MoveOn.org members have sent an e-mail around asking members to help push the Obama agenda foward--without tax cuts for the rich.
"There's a fight emerging around the economic recovery plan that President-elect Obama wants Congress to pass. Conservatives and lobbyists are pushing hard to load the plan up with tax cuts for the rich.1 This puts the best parts of the plan—money for green jobs, health care, and clean energy—in serious jeopardy.
We need to speak out.
So we're organizing "Economic Recovery Congressional Actions" at offices around the country to make sure that Congress hears our message. There's one in Chicago, and we really need a bunch of folks there.
Here are the details. Can you come?
Host: sylvia w—fellow MoveOn member
Where: Kluczynski Federal Building at Dearborn & Jackson (in Chicago)
When: Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009, at 1:00 PM
Here's the link to RSVP:
RSVP Event
And if you own a small business, have a green job, work in health care, face foreclosure on your home, or lost your job as a result of this economic mess, we'd like to extend a special invitation to you to share your story at the event."
Monday, January 12, 2009
Celeb pranksters show to air on BET
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Turning dreams into nightmares, brand new series PLAYED BY FAME premieres Friday, January 30 at 10:00 p.m.* on BET. In this fresh new series, patience is tested and boundaries are broken as celeb-fanatics partake in what appears to be the best opportunity of their lives -- spending the day with their favorite celebrity. But reality quickly sets in as a series of pranks turns what started off as a dream day into the worst time of their lives!
Hosted by comedian/actor Al Shearer, whose credits include BET's Hits From the Streets and Teen Summit and Universal Studio's motion picture Honey, PLAYED BY FAME features a hot lineup of celebrity pranksters including comedian/actor Kevin Hart, platinum selling rapper Ludacris, R&B songstress Monica and singer/songwriter Mario. Also featured are celebrities Jazzy Pha, Lamman Rucker, Toccara, Melyssa Ford, Brandon T Jackson, Fatima, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Raheem DeVaughn, Jackie Long, Tia Mowry, Young Buck, Bobby Brown, Marques Houston, E-40, Terry Crews, Keshia Knight-Pulliam, Melinda Williams, Stevie Williams, Charlie Murphy, Wood Harris, Matt Kemp, Mr. Bentley, Eva Marcille, Bobby Valentino, Kel Mitchell and Tichina Arnold.
PLAYED BY FAME is executive produced by DuBose Entertainment and BET Networks.
Viewers can visit www.bet.com/OnTV/BETShows for more information about PLAYED BY FAME, including biographies, upcoming episodes and exclusive interviews.
*All times ET/PT
Hosted by comedian/actor Al Shearer, whose credits include BET's Hits From the Streets and Teen Summit and Universal Studio's motion picture Honey, PLAYED BY FAME features a hot lineup of celebrity pranksters including comedian/actor Kevin Hart, platinum selling rapper Ludacris, R&B songstress Monica and singer/songwriter Mario. Also featured are celebrities Jazzy Pha, Lamman Rucker, Toccara, Melyssa Ford, Brandon T Jackson, Fatima, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Raheem DeVaughn, Jackie Long, Tia Mowry, Young Buck, Bobby Brown, Marques Houston, E-40, Terry Crews, Keshia Knight-Pulliam, Melinda Williams, Stevie Williams, Charlie Murphy, Wood Harris, Matt Kemp, Mr. Bentley, Eva Marcille, Bobby Valentino, Kel Mitchell and Tichina Arnold.
PLAYED BY FAME is executive produced by DuBose Entertainment and BET Networks.
Viewers can visit www.bet.com/OnTV/BETShows for more information about PLAYED BY FAME, including biographies, upcoming episodes and exclusive interviews.
*All times ET/PT
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Happy New Year 2009!
EVENT GUIDE FOR TIMES SQUARE 2009, NEW YEAR'S EVE IN TIMES SQUARE
You may want to get your partay on, at this point.
For 104 years, Times Square has been the center of worldwide attention on New Year's Eve, ever since the owners of One Times Square began in 1904 to conduct rooftop celebrations to greet the New Year. The first Ball Lowering celebration occurred in 1907, and this tradition is now a universal symbol of welcoming the New Year.
THE EVENT
4:00 p.m.
The Revelers
Revelers start arriving late in the afternoon on New Year's Eve. By approximately 4:00 p.m., the Bow Tie of Times Square (42nd to 47th Sts. between Broadway & 7th Ave.) is fully closed to traffic. Revelers are directed by the NYPD to gather in separate viewing sections. As one section fills up, the revelers are directed by police to the next viewing section. As the evening progresses, revelers continue to fill the Times Square neighborhood along Broadway and Seventh Avenue moving uptown from 43rd Street to as far as Central Park.
6:00 p.m. to 6:05 p.m.
Opening Ceremonies - Lighting and Raising the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball
The celebration begins with Univision host Raúl de Molina assisted by the actress Angelica Vale lighting and raising the brand new New Year’s Eve Ball atop One Times Square. Raúl and Angelica will be joined by representative of the Philips Lighting Company to flip the giant switch which lights the New Year’s Eve Ball and begins its ascent accompanied by special pyrotechnic effects atop One Times Square.
6:05 p.m. to 6:17 p.m.
Musical Performance by Parachute
The Times Square New Year’s Celebration gets started with a musical performance by Parachute from the Nivea Countdown Stage at Duffy Island in Times Square between 46th and 47th Streets.
6:17 p.m. to 6:19 p.m.
New Year’s Eve Practice Kiss
Two revelers will be featured on the Nivea Kiss and Be Kissed Platform located on Fence Island between 45th and 46th Streets practicing their best midnight kiss…3..2..1.., Kiss like a billion people are watching!
6:58 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Hourly Countdown with Carson Daly
As we approach the New Year, Carson Daly will appear on the Nivea Countdown Stage to wish the Times Square revelers “Happy New Year”, read some of the confetti wishes to be mixed into the confetti release at midnight, share his personal wish for the New Year and lead the revelers in counting down to the end of the hour.
7:10 p.m.
Times Square 2009 Hats, Balloons, Pom-Poms, Confetti Bags and Scarves
The Times Square Alliance sanitation crews clad in bright red uniforms begin to distribute tens of thousands of fun handouts to the Times Square revelers for cheering in the New Year. Nivea is providing festive blue New Year’s Eve hats and blue balloons tied with silver mylar ribbons along with useful Nivea Lip Care product to keep our lips looking and feeling beautiful for that unforgettable kiss at midnight. 3 Musketeers is providing pom-poms to cheer in the New Year, confetti bags, and their delicious chocolate mini- bars. Pepsi is providing New Year’s Eve scarves to keep the revelers warm and happy.
7:25 p.m. to 7:35 p.m.
NBC’s New Year’s Eve with Carson Daly: Musical Performance by Ludacris
Ludacris performs “Stand Up” and “One More Drink” on the Nivea Countdown Stage.
7:45 p.m. to 7:47 p.m.
New Year’s Eve Special Anniversary Kiss
Two revelers will be featured on the Nivea Kiss and Be Kissed Platform for a special anniversary kiss…3..2..1.., Kiss like a billion people are watching!
7:58 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Hourly Countdown with Ryan Seacrest
As we approach the New Year, Ryan Seacrest will appear on the Nivea Countdown Stage to wish the Times Square revelers “Happy New Year”, read some of the confetti wishes to be mixed into the confetti release at midnight, share his personal wish for the New Year and lead the revelers in counting down to the end of the hour.
8:45 p.m. to 8:47 p.m.
New Year’s Eve Welcome Home Kiss
Two revelers will be featured on the Nivea Kiss and Be Kissed Platform for a long overdue Welcome Home kiss…3..2..1.., Kiss like a billion people are watching!
8:58 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Hourly Countdown with Surprise Guest
As we approach the New Year, a surprise guest will appear on the Nivea Countdown Stage to wish the Times Square revelers "Happy New Year", read some of the confetti wishes to be mixed into the confetti release at midnight, share her personal wish for the New Year and lead the revelers in counting down to the end of the hour.
9:40 p.m. to 9:55 p.m.
Times Square Sing-Along Featuring the Liberty Bells
The USO’s Liberty Bells lead the annual Panasonic Sing-Along from the Nivea Countdown Stage. The Times Square revelers will join the Liberty Bells singing “America the Beautiful”, “Shout”, and “We Are Family”.
9:58 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Hourly Countdown with Anderson Cooper
As we approach the New Year, Anderson Cooper will appear on the Nivea Countdown Stage to wish the Times Square revelers “Happy New Year”, read some of the confetti wishes to be mixed into the confetti release at midnight, share his personal wish for the New Year and lead the revelers in counting down to the end of the hour.
10:12 p.m. to 10:18 p.m.
ABC’s Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve: Musical Performance by Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift performs a medley of her hit songs on the Nivea Countdown Stage.
10:47 p.m. to 10:54 p.m.
ABC’s Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve: Musical Performance by Lionel Richie
Lionel Richie performs a medley of his hit songs on the Nivea Countdown Stage.
10:58 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Hourly Countdown with Raúl de Molina
As we approach the New Year, Raul de Molina will appear on the Nivea Countdown Stage to wish the Times Square revelers “Happy New Year”, read some of the confetti wishes to be mixed into the confetti release at midnight, share his personal wish for the New Year and lead the revelers in counting down to the end of the hour.
11:11 p.m. to 11:13 p.m.
New Year’s Eve Practice Kiss
Two revelers will be featured on the Nivea Kiss and Be Kissed Platform practicing their best midnight kiss…3..2..1.., Kiss like a billion people are watching!
11:42 p.m. to 11:48 p.m.
ABC’s Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve: Musical Performance by Jonas Brothers
Jonas Brothers perform a medley of their hit songs on the Nivea Countdown Stage.
11:55 p.m.
Pepsi Balloon Release
1,000 3-foot balloons featuring the words JOY, HOPE, and 2009 will gently drift down from setback roofs throughout Times Square onto the revelers below as they prepare to countdown the final seconds to the New Year. Pepsi is energizing the revelers by bringing back the big bouncing balloons that were last seen in 1999 as part of the 24-hour millennium celebration.
11:59 p.m.
The Sixty-Second Countdown
The Times Square 2009 Special Guest and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg push the Waterford crystal button that signals the descent of the New Year’s Eve Ball, and lead the final sixty-second countdown to the New Year at the Nivea Countdown Stage.
The New Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball
The lighted Ball descends 70 feet in sixty seconds. The Ball is a geodesic sphere, twelve feet in diameter, weighing 11,875 pounds. The Ball is covered with 2668 Waterford crystal triangles and lit by 32,256 Philips Luxeon Rebel LEDs.
12:00 a.m. -- New Year's Day
2009 Sign
At the stroke of Midnight, the lights on the New Year’s Eve Ball are turned off as the numerals of the New Year “2009” burst to life shining high above Times Square.
Times Square Confetti Release and Pyrotechnic Effects
The world-famous New Year's Eve confetti is released from the rooftops of buildings throughout Times Square creating a celebratory blizzard of colorful confetti as revelers welcome the New Year accompanied by colorful pyrotechnic effects.
12:15 a.m. - End of Show
You may want to get your partay on, at this point.
For 104 years, Times Square has been the center of worldwide attention on New Year's Eve, ever since the owners of One Times Square began in 1904 to conduct rooftop celebrations to greet the New Year. The first Ball Lowering celebration occurred in 1907, and this tradition is now a universal symbol of welcoming the New Year.
THE EVENT
4:00 p.m.
The Revelers
Revelers start arriving late in the afternoon on New Year's Eve. By approximately 4:00 p.m., the Bow Tie of Times Square (42nd to 47th Sts. between Broadway & 7th Ave.) is fully closed to traffic. Revelers are directed by the NYPD to gather in separate viewing sections. As one section fills up, the revelers are directed by police to the next viewing section. As the evening progresses, revelers continue to fill the Times Square neighborhood along Broadway and Seventh Avenue moving uptown from 43rd Street to as far as Central Park.
6:00 p.m. to 6:05 p.m.
Opening Ceremonies - Lighting and Raising the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball
The celebration begins with Univision host Raúl de Molina assisted by the actress Angelica Vale lighting and raising the brand new New Year’s Eve Ball atop One Times Square. Raúl and Angelica will be joined by representative of the Philips Lighting Company to flip the giant switch which lights the New Year’s Eve Ball and begins its ascent accompanied by special pyrotechnic effects atop One Times Square.
6:05 p.m. to 6:17 p.m.
Musical Performance by Parachute
The Times Square New Year’s Celebration gets started with a musical performance by Parachute from the Nivea Countdown Stage at Duffy Island in Times Square between 46th and 47th Streets.
6:17 p.m. to 6:19 p.m.
New Year’s Eve Practice Kiss
Two revelers will be featured on the Nivea Kiss and Be Kissed Platform located on Fence Island between 45th and 46th Streets practicing their best midnight kiss…3..2..1.., Kiss like a billion people are watching!
6:58 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Hourly Countdown with Carson Daly
As we approach the New Year, Carson Daly will appear on the Nivea Countdown Stage to wish the Times Square revelers “Happy New Year”, read some of the confetti wishes to be mixed into the confetti release at midnight, share his personal wish for the New Year and lead the revelers in counting down to the end of the hour.
7:10 p.m.
Times Square 2009 Hats, Balloons, Pom-Poms, Confetti Bags and Scarves
The Times Square Alliance sanitation crews clad in bright red uniforms begin to distribute tens of thousands of fun handouts to the Times Square revelers for cheering in the New Year. Nivea is providing festive blue New Year’s Eve hats and blue balloons tied with silver mylar ribbons along with useful Nivea Lip Care product to keep our lips looking and feeling beautiful for that unforgettable kiss at midnight. 3 Musketeers is providing pom-poms to cheer in the New Year, confetti bags, and their delicious chocolate mini- bars. Pepsi is providing New Year’s Eve scarves to keep the revelers warm and happy.
7:25 p.m. to 7:35 p.m.
NBC’s New Year’s Eve with Carson Daly: Musical Performance by Ludacris
Ludacris performs “Stand Up” and “One More Drink” on the Nivea Countdown Stage.
7:45 p.m. to 7:47 p.m.
New Year’s Eve Special Anniversary Kiss
Two revelers will be featured on the Nivea Kiss and Be Kissed Platform for a special anniversary kiss…3..2..1.., Kiss like a billion people are watching!
7:58 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Hourly Countdown with Ryan Seacrest
As we approach the New Year, Ryan Seacrest will appear on the Nivea Countdown Stage to wish the Times Square revelers “Happy New Year”, read some of the confetti wishes to be mixed into the confetti release at midnight, share his personal wish for the New Year and lead the revelers in counting down to the end of the hour.
8:45 p.m. to 8:47 p.m.
New Year’s Eve Welcome Home Kiss
Two revelers will be featured on the Nivea Kiss and Be Kissed Platform for a long overdue Welcome Home kiss…3..2..1.., Kiss like a billion people are watching!
8:58 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Hourly Countdown with Surprise Guest
As we approach the New Year, a surprise guest will appear on the Nivea Countdown Stage to wish the Times Square revelers "Happy New Year", read some of the confetti wishes to be mixed into the confetti release at midnight, share her personal wish for the New Year and lead the revelers in counting down to the end of the hour.
9:40 p.m. to 9:55 p.m.
Times Square Sing-Along Featuring the Liberty Bells
The USO’s Liberty Bells lead the annual Panasonic Sing-Along from the Nivea Countdown Stage. The Times Square revelers will join the Liberty Bells singing “America the Beautiful”, “Shout”, and “We Are Family”.
9:58 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Hourly Countdown with Anderson Cooper
As we approach the New Year, Anderson Cooper will appear on the Nivea Countdown Stage to wish the Times Square revelers “Happy New Year”, read some of the confetti wishes to be mixed into the confetti release at midnight, share his personal wish for the New Year and lead the revelers in counting down to the end of the hour.
10:12 p.m. to 10:18 p.m.
ABC’s Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve: Musical Performance by Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift performs a medley of her hit songs on the Nivea Countdown Stage.
10:47 p.m. to 10:54 p.m.
ABC’s Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve: Musical Performance by Lionel Richie
Lionel Richie performs a medley of his hit songs on the Nivea Countdown Stage.
10:58 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Hourly Countdown with Raúl de Molina
As we approach the New Year, Raul de Molina will appear on the Nivea Countdown Stage to wish the Times Square revelers “Happy New Year”, read some of the confetti wishes to be mixed into the confetti release at midnight, share his personal wish for the New Year and lead the revelers in counting down to the end of the hour.
11:11 p.m. to 11:13 p.m.
New Year’s Eve Practice Kiss
Two revelers will be featured on the Nivea Kiss and Be Kissed Platform practicing their best midnight kiss…3..2..1.., Kiss like a billion people are watching!
11:42 p.m. to 11:48 p.m.
ABC’s Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve: Musical Performance by Jonas Brothers
Jonas Brothers perform a medley of their hit songs on the Nivea Countdown Stage.
11:55 p.m.
Pepsi Balloon Release
1,000 3-foot balloons featuring the words JOY, HOPE, and 2009 will gently drift down from setback roofs throughout Times Square onto the revelers below as they prepare to countdown the final seconds to the New Year. Pepsi is energizing the revelers by bringing back the big bouncing balloons that were last seen in 1999 as part of the 24-hour millennium celebration.
11:59 p.m.
The Sixty-Second Countdown
The Times Square 2009 Special Guest and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg push the Waterford crystal button that signals the descent of the New Year’s Eve Ball, and lead the final sixty-second countdown to the New Year at the Nivea Countdown Stage.
The New Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball
The lighted Ball descends 70 feet in sixty seconds. The Ball is a geodesic sphere, twelve feet in diameter, weighing 11,875 pounds. The Ball is covered with 2668 Waterford crystal triangles and lit by 32,256 Philips Luxeon Rebel LEDs.
12:00 a.m. -- New Year's Day
2009 Sign
At the stroke of Midnight, the lights on the New Year’s Eve Ball are turned off as the numerals of the New Year “2009” burst to life shining high above Times Square.
Times Square Confetti Release and Pyrotechnic Effects
The world-famous New Year's Eve confetti is released from the rooftops of buildings throughout Times Square creating a celebratory blizzard of colorful confetti as revelers welcome the New Year accompanied by colorful pyrotechnic effects.
12:15 a.m. - End of Show
Friday, December 26, 2008
International Sex Kitten dies at age 81
Once dubbed the "most exciting woman in the world" by Orson Welles, Eartha Kitt, known in the industry as "The Sex Kitten" died Christmas Day at the age of 81. She leaves behind one daughter.Kitt gained fame overseas as an actress and cabaret singer but is known to younger American audiences as the first black Catwoman on the 1960s Batman series.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Levert death may lead to changes in RX prison meds
Sean Levert apparently died because he did not receive his Xanax medication after being arrested and held in an Ohio jail on child support charges. His widow is filing a wrongful death lawsuit. Jail authorities will now allow inmates to have prescriptions upon verification. Good idea.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Friday, December 19, 2008
Charting the psychology of evil, decades after 'shock' exper
If someone told you to press a button to deliver a 450-volt electrical shock to an innocent person in the next room, would you do it? Many people have. It's called by some, "The Lucifer Effect."
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Jackson Five cash at stake
A Northwest Indiana man says the famous Gary-born group owes him $900,000 he estimates in royalties from songs he wrote for the men long ago. He has excluded frontman Michael Jackson from the lawsuit.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
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