No economic downfall for beer

No matter how bad things get, Americans are still swilling their brew. Experts say half of the booze sold in this country is beer, making it the leader in alcohol sales.

Surveys show that beer sales haven't gone flat in this down economy. "It's really a consumer staple kind of industry," said Dan Ahrens, author of the book "Investing in Vice." He put it on par with toothpaste and soap. "People gotta drink no matter what's going on in the economy," Ahrens said in an interview with the Chicago Tribune today.

Feds violate 10th Amendment

Today in As It Stands - Times-Standard edition- I talk about a landmark ruling against the feds violating California's state rights in their pursuit to undermine The Compassionate Act of 1996 when medical marijuana was okayed.

TODAY'S THREAD:

This ruling took place on August 20th. So where was the mainstream media coverage on it?

Kentucky governor outraged at gas price gouging

Wasn't it just yesterday that President Bush assured us that there would be no price gouging in this country after hurricane Ike?

Reality sets in when Gov. Steve Beshear declared a state of emergency in Kentucky today saying, "I'm outraged at the voracious practice of price gouging!" Apparently the greed-meisters are out in full force, trying to make money off of people's suffering!

This is capitalism at it's worse.

Bush says consumers won't be gouged on gas after Ike

Gee that's a nice thought...too bad it isn't true! Just turn on CNN or other news stations today and check out the prices that are going through the roof! In Texas right now people are paying over $5 a gallon! In some stations across the Gulf Coast gas prices are being raised hourly!

Yet, we see this article in the mainstream media that makes it sound like everything is "Jim Dandy!" Bush is looking out for our welfare the article implies...I wonder if he's watching television today?

TODAY'S THREAD:

If this supposed news article isn't an example of corporate media telling lies, then I don't know what is. What are your feelings about this subject?

Todd Palin is going to have to answer some tough questions

It looks like those crazy Palin's are getting deeper in the do-do, as Alaska state lawmakers voted today to subpoena Gov. Palin's husband Todd, in the abuse of power case filed against her. But wait! It gets better...

The Republicans tried to delay this investigation until after Nov.4th, but GOP State Senator Charlie Higgins sided with the Democrats and moved the date up!

TODAY'S Last THREAD:

Does anyone else share my feeling that this ongoing Palin saga has yet more surprises ahead?

Oil brokers and energy company employees investigation will make a good miniseries

Forget about Peyton Place, Dallas, and those other dated miniseries! We've got a new reality show that promises to be a hit in the coming months. Just in time for the Fall programing.

For a preview

check this out.

Today's 2nd Thread:

How do you think this reality show will do and what happens in the end of the series? 

Palin back pedals on Global Warming position

In her first major interview earlier this week, Sarah Palin told ABC News reporter Charles Gibson that, "I never said there's absolute proof that nothing that man has ever engaged in has had any effect on climate."

Oh really? Here's a couple of remainders for Sarah Barracuda:

1) She told the internet news site "NewsMax" that, "A changing environment will affect Alaska more than any other state because of our location..I'm not one, though, who would attribute it to being man made."

2) Last year in the Fairbank News she said, "I'm not Al Gore, doom-and-gloom environmentalist blaming the changes in our climate on human activity."

I guess she ought to also talk with her running mate John McCain, because he has come out and said that humans have caused Global Warming.

TODAY'S THREAD:

Does Palin even know what truth is?

Lost cat re-united with owners after 9 years!

Dateline London-

Dixie, a ginger-colored cat, disappeared nine years ago and the owners feared she was dead. But surprise!

The cat had a microchip in her and some lady found her and turned her into the human society who called the couple and said,"come get your cat." I suspect that Dixie has used up at least eight of her nine lives in recent years.

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?