Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Pitts: Congress paves way for future budget stalemates
Congress paves the way for future budget stalematesBy Congressman Joe Pitts
This year's budget fight in Harrisburg dragged on for months with stops and starts, deals made and broken almost as quickly as they were announced. Even with billions in assistance from the federal government, agreeing to the budget was a tortuous process that frustrated Pennsylvanians across the state.
As a former chairman of the State House Appropriations Committee, I know what it is like to negotiate our state budget. Unfortunately, fights like these may become a permanent fixture in our state capitol. Health care reform plans in Washington call for a substantial boost in Medicaid spending that will be shouldered by the states, whether or not the state government in Harrisburg agrees.
Both the House and Senate health care bills both propose expanding Medicaid programs to cover individuals up to 133 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. Since Medicaid is funded by both federal and state dollars, Pennsylvania’s share would increase by $2.2 billion over 10 years.
While this seems like a lot of money to have the federal government ordering the state to find, that's only the beginning. Through 2019 federal subsidies to the states will assist in covering new enrollees. Starting in 2020, however, the states will have to shoulder the full burden of the expansion. In Pennsylvania, this could cost an estimated $930 million per year.
Pennsylvania would be forced to make up this difference or risk losing all federal Medicaid matching funds. Deep cuts to critical services or huge tax increases would be the only possible solutions.
President Obama called on Congress to pass a bill that doesn't increase the federal deficit. With the projected costs of the House and Senate bills hovering around one trillion dollars, Democratic leadership is looking to states to help cover the costs.
While the President and Democratic leadership promised these bills wouldn't increase taxes on the middle class, states across the country could institute all manner of new taxes to cover the cost of this new federal mandate. The legislation could balance on paper, but at the end of the day the taxpayer would still be footing the bill.
Gov. Ed Rendell knows how hard it was to negotiate this year's budget. Unfortunately, his support for health care reform could make things harder on his successor. Gov. Rendell recently joined other Democratic governors in a letter supporting the House and the Senate legislation without any objection to burdensome new federal mandates.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid knows that increased Medicaid costs will be a burden on the states. He used his position of power to negotiate a deal to exempt his home state of Nevada from the increased Medicaid burden. Reid is running for reelection next year and knows better than to raise taxes on his constituents.
This week, I joined with my Republican colleagues in the Pennsylvania Congressional delegation on a letter to the Gov. Rendell asking him to reconsider his position in light of the costs to the people of Pennsylvania. Our state is already struggling through a recession and high unemployment. Adding new mandates can only make the budget process more difficult.
Gov. Rendell still has time to call on his colleagues in Washington to make the right decision. We need health care reform that reduces costs and expands the availability of coverage, not more taxes that drag down our economy.
U.S. Rep. Joe Pitts is a Republican who represents Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional District, which includes parts of Berks, Chester and Lancaster counties.
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew visits U.S.
You won't see much coverage in the mainstream media, but His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, the spiritual leader of 275 million Orthodox Christians around the world, has arrived in the United States for a rare visit.The visit, which runs through Nov. 6, will include events in New Orleans, New York, Atlanta and Washington, D.C.
The Ecumenical Patriarchate is based in Constantinople, where the Patriarch's movements are restricted by the Turkish government.
His All Holiness, Bartholomew, Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch, is the 270th successor of the 2,000-year-old local Christian Church founded by St. Andrew.
Read more at Beliefnet.com
Read more about the Patriarch at http://www.patriarchate.org/
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
A referendum on Obama?
Two governor races are seen as early referendums on the Obama Administration.
The race in N.J. is tied even though Corzine is outspending Christie, but the race in Va., has the GOP candidate up by 8 points with two weeks to go.
N.J. gov. race tied, GOP up 8 in Va. - Michael Falcone - POLITICO.com
The race in N.J. is tied even though Corzine is outspending Christie, but the race in Va., has the GOP candidate up by 8 points with two weeks to go.
N.J. gov. race tied, GOP up 8 in Va. - Michael Falcone - POLITICO.com
More negative marks for Obama in latest Harris Poll
If this was a report card, Barack Obama would be flunking out of school.The latest Harris Poll shows a majority of Americans give President Obama negative ratings on his handling of a dozen major issues.
Among the lowest numbers are for Obama's handling of unemployment, the federal deficit and the war in Afghanistan.
From the Harris Poll:
As President Obama's overall approval rating continues to slide, he cannot find much solace in Americans' opinions on his handling of 12 different issues as he does not have a positive rating on any of these.For more numbers from the Harris Poll, visit www.harrisinteractive.com
The top one for President Obama is reducing the threat of terrorist attack with 41% giving his job on this a positive rating, down from 49% who said so in August. Two in five Americans also give the President positive marks on the environment (40%, down from 43% in August) and education (40% up from 37% in August).
These are some of the results of The Harris Poll of 2,293 adults surveyed online between October 5 and 12, 2009 by Harris Interactive.
President Obama is dealing with two different wars - one in Iraq and one in Afghanistan - and the American public is not pleased with his handling of either of them. In August two in five U.S. adults (42%) gave the president positive marks on his handling of the war in Iraq. Currently, that number has dropped to 34% while 66% give President Obama negative ratings on this war. The numbers for Afghanistan have gone down even more. In August, two in five (41%) gave the president positive ratings on the war in Afghanistan but now just one-quarter of Americans (27%) give him positive marks while 73% give him negative ratings.
The president has also spent a great deal of time trying to win the American public's support for his health reform plan but does not seem to be making much headway on this issue. Just three in ten Americans (31%) give President Obama positive ratings on his handling of health care while 69% give him negative ratings. In August, over one-third (35%) of U.S. adults gave the president positive ratings on this issue.
Looking at economic issues at least two-thirds of Americans give him negative ratings on all of these issues. On the economy overall, 67% give the president negative marks while one-third (33%) give him positive ones. In September, 40% gave President Obama positive marks on his handling of the economy. More specifically on his handling of regulating the financial system three in ten Americans (31%) give the president positive ratings while 69% give him negative marks. In August, 37% of Americans gave the president's job on this positive marks.
When it comes to the issue of taxes, three in ten Americans (29%) give the president positive marks on his handling of this issue while 71% give him negative ratings. Just one-quarter of Americans (26%) gives the president's handling of employment/unemployment a positive rating, down from 31% who felt this way in August. And, his lowest number is on the federal budget deficit where almost four in five Americans (78%) give President Obama negative marks and only 22% give him positive ratings.
So what?
The President needs a win, whether it is health care reform, some good economic numbers that matter to the American people or a change in Afghanistan. But, until he has something that resonates with the American public in a positive light, there is a sense that a negative attitude will permeate over all issues. One thing to note, education has actually ticked up a little and the White House had put forth their new education initiatives recently. Maybe this is the one issue that they should focus on for the near term, as long as they don't take their eye off of the economy.
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
Rep. Quigley hosts town hall meeting via telephone
Rep. Tom Quigley, R-146th Dist., will host a town hall meeting via telephone for residents of the 146th District at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20.
"I am hosting this town hall meeting via the telephone to give everyone I represent a chance to ask questions about what is happening in Harrisburg with the recent passage of the state budget and how state laws are impacting our community without having to leave their home," Quigley said in a press release.
At approximately 7 p.m. on Oct. 20, automated calls will be placed to residents of the 146th District inviting them to participate in the hour-long call.
Quigley stressed that at any point during the phone call, people will be given the chance to ask questions by pressing *3, and he will try to get to everyone's inquiries during the allotted hour.
Individuals unable to participate in the call who have questions regarding state matters can contact Quigley's district office at 610-326-9563.
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
"I am hosting this town hall meeting via the telephone to give everyone I represent a chance to ask questions about what is happening in Harrisburg with the recent passage of the state budget and how state laws are impacting our community without having to leave their home," Quigley said in a press release.
At approximately 7 p.m. on Oct. 20, automated calls will be placed to residents of the 146th District inviting them to participate in the hour-long call.
Quigley stressed that at any point during the phone call, people will be given the chance to ask questions by pressing *3, and he will try to get to everyone's inquiries during the allotted hour.
Individuals unable to participate in the call who have questions regarding state matters can contact Quigley's district office at 610-326-9563.
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
Monday, October 19, 2009
Mensch joins PA Senate
Bob Mensch was sworn in today as Pennsylvania's newest state Senator, giving the Republican Party a 30-20 majority in the chamber.
Mensch, who represented the 147th House District over the past three years, is now the state Senator representing the 24th Senate District.
Mensch won a special election on Sept. 29 to complete the term of former state Sen. Rob Wonderling, who resigned to become president/CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.
The 24th Senate District covers about 240,000 residents in Bucks, Lehigh, Montgomery and Northampton counties.
Mensch was sworn into office during a 3 p.m. ceremony in the Senate Chamber.
"I look forward to continuing the work I started as a state Representative to develop legislation and policies that improve the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians and promote economic development and create new jobs," Sen. Mensch said in a written statement. "We are in a crucial time in the Commonwealth as we work to restore our economy. We must work to keep young people here. It is essential that we take whatever steps necessary to make Pennsylvania a good place to live, work and raise a family."
As a member of the House of Representatives, Mensch authored legislation amending the Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation Law, along with bills focused on health care quality improvement.
A native of Pennsburg and resident of Marlborough Township since 1975, Mensch is married to his wife of 38 years, JoAnn, who together have raised two children, and now enjoy being grandparents to 14-year-old Zackary. He holds a business degree from Valley Forge Military College.
No decision has been made on a date for a special election to fill the remainder of Mensch's House term.
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
White House Official Praises Mao - Whose Policies Led to Death of 65 Million
Watch the video above of a top Obama official praising Chairman Mao.
And read related story from CNSNews.com:
CNSNews.com - White House Official’s Praise for Mao--Whose Policies Led to Death of 65 Million--Was ‘Pathetic,’ Says China Expert
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Former CBO Chief Calls Obama Fiscal Policies 'Laughable'
Are you better off today than you were 10 months ago? How's that hope and change working for you?
From CNSNews.com:
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Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
From CNSNews.com:
A former Republican congressional budget chief called the Obama administration’s claims to fiscal responsibility "hypocritical" and "laughable," noting in particular the mounting unemployment numbers (9.8 percent nationwide) despite the $787-billion stimulus plan enacted in February that he said was poorly designed.CNSNews.com - Former CBO Chief Calls Obama Administration Fiscal Policies 'Laughable'
"The Obama Administration's claims of fiscal responsibility are both hypocritical .... [a]nd laughable," Douglas Holtz-Eakin, who served as director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) from 2003 through 2005, wrote in an Oct. 14 memo to Republican members of the House of Representatives.
Holtz-Eakin said in the memo that the hastily written stimulus bill enacted in February -- the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 -- was "poorly designed" and that was "probably one of the reasons why we’ve lost 3 million private-sector jobs since it became law."
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Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
Legislative 'scoundrels'
Terrific Letter to the Editor originally published in The Pottstown Mercury about the deficit budget passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Ed Rendell:
Legislative 'scoundrels' approve budget of convenienceOriginally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
Kudos to state Rep. Tom Quigley and the other lawmakers who voted against the proposed budget that was just signed by Gov. Ed Rendell.
It seems that most politicians seem to treat such matters as a joke and this one is a real biggie. Instead of enacting real cuts, we have had the reserves raided to the tune of $1.5 billion.
I'd like to see how these scoundrels run their personal budgets. I can just picture where my family would be if we were to do this: "Honey, I sure would like to go to Hawaii for a few weeks or so but we really can't afford it. Look, don't worry we can make it work, we'll just take the monies that we put aside for heating oil, car insurance, home owners insurance, life insurance, health insurance, property taxes, school taxes, and other unknown emergencies that may come up in the future to pay for it. We'll just go and have a great time and let the future take care of itself!"
This is exactly what this new budget that was signed by Gov. Rendell did for our future. Evidently it was a lot more convenient to use the surplus instead of some real belt tightening. I hope that my fellow citizens are as overjoyed about this as I.
HARRY J. VOGELEI
Pottstown
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Job losses climb under Rendell
Pennsylvania employers shed another 10,300 jobs in September, according to new employment figures released today by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry.
Under Gov. Ed Rendell's leadership, Pennsylvania has lost nearly 200,000 jobs since September 2008.
The Rendell Administration is attempting to put the best possible spin on the continuing bad news by pointing out that Pennsylvania's 8.8% unemployment rate "remained below the United States' unemployment rate, which rose one-tenth of a point to 9.8 percent."
Doesn't that make you feel better, especially if your unemployment benefits are about to run out?
The bottom line is that Ed Rendell, Barack Obama and Congressional Democrats have done a terrible job dealing with economic issues, resulting in record unemployment.
From the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry:
Pennsylvania's Employment Situation: September 2009
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
Under Gov. Ed Rendell's leadership, Pennsylvania has lost nearly 200,000 jobs since September 2008.
The Rendell Administration is attempting to put the best possible spin on the continuing bad news by pointing out that Pennsylvania's 8.8% unemployment rate "remained below the United States' unemployment rate, which rose one-tenth of a point to 9.8 percent."
Doesn't that make you feel better, especially if your unemployment benefits are about to run out?
The bottom line is that Ed Rendell, Barack Obama and Congressional Democrats have done a terrible job dealing with economic issues, resulting in record unemployment.
From the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry:
Pennsylvania's seasonally adjusted civilian labor force -- the number of people working or looking for work -- rose by 9,000 in September to 6,368,000.For a breakdown by employment categories, click on the link below:
Employment was unchanged in September, while resident unemployment rose by 9,000. The Pennsylvania labor force was down 55,000 from September 2008.
Pennsylvania's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was up one-tenth of a percentage point to 8.8 percent in September. The state rate remained below the United States' unemployment rate, which rose one-tenth of a point to 9.8 percent.
Pennsylvania's rate was up 3.2 percentage points from September 2008, while the U.S. rate was up 3.6 percentage points in the 12-month period.
Pennsylvania's seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs count dropped by 10,300 jobs in September. The majority of the job losses were among service providing industries, however, the Professional and Business Services sector added 2,700 jobs.
Pennsylvania job count was down 198,100, or 3.4 percent, since September 2008. Nationally, jobs were down 4.2 percent over the same time period.
Pennsylvania's Employment Situation: September 2009
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
IRS warns of e-mail scammers
The IRS office in Philadelphia is warning Pennsylvania residents about a cam e-mail that sends malicious software to recipients' computers.Play it safe. Delete any e-mail that references the IRS. The IRS does not send unsolicited e-mails to taxpayers.
From a press release issued by the IRS:
In recent weeks, a phony e-mail claiming to come from the IRS has been circulating in large numbers. The subject line of the e-mail often states that the e-mail is a notice of underreported income. The e-mail may contain an attachment or a link to a bogus Web page directing taxpayers to their "tax statement." In either case, when the recipient opens the attachment or clicks on the link, they download a Trojan horse-type of virus to their computers.
Malicious code (also known as malware), of which the Trojan horse is but one example, can take over the victim’s computer hard drive, giving someone remote access to the computer, or it could look for passwords and other information and send them to the scammer. The scammer will then use whatever information they gather to commit identity theft, gain access to bank accounts and more.
The IRS does not send unsolicited e-mails to taxpayers about their tax accounts. Anyone who receives an unsolicited e-mail claiming to come from the IRS should avoid opening any attachments or clicking on any links. People can report suspicious e-mails they receive which claim to come from the IRS to a mailbox set up for this purpose, phishing@irs.gov. Those who believe they may already be victims of identity theft should find out what do by going to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission's Web site, OnGuardOnLine.gov
More information on e-mail scams may be viewed at http://www.irs.gov/
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
'Talking Politics' with Rep. Tom Quigley
State Rep. Tom Quigley, R-Montgomery, will be the guest on "Talking Politics with Tony Phyrillas & Mike Pincus" today at 5 p.m. on WPAZ 1370 AM
Quigley will address the passage of the PA budget after a 101-day delay and take questions from listeners on various state issues.
You can call the station with questions or comments at 610-326-4000.
If you can't receive the radio signal, you can listen to the broadcast online at www.pottsmerc.com or www.1370wpaz.com
Quigley will address the passage of the PA budget after a 101-day delay and take questions from listeners on various state issues.
You can call the station with questions or comments at 610-326-4000.
If you can't receive the radio signal, you can listen to the broadcast online at www.pottsmerc.com or www.1370wpaz.com
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Newspaper: Whatever happened to global warming?
While Barack Obama and Congressional Democrats prepare to enact the largest tax in U.S. history on American consumers at the behest of global warning alarmists, there is growing evidence that the Earth has been cooling for the past 30 years. That's right. Cooling. Not warming, as Al Gore would have you believe.
From a new editorial in Investor's Business Daily:
Read the full editorial at the newspaper's Web site.
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
From a new editorial in Investor's Business Daily:
Al Gore wasn't there to throw out the first snowball, er, baseball, so he might not have noticed that Saturday's playoff game between the Colorado Rockies and the Philadelphia Phillies was snowed out — in early October. The field should have been snow-free just as the North Pole was to be ice-free this year.So why are Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi pushing for a cap-and-trade bill that will impose higher energy taxes on American families? You might want to ask your representatives in Congress that very same question.
It seems that ice at both poles hasn't been paying attention to the computer models. The National Snow and Ice Data Center released its summary of summer sea-ice conditions in the Arctic last week and reported a substantial expansion of "second-year ice" — ice thick enough to have persisted through two summers of seasonal melting.
According to the NSIDC, second-year ice this summer made up 32% of the total ice cover on the Arctic Ocean, compared with 21% in 2007 and 9% in 2008. Clearly, Arctic sea ice is not following the consensus touted by Gore and the warm-mongers.
This news coincides with a finding published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters last month by Marco Tedesco, a research scientist at the Joint Center for Earth Systems Technology. He reported that ice melt on Antarctica was the lowest in three decades during the ice-melt season.
Each year, millions of square miles of sea ice melt and refreeze. The amount varies from season to season. Despite pictures taken in summer of floating polar bears, data reported by the University of Illinois' Arctic Climate Research Center at the beginning of this year showed global sea ice levels the same as they were in 1979, when satellite observations began.
Read the full editorial at the newspaper's Web site.
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
Schroder raises $100,000 for Congressional bid
Chester County state Rep. Curt Schroder, a Republican candidate for Pennsylvania's 6th Congressional District, announced Tuesday he has raised more than $100,000, exceeding his fundraising goals over the past six weeks."I am humbled by the outpouring of local support that I have received," Schroder said in a press release. "Over 320 individuals helped us raise nearly $110,000, the overwhelming bulk of which came in during the last 30 days."
Schroder emphasized that the bulk of his contributions came from individuals within the 6th District and not from far flung national PAC's representing special interests or a personal check.
"Clearly the taxpayers in our region know me, my record and what I stand for. They know that as their Congressman I will go to Washington and place their interests first"
Taking a shot at one of his opponents, Steven Welch, who doesn't live in the 6th District, Schroder noted: "I have lived in the 6th District since its inception and the Downingtown area my entire life. I understand the values, needs and priorities of the people who live here. The out-pouring of grass roots support clearly demonstrates that the people who live here recognize that"
Schroder has represented Chester County's 155th District in the state Legislature since 1994.
The 6th District Republican nomination is up for grabs in 2010 after incumbent Republican Jim Gerlach announced he would not seek a fourth term. Instead, Gerlach is running for governor of Pennsylvania.
For more on the campaign, visit Schroder's Web site at http://vote4curt.com/
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
How to Win the Nobel Peace Prize In 12 Days
To fully grasp the absurdity of Brack Obama winning the Nobel Peace Prize, you have to review how the selection is made. It was recently revealed that the deadline for nominations came just 12 days into the presidency of Barack Obama, so The Chosen One was not selected based on his first 9 months in office, but on his first 12 days as president.
Tommy De Seno takes a look at Obama's first 12 days in the White House according to his public schedule to see what he did to deserve a Nobel Peace Prize in a priceless post at FOXNews.com
Some of the highlights of his first 12 days include "lunch with Joe Biden" and throwing a Super Bowl party. How's that for furthering the cause of world peace?
(Check out more postings by De Seno at his blog, www.JustifiedRight.com)
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
Tommy De Seno takes a look at Obama's first 12 days in the White House according to his public schedule to see what he did to deserve a Nobel Peace Prize in a priceless post at FOXNews.com
Some of the highlights of his first 12 days include "lunch with Joe Biden" and throwing a Super Bowl party. How's that for furthering the cause of world peace?
(Check out more postings by De Seno at his blog, www.JustifiedRight.com)
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
Newspaper: Another budget fiasco in 2010
If you thought the 101-day-old budget stalemate was bad for Pennsylvania, just wait until next year, warns The Philadelphia Inquirer, which says unless reforms are enacted now, the state will end up with another budget fiasco in 2010.
From the editorial:
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
From the editorial:
It was the seventh consecutive late budget under Rendell, and the outlook for next year isn't any better. Not only does the weak economy threaten to hold down tax collections, but 2010 also is an election year for most of the legislature. The Republican-led Senate will be even less motivated to compromise with a lame-duck governor.Read the full editorial at the newspaper's Web site.
But there are steps the legislature should take to prevent another such embarrassment. Some of them were outlined at a forum last week in State College with representatives of good-government groups Common Cause/PA, DemocracyRising/PA, and the League of Women Voters.
For example, there should be firm deadlines for the House and Senate approving a budget, and financial penalties on legislators who fail to meet those deadlines. If there's no budget by July 1, all members of the legislature, the governor, and cabinet secretaries would forfeit their salaries.
The governor presents his budget in February, but too often the House and Senate leaders of both parties delay real budget work until May or even June. Also, holding public hearings early on the largest parts of the governor's proposal, such as education and public safety, would give more momentum to the process and involve more legislators sooner.
The governor and legislators shouldn't be paid while a budget impasse drags on. They weren't paid this summer when the deadlock began, but legislators were able to collect paychecks after Rendell signed a partial "bridge" budget in August to pay state workers.
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Study: Obamacare will boost premiums by $4,000 per family
Here's a dirty little secret that Obama regime and its medial allies don't want you to know about.
Republican Party of Pennsylvania Chairman Rob Gleason issued the following reaction to a recent report that determined that the Democrats' most recent proposal for government-run, taxpayer-funded health care will raise insurance premiums for American families an additional $4,000 a year:
Republican Party of Pennsylvania Chairman Rob Gleason issued the following reaction to a recent report that determined that the Democrats' most recent proposal for government-run, taxpayer-funded health care will raise insurance premiums for American families an additional $4,000 a year:
"The government-run, taxpayer-funded health care plan that President Obama and Democrats are proposing will drastically increase the cost of health care, while decreasing the level of care Americans are currently accustomed to," Gleason said. "I don't know anyone is interested in paying more money in exchange for a lower quality service, but that is exactly what this bill accomplishes. Additionally, I find it appalling that the President and the Democrats are pushing a bill that is a direct assault on hardworking families by increasing their insurance premiums by a staggering $4,000 a year."Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
The group America's Health Insurance Plans released a study conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers that estimates that the Democrat U.S. Senate health care bill will add $1,700 annually to the cost of family insurance coverage by 2013. They predicted that by the year 2019, prices could rise to $4,000 a year in costs for families and individual premiums could rise by $1,500. ("White House Tries to Strike Down Insurance Industry Criticism Ahead of Key Vote," Fox News, 10/12/09)
Monday, October 12, 2009
In defense of Glenn Beck
Jonah Goldberg, author of the chilling best-seller, "Liberal Fascism," has a nice op-ed piece explaining why Glenn Beck has become Public Enemy No. 1 for the Obama regime and its left-wing media allies.
From Goldberg's column:
In defense of Glenn Beck - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
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Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
From Goldberg's column:
For a self-described rodeo clown who frequently admits he isn't that bright, Glenn Beck must be doing something right.Read the full column at the link below:
A de facto leader of the populist backlash against President Obama, he made the cover of Time magazine -- with his tongue sticking out, no less. His radio and TV shows have stratospheric ratings. Proceeds from his numerous ventures have him making north of $20 million a year.
But perhaps his most impressive feat is Beck's ability to unite a broad coalition of liberals, media scolds and conservatives under the single banner of Beck-hatred.
In defense of Glenn Beck - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
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Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
It's 2:15 AM, do you know where your Phillies are?
If you couldn't stay up until 2:15 a.m. today, you missed one of the most exciting playoff games the Phillies have ever played.The see-saw battle was decided in to the 9th inning. The Phillies took a 6-5 lead on a Ryan Howard sacrifice fly that drove in Jimmy Rollins and turned the game over to Brad Lidge.
I know what you're thinking. Brad Lidge to protect a one-run lead? The same Brad Lidge who went 0-8 with 11 blown saves and an ERA of 7.21? Yes, that Brad Lidge.
Actually it was a different Lidge who took the mound on a bitterly cold night in Denver. This was the Lidge of 2008 when he routinely saved the big game.
The Phillies beat the Rockies in pivotal Game 3 to take a 2-1 lead in the Division Series. Cliff Lee takes the mound tonight for what could be the series win for the Phillies.
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
'Couples Retreat' tops weekend box office
Vince Vaughn continues his hot streak at the box office. His latest comedy, "Couples Retreat," topped the box office this weekend with an estimated $35.3 million, according to BoxOfficeMojo.comOtherwise, it was a pretty slow weekend at the box ofice, with last week's No. film, "Zombieland," dropping to No. 2.
The only other new release that cracked the Top 5 was the low-budget thriller "Paranormal Activity," which took in $7.1 million in limited release.
From Brandon Gray at BoxOfficeMojo.com:
Expanding to 160 sites, Paranormal Activity surged to a spectacular estimated $7.1 million for an $8.3 million total since it started with midnight-only showings on Sept. 25. The horror movie broke the minor record for highest-grossing weekend ever for a movie playing at less than 200 theaters, exceeding Platoon's $3.7 million at 174 sites (which would be on par adjusted for ticket-price inflation). With its micro-budget documentary style, advertising focusing on how much it's scaring audiences and its tapping into the popular haunting sub-genre, Paranormal appears to be channeling The Blair Witch Project from ten years ago, though its box office, as great as it has been, hasn't matched that sensation at the same point. Blair Witch faded quickly after its first few weeks, and it remains to be seen if Paranormal can maintain its momentum. While the iron is still hot, though, distributor Paramount Pictures will roll it out into nationwide release on Oct. 16.
WEEKEND TOP 5 STUDIO ESTIMATES, OCTOBER 9-11, 2009Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
Rank. Movie Title (Distributor)
Weekend Gross | Theaters | Total Gross | Week #
1. Couples Retreat (Universal)
$35.3 million | 3,000 | $35.3 million | 1
2. Zombieland (Sony / Columbia)
$15.0 million | 3,038 | $47.8 million | 2
3. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (Sony / Columbia)
$12.0 million | 2,992 | $96.3 million | 4
4. Toy Story / Toy Story 2 (3D) (Buena Vista)
$7.7 million | 1,752 | $22.7 million | 2
5. Paranormal Activity (Paramount)
$7.1 million | 159 | $8.3 million | 3
Poll: Most believe Nobel Prize is too political
Almost 6 in 10 Americans believe Barack Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for political considerations rather than achievement, according to a new poll.
From Rasmussen Reports:
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
From Rasmussen Reports:
Americans are much more skeptical of the motivation behind the awarding of the prestigious international Nobel Prizes following President Obama's win Friday of the Nobel Peace Prize.Read more poll results at Rasmussen Reports.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 58% of American adults now believe that politics plays a role in the awarding of the Nobel Prize. That's an 18-point jump from 40% a year ago.
Just 21% of Americans say politics does not play a role in the awarding of the Nobel Prize. Twenty-one percent (21%) are not sure.
The survey was taken Friday and Saturday nights following the Nobel committee's announcement Friday that the president is the latest recipient of the Peace Prize. Previous winners include Dr. Martin Luther King, former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, ex-President Jimmy Carter, Mother Theresa and former Vice President Al Gore.
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Rep. Quigley explains 'no' vote on budget
Rep. Tom Quigley (R-Montgomery) released the following statement regarding his rejection of Pennsylvania's latest budget deal, which will imperil the future fiscal strength of the Commonwealth:"Everyone in Pennsylvania is breathing a collective sigh of relief that this budget is almost complete, but in reality the fiscal irresponsibility of this budget could cause it to be reopened in the near future. Revenues continue to fall short of expectations and the Commonwealth is down $140 million from its projected revenue collections so far this year. This deal is a case of the state writing a check it cannot cash, and the taxpayers will be held liable when that check bounces.Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
"I am happy that our community service providers and schools will finally receive their funding, but the struggles they have faced since July were completely unnecessary. Those organizations could have been funded, but the governor chose to veto their support from the 'bridge budget' in August.
"What the people need to recognize is that this budget completely depletes Pennsylvania’s reserve funds. While the stock market has improved, unemployment is still very high, and our Commonwealth has not seen a full economic recovery. It could be years before we totally rebound from this unprecedented recession, so it is unwise to exhaust our Rainy Day Fund and other reserves. This budget puts us on a collision course with a future tax increase because, without any savings, that will be our only option to resolve future deficits.
"Every worker in Pennsylvania should be concerned about the impact this budget will have on their employer. Because it raises taxes on businesses, they will be unlikely to increase salaries or hire new employees. This will perpetuate the economic cycle we are, leaving unemployment high and consumer spending low. Raising taxes on employers is ill advised during a recession, and could have been avoided if the fiscally responsible House Bill 1943 had been considered. That legislation would have ensured our economic health for years to come."
Greek Food Bazaar Oct. 16-18 in Reading, PA
The largest ethnic food festival in Berks County makes its return to Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading on the weekend of Oct. 16-18.Thousands of visitors are expected to attend the 40th Annual Greek Food Bazaar to enjoy Greek food, pastry, wine, arts and crafts and live music.
All the food is cooked on premises by church members using traditional Greek recipes.
The most popular dish is Athenian-style chicken, which comes in a platter with a side of rice pilaf or pastitsio (layered Greek pasta, seasoned with chopped beef topped with béchamel) and Greek-style string beans cooked with tomatoes and seasonings, a Greek salad featuring feta cheese, and roll and butter. The price remains $10 for the platter.
On Friday, Plaki (fresh fish fillet baked with vegetables, herbs and wine) is available as a main dish in the platter served in the main dining hall.
There are also a la carte items, such Gyro (marinated beef and lamb slices) and Souvlaki (pork shis-ke-bob) sandwiches, Calamari (squid)cooked in tomatoes and wine; Moussaka (eggplant casserole) and Arni Psito (roast lamb) as only the Greeks know how to make. All dishes are available to eat-in or take-out.
A variety of imported Greek wines and the popular Ouzo, an anise-flavored liqueur, will be served. (Beer and soda is available for less adventurous visitors).
While enjoying a meal in the main dining hall, visitors are treated to Greek/American musical stylings of Sasha.
This year's festival also features the debut of Kefi, the youth dance troupe of Sts. Contantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, performing a variety of Greek folk dances in traditional Greek costumes.
After a hearty meal, there’s plenty to see and do on the church grounds. An Agora (Greek market) room offers packaged Greek foods and prepared dishes to go. The Kafenio (Greek coffee house) features fresh-brewed Greek-style coffee, rice pudding and pastries.
Festival-goers can shop in the gold jewelry room and Greek gift shop, featuring many items imported from Greece.
Visitors can also see one of the largest collections of Byzantine iconography in the United States in the church itself. Free guided tours of the church interior are provided on the hour.
A popular stop for all visitors is the pastry room, where you can pick between favorites such as Baklava (almonds, butter, and honey layered in flaky pastry), Teelikta (walnuts, butter and honey rolled in flaky pastry); Kourabiethes (butter cookies topped with powdered sugar), Koulourakia (Greek twisted butter cookie) and Galaktobouriko (a filo pastry filled with custard and moistened with honey syrup).
Another Greek delicacy is Loukoumathes (honey balls) a warm dough pastry topped with honey, cinnamon and chopped nuts. Honey balls are made fresh Saturday and Sunday only. Also try the Baklava Sundae for a unique taste treat.
Bazaar hours are noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
If you can't get enough of the Bazaar, an after-hours Taverna Night has been added Saturday, Oct. 17, from 8 p.m. to midnight, featuring dancing to DJ music, food and drink. A $10 cover charge applies for Taverna Night.
Admission to the Bazaar and parking are free in the church lot. Additional parking is available at the adjacent Holy Name High School. The event is held rain or shine.
The church is located at 1001 E. Wyomissing Blvd., about one mile from Business Route 222 South (Lancaster Avenue). For directions, call the church at 610-374-7511 or visit the church Web site, http://www.stsconstantinehelen.org/
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
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