Fed watchdog reveals improper relationships among oil brokers, energy company employees

The latest scandal to hit the oil/energy market is full of "substance abuse and promiscuity" as government brokers responsible for collecting billions of dollars in federal royalties had sex with energy company employees, and accepted lavish gifts from them.

As if that wasn't bad enough those brokers and energy buddies rigged contracts to favor firms, according to investigators.

TODAY'S THREAD:

What do you think should be done to these people who are taking advantage of their positions? Lock 'em up and throw away the key? Or just give them a pat on the hand and say, "that's a no-no!"

Three double standards in Palin's bid for power

First, Republican campaign manager, Rick Davis, says that reporters won't be allowed to talk with Palin unless they show respect and deference. Deference? I can't think of anyone in American politics, including the President of the United States, whose political backers demand such an outrageous precondition!

Respect and courtesy, perhaps, but then don't we all want that?

'Shadow government of the West' the Bilderberg Group aka The New World Order

Have you ever heard of the Bilderberg Group?  I wouldn't be surprised if you hadn't. I just ran across them while doing some research and was astounded.

Why? Because this group contains the most powerful people in the Western nations and is so secretive they won't allow any journalists to attending their conventions/meetings. This has been going on since 1954. I think you'll be surprised when you read this column.

TODAY'S THREAD:

Have you ever heard of The Bilderberg Group?

Get your pic with Palin-it's only $50,000!

If you want your photo taken with Republican VP candidate Sarah Palin, just show up at a California billionaire's compound on September 25th, and be prepared to shell out some big bucks for this Republican fundraiser.

Hey, you can even get a John McCain label pin for a mere $2,500! It seems that Palin's convention speech about "taking on the old politics as usual" was dust in the wind. She's quickly fit right in with the way Washington power brokers do things.

                                             TODAY'S THREAD:

Do you think Palin is really going to be an "agent of change" as she claims?

JetBlue auctions 300 flights on eBay starting at 5 cents!

JetBlue has found a novel way to get people interested in their airlines - put bargain basement deals on eBay and see what the people say.

According to Harla Platt at Northeastern University, who follows the airline industry the bold move will bring valuable "word-of-mouth" advertising. Who needs billboards?

TODAY'S THREAD:

What do you think about this idea?

Marijuana Food Contest could end prohibition

There's a nationwide group of marijuana legalization advocates that are having a Genetically Modified Marijuana Food Contest. Their hoping someone in our nation's colleges studying biology will be a candidate and possible creator of genetically modified chow.

Okay, it's strange but who knows? It brings up a couple of interesting points.

A paradoxical past for Palin

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has a checkered past that is slowly submerging. It's still too early to tell if she's going to be a support for the ticket, or if her past is going to cause troubles for her and the Republican party who so quickly vetted her.

TODAY'S THREAD:

Do you think McCain's hasty pick was because she was a woman, and he felt he needed a woman on the ticket to win?

Iraqi govt reacts to report that US spied on their prime minister

Bob Woodward's new book, "The War Within: A Secret White House History-2006-2008" has really opened a can of worms with the Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and his staff when they found out that the US was spying on them!

It's a bad time right now, as the Iraqi's are constantly saying they want us out of there. Now, more than ever, our government needs to firm up a date for withdrawal and get out of that country.

TODAY'S THREAD:

What do you think is keeping us from announcing an exact withdrawal date?

Suicides in Army expected to surpass record set last year

By the end of August there were 62 confirmed suicides among active duty soldiers. Another 31 cases are still being investigated. It's apparent the strain of years of war are taking their toll on American soldiers who often do two or more combat tours.

TODAY'S THREAD #1

Regardless of who wins the presidency, what do you think the chances of getting out of Iraq in 2009 are?

Fire retardant chemicals found in toddlers' blood

Researchers are saying that young children today have high levels of chemical fire retardants in their blood. The culprit is called PBDEs, and it's used widely in televisions, remote controls, computers, mattresses, and other products.

These PBDEs are thought to be behind possible brain damage and hyperactivity.

TODAY'S THREAD

The problem is, what can be done about it?