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Under The Radar
Author: BobR    Date: 07/01/2009 12:01:06

The last few days have been rather monolithic with regards to the news. First it was Farrah Fawcett, then Michael Jackson, then Harlequin Romance Novel cover model Governor Sanford, and then yesterday Senator Franken (c'mon Bill-O - you can say it!). With all of this hubbub going on, you have to assume some other news items got overlooked. As a public service, we here at FourFreedoms News are happy to pass along some of these Under the Radar stories.

Starting internationally, former House Rep Cynthia McKinney was "kidnapped" by Israel as she tried to participate in a humanitarian aid effort to Palestine:
A group of 21 peace activists sailing to Palestine were intercepted and arrested by Israeli authorities on Tuesday as they attempted to bring food and medical supplies to the war-torn city of Gaza. Israel said it plans to deport most of the people involved, including former U.S. Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney and Mairead Maguire, a Nobel laureate.

The group insists they were not in Israeli waters. In a media advisory, the arrests were characterized as kidnapping.

"This is an outrageous violation of international law against us," said McKinney in a press release issued by the Free Gaza Movement. "Our boat was not in Israeli waters, and we were on a human rights mission to the Gaza Strip. President Obama just told Israel to let in humanitarian and reconstruction supplies, and that’s exactly what we tried to do."

They will likely all be released, but this should raise a stink. However, since it doesn't involve McKinney "assaulting" a security guard, you won't hear anything.

In other disturbing news Arizona becomes the first state to criminalize illegal aliens:
Arizona has moved a step closer to becoming the only state to criminalize the presence of illegal immigrants through an expansion of its trespassing law.

A 16-11 vote by the Arizona Senate early Wednesday would criminalize the presence of illegal immigrants in the state. The measure must still be approved in the House and signed by Gov. Jan Brewer.

As a reminder, the current federal law regarding people entering the country illegally is civil, not criminal. Despite some people referring to illegal aliens as "criminals", they technically should not be referred to as such because they have not broken criminal law - until now... in Arizona.

For further infuriation, Citibank is raising rates on millions of credit cards:
Citigroup Inc has increased interest rates on up to 15 million U.S. credit card accounts just months before curbs on such rises come into effect, the Financial Times reported citing people close to the situation.

Citigroup had upped rates on 13 million to 15 million credit cards it co-brands with retailers such as Sears, the paper said.

In a statement, Citigroup said "We have adjusted pricing and card terms for some customers as part of our regular account reviews. This is an ongoing process to ensure we offer terms, interest rates, credit lines and products based on individual needs and risk profiles."
(bold-face mine)

I don't remember if they got any TARP funds, but if they did, this should be forbidden. This is usury of the worst sort.

Finally, in slightly better news, Secretary of Defense Gates is looking to enforce DADT a little less exuberantly:
Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Tuesday he wants to make the law prohibiting gays from serving openly in the armed forces "more humane" until Congress eventually repeals it. He said he has lawyers studying ways the law might be selectively enforced.

"One of the things we're looking at is, is there flexibility in how we apply this law?" Gates said.

The defense chief, a holdover from the Republican administration of former President George W. Bush, told reporters traveling with him in Europe that the Clinton-era ban was written without much wiggle room. The Pentagon general counsel is looking at potential avenues around full enforcement as a stopgap, Gates said.

For example, Gates said, the military might not have to expel someone whose sexual orientation was revealed by a third party out of vindictiveness or suspect motives. That would include, Gates said, someone who was "jilted" by the gay service member.

Yay?

So now that we've fed your head, feed your stomach with a and have some and enjoy the rest of your day!...

 

174 comments (Latest Comment: 07/02/2009 03:26:20 by livingonli)
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Comment by wickedpam on 07/01/2009 12:33:54
Morning :hug:

Comment by Scoopster on 07/01/2009 12:51:15
Morning!



Ugh that crazy ol' sun was teasing us this morning! :shakesfist:

Comment by TriSec on 07/01/2009 12:53:11
Howdy folks!



Looking out at the fog and gloom, and wondering if our US NAVY BLUE ANGELS are going to be able to fly over Boston today....



(It's been fairly interesting following the story at Boston.com. They allow unmoderated comments on the stories, and a group I call "The haters" has taken over the thread. Curious that they don't have any problems over taxpayer money being spent on the USS Constitution, Lexington Green, The Freedom Trail, Bunker Hill, etc.)



And happy Canada Day!

Comment by wickedpam on 07/01/2009 12:59:44
How do you hate the Blue Angels? :scratchhead:

Comment by wickedpam on 07/01/2009 13:01:56
Hey Scoop - your a gamer, right? Do you know of a game that merges a tomb raider with a FF?

Comment by TriSec on 07/01/2009 13:03:54
Folks are complaining about the wasted taxpayer dollars and the obvious, over-the-top jingoism and recruiting opportunity the Blue Angels represent.



Of course, I blogged about this myself Saturday. But I also decided that I like airplanes too much. Hey, I realize that most of my tax dollar goes to the military....even I like to see what I'm paying for every now and again.







Comment by wickedpam on 07/01/2009 13:11:13
I understand how it could be a waste of tax dollars - but its the Blue Angels. Its always been a treat to see them no matter what. They are as part of Americana now as the images of the fife and drum, red, white & blue, apple pie, minute men.

Comment by Random on 07/01/2009 13:12:49
Quote by wickedpam:

Hey Scoop - your a gamer, right? Do you know of a game that merges a tomb raider with a FF?


Scoop...scoop...*is hurt*

Just joking...though no clue.

Comment by Scoopster on 07/01/2009 13:13:07
Quote by wickedpam:

Hey Scoop - your a gamer, right? Do you know of a game that merges a tomb raider with a FF?


Hmmm.. off the top I don't, will have to do some digging & asking around.

Comment by TriSec on 07/01/2009 13:14:51
The hell of it is, it's actually not a waste of taxpayer money. The Blue Angels are an active-duty squadron, they're included in the military's annual budget to begin with. The difference is, instead of overseas, they are deployed to the United States, and the mission is public relations, outreach, and yes....recruiting.



They can repaint those jets gray, bomb up, and be overseas in 24 hours if they had to.



(and it's the same for the Thunderbirds, too.)



Comment by wickedpam on 07/01/2009 13:15:05
Quote by Random:

Quote by wickedpam:

Hey Scoop - your a gamer, right? Do you know of a game that merges a tomb raider with a FF?


Scoop...scoop...*is hurt*

Just joking...though no clue.






:hug: Sorry Ran didn't realize you were lurking :)

Comment by Random on 07/01/2009 13:16:12
This just in, The reason Bill'O was not on last night, he was found in his home, head exploded.

Comment by wickedpam on 07/01/2009 13:17:19
Quote by Scoopster:

Quote by wickedpam:

Hey Scoop - your a gamer, right? Do you know of a game that merges a tomb raider with a FF?


Hmmm.. off the top I don't, will have to do some digging & asking around.




thanks, looking for a new game but everything looks so childish. Thinking I may try a resident evil but I'm not crazy about the horror games.



keep in mind that I have a PS2 and a Wii if that helps limit a search.



Or do you or Ran know of a good site to do a little digging of my own?



Comment by TriSec on 07/01/2009 13:19:06
In any case....don't take my word for it. Read the comments yourself.





Comment by wickedpam on 07/01/2009 13:22:21
Quote by TriSec:

The hell of it is, it's actually not a waste of taxpayer money. The Blue Angels are an active-duty squadron, they're included in the military's annual budget to begin with. The difference is, instead of overseas, they are deployed to the United States, and the mission is public relations, outreach, and yes....recruiting.



They can repaint those jets gray, bomb up, and be overseas in 24 hours if they had to.



(and it's the same for the Thunderbirds, too.)





isnt' there also a group called the Black Knights - think there jumpers though



Comment by wickedpam on 07/01/2009 13:25:13
Quote by TriSec:

In any case....don't take my word for it. Read the comments yourself.









I believe ya - I'll whine and bitch with the rest of them, but about this - its silly

Comment by Scoopster on 07/01/2009 13:26:10
Comment by TriSec on 07/01/2009 13:27:16
Quote by wickedpam:





isnt' there also a group called the Black Knights - think there jumpers though







I *could* pull out my life list and run down all the display teams, but I think I'll spare everyone the tedium.



[/av-dork]



Comment by Random on 07/01/2009 13:30:50
Quote by wickedpam:

Quote by Scoopster:

Quote by wickedpam:

Hey Scoop - your a gamer, right? Do you know of a game that merges a tomb raider with a FF?


Hmmm.. off the top I don't, will have to do some digging & asking around.




thanks, looking for a new game but everything looks so childish. Thinking I may try a resident evil but I'm not crazy about the horror games.



keep in mind that I have a PS2 and a Wii if that helps limit a search.



Or do you or Ran know of a good site to do a little digging of my own?



Well, sorry, Random's stuck in a Ratchet and Clank mood (just played 5 of their games straight...so...yeah) but they're fun, and stars Jim Ward.

But as far as a cross between Tomb Raider and FF...That's hard...I'd probably do better just recomending some of my favorite games. O.o



Comment by Raine on 07/01/2009 13:41:29
:coffee2: Good Morning...





Comment by starling310 on 07/01/2009 13:42:13
Oi....seriously Hal...I love ya, but still with the Michael Jackson? Come on.



Comment by Raine on 07/01/2009 13:43:57
Quote by Random:

This just in, The reason Bill'O was not on last night, he was found in his home, head exploded.
I heard he was curled up in the fetal Position, in a corner -- crying all night...



Comment by wickedpam on 07/01/2009 13:44:57
Quote by starling310:

Oi....seriously Hal...I love ya, but still with the Michael Jackson? Come on.







exactly. I had my fill of MJ by Saturday.

Comment by wickedpam on 07/01/2009 13:45:23
Quote by Random:

Quote by wickedpam:

Quote by Scoopster:

Quote by wickedpam:

Hey Scoop - your a gamer, right? Do you know of a game that merges a tomb raider with a FF?


Hmmm.. off the top I don't, will have to do some digging & asking around.




thanks, looking for a new game but everything looks so childish. Thinking I may try a resident evil but I'm not crazy about the horror games.



keep in mind that I have a PS2 and a Wii if that helps limit a search.



Or do you or Ran know of a good site to do a little digging of my own?



Well, sorry, Random's stuck in a Ratchet and Clank mood (just played 5 of their games straight...so...yeah) but they're fun, and stars Jim Ward.

But as far as a cross between Tomb Raider and FF...That's hard...I'd probably do better just recomending some of my favorite games. O.o







recommend away :)

Comment by Raine on 07/01/2009 13:45:24
Quote by starling310:

Oi....seriously Hal...I love ya, but still with the Michael Jackson? Come on.



Has he been All MJ this morning?









Comment by TriSec on 07/01/2009 13:46:13
Listening to KO from last night.



While it *may* be possible to have a soul mate that you are not married to, it is always a bad idea if wifey finds out it's not her.





Comment by starling310 on 07/01/2009 13:46:43
Bobber, thank you for posting actual news.



In regards to banks raising rates...

Bank Skank of America raised my rate to 14.99% ( it was previously 5.99%. )

And First National of Omaha will be raising me next month to 17.99%!



I have a 750 credit score and ALWAYS pay well over my minimum ON TIME.



F*ckers.



Comment by Scoopster on 07/01/2009 13:51:45
Time to put those credit cards in the paper shredder & go debit-only Let those scumbags raise their rates all they want - it does no good when they have no customers.



Quote by wickedpam:

recommend away :)


Oh man I'd totally recommend Portal (PC). It's a bit short, but tough and brainy and VERY well done.

Comment by Raine on 07/01/2009 13:53:37
You know I really wish that the credit card bill was set to happen a lot sooner than the way it was passed -- they had to know the CC companies would do this. It's Bullshite.

Comment by starling310 on 07/01/2009 13:55:51
Quote by Scoopster:

Time to put those credit cards in the paper shredder & go debit-only Let those scumbags raise their rates all they want - it does no good when they have no customers.







Oh...I don't use my credit cards....I am paying down old balances ; I put myself on a 3 year pay off plan. It's not through a credit counselor. I just do it myself, hence to over minimum payment every month.

I haven't used my cards in over 18 months.





Comment by velveeta jones on 07/01/2009 13:56:14
Morning all.



Regarding credit cards...... I HATE them with the burning passion of a thousand suns! I intend to pay off all my cards (*sigh* one day) and then never have another. Never again! F*ckers is right Starling. They are the cause of much of this countries chaos and on a personal level, unneeded consumerism. FUCKEM ALL!



:angry:

Comment by starling310 on 07/01/2009 14:00:11
Quote by Raine:

You know I really wish that the credit card bill was set to happen a lot sooner than the way it was passed -- they had to know the CC companies would do this. It's Bullshite.




Seriously. What ever happened to "Effective Immediately?"



Comment by BobR on 07/01/2009 14:02:06
Quote by Random:

Quote by wickedpam:

Quote by Scoopster:

Quote by wickedpam:

Hey Scoop - your a gamer, right? Do you know of a game that merges a tomb raider with a FF?


Hmmm.. off the top I don't, will have to do some digging & asking around.




thanks, looking for a new game but everything looks so childish. Thinking I may try a resident evil but I'm not crazy about the horror games.



keep in mind that I have a PS2 and a Wii if that helps limit a search.



Or do you or Ran know of a good site to do a little digging of my own?



Well, sorry, Random's stuck in a Ratchet and Clank mood (just played 5 of their games straight...so...yeah) but they're fun, and stars Jim Ward.

But as far as a cross between Tomb Raider and FF...That's hard...I'd probably do better just recomending some of my favorite games. O.o



ok non-gamer question: what's "FF"?

Comment by starling310 on 07/01/2009 14:04:25
Quote by velveeta jones:

Morning all.



Regarding credit cards...... I HATE them with the burning passion of a thousand suns! I intend to pay off all my cards (*sigh* one day) and then never have another. Never again! F*ckers is right Starling. They are the cause of much of this countries chaos and on a personal level, unneeded consumerism. FUCKEM ALL!



:angry:




Exactly.

I learned the credit card lesson a bit late in life and now am atoning.

However, it is not a consumer's fault when they open a credit card under one agreement that they feel is reasonable ( ie; 5.99% ) and it then gets jacked up without warning. There is fault on both ends, but they are certainly predatory and getting worse of late.



And, don't get me started on the FICO system. It is designed to make people fail. I work hard to keep my credit score where it is, but it's all a game with unfair rules.



The only line of credit I would ever have again would be through my Credit Union; I am currently in the process of moving all my checking and savings to them. Screw B of A.





Comment by Random on 07/01/2009 14:04:41
Quote by Scoopster:

Time to put those credit cards in the paper shredder & go debit-only Let those scumbags raise their rates all they want - it does no good when they have no customers.



Quote by wickedpam:

recommend away :)


Oh man I'd totally recommend Portal (PC). It's a bit short, but tough and brainy and VERY well done.


Random would reccoment Portal as well.

If you want a freaky game. Shadow of Destiny. Involves a lot of weird stuff, it's like first year of PS2 though, hard to find.

I also enjoyed Odin Sphere but that probably isn't up your alley.

Hm...jeez, would have to look through my large collection...but I would also (as said before) reccoment Ratchet and Clank.



I'll have more later if ya like.

Comment by BobR on 07/01/2009 14:05:43
Starling & Velveeta: If you set up a payment plan with CCCS, they will negotiate with the CC companies to reduce the rates, and you can setup a plan that works for your budget. I've been on one for a year and a half, and still have a couple years left. My interest rates are all in the 8-10% area.

Comment by Scoopster on 07/01/2009 14:09:41
FF = Final Fantasy.. game series that's been going since waaaay back in the day.

Comment by Raine on 07/01/2009 14:12:33
Ok Glenn-- Al Franken is Senator... I feel the same was about Sarah Palin as VP... Seriously , please STFU.

Comment by starling310 on 07/01/2009 14:16:02
Quote by BobR:

Starling & Velveeta: If you set up a payment plan with CCCS, they will negotiate with the CC companies to reduce the rates, and you can setup a plan that works for your budget. I've been on one for a year and a half, and still have a couple years left. My interest rates are all in the 8-10% area.




Negative Bobber. I'm glad it's working for you. However, getting back to the FICO scam...er...I mean score, credit counseling does count against you because it indicates that you have not paid back your accounts according to the original agreement.



Like I said, I have put myself on a 3 year plan and I will stick to it...I will have to adjust the payments a bit, but my credit cards will be gone-zo when I am 35, which is what I wanted.



Comment by Raine on 07/01/2009 14:22:24
I wonder how long it will be before Al get a committee assignment.



I am really so happy that he is FINALLY senator. He is a VERY good communicator...

Comment by Raine on 07/01/2009 14:25:42
Ayn Rand was an atheist... interesting... Very interesting. I did not know that.

Comment by wickedpam on 07/01/2009 14:28:22
Quote by Random:

Quote by Scoopster:

Time to put those credit cards in the paper shredder & go debit-only Let those scumbags raise their rates all they want - it does no good when they have no customers.



Quote by wickedpam:

recommend away :)


Oh man I'd totally recommend Portal (PC). It's a bit short, but tough and brainy and VERY well done.


Random would reccoment Portal as well.

If you want a freaky game. Shadow of Destiny. Involves a lot of weird stuff, it's like first year of PS2 though, hard to find.

I also enjoyed Odin Sphere but that probably isn't up your alley.

Hm...jeez, would have to look through my large collection...but I would also (as said before) reccoment Ratchet and Clank.



I'll have more later if ya like.






played Shadow of Destiny just something about I didn't quite like.



Oden Sphere looks interesting though

Comment by wickedpam on 07/01/2009 14:30:47
Quote by BobR:

Quote by Random:

Quote by wickedpam:

Quote by Scoopster:

Quote by wickedpam:

Hey Scoop - your a gamer, right? Do you know of a game that merges a tomb raider with a FF?


Hmmm.. off the top I don't, will have to do some digging & asking around.




thanks, looking for a new game but everything looks so childish. Thinking I may try a resident evil but I'm not crazy about the horror games.



keep in mind that I have a PS2 and a Wii if that helps limit a search.



Or do you or Ran know of a good site to do a little digging of my own?



Well, sorry, Random's stuck in a Ratchet and Clank mood (just played 5 of their games straight...so...yeah) but they're fun, and stars Jim Ward.

But as far as a cross between Tomb Raider and FF...That's hard...I'd probably do better just recomending some of my favorite games. O.o



ok non-gamer question: what's "FF"?




Final Fantasy :)



compared to Scoop and Random I'm probably only a novice gamer myself :D



Comment by wickedpam on 07/01/2009 14:31:33
Quote by starling310:

Quote by Raine:

You know I really wish that the credit card bill was set to happen a lot sooner than the way it was passed -- they had to know the CC companies would do this. It's Bullshite.




Seriously. What ever happened to "Effective Immediately?"







It was ambushed by Red Tape and stuffed in a closet

Comment by BobR on 07/01/2009 14:32:39
Comment by BobR on 07/01/2009 14:34:29
Quote by Scoopster:

FF = Final Fantasy.. game series that's been going since waaaay back in the day.


Oh sure - I know about that one... it just didn't pop into my head via the initials...

Comment by Raine on 07/01/2009 14:36:41
Glenn Beck is now entering the Danger Zone... Hal turner Danger Zone:







Comment by BobR on 07/01/2009 14:37:38
Quote by starling310:

Quote by BobR:

Starling & Velveeta: If you set up a payment plan with CCCS, they will negotiate with the CC companies to reduce the rates, and you can setup a plan that works for your budget. I've been on one for a year and a half, and still have a couple years left. My interest rates are all in the 8-10% area.




Negative Bobber. I'm glad it's working for you. However, getting back to the FICO scam...er...I mean score, credit counseling does count against you because it indicates that you have not paid back your accounts according to the original agreement.



Like I said, I have put myself on a 3 year plan and I will stick to it...I will have to adjust the payments a bit, but my credit cards will be gone-zo when I am 35, which is what I wanted.



technically though - you aren't paying them back according to the original agreement either if they changed the rate. And how does a repayment plan mean you haven't paid them back by the original agreement? You pay them off making regular payments every month for more than the minimum.

Comment by Random on 07/01/2009 14:40:01
Quote by Scoopster:

FF = Final Fantasy.. game series that's been going since waaaay back in the day.


Or Fatal Frame, but in this context, chances are Final Fantasy

Comment by wickedpam on 07/01/2009 14:41:00
Quote by Scoopster:

FF = Final Fantasy.. game series that's been going since waaaay back in the day.






hey! are you callin' me old?!













:p



Okay I admit it I played Zelda and some version of FF on my SNES and I still own my Intellivision w/some games :)

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