebuild the city because of its cultural value, but I really think with the continuing strange weather patterns the city will experience more hurricanes and if they don't enhance the levy system it will fail again and the city will flood. Also I don't feel that the federal government should pay to rebuild the homes the insurance policies people have should pay for it and if they didn't have insurance its not the federal governments problem. I know that maybe cynical but really why should they pay.

Market Closing Quotes - 1.11.2006

2006-01-11T13:00:00.000-08:00

Dow -/- 11,043.44 -/- +31.86
Nasdaq -/- 2,331.36 -/- +11.04
S&P -/- 1,294.18 -/- +4.49
10-Yr Note -/- 100.34 -/- -0.19

Provided by MSN Money

Market Closing Quotes - 1.10.2006

2006-01-10T13:00:00.000-08:00

Dow -/- 11,011.58 -/- -0.32
Nasdaq -/- 2,320.32 -/- +1.63
S&P -/- 1,289.69 -/- -0.46
10-Yr Note -/- 100.53 -/- -0.50

Provided by MSN Money

Upstart Google Challenges Microsoft

2006-01-09T15:30:00.000-08:00

Recently Google announced "Google Pack," a business association offering a bundle of software for personnel computers. Google Pack will feature such well known programs as Firefox, Norton anti-virus, and Adobe Acrobat in addition to Google's own search engine. In addition Google announced a new service that would allow consumers to download popular television programs. Both of these programs are seen by analysts as challenges to Microsoft's dominance of the home desktop and an attempt to grab internet media distribution ahead of its tech rival.

News Sources
Washington Post - Independent

Commentary
I'll keep this short; Google knows no bounds. It has gone from being a simple search engine to a tech and information giant in a few short years. Microsoft can't afford to ignore Google's innovative business model or else this tale of David and Goliath could be have a role reversal in the near future.

Market Closing Quotes - 1.9.2006

2006-01-09T13:00:00.000-08:00

Dow -/- 11,011.90 -/- +52.59
Nasdaq -/- 2,318.69 -/- +13.07
S&P -/- 1,290.15 -/- +4.70
10-Yr Note -/- 101.00 -/- unch

Provided by MSN Money

Post Rate Hike in US

2006-01-08T14:19:00.000-08:00

The rate for a first class letter will be going up to $.39 from $.37 effective starting after the last pickup of mail on Saturday. There are also other services that are experiencing a hike in fees, including express mail and postcards. This comes after Congress in 2003 mandated that the Postal service put aside $3.1 billion annually in order to fully fund its employee benefit plan. Had this mandate not occured the Post Office would not of had to raise their prices until 2007 to balance out costs with income.

News Sources
Newsday - SFGate - Richmond Times Dispatch

Commentary
I was okay with this hike at first because I was under the impression that rate increases only occur when the Post Office needs to come back into the black. After hearing that it is because of a program for employee benefits, this makes me mad. Why should the US public pay to give its federal employees retirement plans when most of the US doesn't even have them. It is just another example of union lobbying garbage. If it was just because of the coming back into the black I would have been fine, but with this, I don't like it one bit.

Picture Provided By The United States Postal Service
Edited By City-Suit For Size

Avian Flu Challenges Science

2006-01-08T13:58:00.000-08:00

In 1918 a sickness swept through the human race and killed millions of people in its path. Back then it was dubbed the 'Spanish Flu' and now a new form of influenza currently being found in birds is beginning to bear resemblance to the historical flu. The flu, originally found in only birds has been discovered in over 120 human cases so far and has had a greater then 50% mortality rate. The main concern is the mutation and evolution of this virus to be wider spread and more fatal. Doctors and scientists are working together to create a vaccine for the virus but until then certain drugs are being administered to aid in the fight against the flu, specifically 'Tamiflu.' Again, the main concern is the evolution of the virus and being able to vaccinate against it even as it evolves.

News Sources
IndyStar – The Observer – CTV

Commentary
What makes it hard for people to deal with this disease is the idea that the virus is mutating and evolving faster then the scientists could make a vaccination. Society has come to depend on doctors and science to provide them with comfort and solutions and this is proving to be a more and more impractical idea. Science can't always have all the answers and people need to learn to accept that. I hate it as much as the next person but sometimes science can't fix it and people are going to die. That's just nature and humans can't always control nature, we as humans need to have some sort of natural predator or we're going to over run the planet like a virus.

Israeli Prime Minister Likely To Live

2006-01-08T13:30:00.000-08:00

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, who suffered a stroke several days ago, is expected to survive. Sharon long known as a conservative hardliner created a stir in his own country and throughout the world when he ordered the pullout of Israeli settlers and soldiers from settlements in the Gaza strip in hopes of forging a lasting peace with the Palestinians. Although his doctors expect him to survive, it is still unkown if he has suffered any serious brain damage. Regardless it is unlikely that the 77 year old leader will be able to return to the position of Prime Minister.

News Sources

Reuters - CNN

Commentary

Whether or not the Israeli pull out leads to peace between Israel and Palestine, Sharon deserves credit for attempting such a politically controversial step in light of opposition from his own party. There are not many leaders who would have the will or ability to attempt what he accomplished.

Study Links Dance With Attraction and Symmetry

2006-01-08T13:00:00.000-08:00

A recent study done by the University of Washington has linked the native dances of Jamaica to a strong natural desire that is formed between people due to it. They've found that the way the native dance is performed weighs heavily on if that individual is considered attractive or not. Using advanced motion capture technology the university is studying the dance and the reasons for the attraction. The main thing exhibited by the dance that eventually creates the attraction is the symmetry of the individual's body. The more symmetrical the body of the individual the more attractive they seem. This tendency is also found in the animal world especially in insects, specifically butterflies. Not only does this study change the way society looks at dancing but UW also hopes to apply this new technology to other studies in the area of science as well.

News Sources
UW News – Psychology Today – Writings of Charles Darwin On-Line

Commentary
Its nice to hear that two separate and chronologically wide spread studies in the science world actually match up and agree. Darwin said a long long time ago that insects chose mates based on symmetry. And even before that the Greeks knew it and applied the idea of symmetry to the figures in their statues. Their depiction of the ideal man, woman or hero was embodied in the carving of a symmetrical figure. I've always been an avid dancer and have seen a lot of couples be formed based on one seeing the other dance. I've usually related it to 'mating rituals' like animals have, one dances for the other and based on that they mate or not. But this study also throws another idea into light, the idea of attraction based on symmetry of the body.

Microsoft, Chinese Lackey?

2006-01-07T14:03:00.000-08:00

Microsoft has closed a blog on MSN Spaces from Zhao Jing, a Chinese reporter critical of the Chinese government. Zhao has been writing about the Chinese governments oppressive state towards the news media. Critics are attacking Microsoft for this move saying that it supports in the Chinese government stance on human rights, but Microsoft closed it at the request of the Chinese government. Microsoft says that it feels it must heed to the laws of China in order to maintain its business there. Some don't like the idea of a US company condoning the oppressive state.

News Sources
New York Times - Techworld - CBC

Commentary
However much I don't like the idea of the Chinese state oppressing its peoples freedoms, I must agree with Microsoft, the Chinese market is too big to get kicked out because of this, and I'm not saying that this is not a big deal. Zhao should be allowed to express his opinion's. Political freedoms take time to come to reality, example the US and the freedom of African Americans or women's right to vote. They will come, Microsoft is doing what it must in the current times in order to comply with local law. Also I don't feel that Microsoft is condoning the Chinese government, it was just a business decision.

Democrats Plan Battle Against Alito

2006-01-06T16:46:00.000-08:00

Senate Democrats are planning to put off the Senate Judiciary Chairman Arlen Specter's hope of a committee vote on Alito's nomination on Jan. 17. A committee vote that gets put off can bring a harder time for the approval vote because of more time for opposition to become better organized.

News Sources
Chron - Chicago Sun Times - New York Times

Commentary
This is just another example of Democrats being obstructionist, let the president do what the America people voted for. Alito is a good judge, the ABA, which the Democrats called the "gold-standard" of evaluation, called him a good choice. So why not just approve the guy. And by the way Democrats should think up their own plans and not just say no to something they should think up an alternative plan.

Market Closing Quotes - 1.6.2006

2006-01-06T13:00:00.000-08:00

Dow -/- 10,959.31 -/- +77.16
Nasdaq -/- 2,305.62 -/- +28.75
S&P -/- 1,285.45 -/- +11.97
10-Yr Note -/- 101.00 -/- -0.13

Provided by MSN Money

Foreign Automakers Well Positioned For '06

2006-01-05T20:30:00.000-08:00

Toyota, Nissan, Honda are positioned well for this year with ever more Americans moving from the larger vehicles like trucks and SUV's into smaller cars, which these companies mainly produce. Ford, GM, and DaimlerChrysler only have four compact models between them, and if the current trends continue with this transition it could really hurt US automakers. 2005, the third highest selling year in history, saw nearly 17 million cars and trucks sold in the US, with half of those being trucks and SUV's but car sales rose 2.1% and truck sales fell 0.8%.

News Sources
Forbes - Bloomberg - Detroit Free Press

Commentary
Well the US automakers should have seen it coming with gas prices staying higher, the average America will only put up with it so long before they switch to something that is more fuel efficient. Granted they have been selling more trucks and SUV's for the last 25 years, that doesn't mean it will always stay that way. I just hope the US automaker industry doesn't fail, cause that will mean even more job losses. But with that we must also not do any protectionist policies with the world. Hopefully that will get the US industry in line and start offering the customer what they want so they don't have to order it from overseas companies.

Market Closing Quotes - 1.5.2006

2006-01-05T13:00:00.000-08:00

Dow -/- 10,882.15 -/- +2.00
Nasdaq -/- 2,276.87 -/- +13.41
S&P -/- 1,273.48 -/- +0.02
10-Yr Note -/- 101.13 -/- -0.03

Provided by MSN Money

Alito Gets High Marks

2006-01-04T13:51:00.000-08:00

The America Bar Association, the nations largest group of lawyers, has rated the Supreme Court Nominee Judge Samuel Alito as being "well qualified." The ABA gave Alito the same rating when he was nominated for the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals by George H.W. Bush. The rating stands for being qualified, integrity and judicial temperament. Senate Democrats have said that the ABA is the gold standard for rating nominees. However, they fear with many critics that Alito is too conservative and could damage progress on social issues namely abortion, but supports say he is fair minded. Opposition is gearing up for a battle with his appointment, which will be a hard battle.

News Sources
Reuters - Forbes - The Boston Globe

Commentary
The Democrats need to stop being so obstructionist, Alito is well qualified for the position and he is faired minded too, he is a great nominee. They Democrats just don't like the fact that he will be replacing Sandra Day O'Connor, a moderate conservative that has been the swing vote on many social issues. Show your support for him by writing your Senators to support the nomination of Judge Samuel Alito.

Market Closing Quotes - 1.4.2006

2006-01-04T13:00:00.000-08:00

Dow -/- 10,880.15 -/- +32.74
Nasdaq -/- 2,263.46 -/- +19.72
S&P -/- 1,273.46 -/- +4.66
10-Yr Note -/- 101.16 -/- +0.13

Provided by MSN Money

Genetically Altered Mice Shape the Genome

2006-01-03T15:07:00.000-08:00

One of the largest advances in the area of science in 2005 was the practice of cloning genetically altered mice for the use of medical research. Elizabeth Fisher has been a long time researcher in the area of genetics and human diseases and especially mice in the application of this research. In 2005 she successfully created a mouse with the entire human chromosome in it. This new mouse can be used for the advancement in the studies of human conditions and particularly Downs syndrome in Fisher's case. Fisher having previously worked with Alzheimer's disease and Multiple Sclerosis is also furthering the study of human condition by initiating the practice of cloning the mice so that it speeds up the process of study.

News Sources
Taipei Times – BBC News – Cleveland Clinic Foundation

Commentary
I find it fascinating and exciting that science has successfully implanted the entire human chromosome into a mouse. With the political, religious, and social battle constantly raging about cloning and stem cell research I think it's good to find a universal application of cloning that benefits everyone so directly. Alzheimer's runs in my family and I find this really quite amazing. It's my hope that the use of the mice and the distribution of them catch on and this aids science successfully.

Market Closing Quotes - 1.3.2006

2006-01-03T13:00:00.000-08:00

Dow -/- 10,847.41 -/- +129.91
Nasdaq -/- 2,243.74 -/- +38.42
S&P -/- 1,268.80 -/- +20.51
10-Yr Note -/- 101.03 -/- +0.16

Quotes Provided by MSN Money

Market Closing Quotes - 1.2.2006

2006-01-02T13:00:00.000-08:00

The market is closed today in observation of the New Years holiday.

Donald Trump Governor?

2006-01-01T20:00:00.000-08:00

State Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno has stated that real estate mogul Donald Trump might be flirting with the idea of running for New York Governor. Trumps office has yet to make any comments. State GOP Executive Director Ryan Moses has said that he has not had any discussion with Trump about a possible run. Democratic officials say that he would be a blessing for an opponent as he would be easily defeated. However, many New Yorkers would vote for him saying that he is a hard worker.

News Sources
Indystar - NY Daily News - Chicago Sun Times

Commentary
I would find it interesting if Trump ran. The Republican Party needs a high powered person to run that has star power to help them win the goverorship of NY for the Republican Party. If I lived in NY I'd vote for him.

Happy New Year

2006-01-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

Everyone enjoy your New Years Eve Parties, but please drive safely.

This New Year will bring cool new things for UptownCentral, we will have more staff writers, plus many other features will be brought online this new year.

Picture Provided By The Appliance Blog

Baby Noor

2005-12-31T18:22:00.000-08:00

A 3-month-old Iraqi baby, Noor, arrived today in Atlanta with her father and grandmother where she will receive medical treatment for a potentially fatal birth defect. The birth defect spine bifida occurs when the spinal column does not close in the prenatal stages of development. She will stay at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta while her condition is evaluated by specialty physicians. In America this condition is normally treated soon after birth, before the spinal column is covered by skin, a complicating factor that the operating doctors will have to overcome. Her condition came to the attention of members of the Georgian National Guard when they raided her family's home looking for weapons. Visiting the home again by night, so that insurgents would not discover the family was speaking to Americans, they devised a plan to get her treatment in the U.S. by soliciting help from charities, personal acquaintances, and even Georgia Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R).

News Sources

CNN - Forbes - Reuters

Commentary

This is the kind of story that is all too often unreported by the major media. It may have no bearing on why or how the U.S. has interceded in Iraq, but it is a wonderful example of what our soldiers are accomplishing and the dangers faced by innocent Iraqis. With most attention going to the negative, this is one story that is worth holding up and a good reason for all Americans to be proud of the work that is being done in Iraq.

Market Closing Quotes - 12.30.2005

2005-12-30T13:00:00.000-08:00

Dow -/- 10,717.50 -/- -67.32

Nasdaq -/- 2,205.32 -/- -12.84

S&P -/- 1,248.29 -/- -6.13

10-Yr Note -/- 100.88 -/- -0.22

Provided by MSN Money

Fear of a Russian Oil Crisis

2005-12-29T15:04:00.000-08:00

Russian energy company has stated that it wants to increase the price that Ukraine pays for gas to $220-$230 (Â£128-Â£133) per 1,000 cubimeterses, compared with the $50 that it had been paying. Ukraine says that it will not allow this, Russian President has offered Ukraine $3.6 billion to ease the transition. This will have an effect on the EU as well as it gets half its fuel from Russia and 80% comes through Ukraine's pipelines. Gazprom, the Russian state gas monopoly, has raised the price foformerer Soviet Republics to over $110, but Belarus, a staunch ally, pays under $50. This has other nations ananalyststs fearing that Russia will use its oil reserves as a political tool in its disputes with the west.

News Sources
Times Online UK - Business Week - Financial Times

Commentary
This is a prefect example of the reason that the US needs to stop being dependent oforeigngn oil, even tough this does not have a direct effect on us, Russian can pull something like this on us. I can understand were Russia is coming from but that high of a price for oil ioutrageousus. I hope that this problem can come to a peaceful conclusion but knowing Russia, there might be a problem with that. The EU will be hurt by this is a big way their price for gas will go up even more. With oil being such a hot topic oforeigngn affairs this could plunge the world a crisis.

Market Closing Quotes - 12.29.2005

2005-12-29T13:00:00.000-08:00

Dow -/- 10,784.82 -/- -11.44

Nasdaq -/- 2,218.16 -/- -10.78

S&P -/- 1,254.42 -/- -3.75

10-Yr Note -/- 101.09 -/- +0.09

Provided by MSN Money

Market Closing Quotes - 12.28.2005

2005-12-28T13:00:00.000-08:00

Dow -/- 10,796.26 -/- +18.49

Nasdaq -/- 2,228.94 -/- +2.05

S&P -/- 1,258.17 -/- +1.63

10-Yr Note -/- 101.00 -/- -0.25

Provided by MSN Money

Leap Second

2005-12-27T16:08:00.000-08:00

This year an additional second will be added on Dec 31st. This is to bring Co-ordinated Universal Time (UTC) into sync with "suntime". This may not seen to be a big deal but it has many effects. All technology runs on very accurate time, even more precise than a second. Some have called to change the goal of being within 1 sec to 1 hour to prevent this syncing from happening but maybe in a hundred years.

News Sources
Times Online - Seattle PI - BBC News

Commentary
Well, is it nice to be very accurate, so I agree that the leap second needs to occur. I can understand that many systems run off the time so if they are attached to it, then the sync will occur instantly and nothing should be effected.

Market Closing Quotes - 12.27.2005

2005-12-27T13:00:00.000-08:00

Dow -/- 10,777.77 -/- -105.50

Nasdaq -/-2,226.89 -/- -22.53

S&P -/- 1,256.54 -/- -12.12

10-Yr Note -/- 101.28 -/- +0.38

Provided by MSN Money

Possible Production Cuts From OPEC

2005-12-26T13:30:00.000-08:00

Russian officials and members of OPEC have met in Moscow to discuss oil prices, production and refining issues, as well as developing markets. This meeting came about with nations of OPEC fearing that Russia is taking OPEC's market share. There is speculation that there maybe a drop in production but that has not been confirmed. This comes after fears of fluctuating prices.

News Sources
Bloomberg - MosNews - The Standard

Commentary
Personally I'm getting sick of OPEC, they present a negative effect on free market economics for the world. Yes, they may have large oil reserves, but so does America. We need to end our dependence on fossil fuels, this is an odd idea coming from a Republican, but if we did end that dependence and used other forms of fuel there will still be a business market in which to make money, so it isn't as odd as you may think.

Market Closing Quotes - 12.26.2005

2005-12-26T13:00:00.000-08:00

Market is closed in observation of the holiday weekend.

Merry Christmas

2005-12-25T10:13:00.000-08:00

Enjoy time with your family or whoever you are with.

Merry Christmas Eve

2005-12-24T19:00:00.000-08:00

Enjoy THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Market Closing Quotes - 12.22.2005

2005-12-23T13:00:00.000-08:00

Dow -/- 10,883.27 -/- -6.17

Nasdaq -/-2,249.42 -/- +2.93

S&P -/- 1,268.66 -/- +0.54

10-Yr Note -/- 100.91 -/- +0.34

Provided by MSN Money

Stem Cell Results Faked

2005-12-22T19:18:00.000-08:00

Hwang Woo-suk, a researcher at Seoul National University, faked the results of 9 stem cell lines. Hwang Woo-suk reached international fame in May of this year when he published claims that he had successfully cloned stem cells matching patients DNA. A panel convened by Seoul National University found that the 11 stem cell lines were made using only two stem cell lines and that the results were deliberately fabricated. The panel is currently examining the remaining two stem cell lines to validate that they were cloned from a the patient as well as past claims by Hwang that he made the first successful human and dog clones.

News Sources

MSNBC - Reuters - ABC News

Commentary

Although this falsification of information may discredit Hwang and his research the real question is whether the 2 out of 11 lines that have not been discredited are genuine. If they are than it may lead to increased research using embryonic rather than adult stem cells. It is still curious, if they are in fact what Hwang claims, that researchers would find it necessary to back up their success with falsified data. Perhaps the inherent difficulty of creating genetically matching embryos will lead to further, and more ethical, research into adult stem cells. Aside from the stem cell debate, the scientific community needs to come down hard on researchers who falsify their data and publications such as Science, which published Mr. Woo-suk's claim, need to take a critical look at the research represented in their pages. Science cannot afford to become the home of dishonesty and falsehood.

Market Closing Quotes - 12.21.2005

2005-12-21T13:00:00.000-08:00

Dow - 10,833.73

+28.18

Nasdaq - 2,231.66

+9.24

S&P - 1,262.79

+3.17

10-Yr Note - 100.06

-0.19

Provided by MSN Money

NYC Transit Strike

2005-12-20T14:59:00.000-08:00

NYC City transit workers began a strike this morning bring NY almost down to its knees, millions of workers are unable to get to work, or shoppers to get to the stores. The strike is estimated to cost the city $400 million the first day, and $300 million a day after. State Justice Theodore Jones has given the union a $1 million a day fine that the strike continues for violating the law that ban public workers from going on strike. The parent union told the local union that going on strike wouldn't be a wise move. The strike came at demands for pay raises and also about pensions.

News Sources
Guardian Unlimited - MSNBC - Reuters

Commentary
This is a bad move for the union mainly considering the time at which they are doing it, causing millions of shoppers to not be able to go anywhere. The union should of at least held of till next year. I dislike unions because they pull stuff like this plus it damages the system of free trade.

Market Closing Quotes - 12.20.2005

2005-12-20T13:00:00.000-08:00

Dow - 10,805.55

-30.98

Nasdaq - 2,222.42

-0.32

S&P - 1,259.62

-0.30

10-Yr Note - 100.28

-0.19

Provided by MSN Money

Intelligent Design Declared Unconstitutional

2005-12-20T12:46:00.000-08:00

Intelligent Design had been declared unconstitutional according to US District Court Judge John Jones. The lawsuit came from a group claiming that Intelligent Design is just Creationism repackaged which has already been overturned by the courts, the judge agreed. This ruling is a blow to religious conservatives that are fighting to have Intelligent Design thought in biology classes right next to evolution. Intelligent Design is the concept that a greater being must be responsible for the creation of man.

News Sources
The Australian - ABC News - BBC News

Commentary
Good, this theory does not belong in schools, it violates the separation of church and state.

New Worm

2005-12-19T16:47:00.000-08:00

A new worm has come out, only affecting China thus far, which attacks the vulnerability in Microsoft Windows Distributed Transaction Coordinator (MSDTC). This worm can create new users accounts, view, change or delete data, essentially it could take complete control of the computer. Officials have said that this worm can even steal account information for online banking. A user can be infected even if they don't open an attachment to an email, visit a website or chat on MSN. A computer could be infected as soon as it connects to the internet. If you do get infected your computer will attack other computers as well. The best way to protect your computer would be to make sure Windows updates and your anti-virus software are current.

News Sources
SecurityProNews - Shanghai Daily

Commentary
Why would someone do this, I don't get it. If they are trying to show that Windows has some security holes that's a real nice way of showing it, Microsoft knows about them let them fix it. If they are doing it to just plainly attack Microsoft, why?, if you don't like them do something peaceful in your attacks against them, don't attack innocent people though worms or viruses, protest or something. People that create these worms and viruses are bad people and are not doing any good.

Microsoft Kills Mac IE

2005-12-19T16:25:00.000-08:00

Microsoft has announced the end of its support for Internet Explorer on Mac platforms. This will see the end of Microsoft development and support for the browser. There will be no more security or performance updates. Microsoft recommends to Mac users of Internet explorer that they switch to other browsers.

News Sources
Macworld - Techtree

Commentary
Finally Microsoft gets out of dealing with Apple, this is a good move to keep away from Apple on Microsoft's part. Plus Microsoft will end spending massive amounts of resources for a minor technology market.

Market Closing Quotes - 12.19.2005

2005-12-19T13:00:00.000-08:00

Dow - 10,836.53

-39.06

Nasdaq - 2,222.74

-29.74

S&P - 1,259.92

-7.40

10-Yr Note - 100.47

unch

Provided by MSN Money

Google's Music Search

2005-12-16T18:11:00.000-08:00

Google has announced the creation of a music search. This will allow users to search for artist biographies, song information and music download or CD's. The search is ran by a user searching by artist name, the search is still in the developing stage as it only covers popular artists as of now, but they will eventually expand into classical music and less know artists. As apart of the results users will receive ad links to music stores to buy the content.

News Sources
Sci-Tech Today - Washington Post - Forbes

Commentary
Google does a good job with all the types of search engines they create, and I hope they continue to do. There are a couple issues that may arise of their expansion. One is that some feel Google has crossed the copyright law with Google Print, I however, would disagree because it falls well within the common use clause, and also they aren't posting the entire book. Eric Schmidt, Google CEO says, "Everyone seems to be making something up that we’re not doing. We’re building the world’s largest card catalog. People go to the card catalog, they see a snippet of the book -- they don’t even see a full page -- and then they have to go to the library or buy the book. Can you explain to me what’s wrong with that? We’ve obviously had a communication problem, because I don’t understand what’s wrong with it. " (Provided By Business 2.0's John Battelle) . Another issue might be with this massive expansion is that they start turning out, garbage, but with the current trend that does not seem to be in the foreseeable future.

Commentary Sources
Business 2.0

Market Closing Quotes - 12.16.2005

2005-12-16T13:00:00.000-08:00

Dow - 10,875.59

-6.08

Nasdaq - 2,252.48

-8.15

S&P - 1,267.32

-3.62

10-Yr Note - 100.47

+0.22

Provided by MSN Money

Wikipedia Close To Britannica

2005-12-15T10:30:00.000-08:00

Wikipedia has been compared to Britannica in a study appearing in Nature. This study took 42 science related articles and examined them for their accuracy. Wikipedia averaged 4 errors, while Britannica averaged 3 errors. Of the 8 most major errors, 4 occurred in each source. After the incident where John Seigenthaler, a former USA Today editor, was falsely implicated as assassinating John F Kennedy in an attempt to create a joke, Wikipedia has came under fire for its openness for anyone to write or modify articles. Wikipedia's founder Jimmy Wales has since changed that to were you must be a member to change or post articles.

Sources
RED HERRING - Business Week - CNET News

Commentary
Wikipedia is a quiant idea, but it has one major flaw, the writers of the articles are not highly qualified persons. These people are novice individuals, the majority of the people that work on the site are not scholars. This is one of the problems with freeware, you don't know what your getting yourself into or who made it, in the case of Wikipedia, who wrote it. If Wikipedia does take more measures to prevent falsehoods from being posted, and actively encourage true scholars to come to and work on Wikipedia, it might be able to come up to par with Britannica. But don't get me wrong I have used Wikipedia before to gather information, only to look up a concept really quickly and use it as a general starting ground for serious research, I don't use it to cite as a source, it has its purpose but its not to be a definitive source.