Daily Archives: March 13, 2009

Be worried about China being worried

March 13, 200912:24 p.m.

wen-jiabaoThe U.S. financial problems could go from bad to catastrophic if China stops lending us money. Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao (in photo) expressed concern today about the safety of China’s $1 trillion investment in American government debt. “We have lent a huge amount of money to the U.S.,” he said. “Of course we are concerned about the safety of our assets. To be honest, I am definitely a little worried.”

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Economy, Foreign affairs | Comments (54)

Obama getting failing grade from economists

March 13, 20096:04 a.m.

schoolsfgrade1Economists are underwhelmed with President Obama and Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner so far, according to a Wall Street Journal survey. On average, they graded Obama 59 out of 100 and Geithner 51 out of 100. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke averaged a 71 score. “They overpromised and underdelivered,” said Stephen Stanley of RBS Greenwich Capital. “Secretary Geithner scheduled a big speech and came out with just a vague blueprint. The uncertainty is hanging over everyone’s head.”

By Rhonda Holman | Filed under Economy, President Obama | Comments (186)

Open thread 3/13

March 13, 20096:03 a.m.

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By The Editors | Filed under Open thread | Comments (236)

Target on left-lane loiterers

March 13, 20096:02 a.m.

passinglaneKansans who think there ought to be a law against hogging a passing lane may get their wish. Senate Bill 145, which cleared the Senate on a 33-6 vote and is now before the House Transportation Committee, would let law enforcement ticket highway drivers caught using the far-left lane for anything other than passing or exiting. As of July 2010, a left-lane loiterer could have to pay a $60 ticket. “From a general safety perspective it’s a good idea,” said Maj. Mark Bruce of the Kansas Highway Patrol in testifying for the bill. The law would apply outside city limits. One question: Isn’t there potential disagreement between officer and driver about the right amount of left-lane time necessary to overtake and pass another vehicle or to “make a proper left turn”?

By Rhonda Holman | Filed under Kansas government | Comments (49)

No hard feelings against Parkinson?

March 13, 20096:01 a.m.

parkinsonmark6Credit the Legislature’s GOP leaders with extending the hand of bipartisan partnership to Lt. Gov. Mark Parkinson, despite his history of having led and then left the Kansas Republican Party. If Kathleen Sebelius is confirmed as President Obama’s secretary of Health and Human Services and Parkinson becomes governor, “he will be very good to work with,” said Senate President Steve Morris, R-Hugoton.
“He’s somebody we can work with,” said House Speaker Mike O’Neal, R-Hutchinson.

By Rhonda Holman | Filed under Kansas government | Comments (9)

Dubious, bogus and utterly phony headlines

March 13, 20096:00 a.m.

spoofslogo11The following satirical headlines come from borowitzreport.com:
MADOFF BLAMES PONZI SCHEME ON YOUTH, IMMATURITY; Was Only in His 60s, Financier Explains
CIA FOLLOWING BIN LADEN ON TWITTER; Hopes to Locate Madman Via Tweets
LIMBAUGH ROOTING FOR PLANET TO EXPLODE; Could Help GOP, Radio Host Claims

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Spoof headlines | Comments (8)