G.M. Shifts Focus to Small Cars in Sign of Sport Utility Demise
The end of the Hummer is in sight. Even Hollywood types are shunning the gas guzzling vehicle and opting for the greener hybrids.
“In a humbling admission that the S.U.V. era is all but over, G.M., Detroit’s leading automaker, said it was considering selling the gas-guzzling Hummer brand it once regarded as a pillar of future growth.”
“In announcing the changes, Mr. Wagoner said $4-a-gallon gas prices had forced a “structural shift” by American consumers away from large vehicles into more fuel-efficient cars.”
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Obama Pushes Effort to Claim Victory Tonight
The handwriting is on the wall. Hillary Rodham Clinton made a run for the Democratic Presidential endorsement but today she will most likely see her ride come to an end. She may not officially give in, that may come later this week. ”Senator Barack Obama’s campaign began a concerted effort on Monday to rally undecided superdelegates around him so he can claim the Democratic presidential nomination after the primaries end on Tuesday night.”
“Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton invited fund-raisers and other supporters to an election-night rally in New York City where, aides said, she was prepared to deliver what they described as a farewell speech that summed up the case for her candidacy. They said Mrs. Clinton was not likely to withdraw from the race on Tuesday night, probably waiting until later in the week, once Mr. Obama’s victory appeared clear.”
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China Lists Dos and Don’ts for Olympics-Bound Foreigners
China has created a website that explains the answers to 57 frequently asked questions. The site is in Chinese, so good luck with understanding the questions, let alone the answers.
“Do not bring any printed materials critical of China. Do not plan on holding any rallies or demonstrations in China. Do not think that you are guaranteed an entry visa because you hold tickets to an Olympic event. And do not even think about smuggling opium into China.”
[read whole story]
Mr. Bill Returns (in One Piece) to Pitch a Debit Card
“oh nooooo!” Remember Mr. Bill? He baaaackkkk! Master Card is reviving the clay figure made famous in the Saturday Night Live films thirty years ago. Baby boomers will remember his falsetto cries of “Oh, nooooo!” fondly. Younger people to whom the shorts are ancient history will enjoy seeing him get abused.”Mr. Hands pours hot coffee on him (“coffee: $2”), a personal trainer launches him off a treadmill (“gym: $59/mo.”), and an opened briefcase flips him onto the windshield of a city bus (“briefcase: $120”).”
“Mr. Bill, rolling with endless punches, just enjoys the ride home: “Making it through the day: priceless.” A voice-over adds, “For whatever comes your way, there’s debit MasterCard.””
[read whole story]
Breaking Story: Benderson’s Project Is a Go
The Town Board voted 4 to 3 in favor of the Benderson Project. The “Yes” votes were cast by Dr. Weinstein, Mohan, Schratz and Guy Marlette. The “No” votes were from Dan Ward, Debbie Bucki and Mark Manna.
Shelly Schratz’s reasons for voting for the project were pure nonsense and embarrassing.
Disclaimer For An Error On My Friend’s Website
The following message below is not accurate. It was on another website. IT WAS NOT DONE ON PURPOSE.
Erie County Clerk using a candidate for State Senate as spokesman
Kathy Hochul the Democratic Erie County Clerk apparently is going to use her advertising budget to support the campaign of former Republican Joseph Mesi in his pursuit of the Democratic line in his run for the 61th District State Senate seat.
He appears as her spokesman on an advertisement, the spot aired on on WWKB Radio 1520 AM at 6:30AM this morning. He promoted local driver registration as ameans of generating revenue for her department.
At the conclusion of the advertisement there is no mention of Mr. Mesi his candidacy 2 months ago, nor, does it state whether his words are his public position on the issue. Particularly important for a potential State Senator who must act in the because financial interests of his consituetents on the county level, and the citizens of New York on the state level.
The County Clerk’s advertising budget should not be used as a vehicle for providing
positive public exposure to Mr. Mesi or any political office seeker
THIS IS THE DISCLAIMER FOR THE ABOVE MESSAGE
The Erie County Clerk is not involved in the ad involving Joe Mesi. David Swarts enlisted Mesi 3 years ago following the County budget crisis to create public service announcements encouraging residents to keep their money in Erie County. The ads aired for about 3 months and were discontinued by the news outlets. The current County Clerk does not support the airing of these ads given the now political environment which exists since Mr. Mesi is a candidate for public office. For the record, the Clerk’s office does not pay for advertising; the PSAs ran three years ago at no cost to the County.
Kathy Hochul
Erie County Clerk
Rick Snowden - A Good and Honorable Man
As the editor of the Amhersttimes.com I want to make this clear. I do not support Jon Powers for Congress. I have interviewed him and heard him speak three different times. I don’t believe he has a true understanding of what it means to be a Congressman. To me he really acts and sounds like a puppet for certain special group.
There was an article in Sunday’s Buffalo News about Jon Powers accepting $7,000 for his campaign from Democrat Rick Snowden, a gentleman who owns an adult strip club. The article stated Mr. Snowden co-hosted a fundraising event for Powers at the Saturn Club. Snowden believes in this candidate, so what if he held a fundraiser for him? If Rick Snowden wants to support this candidate, as he has many others in the past, he has every right to do so.
I’ve known Rick Snowden for several years; my wife and I have been to his home several times. Mr. Snowden is a decent man with a wonderful family. He cares about people as evidenced by the many charity events he has supported at his home and other places.
If the average person knew who actually supported most candidates for office they wouldn’t vote. In Amherst we have had real life racketeers backing candidates; paid off party chairmen; and paid off Town Board members. Accepting dirty money, which comes from phony “upright” citizens, is the blood line for most candidates and politicians.
The difference with Rick Snowden is he is up front in what he does and how he earns his money. He doesn’t hide behind a mask of deceit.
