2009-12-30

Johnny Morris 45 Years in Radio Celebration and Fundraiser


Dec. 30th, 2009

Greetings, friends!

I’m writing on behalf of my father, radio legend Johnny Morris, who was recently diagnosed
with prostate cancer. On Monday, January 25, 2010, at 7 p.m. at The Conga Room in
downtown Los Angeles, we will be holding a fundraiser that will help defray some of his medical expenses.

The event, dubbed “On the Air with Johnny Morris: 45 Years In The Game,” will honor
my father for his 45 stellar years in broadcasting. The evening will be broadcasted live on The Foxxhole on Sirius XM and will be filled with tributes and live performances by special guests.

We’d be incredibly grateful for your assistance in sponsoring this event by placing an ad in his “Friends Of Johnny Morris” program booklet and/or purchasing tickets to the fundraiser.

Please see below for sponsorship opportunities.

I can be reached at (323) 377-7608 or via email at Poetessmedia@aol.com.

I look forward to speaking with you soon. Thank you in advance for your time and
consideration. All the best!

Sincerely,


Felicia “The Poetess” Morris


SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR
“ON THE AIR WITH JOHNNY MORRIS: 45 YEARS IN THE GAME,”
A CELEBRATION & FUNDRAISER FOR JOHNNY MORRIS

MONDAY, JANUARY 25TH, 2010

THE CONGA ROOM
800 W. OLYMPIC BLVD.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

FRIENDS OF JOHNNY MORRIS PROGRAM BOOKLET

Full-page ad $750
Half-page ad $500
Quarter page $250
Shout Outs $150 (Two-line maximum)

TICKETS
$40 Advance
$50 At the door

Have a Funky New Year!

by Rick McClure
http://podcast.funkradioonline.com/

President Obama slams security breach - Reports, Intercepts Suggested Attack Preparations; Multiple Agencies Had Warning

story by the Wall Street Journal
photo by thisday of Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab
by Evan Perex, Jay Solomon and Siobhan Gorman

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. had multiple pieces of information about alleged bomber Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, according to senior U.S. officials, including intelligence reports and communications intercepts suggesting a Nigerian was being prepped for a terror strike by al Qaeda operatives in Yemen.

The intercepts were collected piecemeal by the National Security Agency, which has been monitoring al Qaeda militants in that country, including former Guantanamo detainees believed to be leaders there.

In addition, the father of Mr. Abdulmutallab met with the Central Intelligence Agency at the U.S. embassy in Abuja, Nigeria, Nov. 19, and told of his son's likely radicalization, U.S. officials say. That led to a broader gathering of agencies the next day, including the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the State Department, in which the information was shared, a U.S. official said.

But U.S. officials said it isn't clear whether intelligence officials in Washington charged with coordinating such intelligence activities effectively distributed the information gathered in Nigeria.

President Obama on Tuesday described these lapses in general terms during a sweeping broadside aimed at his government's intelligence services. Citing a "potential catastrophic breach," he said the warning signs, if heeded, would have prevented the Christmas Day attempted bombing on a Detroit-bound airplane.

"A systemic failure has occurred and I consider that totally unacceptable," the president said, referencing "a mix of human and systemic failure." In his comments, the president cited information "that could have and should have been pieced together."

Officials familiar with a review ordered by Mr. Obama say the connections aren't obvious, except in hindsight, and that there doesn't appear to be a single clear warning that should have set off alarms. But if the information had been brought together before Christmas, Mr. Abdulmutallab likely would have been put on a no-fly list and kept off the plane he tried to destroy, the president said.

U.S. and Yemeni authorities said they are investigating whether the bomb plot was hatched by the former Guantanamo Bay prisoners in Yemen, the claimed source of the attack. That development is likely to hinder the Obama administration's effort to release detainees as it attempts to close the prison.

The lapses, and Mr. Obama's critical comments, will focus fresh attention on the operation of the U.S.'s intelligence agencies, particularly the National Counterterrorism Center, or NCTC, a Washington-based body set up after 9/11 to act as a clearinghouse for terrorism data. The U.S. has spent billions of dollars building systems to detect impending attacks, which appear to have failed in this instance.

It has already set off a round of finger pointing among multiple U.S. agencies still stinging from 9/11 and Iraq-related intelligence failures. According to officials, the NCTC has complained that the CIA didn't provide all the information they had, such as where Mr. Abdulmutallab attended college, while the agencies have said that the counterterrorism center had what it needed to properly assess the threat.

Dennis Blair, the Director of National Intelligence, which oversees the NCTC, said in a written statement that despite improvements to information sharing, "it is clear that gaps remain, and they must be fixed." The NSA didn't respond immediately to requests for comment.

Paul Gimigliano, a CIA spokesman, said the agency first learned of Mr. Abdulmutallab in November, when his father came to the U.S. embassy in Nigeria. He said the agency helped place the Nigerian in the government's terrorist database, including his extremist connections in Yemen, and also forwarded biographical information to the NCTC.

"This agency, like others in our government, is reviewing all data to which it had access -- not just what we ourselves may have collected -- to determine if more could have been done to stop Abdulmutallab," he said. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB126213211097909605.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_LEFTTopStories

The Big Question: Is profiling the answer?

story by The Hill
written by Sydelle Moore

Some of the nation's top political commentators, legislators and intellectuals offer some insight into the biggest question burning up the blogosphere today.

Today's question:

Would "profiling" be a useful or appropriate tool to stop terrorist attacks?

Christopher J. Farrell, Director of Investigations & Research for Judicial Watch, said:

Yes. We "profile" behaviors and actions all the time. Walk up to a street corner -- are you "profiling" traffic to see if a Metro bus is likely to run you down? (a real question in DC). Insurance companies profile, Courts profile. How many suicidal young men with radical Islamist backgrounds acting-out does it take for one to draw a reasonable conclusion that persons within that demographic (who are attempting to take certain actions or access certain areas) may require additional scrutiny? -- NOT "judgment" -- just a measure of caution -- thought -- discretion. If septuagenarian Polish nuns were acting in the same manner I'd make the same recommendation. But they aren't. So, let's deal with and act consistent with documented facts. Don't be distracted or dissuaded by those offering hysterical false-choice scenarios, hyperbole and hypotheticals. Stick with documented actions, behavior and historical facts.

Justin Raimondo, editorial director of Antiwar.com, said:

Profiling is in our past, if not our present. During the Clinton years, if you'll recall, Al Gore was in charge of a task force that devised criteria which would invite a more extensive security check than was normally called for. Among those criteria: a lone younger male traveling solo, a category I fell into -- and I'm sure my dark complexion didn't help either. In those years, I was invariably stopped at the gate and subjected to a pat down. After 9/11, however, this stopped: new criteria, no doubt.

Look, the word "profiling" is subject to interpretation. What does it really mean? The criteria that would fit the task of weeding out possible terrorists -- holding radical Islamist views -- are impossible to discern short of the sort of mind-reading technology that exists only in science fiction.

Two of the passengers on that flight from Amsterdam to Detroit tell us Umar had the assistance of at least one accomplice, who intervened on his behalf with the airline in order to get him on the plane, and the Dutch military police are now saying the accused bypassed passport control entirely by claiming Umar was a Sudanese refugee. Furthermore, how did Umar retain his US visa even after his own father expressed fear to Nigerian and US authorities that he might pose a threat?Those are the real chinks in our armor. We ignore them at our peril.

Brent White, professor of Law at the University of Arizona, said:

Here we go again with the profiling question. Let’s see, we’ve had white male terrorists, Arab male terrorists, and now a black male terrorist. What do all of these terrorists have in common? Well, they are all men.Maybe all men should be subject to extra screening. But then, of course, the terrorists would use women… What I find most outrageous is the suggestion by Republican Peter King of New York – and now John F. McManus of The John Birch Society - that we profile “Muslims.” What exactly does a Muslim look like by the way? Muslims belong to a religion, not a race, gender or age group. Is the suggestion that we engage in religious profiling? Not only would this violate hallowed principles of religious freedom enshrined in the First Amendment, it would require the profiling of a billion Muslims in the world. That’s an obviously ridiculous notion given the fact that part of the problem that led to Abdulmutallab getting on the plane in the first place is that the 500,000 person long consolidated watch list currently maintained by the FBI is itself unmanageable….

Peter Navarro, professor of Economics and Public Policy at U.C. Irvine, said:

Every congressman and senator on Capitol Hill used “profiling” to run their campaigns. Every successful marketer uses profiling for targeting. The only flaw with profiling is that it is politically incorrect. Get over it.

Richard S. Lindzen, atmospheric physicist and professor at MIT, said:

Profiling has obvious uses, but I would be cautious. If, for example, it were known that elderly, crippled nuns would not be checked, it would seem logical to employ an elderly, crippled nun for a terrorist act. Some balance of prudent judgement and randomness is probably needed, and this would serve, as well, to maintain a certain non-prejudicial fairness.

Dean Baker, co-director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research, said:

Who would we "profile," every dark-skinned person who tries to get on a plane?

Alan Abramowitz, professor of political science at Emory University, said:

Behavioral profiling is not only appropriate, but also likely to be much more effective than racial, ethnic, or religious profiling. The actions of the Nigerian man who attempted to set off a bomb on the Northwest Airlines flight from Amsterdam to Detroit should have set off alarm bells. Anyone purchasing a one-way ticket for an international flight with cash and without checking any luggage should be viewed with suspicion and receive a full body scan and/or pat down. Anyone whose name appears on a watch list, even if it is not on the "no fly" list, should also receive special attention.

Hal Lewis, professor of Physics at UC Santa Barbara, said:

Not only useful and appropriate (those are weasel words) but essential. Our enemies are Moslem extremists (they don't deny it, they brag about it), and we are crazy not to use that information. I don't know why profiling has gotten such a bad name; we use it every day to make choices, and it's a powerful tool. All it means is using what you know about your enemies to help detect them---no more and no less. If you don't use the information you have, you are making the decision that you'd rather lose the war. The day will come when something far worse than 9/11 happens in this country, and then (as with 9/11 itself) there will be a chorus of "why didn't we do more to prevent it." As in that case, too late.

John F. McManus, president of The John Birch Society, said:

Unfortunately, the answer is yes. In a TV interview this morning (Dec. 29), Rep. Peter King of New York, who is the lead Republican serving on the House committee dealing with this matter, said that profiling Muslims makes good sense. He cogently stated that when tracking down the Mafia, the authorities look to Italians, and when investigating IRA crimes, the authorities look at Irishmen. He is correct in his conclusion about the need for some kind of profiling to lessen and maybe put an end to the type of terrorism that America and several other countries have experienced at the hands of militant and suicidal Muslims.

Brad Delong, professor of Economics at the UC Berkley, said:

There is no doubt that our anti-terrorism effort has been dysfunctional for pretty much all of the past decade...

A little history: Bill Clinton liked Richard Clarke. He essentially made him Deputy President for Counterterrorism--allowed him to sit in the Big Chair during National Security Council meetings on terrorism, order cabinet members around, and demand results because everybody knew that Clinton would back Clarke.Then comes the George W. Bush administration. Condi Rice takes over as head of the NSC staff. She keeps Clarke. But she clips his wings. Instead of bossing the NSC Principals' Committee, Clarke is now reduced to reporting to the NSC Deputies' Committee and having to listen respectfully while people like Paul Wolfowitz pronounce that stateless terrorism is not a threat, Saddam Hussein is a threat. So Clarke wages bureaucratic warfare: he gets his friend CIA Director George Tenet to talk about Al Qaeda to President Bush. And President Bush is worried.

And at this point--as I understand it--Condi Rice explodes: she is the boss of the NSC, and no jumped-up holdover director two- or three-layers down beneath her in the bureaucracy is going to runaround her and upset her priorities. So she (and Wolfowitz, and company) push back: they reassure George W. Bush that this isn't very important and put Clarke's issues at the very bottom of the to-do list.

Now there is some counterpushback: the PDB for August 6, 2001 is headlined: "Bin Laden Determined to Strike in U.S." But Condi Rice and company have by this time done their job of reassurance: According to Ron Suskind's sources, Bush's response to the PDB was to tell the briefer: "All right. You've covered your ass, now." And the chance that counterterrorism would be a Bush administration priority in the summer and fall of 2001 ebbs away.

After 9/11 things don't get much better: the missed opportunity at Tora Bora because Rumsfeld and company do not deploy our military, the Bush administration's focus not an Al Qaeda but rather on using Al Qaeda as an excuse to attack Saddam Hussein, our kidnapping and torture of a few Al Qaeda operatives and of lots of other people whose only crime was to have clan enemies claim that they are Al Qaeda and so sell them to us--and remember: everybody we have tortured has relatives, and if those relatives weren't Al Qaeda sympathizers before they are now. And now we have Republican senators holding up appointments in Homeland Security for no reason and so leaving the bureaucracy essentially on autopilot, with few policy decisions and rankings of priorities being made.

I actually think "profiling," whatever it may mean, is among the last of the things we need to discuss here. We would kinda have to know what profiling is before we could have an intelligent discussion of the question. And it is way, way down on the list of things we need to do.

2009-12-29

Big first year leaves President Obama tired


story by AP

written by Julie Pace



WASHINGTON – After a sleepless, overnight flight to Oslo to accept the Nobel Peace Prize earlier this month, President Barack Obama made a not altogether surprising admission. He was tired.

Who could blame him? The president was on his ninth foreign trip to his 21st country; he added a 10th trip the following week. The year had been bookended by the two most intense periods of his young presidency — the early decisions to bail out the nation's banks and automobile industry, steps the president deemed unpopular but necessary, and his December orders to deploy 30,000 additional U.S. troops to fight the war in Afghanistan.

Throw in an unemployment rate in the double-digits, a health care bill still stuck on Capitol Hill, and last-minute negotiations on a global climate change agreement, and aides say it's no secret that the president is tired, and looking forward to recharging during his year-end family vacation in Hawaii.

Not that the commander in chief really thinks he can escape his duties, even on an island. Amid golf, tennis, gym workouts and dinner, Obama has been called on to monitor the airliner attack in Detroit last Friday and what appeared to be another attack on Sunday — that incident turned out to be a false alarm. On Monday, Obama worked out in the morning and played tennis before making his first public remarks on airline security, then hit the golf course.

So much for putting aside the stress of work. Obama himself has been candid about the pressures of being president during what he has called an "extraordinary year."
"You have a convergence of factors that have made this a difficult year not so much for me but for the American people," he said in an interview with CBS News last month. "Absolutely that weighs on me."

That weight was particularly striking during the president's exhaustive, three-month review of the U.S. strategy in Afghanistan. Images of a visibly tired Obama, his black hair now flecked with gray, greeting the bodies of fallen soldiers at Dover Air Force Base and walking through rows of headstones at Arlington National Cemetery sparked rumors that he was skipping meals and losing weight.

Not true, the 48-year-old Obama said. His weight never fluctuates more than five pounds and he still wears the same clothes he wore when got married 17 years ago. But the gravity of war did take its toll in other ways.

"With this one, you feel it viscerally," he said in a White House interview with ABC News. "You lose sleep. You think about families. You think about history."

Aides who have known Obama since before he took office say he seems more sober than he did a year ago, but also increasingly focused on the issues facing the country. Though he may need a vacation, they say he still thrives on a keeping a busy schedule and continues to scoff at critics who say he's taken on too much in his first year. Unlike former President George W. Bush, who made getting eight hours of sleep a priority, Obama often works late into the night, averaging five or six hours of sleep, but making do with less when need be. After the Senate held a 1 a.m. vote on health care last week, Obama said he was awake to see the results.

As a presidential candidate, Obama was known to get grumpy about grueling travel schedules, questioning why so many events had to be layered on top of each other and why the days had to be so long. He not only hated being away from his family for long stretches but, in his typically rational style, questioned the reasoning behind the craziness of the campaign trail. Aides came to dread having tell him about certain aspects of his schedule.

The grueling travel hasn't gone away, nor have the long days. Now they're further compounded by red-eye flights to Europe and the seemingly endless stream of social events the president is expected to attend, from concerts at the Kennedy Center to holiday parties where he and the first lady spend hours shaking hands.

But for all of its stresses, the presidency has provided Obama ways to cope. He persuaded advisers early on to let him keep his beloved BlackBerry to stay in touch with a handful of friends outside the White House. Aides try to include time in his schedule for morning workouts in the White House gym and weekend rounds of golf.

Most importantly, Obama is living with his family full-time for the first time in his political career. He eats breakfast with his daughters, 11-year-old Malia and 8-year-old Sasha, before heading to the Oval Office. That "home office" also allows the president to take a break in the evenings to spend time with his family.

In a city where virtually anything can become political, Obama has said that one of the things he values most about his wife and daughters is the refuge they provide him from the folly of Washington.

The President on attempted Airplane attack and Iran violence

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary


________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release December 28, 2009

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
ON THE ATTEMPTED ATTACK ON CHRISTMAS DAY
AND RECENT VIOLENCE IN IRAN

Kaneohe Bay Marine Base
Kaneohe, Hawaii

10:01 A.M. HAST

THE PRESIDENT: Hey, guys. Good morning, everybody. I just want to take a few minutes to update the American people on the attempted terrorist attack that occurred on Christmas Day and the steps we're taking to ensure the safety and security of the country.

The investigation is ongoing and I spoke again this morning with Attorney General Eric Holder, the Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, and my Counterterrorism and Homeland Security Advisor John Brennan. I asked them to keep -- continue monitoring the situation, to keep the American people and members of Congress informed.

Here's what we know so far. On Christmas Day, Northwest Airlines Flight 253 was en route from Amsterdam, Netherlands to Detroit. As the plane made its final approach to Detroit Metropolitan Airport, a passenger allegedly tried to ignite an explosive device on his body, setting off a fire.

Thanks to the quick and heroic actions of passengers and crew, the suspect was immediately subdued, the fire was put out, and the plane landed safely. The suspect is now in custody and had been charged with attempting to destroy an aircraft. And a full investigation has been launched into this attempted act of terrorism and we will not rest until we find all who were involved and hold them accountable.

This was a serious reminder of the dangers that we face and the nature of those who threaten our homeland. Had the suspect succeeded in bringing down that plane it could have killed nearly 300 passengers and crew, innocent civilians preparing to celebrate the holidays with their families and friends.

The American people should be assured that we are doing everything in our power to keep you and your families safe and secure during this busy holiday season. Since I was first notified of this incident I've ordered the following actions to be taken to protect the American people and to secure air travel.

First, I directed that we take immediate steps to ensure the safety of the traveling public. We made sure that all flights still in the air were secure and could land safely. We immediately enhanced screening and security procedures for all flights, domestic and international. We added federal air marshals to flights entering and leaving the United States. And we're working closely in this country -- federal, state and local law enforcement -- with our international partners.

Second, I've ordered two important reviews because it's absolutely critical that we learn from this incident and take the necessary measures to prevent future acts of terrorism. The first review involves our watch list system, which our government has had in place for many years to identify known and suspected terrorists so that we can prevent their entry into the United States.

Apparently the suspect in the Christmas incident was in the system, but not on a watch list such as the so-called no-fly list. So I've ordered a thorough review not only of how information related to the subject was handled, but of the overall watch list system and how it can be strengthened.

The second review will examine all screening policies, technologies and procedures related to air travel. We need to determine just how the suspect was able to bring dangerous explosives aboard an aircraft and what additional steps we can take to thwart future attacks.

Third, I've directed my national security team to keep up the pressure on those who would attack our country. We do not yet have all the answers about this latest attempt, but those who would slaughter innocent men, women and children must know that the United States will do more than simply strengthen our defenses -- we will continue to use every element of our national power to disrupt, to dismantle, and defeat the violent extremists who threaten us -- whether they are from Afghanistan or Pakistan, Yemen or Somalia, or anywhere where they are plotting attacks against the U.S. homeland.

Finally, the American people should remain vigilant, but also be confident. Those plotting against us seek not only to undermine our security, but also the open society and the values that we cherish as Americans. This incident, like several that have preceded it demonstrates that an alert and courageous citizenry are far more resilient than an isolated extremist. As a nation we will do everything in our power to protect our country, as Americans we will never give in to fear or division, we will be guided by our hopes, our unity, and our deeply held values. That's who we are as Americans. And that's what our brave men and women in uniform are standing up for as they spend the holidays in harm's way, and we will continue to do everything that we can to keep America safe in the New Year and beyond.

Before I leave let me also briefly address the events that have taken place over the last few days in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The United States joins with the international community in strongly condemning the violent and unjust suppression of innocent Iranian citizens, which has apparently resulted in detentions, injuries and even death.

For months the Iranian people have sought nothing more than to exercise their universal rights. Each time they have done so they have been met with the iron fist of brutality, even on solemn occasions and holy days. And each time that has happened the world has watched with deep admiration for the courage and the conviction of the Iranian people, who are a part of Iran's great and enduring civilization.

What's taking place within Iran is not about the United States or any other country -- it's about the Iranian people and their aspirations for justice and a better life for themselves. And the decision of Iran's leaders to govern through fear and tyranny will not succeed in making those aspirations go away. As I said in Oslo, it's telling when governments fear the aspirations of their own people more than the power of any other nation.

Along with all free nations the United States stands with those who seek their universal rights. We call upon the Iranian government to abide by the international obligations that it has to respect the rights of its own people. We call for the immediate release of all who have been unjustly detained within Iran. We will continue to bear witness to the extraordinary events that are taking place there. And I'm confident that history will be on the side of those who seek justice.

Thank you very much, everybody, and Happy New Year.

2009-12-28

Michigan Health Care Provider to Pay United States $669,413 to Settle False Claims Allegations


Department of Justice
Office of Public Affairs



WASHINGTON – Genesys Health System has agreed to pay the United States $669,413 to settle a lawsuit alleging that the health care provider violated the False Claims Act by submitting false claims to Medicare, the Justice Department announced today.


Genesys, a Grand Blanc, Mich.-based company, provides health care services through a network of medical facilities located in Michigan. The government alleged that between 2001 and 2007, Genesys violated the False Claims Act by billing Medicare for higher levels of service than were actually rendered to patients. Specifically, the government alleged that Genesys overbilled for evaluation and management services provided to cardiology patients.

"As this case demonstrates, we are committed to vigorously pursuing those who defraud Medicare," said Tony West, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. "Taxpayer dollars should be spent on health care services for patients, not wasted on fraud and abuse." Assistant Attorney General West praised the coordinated efforts of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, and the Office of Investigations for the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General and Office of Counsel to the Inspector General.

The allegations resolved by today’s settlement were initiated by a lawsuit filed under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which allow private citizens to sue for fraud on behalf of the United States and share in any recovery. The whistleblower in this case will receive a $133,882 share of today’s settlement.

"With the rising cost of health care and the related pressure on the Medicare Trust Fund, the last thing our nation can afford are providers who are profiteering at the expense of patients," said Terrence Berg, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan. "The relator can be proud that she brought these serious allegations of Medicare fraud to our attention and paved the way for the government to uncover the false claims. It is important that anyone who has information about alleged fraud on the federal government come forward so we can investigate."

The lawsuit was captioned as United States ex rel. Wendy Buterakos v. Ascension Health and Genesys Health System, Civil Action No. 06-10550 (E.D. Mich.).

CLYBURN STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF PERCY SUTTON


WASHINGTON, DC—House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn today released the following statement on the passing of Percy Sutton.

“Percy Sutton made an indelible mark on America with distinction and grace on many fronts, forever changing the course of African Americans in this country. A Tuskegee Airman in World War II and intelligence officer in the Korean War, a tireless legal defender of civil rights leaders and protesters, a public servant in the New York State Assembly, a pioneering businessman and media mogul, and the man who saved the famed Apollo theater—for any one of these contributions we would have been thankful, for his lifetime of service we honor him as an American statesman and hero. “My thoughts and prayers are with the Sutton family and I thank Percy Sutton for his friendship and legacy of leadership and service.”

Citadel Broadcasting Corporation Reaches Agreement with lenders

Press Release

CITADEL BROADCASTING CORPORATION REACHES AGREEMENT WITH MORE THAN 60% OF ITS SECURED LENDERS ON A BALANCE SHEET RESTRUCTURING

Company Initiates Voluntary Chapter 11 Process to Implement Pre-negotiated Restructuring

Operations to Continue Without Interruption

LAS VEGAS, NV, December 20, 2009 – Citadel Broadcasting Corporation (OTC BB: CTDB) (“Citadel” or the “Company”) today announced that it has reached an accord with over 60% of its senior secured lenders on the terms of a pre-negotiated financial restructuring that would extinguish approximately $1.4 billion of indebtedness. Notably, support for the restructuring proposal was solicited only from private-side lenders, yet the Company still received support from more than 60% of the Company’s total secured lenders. The financial restructuring contemplates that Citadel’s $2.1 billion secured credit facility will be converted into a new term loan in the principal amount of $762.5 million. Holders of senior secured claims will receive a pro rata share of the new term loan and 90% of the new common stock in reorganized Citadel. The pre-negotiated restructuring further contemplates that holders of unsecured claims, including the secured lenders’ deficiency claim of approximately $900 million, the Debtors’ unsecured notes and general unsecured claims will have the option to receive either a pro rata share of cash in an amount equal to 5% of the unsecured claim (capped at $2 million) or 10% of the new common stock, subject to dilution for distributions under reorganized Citadel's management equity incentive program.

To implement the terms of the pre-negotiated restructuring on an expeditious basis, Citadel and certain of its subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.

"We are pleased with the support from the majority of our senior lenders, and we look forward to working with the remaining senior lenders and other stakeholders to ensure a complete and expeditious restructuring," said Farid Suleman, Citadel’s Chief Executive Officer. “Our business will continue as usual and the Company will work to emerge from the restructuring process as quickly as possible."

To fund its restructuring, Citadel has reached an agreement with its secured lenders to access more than $36 million of cash on hand, as well as all cash flow from operations, which will be more than sufficient to fund operations during the restructuring process. Citadel also intends to seek customary relief from the Bankruptcy Court to ensure that operations continue without interruption, including authorization to continue paying employee wages and salaries, as well as honoring certain customer obligations and programs.

Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as legal counsel and Lazard Frères & Co. LLC. as financial advisor for the restructuring. Additional information about Citadel is available at the company’s website http://www.citadelbroadcasting.com/. For access to Court documents and other general information about the Chapter 11 cases, please visit www.kccllc.net/citadel.

About Citadel
Citadel Broadcasting Corporation is the third largest radio group in the United States, with a national footprint reaching more than 50 markets. Citadel is comprised of 166 FM stations and 58 AM stations in the nation’s leading markets, in addition to Citadel Media, which is one of the three largest radio networks in the United States. For more information visit http://www.citadelbroadcasting.com/.

DirecTV to replace XM with SonicTap

story by Orbitcast

Starting on February 9th, DirecTV subscribers will find that their XM satellite radio channels will have disappeared - and have been replaced with channels from SonicTap, according to DirecTV's website.Now, why is this more strange than "the usual" content distribution deal gone bad?

For one thing, Liberty Media (which has a 40 percent stake in Sirius XM Radio Inc.) also owns DirecTV - so you think there would be a baked in partnership between the two. But not so.
On February 29th, 2010, SonicTap will be the new source of music for 18 million DirecTV subscribers. The lineup of genres will remain relatively the same - but with one exception.
The one large notable difference is that there's some 10 more Hispanic music channels added in addition to the other channels. Could this have been the deciding factor for the change? It's hard to say for sure, but I can't imagine why both Liberty-owned companies would part ways unless there was a clear differentiator between the two.
Then again, who knows what kind of reasoning is behind the switch. It would be nice to see some level of transparency to explain to subscribers why exactly the change is happening... but I'm not holding my breath.

2009-12-27

Nigerian National Charged with Attempting to Destroy Northwest Airlines Aircraft


Department of Justice
Office of Public Affairs


WASHINGTON - A 23-year-old Nigerian man was charged in a federal criminal complaint today with attempting to destroy a Northwest Airlines aircraft on its final approach to Detroit Metropolitan Airport on Christmas Day, and with placing a destructive device on the aircraft.


According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, 23, a Nigerian national, boarded Northwest Flight 253 in Amsterdam, Netherlands on December 24, 2009 and had a device attached to his body. As the flight was approaching Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Abdulmutallab set off the device, which resulted in a fire and what appears to have been an explosion. Abdulmutallab was then subdued and restrained by the passengers and flight crew. The airplane landed shortly thereafter, and he was taken into custody by Customs and Border Patrol officers.

A preliminary FBI analysis found that the device contained PETN, also known as pentaerythritol, a high explosive. Further analysis is ongoing. In addition, FBI agents recovered what appear to be the remnants of the syringe from the vicinity of Abdulmutallab’s seat, believed to have been part of the device.

"This alleged attack on a U.S. airplane on Christmas Day shows that we must remain vigilant in the fight against terrorism at all times," Attorney General Eric Holder said. "Had this alleged plot to destroy an airplane been successful, scores of innocent people would have been killed or injured. We will continue to investigate this matter vigorously, and we will use all measures available to our government to ensure that anyone responsible for this attempted attack is brought to justice."

Abdulmutallab required medical treatment, and was transported to the University of Michigan Medical Center after the plane landed. He will make his initial court appearance later today.

Interviews of all of the passengers and crew of Flight 253 revealed that prior to the incident, Abdulmutallab went to the bathroom for approximately twenty minutes, according to the affidavit. Upon returning to his seat, Abdulmutallab stated that his stomach was upset, and he pulled a blanket over himself. Passengers then heard popping noises similar to firecrackers, smelled an odor, and some observed Abdulmutallab’s pants leg and the wall of the airplane on fire. Passengers and crew then subdued Abdulmutallab and used blankets and fire extinguishers to put out the flames. Passengers reported that Abdulmutallab was calm and lucid throughout. One flight attendant asked him what he had had in his pocket, and he replied "explosive device."

These prosecutions are being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, with assistance from the Counterterrorism Section of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, US Customs and Border Protection, and the Joint Terrorism Task Force.

The public is reminded that criminal complaints contain mere allegations and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Percy Sutton -- Lawyer, Entrepreneur, Politician, Judge, Broker, Mr. Harlem, and Media Owner -- dies at age 89

story by AP/New York Times
photo of Attorney Percy Sutton by Getty Images
written by Douglas Martin
Percy E. Sutton, who displayed fierce intelligence and exquisite polish in becoming one of the nation’s most prominent black political and business leaders, died on Saturday, The Associated Press reported. He was 89.

Marissa Shorenstein, a spokeswoman for Gov. David A. Paterson, confirmed Mr. Sutton’s death but said she did not know the cause, according to The A.P.

Mr. Sutton stood proudly at the center of the struggle for equal rights. He was arrested as a freedom rider; represented Malcolm X as young lawyer; rescued the fabled Apollo Theater in Harlem; and became a millionaire tycoon in the communications business to give public voice to African Americans.

He was also an eminent politician in New York City, rising from the Democratic clubhouses of Harlem to become the longest serving Manhattan borough president and, for more than a decade, the highest black official in the city. In 1977, he was the first seriously regarded black candidate for mayor.
His supporters saw his loss in that mayoral race as a stinging rebuff to his campaign’s strenuous efforts to build support among whites. But David N. Dinkins, who was elected the first black mayor in 1989, called Mr. Sutton’s failed bid indispensable to his own success.
“I stand on the shoulders of Percy Ellis Sutton,” Mr. Dinkins said in an interview.
Edward I. Koch, who won the 1977 mayoral vote, said only complicated political maneuvering stifled Mr. Sutton’s bid. He explained that incumbent Mayor Abraham Beame did not step aside as Mr. Sutton had expected, but ran himself, costing Mr. Sutton votes.

“I’m glad God intervened and I became mayor,” Mr. Koch said in an interview. He called Mr. Sutton “one of the smartest people I have met in politics or outside of politics.”
Mr. Sutton’s business empire included, over the years, radio stations, cable television systems and national television programs. Another business invested in Africa. Still another sold interactive technology to radio stations.
Mr. Sutton had an immaculately groomed beard and mustache; tailored clothing; and a sonorous, slightly Southern voice that prompted the nickname “wizard of ooze.” Associates called him “the chairman,” and he liked it.
Percy Ellis Sutton, the last child in a family of 15 children, was born on Nov. 24, 1920, in San Antonio, Tex. His father, Samuel Johnson Sutton, was born into slavery and became principal of a black high school. His mother, Lillian, was a teacher.
The 12 children who survived to be adults went to college, with the older ones giving financial and moral support to the younger.

S. J. Sutton, an early civil rights activist who did not use his first name for fear it would be shortened to Sambo, farmed, sold real estate and owned a mattress factory, funeral home and skating rink — in addition to being a full-time principal.
Percy milked the cows, then rode around San Antonio with his father in the same Studebaker used for funerals, distributing milk to the poor. He liked to attach strings to cans to pretend to be a radio broadcaster. He was an Eagle Scout.
At 12, he stowed away on a passenger train to Manhattan where he slept under a sign on 155th Street. Far from being angry, his family regarded him as an adventurer, he said.
His family was committed to civil rights, and he bristled at prejudice. At 13, while passing out N.A.A.C.P. leaflets in an all-white neighborhood, he was beaten by a policeman.

He took up stunt-flying on the barnstorming circuit, but gave it up after a friend crashed. He attended three traditionally black colleges without earning a degree. Their present names are Prairie View A & M University in Texas, Tuskegee University in Alabama and Hampton University in Virginia.
During World War II, he served with the Tuskegee Airmen, the famed all-black unit in the Army Air Forces, as an intelligence officer. He won combat stars in the Italian and Mediterranean theaters.
He entered Columbia Law School on the G.I. Bill on the basis of his solid grades at the colleges he attended. He transferred to Brooklyn Law School so he could work days. He worked at the post office from 4 p.m. until midnight, then as a subway train conductor until 8:30 a.m. He then reported to law school at 9:30. He kept this schedule for three years and became a lawyer.
This punishing pace so annoyed his wife, the former Leatrice O’Farrell, that she divorced him in 1950 — only to remarry him in 1952. In between, he married and divorced Eileen Clark.
Mr. Sutton’s survivors include his wife, Leatrice Sutton; a son from their marriage, Pierre; and a daughter from his second marriage, Cheryl Lynn Sutton.
After graduating from law school, Mr. Sutton made what he termed “a major miscalculation.” He enlisted in the Air Force because he mistakenly thought he had flunked the bar exam.

He returned to Harlem in 1953 and opened a law practice. The initial going was tough: he had to work at supplemental jobs that included scrubbing floors.

Mr. Sutton threw himself into the civil rights movement. He represented more than 200 people arrested in Southern protests. He heard Malcolm X preaching at the corner of 125th Street and Seventh Avenue. He introduced himself, telling Malcolm he was his new lawyer.

Mr. Sutton represented Malcolm beyond his assassination in 1965, when cemeteries refused his body. Mr. Sutton arranged for his burial in Westchester County.
“Had it not been for Percy, I don’t know where Malcolm would have been buried,” Mr. Dinkins said.
Mr. Sutton represented Malcolm’s daughter Qubilah Shabazz when she was charged in 1995 with hiring a man to kill Louis Farrakhan, the Black Muslim leader she believed was involved in her father’s killing. Charges against her were dropped after she agreed to psychiatric treatment.
In 1997, Ms. Shabazz’s son, Malcolm, then 12, set a fire that killed his grandmother, Betty Shabazz, Malcolm X’s widow. Mr. Sutton and Mr. Dinkins teamed up to represent him. At the end of each hearing, the lawyers made “a motion to hug” the boy.
Mr. Sutton took many controversial stands. When Mike Tyson, the boxer and convicted rapist, returned to Harlem from prison in 1995, Mr. Sutton was there to greet him.

After the Rev. Al Sharpton refused to pay damages for slandering the prosecutor in the Tawana Brawley case, Mr. Sutton helped pay the fine.
Mr. Sutton was arrested for civil disobedience in protesting the shooting and killing of Amadou Diallo, a Guinean immigrant, by four police officers in 1999.
From the early 1950s, he worked in political campaigns, both for others and himself. Mr. Sutton lost seven times in 11 years in challenges to regular Democrats for a state assembly seat, finally winning by a slim margin in 1964. He was elected spokesman for the 13 black assemblymen.
In 1966, Mr. Sutton served as permanent chairman of the Democratic State Convention, the first time in American political history that a black had been selected as permanent chairman at a state convention.
During Mr. Sutton’s one term in the assembly, he helped establish open admissions at the city university; liberalize divorce and abortion laws; and get funding for the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem.

In 1966, the Manhattan borough president, Constance Baker Motley, was appointed to a federal judgeship. The city council in September 1966 chose Mr. Sutton to replace her. He was elected two months later to serve the remaining three years of her term, then re-elected twice, in 1969 and 1973.
Mr. Sutton began investing in communications companies in 1971 when he and a group of prominent blacks bought The New York Amsterdam News, New York’s largest black newspaper. Critics said the borough president was using the weekly to further his own political career, but he insisted he wanted to “liberate” blacks by expanding their influence in the media.
(Skeptics couldn’t help noting that it didn’t exactly subvert Mr. Sutton’s political career when an Amsterdam News writer wrote that he had never seen “a more diligent or competent public official.”). Mr. Sutton sold his stake in the paper in 1975, calling it “a political liability.”
In 1971, Mr. Sutton and others bought WLIB, a New York AM radio station, making it the first black-owned station in New York City. In 1974, they bought WBLS-FM, which soon became their main profit center with music that appealed to blacks, whites and others.
Mr. Sutton’s group, which he named the Inner City Broadcasting Corporation grew to own, at various times, 18 radio stations in other cities, and cable franchises in Queens and Philadelphia. Mr. Sutton’s principal partner in the various deals was Clarence B. Jones, a close associate of Martin Luther King.

In 1981, Inner City bought the Apollo, the celebrated Harlem theater famed for helping launch careers like those of Ella Fitzgerald and James Brown, at a bankruptcy sale for $225,000. Mr. Sutton presided over a $20 million renovation, which included building a cable television studio used to produce the syndicated TV program, “It’s Showtime at the Apollo.” The theater reopened in 1985.

In 1992, a non-profit group took it over after Mr. Sutton said he could no longer afford to run it. But he continued to produce a TV show, which seemed to draw on the Apollo mystique, though it was taped elsewhere. That sparked a tangled legal brouhaha, with New York State investigating members of the Apollo foundation’s board and Mr. Sutton. All were cleared of wrongdoing.
One of Mr. Sutton’s major controversies was his role in helping his friend, Charles B. Rangel, unseat Representative Adam Clayton Powell Jr. in 1970. Ebony magazine said Mr. Sutton’s role in easing out the congressman known as “Mr. Civil Rights” — however stained he may have then been by ethics charges — “did little to endear him to blacks in New York and across the nation.”
Mr. Sutton insisted that he and Mr. Rangel were not to blame. “We didn’t beat Adam,” he said. “The times beat Adam.”

Mr. Sutton’s great disappointment was losing his bid for mayor. He had been one of the closest allies of Mayor Beame in the mayor’s 1973 race, and had reason to hope that Mr. Beame would back his own bid in 1977. Mr. Sutton saw his path to victory as combining minority support with the white liberals and organization Democrats who had supported Mr. Beame. But the mayor delayed in making a decision on running, causing Mr. Sutton to tell The New York Times, “It’s rather castrating to be waiting on others for your future.”
Mr. Beame finally threw his hat in the ring, but Mr. Sutton persisted in his strategy of appealing to whites by taking strong anticrime stands and championing white ethnic neighborhoods. But polls suggested that New Yorkers saw mainly the color of his skin. This, to Mr. Sutton, was “the most disheartening, deprecating, disabling experience.”

Forced to appeal mainly to minority voters, he brought in black politicians from around the nation. It wasn’t enough. Mr. Sutton finished fifth, and Mr. Beame third. Mr. Koch defeated Mario M. Cuomo, the future governor, in a runoff. Mr. Sutton blamed the media as much as his opponents. “It’s racism pure and simple,” he declared.

But Mr. Sutton never lost his charismatic smile. He liked to walk through the Uptown neighborhood he had first visited as a 12-year-old runaway, and greet people by name.

“Hey, Mr. Harlem!” they responded.

President Obama salutes the late Inner-City Broadcasting owner Percy Sutton

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
_______________________________________________________________________________________FOR


IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 27, 2009

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT ON THE PASSING OF PERCY SUTTON

Percy Sutton was a true hero to African Americans in New York City and around the country. We will remember him for his service to the country as a Tuskegee Airman, to New York State as a state assemblyman, to New York City as Manhattan Borough President, and to the community of Harlem in leading the effort to revitalize the world renowned Apollo Theater. His life-long dedication to the fight for civil rights and his career as an entrepreneur and public servant made the rise of countless young African Americans possible. Michelle and I extend our deepest condolences to his family on this sad day.

2009-12-26

Slavery in America....TODAY! (click here)

2009-12-25

Donna Summer - Love to Love you Baby

song story by wikipedia
In the summer of 1975, Summer approached Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte with an idea for a song. She had come up with the lyric "Love to love you, baby" as the possible title for the song. Moroder in particular was interested in developing the new disco sound that was becoming increasingly popular, and used Summer's idea to develop the song into an overtly sexual disco track.

He had the idea that she should moan and groan orgasmically, but Summer was initially reticent. Eventually she agreed to record the song as a demo to give to someone else (possibly singer Penny McLean).

She has stated that she was not completely sure of some of the lyrics, and parts of the song were improvised during the recording (she later stated on a VH1 Behind the Music program that she pictured herself as Marilyn Monroe acting out the part of someone in sexual ecstasy). Moroder was so astounded with Summer's orgasmic vocals and her imaginative moans and groans that he insisted she should release the single herself. Summer reluctantly agreed and the song, titled "Love to Love You", was released to modest success in Europe.

When it reached America and the hands of Casablanca president Neil Bogart, however, he was so ecstatic over the demo that he requested Moroder to produce a twenty-minute version of the song. Summer, Moroder and producer Pete Bellotte cut a seventeen-minute version, renamed it "Love to Love You Baby", and Casablanca signed Summer and issued it as a single in November 1975. Casablanca distributed Summer's work in the U.S. while other labels distributed it in different nations during this period.



"Love to Love You Baby" was Summer's first big hit in America, reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in early 1976 and becoming her first Number-One Hot Dance Club Play chart hit. The album (side one of which was completely taken up with the full-length version of the title track) was also released in late 1975 and was soon certified gold for sales of over 500,000 copies in the U.S. http://youtu.be/1R9hwGOObqs
The song was branded "graphic" by some music critics and was even banned by some radio stations for its explicit content. Time Magazine later reported that a record twenty-two orgasms were simulated by Summer in the making of the song. In some areas of the music press, Summer was dubbed "the first lady of love."
As a result the album sold very well, making the Top 20 in both the U.S. and the U.K.

Host of Sports Machine George Michael dies

Sports fans, like myself, were accustomed to getting a full weekend rundown on 'thee' first successful national sport shows, "Sports Machine". In Los Angeles during the 80's, 90's, and throughout the 2000's, the Sports Machine came on each and every Sunday at 11:30pm. Before we went to bed we got an extensive sports update. George Michael gave us all of the highlights with his upbeat, exciting sports.

Sports Machine would close with a heartwrenching behind-the-scene story. Both "Behind the Music" and "Real Sports" made millions on George's idea to focus on the personal stories of the athletes. Often times Michael would bring on nationally unknown, but hot regional sports like Nascar, Skiing, Rodeos, Bull-Riding, surfing, etc...

It was clear that the national sports scene was covered on George Michael's Sports Machine.

So why would anyone force George Michael to resign, retire, or was he simply fired for being the #1 guy locally on WRC-TV a Washington NBC affiliate, and nationally on NBC. This fascinates me when someone that is number one is "released" from both his local and national sports shows and both are number one during their timeslots.

First coming to Washington DC in 1996, I watched NBC News because George Michael was there, before taking a liking to the other broadcasters like Jim Vance.

The question is: Does his age play a part in this? If George is number one then that would be a strong case for age-discrimination, as both his local and successful national were cancelled at the same time replace by a young blond girl.

No above-the-line executive would fess up to what happen but I am almost certain that George had a gag order along with a non-compete retirement package that was most certainly sweet, with a clause not to sue for age-discrimination. Looks like a settlement.

George Michael is now dead. They say that Michael died of some form of leukemia. I believe after watching his tearful final sportscast a few years, that George may have quit life because of how he was unceremoneously let go at the top of his game. Top of game to me means that you have it all, all the contacts and trusted relations with all sports from the top level down.

Why would you get rid of someone with those type of resources and trust, when the pipes are still crisp and the excitement, passion, and work ethic is still there. Shouldn't you let number one continue to be number one? In George's case, no.

Seem like someone had to prove that they had the power to egotistically fire a top level legend, instead of letting George continue to be number one.

Unfortunately, the powers-that-be felt a pretty young blond-haired woman -- that is obvioiusly not amongst the top two-hundred sportscaster in America -- could replace the number one sportscaster in America.

Evidence is that today, I do not see her on any nationally syndicated Sports Machine or national anything. I wonder why?

RIP George Michael from one of your millions of fans....Thank you.


2009-12-24

President Obama on Senate passing Health Care Reform

Kirk --

Although it's Christmas Eve, I wanted to share some exciting news: The Senate just passed a historic health reform bill. In all the back and forth, it's easy to lose sight of what this incredible breakthrough really means.

But consider this: This Christmas, there are millions of Americans without health insurance who risk losing everything if they get sick.There are mothers and fathers who wonder how they'll provide for their children because an illness has wiped out their savings. There are small business owners who worry that they'll have to lay off a long-time employee because the cost of insurance is rapidly rising.

If we finish the job, all this can change. We will have beaten back the special interests who have for so long perpetuated the status quo. We will have enacted the most important piece of social policy since the Social Security Act in the 1930s, and the most important health reform since Medicare in the 1960s.

In Decembers to come, millions more will have access to affordable coverage. Parents will have the security and stability of knowing their insurance can't be revoked at a moment's notice. And the skyrocketing costs plaguing our small businesses will be brought under control.When you make calls, write letters, organize, this is the change you're making -- a better life for your family and for men and women in every state.

There is still more to do before I can sign reform into law -- a last round of negotiations and final votes in the Senate and the House -- and I'm counting on your help every step of the way. But for now, I hope that as you celebrate this holiday season, you remember that the work you are doing is making our union more perfect, one step at a time. For that, I am grateful to you.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays,



President Barack Obama

Remarks of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama

December 24, 2009

PRESIDENT: Hello everyone, and Merry Christmas. As you and your families gather to celebrate the holidays, we wanted to take a moment to send greetings from our family—from me, from Michelle, from Malia and Sasha—and from Bo.

FIRST LADY: This is our first Christmas in the White House, and we are so grateful for this extraordinary experience. Not far from here, in the Blue Room, is the official White House Christmas Tree. It’s an 18-foot tall Douglas-fir from West Virginia and it’s decorated with hundreds of ornaments designed by people and children from all over the country. Each one is a reminder of the traditions we cherish as Americans and the blessings we’re thankful for this holiday season.

PRESIDENT: That’s right, especially as we continue to recover from an extraordinary recession that still has so many Americans hurting: parents without a job who struggled to put presents under the Christmas tree; families and neighbors who’ve seen their home foreclosed; folks wondering what the new year will bring.

But even in these tough times, there’s still so much to celebrate this Christmas. A message of peace and brotherhood that continues to inspire more than 2,000 after Jesus’ birth. The love of family and friends. The bonds of community and country. And the character and courage of our men and women in uniform who are far from home for the holidays, away from their families, risking their lives to protect ours.

To all our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen—I have no greater honor than serving as your Commander in Chief. I’ve been awed by your selfless spirit, your eagerness to serve—at the Naval Academy and West Point. I’ve been energized by your dedication to duty—from Baghdad to the Korean Peninsula. Michelle and I have been moved by your determination—wounded warriors at Walter Reed and Bethesda, fighting to recover, to get back to your units.

And I’ve been humbled, profoundly, by patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. In flag-draped caskets coming home at Dover. In the quiet solitude of Arlington. And after years of multiple tours of duty, as you carry on with our missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, your service, your readiness to make that same sacrifice, is an inspiration to us and to every American.

FIRST LADY: And so are your families. As First Lady, one of my greatest privileges is to visit with military families across the country. I’ve met military spouses doing the parenting of two—keeping the household together, juggling play dates and soccer games, helping with homework, doing everything they can to make the kids feel OK even as they try to hide their own fears and worries.

I’ve met kids who wonder when mom or dad is coming home; grandparents and relatives who step in to care for our wounded warriors; and folks trying to carry on after losing the person they loved most in the world.

And through it all, these families somehow still find the time and energy to serve their communities as well—coaching Little League, running the PTA, raising money to help those less fortunate than they are, and more.

But even these strong military families can use a hand, especially during the holidays. If you live near a military base, you can reach out through your workplaces, your schools, your churches. There are so many ways to help—with child care, with errands, or by just bringing over a home-cooked meal. Even if you don’t know a military family nearby, your family can still help by donating or volunteering at organizations that support military families.

PRESIDENT: You can also reach out directly to our forces around the world. Kids can make a card that will bring a smile to an American far from home. Adults can send a care package or a pre-paid phone card that makes the tour at little easier. Every American can do something to support our troops, even if it’s as simple as just saying thank you. For more ways to let our troops know you care, go to www.whitehouse.gov

So to all our men and women in uniform spending the holidays far from home—whether it’s at a base here in the states, a mess hall in Iraq or a remote outpost in Afghanistan, know that you are in our thoughts and our prayers. And this holiday season—and every Holiday season—know that we are doing everything in our power to make sure you can succeed in your missions and come home safe to your families.

FIRST LADY: And to all Americans, from our family to yours, Merry Christmas.

PRESIDENT: Merry Christmas, everybody.

Senate OKs health care measure, reaching milestone

story by AP

WASHINGTON – Senate Democrats passed a landmark health care bill in a climactic Christmas Eve vote that could define President Barack Obama's legacy and usher in near-universal medical coverage for the first time in the country's history.

"We are now finally poised to deliver on the promise of real, meaningful health insurance reform that will bring additional security and stability to the American people," Obama said shortly after the Senate acted.

"This will be the most important piece of social legislation since Social Security passed in the 1930s," said Obama, standing with Vice President Joe Biden in the State Room of the White House.

The 60-39 vote on a cold winter morning capped months of arduous negotiations and 24 days of floor debate. It also followed a succession of failures by past congresses to get to this point. Biden presided as 58 Democrats and two independents voted "yes." Republicans unanimously voted "no."

The tally far exceeded the simple majority required for passage.

The Senate's bill must still be merged with legislation passed by the House before Obama could sign a final bill in the new year. There are significant differences between the two measures but Democrats say they've come too far now to fail.

Both bills would extend health insurance to more than 30 million more Americans. Obama said the legislation "includes the toughest measures ever taken to hold the insurance industry accountable."

Vicki Kennedy, the widow of the late Massachusetts Sen. Edward Kennedy, who made health reform his life's work, watched the vote from the gallery. So did Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., the longest-serving House member and a champion of universal health care his entire career.

"This morning isn't the end of the process, it's merely the beginning. We'll continue to build on this success to improve our health system even more," Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said before the vote. "But that process cannot begin unless we start today ... there may not be a next time."

At a news conference a few moments later, Reid said the vote "brings us one step closer to making Ted Kennedy's dream a reality."

The Nevadan said that "every step of this long process has been an enormous undertaking."
Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., chairman of the Finance Committee, said he "very happy to see people getting health care they could not get."

It was the Senate's first Christmas Eve vote since 1895, when the matter at hand was a military affairs bill concerning employment of former Confederate officers, according to the Senate Historical Office.

The House passed its own measure in November. The White House and Congress have now come further toward the goal of a comprehensive overhaul of the nation's health care system than any of their predecessors.

The legislation would ban the insurance industry from denying benefits or charging higher premiums on the basis of pre-existing medical conditions. The Congressional Budget Office predicts the bill will reduce deficits by $130 billion over the next 10 years, an estimate that assumes lawmakers carry through on hundreds of billions of dollars in planned cuts to insurance companies and doctors, hospitals and others who treat Medicare patients.

For the first time, the government would require nearly every American to carry insurance, and subsidies would be provided to help low-income people to do so. Employers would be induced to cover their employees through a combination of tax credits and penalties. The legislation costs nearly $1 trillion over 10 years and is paid for by a combination of taxes, fees and cuts to Medicare.

Republicans were withering in their criticism of what they deemed a budget-busting government takeover. If the measure were worthwhile, contended Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., "they wouldn't be rushing it through Congress on Christmas Eve."

House Minority Leader John Boehner assailed the bill moments after passage.

"Not even Ebenezer Scrooge himself could devise a scheme as cruel and greedy as Democrats' government takeover of health care," the Ohio Republican said in a statement.

"Senator Reid's health care bill increases premiums for families and small businesses, raises taxes during a recession, cuts seniors' Medicare benefits, adds to our skyrocketing debt, and puts bureaucrats in charge of decisions that should be made by patients and doctors," he said.
The occasion was moving for many who'd followed Kennedy, who died in August.

"He's having a merry Christmas in Heaven," Sen. Paul Kirk, D-Mass., appointed to fill Kennedy's seat, told reporters after the tally.

Kirk said he was "humbled to be here with the honor of casting essentially his vote."

Said Dingell: "This is for me, this is for my dad, this is for the country."

Reid nailed the last votes down in a rush of dealmaking in the last week that is now coming under attack because of special provisions obtained by a number of senators. In Nebraska, home to conservative Democrat Ben Nelson, the Democrats' crucial 60th vote, the federal government will pay 100 percent of the cost of a planned Medicaid expansion in perpetuity, the only state getting that deal.

Negotiations between the House and Senate to reconcile differences between the two bills are expected to begin as soon as next week. The House bill has stricter limits on abortion than the Senate, and unlike the House, the Senate measure omits a government-run insurance option, which liberals favored to apply pressure on private insurers but Democratic moderates opposed as an unwarranted federal intrusion. Obama has signaled he will sign a bill even if it lacks that provision.

2009-12-23

HEALTH CARE BILL SENATE VOTE 7am TOMORROW December 24th, 2009

OBAMA ADMINISTRATION AWARDS $1.4 BILLION IN HOMELESS GRANTS



Record number of local programs to receive funding to keep operating

WASHINGTON - The Obama Administration today announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is renewing grant funding needed to keep thousands of local homeless assistance programs operating. HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan said a total of nearly $1.4 billion will help an unprecedented 6,445 programs to continue offering critically needed housing and services to homeless persons and families.The grants announced today are being awarded through HUD's Continuum of Care programs.
For the first time ever, HUD is quickly providing renewal grants to local programs to prevent any interruption in federal assistance and will announce funding to new projects in early 2010. For a local summary of the grants announced today, visit HUD's website.
"As we move into the coldest time of the year, it's critical that no program risk running out of money to keep their doors open," said Donovan. "These grants will make certain that those programs on the front lines of helping the homeless have the resources they need to house and serve persons who might otherwise be forced to turn to the streets." Barbara Poppe, Executive Director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, said, "Today we extend the federal partnership with communities to meet demand for homeless assistance and support programs that successfully end homelessness.
This public-private partnership has demonstrated tremendous success at ending chronic homelessness and we are now working to build partnerships to end homelessness among veterans and prevent family, youth, and child homelessness."
HUD's Continuum of Care Grants provide permanent and transitional housing to homeless persons. In addition, Continuum grants fund important services including job training, health care, mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment and child care. Continuum of Care grants are awarded competitively to local programs to meet the needs of their homeless clients.
These grants fund a wide variety of programs from street outreach and assessment programs to transitional and permanent housing for homeless persons and families (see attached summary of the funding awarded today).
HUD's homelessness grants are reducing long-term or chronic homelessness in America. Based on the Department's latest homeless assessment, chronic homelessness has declined since 2005. This decline is directly attributed to HUD's homeless grants helping to create significantly more permanent housing for those who might otherwise be living on the streets. However, data also indicates that family homelessness may be on the rise, particularly in suburban and rural areas.
Earlier this year, HUD allocated an additional $1.5 billion through its new Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-housing (HPRP) Program. Made possible through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, HPRP is intended to prevent persons from falling into homelessness or to rapidly re-house them if they do.
HIGHLIGHTS OF HUD'S HOMELESS ASSISTANCE
HUD is awarding nearly $1.4 billion to renew funding to 6,445 local programs. HUD awarded $1.2 billion to 5,825 renewal projects last year.
More than $738 million is being awarded to 2,997 projects that provide permanent housing solutions for homeless families and individuals, including persons who are chronically homeless.
More than 3,200 local projects that serve families with children will receive over $733 million.
HUD's housing and service programs funded through the Continuum of Care competition establish the foundation for communities to serve many of the nation's most vulnerable individuals and families.
Based on the Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) released by HUD in July 2009:
Nearly 1.6 million people use emergency or transitional housing programs over the course of a year; and
On a given night, approximately 664,000 people are homeless. Of those:
1. More than 124,000 are chronically homeless;
2. 36.5 percent are chronic substance abusers;
3. 26.3 percent are severely mentally ill; and4. About 15 percent are veterans.

Radio One Announces Results of 2009 Annual Shareholders' Meeting


from radio-one.com


WASHINGTON, Dec 22, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Radio One, Inc. (Nasdaq: ROIA and ROIAK) today reported the results of various proposals voted upon at its 2009 Annual Shareholders' Meeting held December 16, 2009 in Greenbelt, Maryland. http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=63747&p=irol-newsArticle_print&ID=1368747&highlight=

Terry L. Jones and Brian W. McNeill were elected as Class A directors to serve until the 2010 annual meeting of shareholders or until their successors are duly elected and qualified.

Catherine L. Hughes, Alfred C. Liggins, III, D. Geoffrey Armstrong, Ronald E. Blaylock and B. Doyle Mitchell, Jr. were elected as Class B directors to serve until the 2010 annual meeting of shareholders or until their successors are duly elected and qualified.

An amendment to Radio One's certificate of incorporation was approved to effect a reverse stock split across all classes of our common stock by a ratio of not less than one-for-two and not more than one-for-fifty at any time prior to the next annual shareholders' meeting, with the exact ratio to be set at a whole number within this range as determined by our board of directors in its discretion. While approved by the shareholders, the Board retains the right to determine whether or not to actually effectuate any reverse stock split.

The Radio One 2009 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan was approved, to succeed the 1999 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan.

The appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the independent registered

Sade's 'Soldier of Love' Makes Radio History

photo by AP
story by EURweb.com

"Soldier Of Love," the first single off Sade's highly anticipated new album of the same name, is already making radio history in the wake of its Dec. 8 release.

The track entered the Urban Hot AC tally at No. 11, becoming the chart's highest debut of the decade and its third highest of all-time. Also "Soldier Of Love" debuted at No. 5 on the Smooth Jazz airplay chart and became the first ever vocal to hit No. 1 on the Smooth Jazz Top 20 Countdown.

"Soldier Of Love" which Sade co-produced with Mike Pela, was written by Sade along with longtime collaborators Andrew Hale, Stuart Matthew man and Paul Spencer Denman.

Recorded in England and set for release on Feb. 9, the album marks her first official studio set since the multi-platinum release of "Lovers Rock" in 2000.

2009-12-22

United States Transfers 12 Guantanamo Bay Detainees

Department of Justice
Office of Public Affairs


United States Transfers 12 Guantanamo Bay Detainees to Afghanistan, Yemen and the Somaliland Region



Twelve detainees have been transferred from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay to Afghanistan, Yemen and the Somaliland region.


As directed by the President’s Jan. 22, 2009 Executive Order, the interagency Guantanamo Review Task Force conducted a comprehensive review of each of these cases. As a result of that review, which examined a number of factors, including potential threat, mitigation measures and the likelihood of success in habeas litigation, the detainees were approved for transfer.


In accordance with Congressionally-mandated reporting requirements, the Administration informed Congress of its intent to transfer the detainees at least 15 days before their transfer.
Over the weekend, four Afghan detainees, Abdul Hafiz, Sharifullah, Mohamed Rahim and Mohammed Hashim, were transferred to the Government of Afghanistan.


In addition, two Somali detainees, Mohammed Soliman Barre and Ismael Arale, were transferred to regional authorities in Somaliland. Finally, six Yemeni detainees, Jamal Muhammad Alawi Mari, Farouq Ali Ahmed, Ayman Saeed Abdullah Batarfi, Muhammaed Yasir Ahmed Taher, Fayad Yahya Ahmed al Rami and Riyad Atiq Ali Abdu al Haf, were transferred to the Government of Yemen.


These transfers were carried out under individual arrangements between the United States and relevant foreign authorities to ensure the transfers took place under appropriate security measures. Consultations with foreign authorities regarding these individuals will continue.


Since 2002, more than 560 detainees have departed Guantanamo Bay for other destinations, including Albania, Algeria, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Belgium, Bermuda, Chad, Denmark, Egypt, France, Hungary Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Mauritania, Morocco, Pakistan, Palau, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Sudan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Uganda, United Kingdom and Yemen.

2009-12-21

NextMedia is next in Chapter 11

story by Inside Radio

Within 24-hours of Citadel heading into bankruptcy court, NextMedia takes a similar path toward restructuring the company. Under a pre-arranged bankruptcy, NextMedia restructures its debt. CEO Steve Dinetz and other managers remain in place, promising Chapter 11 won't impact operations or lead to layoffs.

2009-12-20

Citadel Broadcasting files Chapter 11

story by Inside Radio

Citadel Broadcasting has filed a "pre-arranged" Chapter 11 reorganization plan with a New York bankruptcy court. The deal with the lender group is expected to wipe out much of Forstmann Little & Co.'s 29% stake and turn control over to the lenders group, led by JPMorgan Chase. Today's filing shows Disney is among Citadel's creditors with an $11.2 million claim. Citadel bought ABC Radio from Disney for $2.7 billion in 2006.

Citadel CEO Farid Suleman is expected to remain in place under the takeover scenario. He's said the Chapter 11 option would be a last resort, but if it came down to a bankruptcy there would be no impact on station operations and told Inside Radio earlier this month he wasn't planning to spin-off any assets to raise cash. "It hasn’t happened up until now and will not happen in the future," said Suleman, who added staff cuts weren't on the table. "It will have zero effect on the operation or the employees of our business," he said.

Democrats strike health care deal

story by Politico
photo of Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) by AP
written by Carrie Brown & Chris Frates

Senate Democrats announced a deal Saturday morning on a wide-ranging overhaul of the nation’s health care system, setting a course for a vote by Christmas and delivering President Barack Obama a badly needed victory on his top legislative priority.

A 13-hour negotiating session that stretched into the night Friday finally clinched the support of the last Democratic holdout, moderate Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.). The handshake deal cleared the way for a series of votes that could stretch until 7 p.m. Christmas Eve.

“Change is never easy,” Nelson told reporters. “I truly believe this legislation will stand the test of time. The lives of millions Americans will be improved.”

Nelson agreed to support the bill after Democrats strengthened restrictions on federal funding of abortion, by allowing states to opt out from allowing plans to cover abortion in a new insurance marketplace. Also, enrollees in plans covering abortion must pay separate checks – one for abortion, one for the rest of services.


Some anti-abortion groups consider such attempts to “segregate” the payments to be something of a shell game. And in fact, the National Right to Life Committee quickly came out against the Nelson compromise, saying it didn’t go as far as abortion restrictions in the House bill.

At the same time, two leading groups supporting the right to abortion, Planned Parenthood and the National Organization for Women, also said they oppose the abortion agreement – setting up a difficult negotiation over abortion language when the House and Senate try to merge their bills.
Nelson, however, made clear that if the compromise on restricting federal funding of abortion and Medicaid funding don’t survive in the final House-Senate compromise, he will not support the final bill.

Nelson also won his own version of Sen. Mary Landrieu's much-derided "Louisiana Purchase." In Nelson's case, the federal government will permanently pick up all the cost of new Medicaid enrollees in Nebraska, rather than splitting the tab with the state, as is usually done. Nelson’s Nebraska is the only state singled out for such treatment – a $45 million cost to federal taxpayers that shows the power of a single senator in this debate.

2009-12-19

White Christmas storms into Washington DC

photo by Astrid Riecken DC Times
Folks here in here in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area have been wishing and praying for a White Christmas for the past six years. And as they say, be careful what you wish for. On this Saturday December 19th, 2009 most can't go nowhere, do nothing, nor see anything, but snow. Waiting is the game we play today. http://www.wtop.com/?nid=596&sid=1845156

Traffic and Weather folks give you these commute remedies to fill up your gas tanks in order to weigh down your car; get some good treads; best to drive a four-wheel drive; or get behind the wheel of any heavy truck. We'll toss all those remedies out the window, as I have seen all of the above, and more, sliding and slippin' into the darkness of this historic snow storm. Driving? We talking about driving? Driving? Driving, I don't think so. Those desperate enough to drive in this stuff are driving on top of snow and furthermore, in twenty degree weather, meaning "cruising" on ice too.

Since last night at about 7:30pm through this dreary Saturday night at 8:35pm, the dumping of tons of snow -- blowing in each and every direction possible -- has hit the Mid-Atlantic heading towards New York and Boston. http://www.weather.com/outlook/weather-news/news/articles/region-northeast-weather-forecast_2009-10-09. Just non-stop agony where most stores and airports have tried their very best to remain open, but they all end up saying "let's get the hell out of here."

The movie theater was my only refuge where I saw an an impressive Princess and the Frog Movie -- that I would even see again without the kids. Walking to the theater was one adventure in "can you high hurdle or not."

Salt trucks should just take off today due to being a non-factor. The snow storm laughed at salt and rendered it officially bad for your health. Easily three feet of snow throughout the area by 3pm earlier today. Snow dump is an understatement.

Last minute shoppers are pissed this entire weekend and expect them to be even more frustrated on Christmas eve. I, being one of those last minute folks, have decided to put money in an envelope. I will be too tired after breaking a few shovels digging this snow out.

Forget the prognosticators stating that this is the worst December storm on record since 1870, how about these fancy doppler-ologist finding a cot to sleep on, because they ain't going home tonight. http://www.wtop.com/?nid=25&sid=1844147