Transcript: 'I'm going to confront this economic crisis,' Obama says

CNNPolitics.com: Transcript: 'I'm going to confront this economic crisis,' Obama says

November 7, 2008

Story Highlights

"We're going to have an outstanding" economic team, president-elect says

"I want to see a stimulus package sooner rather than later," he says

He vows to help ease credit crisis, help families, restore growth and prosperity

Obama wants to help auto industry retool, produce fuel-efficient cars in U.S.

CHICAGO, Illinois (CNN) -- Sen. Barack Obama spoke at a his first news conference as president-elect Friday afternoon. The following is a transcript of the conference:

Obama: Thank you very much, everybody. Thank you very much.

This morning, we woke up to more sobering news about the state of our economy. The 240,000 jobs lost in October marks the 10th consecutive month that our economy has shed jobs. In total, we've lost nearly 1.2 million jobs this year, and more than 10 million Americans are now unemployed.

Tens of millions of families are struggling to figure out how to pay the bills and stay in their homes. Their stories are an urgent reminder that we are facing the greatest economic challenge of our lifetime, and we're going to have to act swiftly to resolve it.

Now, the United States has only one government and one president at a time. And until January 20th of next year, that government is the current administration.

I've spoken to President Bush. I appreciate his commitment to ensuring that his economic policy team keeps us fully informed as developments unfold. And I'm also thankful for his invitation to the White House.

Immediately after I become president, I'm going to confront this economic crisis head on by taking all necessary steps to ease the credit crisis, help hardworking families, and restore growth and prosperity. Watch Obama urge swift action on the economy »

And this morning, I met with members of my Transition Economic Advisory Board, who are standing behind me, alongside my vice president-elect, Joe Biden.

They will help to guide the work of my transition team, working with Rahm Emanuel, my chief of staff, in developing a strong set of policies to respond to this crisis. We discussed in the earlier meeting several of the most immediate challenges facing our economy and key priorities on which to focus on in the days and weeks ahead. Watch Obama lay out his economic plan »

First of all, we need a rescue plan for the middle class that invests in immediate efforts to create jobs and provide relief to families that are watching their paychecks shrink and their life savings disappear.

A particularly urgent priority is a further extension of unemployment insurance benefits for workers who cannot find work in the increasingly weak economy.

A fiscal stimulus plan that will jump-start economic growth is long overdue. I've talked about it throughout this -- the last few months of the campaign. We should get it done.

Second, we have to address the spreading impact of the financial crisis on the other sectors of our economy: small businesses that are struggling to meet their payrolls and finance their holiday inventories; and state and municipal governments facing devastating budget cuts and tax increases.

We must also remember that the financial crisis is increasingly global and requires a global response.

The news coming out of the auto industry this week reminds us of the hardship it faces, hardship that goes far beyond individual auto companies to the countless suppliers, small businesses and communities throughout our nation who depend on a vibrant American auto industry.

The auto industry is the backbone of American manufacturing and a critical part of our attempt to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

I would like to see the administration do everything it can to accelerate the retooling assistance that Congress has already enacted. In addition, I have made it a high priority for my transition team to work on additional policy options to help the auto industry adjust, weather the financial crisis, and succeed in producing fuel-efficient cars here in the United States of America.

And I was glad to be joined today by Governor Jennifer Granholm, who obviously has great knowledge and great interest on this issue.

I've asked my team to explore what we can do under current law and whether additional legislation will be needed for this purpose.

Third, we will review the implementation of this administration's financial program to ensure that the government's efforts are achieving their central goal of stabilizing financial markets while protecting taxpayers, helping homeowners, and not unduly rewarding the management of financial firms that are receiving government assistance.

It is absolutely critical that the Treasury work closely with the FDIC, HUD, and other government agencies to use the substantial authority that they already have to help families avoid foreclosure and stay in their homes.

Finally, as we monitor and address these immediate economic challenges, we will be moving forward in laying out a set of policies that will grow our middle class and strengthen our economy in the long term. We cannot afford to wait on moving forward on the key priorities that I identified during the campaign, including clean energy, health care, education, and tax relief for middle-class families.

My transition team will be working on each of these priorities in the weeks ahead, and I intend to reconvene this advisory board to discuss the best ideas for responding to these immediate problems.

Watch more about a new president's transition into office »

Let me close by saying this. I do not underestimate the enormity of the task that lies ahead. We have taken some major action to date, and we will need further action during this transition and subsequent months.

Some of the choices that we make are going to be difficult. And I have said before and I will repeat again: It is not going to be quick, and it is not going to be easy for us to dig ourselves out of the hole that we are in.

But America is a strong and resilient country. And I know we will succeed, if we put aside partisanship and politics and work together as one nation. That's what I intend to do.

With that, let me open it up for some questions. And I'm going to start right here with you.

Question: Thank you, Mr. President-elect. I wonder what you think any president can accomplish during their first 100 days in office to turn the economy around? How far can you go? And what will be your priorities on day one?

Obama: Well, I think that a new president can do an enormous amount to restore confidence, to move an agenda forward that speaks to the needs of the economy and the needs of middle-class families all across the country.

I've outlined during the course of the campaign some critical issues that I intend to work on.

We have a current financial crisis that is spilling out into rest of the economy, and we have taken some action so far. More action is undoubtedly going to be needed. My transition team is going to be monitoring very closely what happens over the course of the next several months.

The one thing I can say with certainty is that we are going to need to see a stimulus package passed either before or after inauguration.

We are going to have to focus on jobs, because the hemorrhaging of jobs has an impact, obviously, on consumer confidence and the ability of people to -- to buy goods and services and can have enormous spillover effects.

And I think it's going to be very important for us to provide the kinds of assistance to state and local governments to make sure that they don't compound some of the problems that are already out there by having to initiate major layoffs or initiate tax increases.

So there are some things that we know we're going to have to do, but I'm confident that a new president can have an enormous impact. That's why I ran for president.

Question: (off-mike) ... from House Democrats that the stimulus package may be in trouble, that it's going to be a hard time getting out of a lame-duck session. Are you still confident that you would be able to get something done before you actually take office?

Obama: I want to see a stimulus package sooner rather than later. If it does not get done in the lame-duck session, it will be the first thing I get done as president of the United States.

Question: Senator, for the first time since the Iranian revolution, the president of Iran sent a congratulations note to a new U.S. president. I'm wondering if, first of all, if you responded to President Ahmadinejad's note of congratulations and, second of all, and more importantly, how soon do you plan on sending low-level envoys to countries such as Iran, Syria, Venezuela, Cuba, to see if a presidential-level talk would be productive?

Obama: I am aware that the letter was sent. Let me state -- repeat what I stated during the course of the campaign.

Iran's development of a nuclear weapon I believe is unacceptable. And we have to mount a international effort to prevent that from happening.

Iran's support of terrorist organizations I think is something that has to cease.

I will be reviewing the letter from President Ahmadinejad, and we will respond appropriately. It's only been three days since the election. Obviously, how we approach and deal with a country like Iran is not something that we should, you know, simply do in a knee- jerk fashion. I think we've got to think it through.

But I have to reiterate once again that we only have one president at a time. And I want to be very careful that we are sending the right signals to the world as a whole that I am not the president and I won't be until January 20th.

Question: Picking up what we were just talking about, your meeting with President Bush on Monday. When -- he is still the decider, obviously, stating the obvious. When you disagree with decisions he makes, will you defer? Will you challenge? Will you confront? And if it becomes confrontational, could that rattle the markets even more?

Obama: Well, President Bush graciously invited Michelle and I to -- to meet with him and First Lady Laura Bush. We are gratified by the invitation. I'm sure that, in addition to taking a tour of the White House, there's going to be a substantive conversation between myself and the president.

I'm not going to anticipate problems. I'm going to go in there with a spirit of bipartisanship and a sense that both the president and various leaders in Congress all recognize the severity of the situation right now and want to get stuff done.

And, you know, undoubtedly there may end up being differences between not just members of different parties, but between people within the same party.

The critical point and I think the critical tone that has to be struck by all of us involved right now is the American people need help. This economy is in bad shape. And we have just completed one of the longest election cycles in recorded history.

Now is a good time for us to set politics aside for a while and think practically about what will actually work to move the economy forward. And it's in that spirit that I'll have the conversation with the president.

Question: Thank you, Mr. President-elect. With the country facing two wars and a financial crisis, do you think it's important for you to move especially quickly to fill key cabinet posts, such as treasury secretary and secretary of state?

Obama: When we have an announcement about cabinet appointments, we will make them. There is no doubt that I think people want to know who's going to make up our team.

And I want to move with all deliberate haste, but I want to emphasize "deliberate" as well as "haste." I'm proud of the choice I made of vice president, partly because we did it right. I'm proud of the choice of chief of staff, because we thought it through.

And I think it's very important, in all these key positions, both in the economic team and the national security team, to -- to get it right and not to be so rushed that you end up making mistakes.

I'm confident that we're going to have an outstanding team, and we will be rolling that out in subsequent weeks.

Question: Yes, sir. To what extent -- to what extent are you planning to use your probably pretty great influence in determining the successor for your Senate seat? And what sort of criteria should the governor be looking at in filling that position?

Obama: This is the governor's decision; it is not my decision.

And I think that the criteria that I would have for my successor would be the same criteria that I'd have if I were a voter: somebody who is capable; somebody who is passionate about helping working families in Illinois meet their -- meet their dreams.

And I think there are going to be a lot of good choices out there, but it is the governor's decision to make, not mine.

Lynn Sweet?

Question: Mr. President-elect ...

Obama: What happened to your arm, Lynn?

Question: I cracked my shoulder running to your speech on election night.

Obama: Oh, no.

(Laughter)

Question: (inaudible)

Obama: I think that was the only major incident during the -- the entire Grant Park celebration.

Question: Thank you for asking. Here's my question. I'm wondering what you're doing to get ready. Have you spoke to any living ex-presidents, what books you might be reading?

Everyone wants to know, what kind of dog are you going to buy for your girls? Have you decided on a private or public school for your daughters?

Obama: Let -- let me list those off.

In terms of speaking to former presidents, I've spoken to all of them that are living. Obviously, President Clinton -- I didn't want to get into a Nancy Reagan thing about, you know, doing any seances.

I have re-read some of Lincoln's writings, who's always an extraordinary inspiration.

And, by the way, President Carter, President Bush, Sr., as well as the current president have all been very gracious and offered to provide any help that they can in this transition process.

With respect to the dog, this is a major issue. I think it's generated more interest on our Web site than just about anything.

We have -- we have two criteria that have to be reconciled. One is that Malia is allergic, so it has to be hypoallergenic. There are a number of breeds that are hypoallergenic.

On the other hand, our preference would be to get a shelter dog, but, obviously, a lot of shelter dogs are mutts like me. So -- so whether we're going to be able to balance those two things I think is a pressing issue on the Obama household.

And with respect to schools, Michelle will be -- will be scouting out some schools. We'll be making a decision about that in the future.

Question: You are now privy to a lot of intelligence that you haven't had access to before, in fact, much of what the president sees, I'm sure all of it.

First of all, do you -- what do you think about the state of U.S. intelligence, whether you think it needs beefing up, whether you think there's enough interaction between the various agencies?

And, second of all, has anything that you've heard given you pause about anything you've talked about on the campaign trail?

Obama: Well, as you know, if -- if there was something I had heard, I couldn't tell you. But...

Question: (off-mike)

Obama: I have received intelligence briefings. And I will make just a general statement.

Our intelligence process can always improve. I think it has gotten better. And, you know, beyond that, I don't think I should comment on the nature of the intelligence briefings.

That was a two-parter. Was there another aspect to that?

Question: Well, just whether -- you know, absent what you've heard...

Obama: OK, I get you.

Question: ... whether anything has given you pause.

Obama: I'm going to skip that.

Question: Mr. President-elect, do you still intend to seek income tax increases for upper-income Americans? And if so, should these Americans expect to pay higher taxes in 2009?

Obama: The -- my tax plan represented a net tax cut. It provided for substantial middle-class tax cuts; 95 percent of working Americans would receive them.

It also provided for cuts in capital gains for small businesses, additional tax credits. All of it is designed for job growth.

My priority is going to be, how do we grow the economy? How do we create more jobs?

I think that the plan that we've put forward is the right one, but, obviously, over the next several weeks and months, we're going to be continuing to take a look at the data and see what's taking place in the economy as a whole.

But, understand, the goal of my plan is to provide tax relief to families that are struggling, but also to boost the capacity of the economy to grow from the bottom up.

All right. Thank you very much, guys.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/07/obama.conference.transcript/

http://www.cnn.com/POLITICS/

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20081107 Transcript: 'I'm going to confront this economic crisis,' Obama says

A Few Things You'd Have to Believe to Believe What McCain Staffers Say About Sarah Palin

A Few Things You'd Have to Believe to Believe What McCain Staffers Say About Sarah Palin by Mary Katharine Ham on November 6, 2008

Related:
Sarah Palin on "Small and Bitter" McCain Aides Trashing Her The Blog home page Obama's White Evangelical Outreaching

Let's add some context to the Carl Cameron and Newsweek airing of rumors from anonymous McCain/Palin staffers. The most controversial claims, all of which come without names attached because the purveyors are apparently determined to stick around to undermine future campaigns and candidates, are that Palin didn't know that Africa was a continent as opposed to a country, and that she didn't know who the members of NAFTA were.

Let's start with NAFTA. If folks want to believe Gov. Sarah Palin did not know even the most basic facts about NAFTA, they have to believe a couple other improbable things.

Before she became governor, Palin's husband Todd's commercial fishing business on Bristol Bay accounted a decent percentage of the family's income. The couple reported about $46,000 from the business last year on a license Todd purchased from his grandfather in the 1970s. He has been a lifelong commercial fisherman and she has often been his partner both in the business and literally on the boat.

Surely while the two were working in the commercial salmon fishing industry in post-NAFTA Alaska, they would not have missed the effect farmed-salmon imports from Canada had on the industry, causing the number of fisherman, the size of the harvest, and the value of permits to go down significantly in Alaska. According to a 2003 AP article:

Read the rest of Mary Katherine Ham’s blog post here: A Few Things You'd Have to Believe to Believe What McCain Staffers Say About Sarah Palin

20081106 M K Ham In order to believe what McCain Staffers Say About Palin

CNN: Report: '08 turnout same as or only slightly higher than '04

CNN: Report: '08 turnout same as or only slightly higher than '04

November 6, 2008

From CNN Associate Producer Martina Stewart

WASHINGTON (CNN) – A new report from American University’s Center for the Study of the American Electorate concludes that voter turnout in Tuesday’s election was the same in percentage terms as it was four years ago — or at most has risen by less than 1 percent.

Click here to read the entire report.

The report released Thursday estimates that between 126.5 and 128.5 million Americans cast ballots in the presidential election earlier this week. Those figures represent 60.7 percent or, at most, 61.7 percent of those eligible to vote in the country.

“A downturn in the number and percentage of Republican voters going to the polls seemed to be the primary explanation for the lower than predicted turnout,” the report said. Compared to 2004, Republican turnout declined by 1.3 percentage points to 28.7 percent, while Democratic turnout increased by 2.6 points from 28.7 percent in 2004 to 31.3 percent in 2008.

[…]

In 2004, 122 million Americans voted in the general election.

[…]

Read the entire article here: Report: '08 turnout same as or only slightly higher than '04

Filed under: 2008 Election • Early voting

20081106 CNN Report 08 turnout same as or only slightly higher than 04

NY Daily News: Palin scapegoated in tales of shopping spree

NY Daily News: Sarah Palin scapegoated in tales of shopping spree, says aide

BY BILL HUTCHINSON DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

Friday, November 7th 2008, 2:18 PM

Sarah Palin greets supporters on her return to Alaska Wednesday Nov. 5. An aide defended her, saying she was being made a scapegoat for the McCain campaign's missteps.

A top aide of Sarah Palin insisted last night that Sen. John McCain's running mate is being unfairly made the scapegoat for the campaign's missteps.

Meg Stapleton lashed out at anonymous critics inside the now defunct McCain-Palin team, saying they were distorting facts about the Alaska governor's infamous $150,000 shopping spree to cover up misdeeds.

Stapleton, a longtime aide to Palin, charged that campaign officials gave a New York stylist a blank check and a mission to make Palin look presidential.

READ ALSO: ECONOMY, NATIONAL SECURITY, PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCE - OBAMA IS DADDY IN CHIEF

She said Palin tried to object to wearing a $3,500 outfit but was told by campaign staff, "Here's your people, here are your clothes."

Palin was directed to buy her fancy wardrobe before Sept. 4 in order to bill it to the Republican National Convention, Stapleton told ABC News.

READ ALSO: WHAT FOR 'SNL' NOW?

"They said, 'Bill the convention, under "wardrobe," ' so that the cost could be hidden," Stapleton said. "And then they realized and they were told that's illegal.

"Then they said, 'Okay, how do we make this legal and appropriate?' So they had somebody pay for it and then the RNC [Republican National Committee] would reimburse them."

PHOTOS: ELECTION WINNERS AND LOSERS

Reacting to another leak that Palin didn't know Africa was a continent, Stapleton chalked it up to a "human mistake" the governor made during a briefing session.

"She knows it's a continent," Stapleton said.

whutchinson@nydailynews.com

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2008/11/07/2008-11-07_sarah_palin_scapegoated_in_tales_of_shop-1.html

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What will 'Saturday Night Live' do next?

20081107 NY Daily News Palin scapegoated in tales of shopping spree

Mr Moose at HSCC Annual Dinner

Mr Moose at HSCC Annual Dinner

November 6, 2008 Kevin Dayhoff

Mr. Moose soaks up some Carroll County history at the annual Historical Society of Carroll County annual dinner and meeting.

20081106 Mr Moose at HSCC Annual Dinner

Junction and Lenny Moore team up to explain what teens are thinking

Junction and Lenny Moore team up to explain what teens are thinking

Wednesday November 5, 2008 Westminster Eagle column by Kevin Dayhoff (565 words)

Tomorrow Junction will be hosting a substance abuse and awareness program sponsored by the Carroll County commissioners at 6 p.m. at The Portico, at St. John Catholic Church at 47 Monroe Avenue in Westminster.

If you are not aware of Junction; it is a local private nonprofit agency for substance abuse prevention and outpatient drug treatment. September 27 was the 37th anniversary of the incorporation of Junction. A month after incorporation, on December 6, 1971, it opened its doors in the historic Carroll County Jail on Court Street in Westminster.

Tomorrow night’s program will feature two special guest speakers, Dr. David McDuff, a nationally known adolescent, addiction, and sports psychiatrist; and Baltimore Colts Hall of Famer Lenny Moore.

Dr. McDuff has worked with adolescents with learning, attention, substance use, and mental disorders for the past twenty years. He retired from the Army Reserves in 2002 after 28 years of service as a Colonel including combat duty during the Persian Gulf War.

You may have heard of him in his capacity as the team psychiatrist and mental skills trainer for the Baltimore Ravens and Orioles for the past 13 years.

Mr. Moore, the former flanker/halfback for the Baltimore Colts in the days of John Unitas, is currently employed by the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services and does presentations for the Community and Family Partnerships Department.

If that weren’t good enough, the real clincher for the evening is the topic of the program: “What are they thinking? - Connecting with your teen.”

Now I grew up in Carroll County in the 60s when the community and our world were changing rapidly. However we were little angels and it was easy to understand us. Ah, ahem, well maybe not so much.

Today’s teenagers are wonderful. You can often hear this repeated throughout the community. Nonetheless; how often have you heard yourself saying, in reference to young adults – “What were they thinking!?”

From observing the young adults of our community we can confidently look forward to handing over the future leadership of our country to a very capable and responsible generation.

However, today’s adolescents are not going to have a chance to take over the world if they have their careers and lives are negatively impacted by drugs or alcohol.

In tomorrow evening’s program, Dr. McDuff’s presentation will include explaining the developing adolescent brain, why teens make the decisions they do, teen addiction, and communicating with your teen.

Mr. Moore is very involved in sending a positive message to teens about their choices. He speaks about the risks of drugs and works to improve the lives of troubled teens.

I’ve been a member of the board of Junction since October 2000. I have come to understand that the challenges of drugs and alcohol are an equal opportunity scourge on our community.

Adolescents having problems with substance abuse happens to good and bad families - wealthy and poor, black and white. There is no magic to making our children bulletproof to substance abuse. It takes constant work and diligence.

We are fortunate in Carroll County to have two talented presenters with the stature of Dr. McDuff and Lenny Moore share with us their insights.

There will be about 20 information booths at the program with handouts and plenty of professionals to answer questions.

And, of course, since there will be food and refreshments, you can count on seeing me there.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.
E-mail him at: kdayhoff@carr.org
####

20081105 Junction and Lenny Moore team up to explain what teens are thinking

Junction qv Non-profits, Medicine Health Drug Substance Abuse, Non-profits-Junction, People Moore-Lenny, Sports Football NFL, Sports Football

This week in The Tentacle

This week in The Tentacle

Wednesday, November 5, 2008
It’s the Congress, Stupid!
Kevin E. Dayhoff
When historians look back on the 670-day, $2.5 billion 2008 presidential campaign, the observations, analysis, second-guessing, and finger pointing will fill volumes. In the end, it was once again, “the economy, stupid” that ruled the day.


A Tale of Two Campaigns
Tom McLaughlin
This election, I was proud to be a part of two Democratic congressional campaigns. The First District in Maryland, mostly on the Eastern Shore, was where I lived while in Ocean City. I moved to the Sixth District when I relocated to Middletown.


Tuesday, November 4, 2008
The Long, Messy Campaign
Roy Meachum
Today arrives as Boxing Day for Christmas and Ash Wednesday for Mardi Gras. Take your pick. The presidential campaign for all intents and purposes ended yesterday. The number of voters who might be persuaded by last minute exhortations is certainly miniscule.


Local Issues ARE Important, Too
Farrell Keough
What an interesting time slot to post a column. Today we engage in one of our most auspicious rights – the ability to vote for our representatives. Good luck!


Monday, November 3, 2008
The Big Non-Surprise
Richard B. Weldon Jr.
Former Secretary of State and highly decorated U.S. Army Gen. Colin Powell, a registered Republican, rocked the political establishment recently. On NBC's Meet the Press, General Powell revealed that he is abandoning his political party and endorsing Sen. Barack Obama, for President of The United States.


Predicting The Result
Steven R. Berryman
I have no crystal ball, but considering the events upcoming on Election Day, I feel compelled to prognosticate aloud. John McCain and Sarah Palin will be your next president and vice president of the United States of America. And here’s why:


It’s Your Choice – Part 3
Bill Brosius
We’ve seen the Reverend Wright rant “God damn America” on TV; seen his contempt for and hatred of America, and of whites. He preached: “America is a country run by rich white men.” You could not more succinctly combine racism, contempt of those hard workers who accumulate wealth, and socialism in fewer words.


Friday, October 31, 2008
Taking Race for Congress Seriously
Roy Meachum
A Frederick businessman – and fellow Democrat – this week told me a story about the former mayor. Failing to be heard with orders that city workers should not show up at his place, buy sandwiches and drive away, Jennifer Dougherty proceeded to patrol his parking lot.


Welfare Checks and Military Disintegration
Joe Charlebois
Ninety-five percent of taxpayers won't see tax increases, astounding! Ninety-five percent of Americans will receive a tax cut, amazing! Only 60% of Americans pay income taxes. What?


Just Say “NO” to Slots
Kevin E. Dayhoff
There are two constitutional questions on the ballot next Tuesday. I will be voting “NO” on both. Question 2 will amend the state constitution to allow slots. Question 1 would amend the Maryland Constitution to allow early voting in Maryland.


It’s Your Choice – Part 2
Bill Brosius
Senator Obama’s formative childhood years were unsettling and disruptive. (Words in quotes in this section are copied from “Dreams From My Father,” written by Senator Obama).


Making My Selection…
Derek Shackelford
There are currently six candidates vying for the President of the United States. Two of the candidates have garnered much of the national media attention and are a part of the two primary political parties.


Thursday, October 30, 2008
Another Round of Greatness…
Tony Soltero
Eight years ago, America was finishing up one of the best decades in the nation's history. We were at peace – after waging a successful war of liberation in the Balkans, a war in which no Americans lost their lives in combat.


My Choice and Why
Patricia A. Kelly
I was asked some time ago to contribute a column on a political candidate and why he or she should be chosen. The request was to make it positive, without the “why not to vote for” usually associated with political arguments.


It’s Your Choice – Part 1
Bill Brosius
Illinois Senator Barack Obama is a convincing, charming, silver-tongued man; few are better orators. He quickly gains the confidence of trusting people who cannot believe that he would obfuscate, and thus befuddle those who do not dig deeply into his jargon to clarify meaning.


Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Vote “NO” on Early Voting
Kevin E. Dayhoff
On Election Day November 4, there are two statewide questions on the ballot to amend the Maryland constitutional. I will be voting NO on both questions.


To Thine Own Self Be True
Tom McLaughlin
I am a Democrat and support Jennifer Dougherty and Barack Obama. I would support the Democratic ticket if the devil himself were on it. I am sure there are Republicans who feel the same way.


Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Election Worry
Roy Meachum
Readers may recall I take a certain pride in making up my mind well in advance about election personalities and issues. Not always, helas! This resolution on slot machines remains unresolved for me. I suspect I'm not alone. Please allow me to point out personal problems.


Unqualified To Be President – Part 2
Maude Franceschina
In yesterday’s column, I recited a litany of reasons Sen. Barack Obama is unqualified to be President of The United States. Today I’ll expand on that.

http://www.thetentacle.com/
20081105 This week in The Tentacle

Obama’s Acceptance Speech

Obama’s Acceptance Speech

Barack Obama is the President-elect of the United States of America.

November 04, 2008 President-elect of the United States of America Barack Obama’s Acceptance Speech: Change Has Come to America

After he was declared the winner of the November 4th, 2008 presidential election, to become the country's 44th president, Illinois Senator Barack Obama addressed the nation at a rally in Chicago.

If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference.

It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled - Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America.

It's the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.

It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.

I just received a very gracious call from Senator McCain. He fought long and hard in this campaign, and he's fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him and Governor Palin for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead.

I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on that train home to Delaware, the Vice President-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.

I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last sixteen years, the rock of our family and the love of my life, our nation's next First Lady, Michelle Obama. Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the White House. And while she's no longer with us, I know my grandmother is watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight, and know that my debt to them is beyond measure.

To my campaign manager David Plouffe, my chief strategist David Axelrod, and the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics - you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you've sacrificed to get it done.

But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to - it belongs to you.

I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington - it began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston.

It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give five dollars and ten dollars and twenty dollars to this cause. It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy; who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth. This is your victory.

I know you didn't do this just to win an election and I know you didn't do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime - two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century. Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us. There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after their children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage, or pay their doctor's bills, or save enough for college. There is new energy to harness and new jobs to be created; new schools to build and threats to meet and alliances to repair.

The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America - I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you - we as a people will get there.

There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government can't solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it's been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years - block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.

What began twenty-one months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek - it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you.

So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers - in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people.

Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House - a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity. Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress. As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, "We are not enemies, but friends...though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection." And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn - I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too.

And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world - our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this world down - we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security - we support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright - tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from our the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope.

For that is the true genius of America - that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.

This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing - Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.

She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons - because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.

And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America - the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.

At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.

When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.

When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.

She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome." Yes we can.

A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes we can.

America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves - if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?

This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time - to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth - that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:

Yes We Can. Thank you, God bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America.


20081104 Obama’s Acceptance Speech

President Bush Discusses Presidential Election

President Bush Discusses Presidential Election

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
November 5, 2008

Rose Garden
10:20 A.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. Last night, I had a warm conversation with President-elect Barack Obama. I congratulated him and Senator Biden on their impressive victory. I told the President-elect he can count on complete cooperation from my administration as he makes the transition to the White House.

I also spoke to Senator John McCain. I congratulated him on a determined campaign that he and Governor Palin ran. The American people will always be grateful for the lifetime of service John McCain has devoted to this nation. And I know he'll continue to make tremendous contributions to our country.

No matter how they cast their ballots, all Americans can be proud of the history that was made yesterday. Across the country, citizens voted in large numbers. They showed a watching world the vitality of America's democracy, and the strides we have made toward a more perfect union. They chose a President whose journey represents a triumph of the American story -- a testament to hard work, optimism, and faith in the enduring promise of our nation.

Many of our citizens thought they would never live to see that day. This moment is especially uplifting for a generation of Americans who witnessed the struggle for civil rights with their own eyes -- and four decades later see a dream fulfilled.

A long campaign has now ended, and we move forward as one nation. We're embarking on a period of change in Washington, yet there are some things that will not change. The United States government will stay vigilant in meeting its most important responsibility -- protecting the American people. And the world can be certain this commitment will remain steadfast under our next Commander-in-Chief.

There's important work to do in the months ahead, and I will continue to conduct the people's business as long as this office remains in my trust. During this time of transition, I will keep the President-elect fully informed on important decisions. And when the time comes on January the 20th, Laura and I will return home to Texas with treasured memories of our time here -- and with profound gratitude for the honor of serving this amazing country.

It will be a stirring sight to watch President Obama, his wife, Michelle, and their beautiful girls step through the doors of the White House. I know millions of Americans will be overcome with pride at this inspiring moment that so many have awaited so long. I know Senator Obama's beloved mother and grandparents would have been thrilled to watch the child they raised ascend the steps of the Capitol -- and take his oath to uphold the Constitution of the greatest nation on the face of the earth.

Last night I extended an invitation to the President-elect and Mrs. Obama to come to the White House. And Laura and I are looking forward to welcoming them as soon as possible.

Thank you very much.
END 10:23 A.M. EST

20081105 President Bush Discusses Presidential Election

Video of Senator John McCain’s November 5 2008 concession speech

Video of Senator John McCain’s November 5 2008 concession speech

November 4, 2008 - Twenty-six months after the 2008 presidential campaign began; Arizona Sen. John McCain, the Republican nominee for president delivered his concession speech in Phoenix, Arizona at 9:18 p.m. PT.

Senator McCain had begun his 2008 presidential aspirations on April 25, 2007 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and ended it on the other side of the country in a graceful speech that generously asked his supporters and the country to unite behind Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, who won in his bid for the presidency on the Democratic Party ticket.

20081105 McCains concession speech

From: kevindayhoff

The text of his speech may be found here: http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2008/11/text-of-senator-john-mccains-concession.html

20081105 Sen. John McCain’s concession speech

www.kevindayhoff.net

Text of Senator John McCain’s concession speech

Text of Senator John McCain’s concession speech

November 5, 2008

Twenty-six months after the 2008 presidential campaign began; Arizona Sen. John McCain, the Republican nominee for president delivered his concession speech at the Arizona Biltmore, in Phoenix, Arizona at 9:18 p.m. PT.

Senator McCain had begun his 2008 presidential aspirations on April 25, 2007 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and ended it on the other side of the country in a graceful speech that generously asked his supporters and the country to unite behind Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, who won in his bid for the presidency on the Democratic Party ticket:

JOHN MCCAIN: Thank you. Thank you, my friends. Thank you for coming here on this beautiful Arizona evening.

(APPLAUSE)

My friends, we have -- we have come to the end of a long journey. The American people have spoken, and they have spoken clearly.

A little while ago, I had the honor of calling Senator Barack Obama to congratulate him.

(BOOING)

Please.

To congratulate him on being elected the next president of the country that we both love.

In a contest as long and difficult as this campaign has been, his success alone commands my respect for his ability and perseverance. But that he managed to do so by inspiring the hopes of so many millions of Americans who had once wrongly believed that they had little at stake or little influence in the election of an American president is something I deeply admire and commend him for achieving.

This is an historic election, and I recognize the special significance it has for African-Americans and for the special pride that must be theirs tonight.

I've always believed that America offers opportunities to all who have the industry and will to seize it. Senator Obama believes that, too.

But we both recognize that, though we have come a long way from the old injustices that once stained our nation's reputation and denied some Americans the full blessings of American citizenship, the memory of them still had the power to wound.

A century ago, President Theodore Roosevelt's invitation of Booker T. Washington to dine at the White House was taken as an outrage in many quarters.

America today is a world away from the cruel and frightful bigotry of that time. There is no better evidence of this than the election of an African-American to the presidency of the United States.

Let there be no reason now...

(APPLAUSE)

Let there be no reason now for any American to fail to cherish their citizenship in this, the greatest nation on Earth.

(APPLAUSE)

Senator Obama has achieved a great thing for himself and for his country. I applaud him for it, and offer him my sincere sympathy that his beloved grandmother did not live to see this day. Though our faith assures us she is at rest in the presence of her creator and so very proud of the good man she helped raise.

Senator Obama and I have had and argued our differences, and he has prevailed. No doubt many of those differences remain.

These are difficult times for our country. And I pledge to him tonight to do all in my power to help him lead us through the many challenges we face.

I urge all Americans...

(APPLAUSE)

I urge all Americans who supported me to join me in not just congratulating him, but offering our next president our good will and earnest effort to find ways to come together to find the necessary compromises to bridge our differences and help restore our prosperity, defend our security in a dangerous world, and leave our children and grandchildren a stronger, better country than we inherited.

Whatever our differences, we are fellow Americans. And please believe me when I say no association has ever meant more to me than that.

(APPLAUSE)

It is natural. It's natural, tonight, to feel some disappointment. But tomorrow, we must move beyond it and work together to get our country moving again.

AUDIENCE MEMBER: (OFF-MIKE)

We fought -- we fought as hard as we could. And though we feel short, the failure is mine, not yours.

AUDIENCE: No!

MCCAIN: I am so...

AUDIENCE: (CHANTING)

MCCAIN: I am so deeply grateful to all of you for the great honor of your support and for all you have done for me. I wish the outcome had been different, my friends.

AUDIENCE MEMBER: We do, too (OFF-MIKE)

MCCAIN: The road was a difficult one from the outset, but your support and friendship never wavered. I cannot adequately express how deeply indebted I am to you.

I'm especially grateful to my wife, Cindy, my children, my dear mother...
(APPLAUSE)

... my dear mother and all my family, and to the many old and dear friends who have stood by my side through the many ups and downs of this long campaign.
I have always been a fortunate man, and never more so for the love and encouragement you have given me.

You know, campaigns are often harder on a candidate's family than on the candidate, and that's been true in this campaign.

All I can offer in compensation is my love and gratitude and the promise of more peaceful years ahead.

I am also -- I am also, of course, very thankful to Governor Sarah Palin, one of the best campaigners I've ever seen...

(APPLAUSE)

... one of the best campaigners I have ever seen, and an impressive new voice in our party for reform and the principles that have always been our greatest strength...

(APPLAUSE)

... her husband Todd and their five beautiful children...

(APPLAUSE)

... for their tireless dedication to our cause, and the courage and grace they showed in the rough and tumble of a presidential campaign.

We can all look forward with great interest to her future service to Alaska, the Republican Party and our country.

(APPLAUSE)

To all my campaign comrades, from Rick Davis and Steve Schmidt and Mark Salter, to every last volunteer who fought so hard and valiantly, month after month, in what at times seemed to be the most challenged campaign in modern times, thank you so much. A lost election will never mean more to me than the privilege of your faith and friendship.

I don't know -- I don't know what more we could have done to try to win this election. I'll leave that to others to determine. Every candidate makes mistakes, and I'm sure I made my share of them. But I won't spend a moment of the future regretting what might have been.

This campaign was and will remain the great honor of my life, and my heart is filled with nothing but gratitude for the experience and to the American people for giving me a fair hearing before deciding that Senator Obama and my old friend Senator Joe Biden should have the honor of leading us for the next four years.

(BOOING)

Please. Please.

I would not -- I would not be an American worthy of the name should I regret a fate that has allowed me the extraordinary privilege of serving this country for a half a century.

half a century.

Today, I was a candidate for the highest office in the country I love so much. And tonight, I remain her servant. That is blessing enough for anyone, and I thank the people of Arizona for it.

(APPLAUSE)

AUDIENCE: USA. USA. USA. USA.

Tonight -- tonight, more than any night, I hold in my heart nothing but love for this country and for all its citizens, whether they supported me or Senator Obama -- whether they supported me or Senator Obama.

I wish Godspeed to the man who was my former opponent and will be my president. And I call on all Americans, as I have often in this campaign, to not despair of our present difficulties, but to believe, always, in the promise and greatness of America, because nothing is inevitable here.

Americans never quit. We never surrender.

(APPLAUSE)

We never hide from history. We make history.

Thank you, and God bless you, and God bless America. Thank you all very much.

20081105 Text of Sen. John McCain’s concession speech

Westminster MD Water Bill Payment Options

Westminster MD Water Bill Payment Options

City of Westminster Press Release:

November 4, 2008

“Today the City of Westminster initiated the new water and sewer billing system. This accomplishment tops nine months of data conversion and programs from the antiquated RPG System to our automated financial management information system (EDEN). With this automation and the installation of many new water meters this year, our water system will be computerized from the reading of the meter to the payment of the bill,” announced Mayor Thomas K. Ferguson.

Mayor Ferguson further commented that while the majority of the bills will be converted without incident, there may be some bills that will require individual attention: “We ask your indulgence during this conversion—we have a whole team of staffers assigned to work with our customers to explain any differences or to resolve any problems.” If you have questions about your bill, we ask that you call 410-848-3255, fax your questions to 410-848-5345 or email to water@westgov.com. It may take a day or so to research the problem and get back to you with a response.

The new water and sewer bill provides valuable information to the customer
Most notable is the chart of your water usage over several quarters. This will alert you to changes in your water consumption, possible water leaks or allow you to track the results of your conservation measures.

There is also a new message box where you will find important information about the water system, conservation measures, changes in billing, drought conditions, etc.

The number of gallons used during the quarter is more clearly identified and is located in the meter information area along with your average daily use.

The date your meter was read last quarter and the current read date are also contained on the bill.

Even though the format of the bill has been changed, the following payment options remain the same. Please note our expanded hours of service.

In Person—Payment can be made by mail, credit card or in person at the City Administrative Offices, 56 West Main Street, Westminster, MD 21157. Our hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For information, call 410-848-3255.

Bills paid after the “Amount Due After” date is subject to penalty. A return check charge of $50 will be assessed on each bill paid with a check that is returned unpaid by the financial institution on which it is drawn. If you have had a returned check in the past, you will need to pay by cash, money order or credit card.

By Mail—The lower part of the statement is to be returned with your check (or credit card payment.) Please do not staple, tape or use paper clips. Remember to sign your check and write your account number on it. This will expedite the accurate processing of your payment. Please allow time for mail delivery. Do Not Send Cash In The Mail.

Drop Box —You also have the option of placing your payment in the drop box located at the City Administrative Offices at 56 West Main Street.

Inquiries concerning the Bay Restoration Fee should be directed to the Maryland Department of the Environment by calling 410-537-3567 or by Internet at www.mde.state.md.us.

To request a change to the mailing address on your account, you must do so in writing, and send it to the above address or fax your request to 410-848-5345.

We invite you to visit the City’s web site at www.westgov.com for general information on our water and sewer system and on water conservation measures.

In addition to the automated payment system, the City has invested $11M in a state-of-the-art water treatment plant is scheduled to go on line in early spring 2009 and a $4.5M seven mile pipeline to Medford Quarry to provide water in emergency drought conditions will be completed in November 2008. These improvements will enable the City of Westminster to meet the new Maryland Department of the Environment quality standards for drinking water. Always searching for new water sources, the City is currently building a well treatment facility and testing two more possible well locations to add to our current 10 production wells.

On the sewer side, the City is currently in the engineering and design phase of an upgrade to our waste water treatment plant. Again, more stringent requirements by MDE make this upgrade necessary.

20081104 Westminster MD Water Bill Payment Options

The Trail: Bill Ayers Speaks By Peter Slevin

The Trail: Bill Ayers Speaks By Peter Slevin

November 4, 2008

CHICAGO -- In his first interview since he became an issue in the 2008 presidential campaign, Bill Ayers, the former Weather Underground leader, said today that he had a distant relationship with Barack Obama and that Obama's opponents had turned him into "a cartoon character."

Ayers, now an education professor at the University of Illinois-Chicago, said he thought the accusation by Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin that Obama had been "palling around with terrorists" was absurd.

"Pal around together? What does that mean? Share a milkshake with two straws?" Ayers said. "I think my relationship with Obama was probably like thousands of others in Chicago. And, like millions and millions of others, I wish I knew him better."

[…]

In the late-1960s, the Weather Underground, a radical offshoot of the antiwar movement, claimed responsibility for roughly a dozen bombings. Among the targets were the Pentagon, the Capitol, police stations, banks and courthouses. Beyond the three conspirators killed in the 1970s when a bomb exploded prematurely, no one was injured in a campaign described by one critic as "immensely bad ideas and dreadful tactics."

[…]

Read the rest of the post here: Bill Ayers Speaks By Peter Slevin

20081104 Bill Ayers Speaks by Peter Slevin

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/11/04/bill_ayers_speaks.html

Kevin Dayhoff and Lea Gilmore discuss the election on the Marc Steiner Show on November 3, 2008 on WEAA 88.9 FM

Kevin Dayhoff and Lea Gilmore discuss the election on the Marc Steiner Show on November 3, 2008 on WEAA 88.9 FM

November 3, 2008

Submitted by CEM on November 3, 2008 - 1:00pm.

The Marc Steiner Show

The Marc Steiner Show Podcasts

Election 2008

Listen: steiner 11 03 08.mp3

The Marc Steiner Show

Synopsis:

A look at the election one day before voters go to the polls.

This is truly the race that has reinvented itself hundreds of times.

Remember when Hillary Clinton was inevitable? When Rudy Giuliani was a front-runner? When breaking news about Obama's former pastor threatened to derail his campaign? When McCain's senior staff had to work for free?

So much has happened in the past two years-and tomorrow it all ends (hopefully...we certainly do not need another Election 2000!.

On today's show was discussion of the race in its final moments, with savy political analysts Lea Gilmore and Kevin Dayhoff.

Marc also talked with Ken Anderson and Hans Von Spakosvky about voter fraud and voter suppression. Hans wrote an article about voter fraud that was published in the Wall Street Journal this weekend. Ken Anderson responded here.

http://www.centerforemergingmedia.org/radio/the-marc-steiner-show/november-3-2008

20081103 Kevin Dayhoff Lea Gilmore discuss election on Steiner Show

Dayhoff WEAA Marc Steiner Show
Dayhoff Marc Steiner Show
Journalists Steiner-Marc
Mark Steiner Center for Emerging Media
WEAA 88.9FM
Dayhoff WEAA brief profile

London Sunday Times: A state-by-state guide to the US presidential election night

London Sunday Times: A state-by-state guide to the US presidential election night

October 31, 2008

The London Sunday times has put together an excellent state-by-state, hour-by-hour analysis of watching the election returns in today’s election.

For political presidential election junkies, it is a great outline for following the election, throughout the day:

Results will start rolling in shortly after the first polls close at 6pm EST, or 11pm GMT

Hannah Strange

By the time most Americans wake up, the first votes in the presidential election will have already been declared. In the tiny New Hampshire town of Dixville Notch, all two dozen of its residents will have cast their ballots simultaneously at midnight, with the results released one minute later. In keeping with electoral tradition both candidates will be present, though neither should be unduly worried by the outcome, as despite its uncanny accuracy in predicting party nominees, it has voted Republican in all but one presidential election in the last fifty years. For the real bellwethers, the world will have to wait just a little bit longer.

Read the entire article here: A state-by-state guide to the US presidential election night From Times Online October 31, 2008

20081031 LondonTimes A state by state guide to the US pres election night

Historical Soc to auction Baltimore artist Turnbulls estate

Historical Soc to auction Baltimore artist Turnbulls estate

A sad turn of events…

Historical Society to auction Baltimore artist Turnbull's estate amid financial troubles By Edward Gunts November 1, 2008

From preservation to desperation

Before her death in 1976, the noted Baltimore artist Grace Turnbull wrote a will leaving her valuable Guilford residence and much of her prized artwork to the Maryland Historical Society, with the stipulation that "the premises be kept intact as far as possible" and perhaps even exhibited "as a memorial to my family and me."

But 32 years after she died, Turnbull's vision is coming unraveled, with her house going on the auction block today and its contents following tomorrow.

After accepting Turnbull's gift and honoring her wishes for three decades, directors of the historical society relinquished all rights to the Spanish Colonial residence at 223 Chancery Road last year, setting in motion a sequence of events that led to today's sale by Alex Cooper Auctioneers.

Despite a last-ditch effort by a private group that sought to raise funds to avert the auction and keep the house and contents together, Turnbull's sculptures, paintings, books, furniture, house and studio will all be offered to the highest bidders.

[…]

The Turnbull auction shows that even the most carefully crafted will can have consequences different from what a donor may have intended. It's also a comment on the difficulties that nonprofit organizations face in accepting bequests that come with strings attached, especially during an economic downturn.

Protecting works of fine art and rare architecture is a recurring problem at a time when even established house museums are facing financial trouble, including the Mark Twain House in Hartford, Conn., and The Mount, Edith Wharton's estate in Lenox, Mass.

Providing access to valuable works of art is "the greatest issue of our time," said Doreen Bolger, director of the Baltimore Museum of Art. "It's a huge obligation. It's something we worry about every day."

[…]

Read the rest here: Historical Soc to auction Baltimore artist Turnbulls estate

www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/baltimore_city/bal-te.to.turnbull01nov01,0,6320611.story

baltimoresun.com

20081101 Historical Soc to auction Baltimore artist Turnbulls estate

Anonymous Fan Mail October 3 2008

Fan Mail

October 3, 2008

Sometimes I just wish folks would say what they mean:

From: Anonymous [mailto:noreply-comment@blogger.com]

Sent: Monday, November 03, 2008 6:57 PM

To: kdayhoff@carr.org

Subject: [Kevin Dayhoff - Soundtrack] New comment on Rumors of Senator Brinkley’s untimely leadership d....

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Rumors of Senator Brinkley’s untimely leadership d...":

Kevin,

You always were a kiss-ass....and an elitist wannabe.

Go away - you too easily believe slander regarding good men, and stubbornly cling to false hope regarding corrupt men.

Brinkley ia a liar, an adulterer, and a wife-beater. It's all been confirmed - and you couldn't resist sucking up to him.

Posted by Anonymous to Kevin Dayhoff - Soundtrack at 11/03/2008 6:57 PM

20081103 Anonymous Fan Mail October 3 2008

The Onion: Microsoft Ad Campaign Crashing Nation's Televisions

The Onion: Microsoft Ad Campaign Crashing Nation's Televisions

October 27, 2008 Issue 44•44

Webmaster’s note: I would have posted this earlier however, when Microsoft was not crashing, my computer was running so slowly, I lost patience. KED

WASHINGTON—According to an FCC report released Monday, a new $300 million Microsoft ad campaign is responsible for causing televisions all across the country to unexpectedly crash.

The Microsoft ads, which began airing earlier this week, are being blamed for generating critical system errors in more than 70 million televisions. In addition, thousands of frustrated Americans said that the ads have caused their TVs to become unresponsive, their screens to turn blue, and a small box with the message "terminal application error" to suddenly appear.

[…]

The new ad campaign, which features footage of everyday Americans using PCs, was launched as an upgrade to the poorly performing Jerry Seinfeld and Bill Gates commercials, which suffered unspecified failures in two-thirds of U.S. households. Microsoft pulled the defective ads in mid-September, but the move came too late, as countless televisions had already been infected with viruses and spyware.

[…]

When that failed, many television owners said they were left with no other option but to manually restart their devices.

[…]

Recent frustrations with Microsoft have not been limited to its television ads, however. Earlier this week, a billboard promoting the company's latest Windows platform angered hundreds in Detroit when it fell onto three cars, instantly killing all passengers.

Read the entire article here: Microsoft Ad Campaign Crashing Nation's Televisions

http://www.theonion.com/content/news/microsoft_ad_campaign_crashing

20081027 Microsoft Ad Campaign Crashing Nations Televisions