Morning Media Summary
Tech:
Skype Outage hits users worldwide:
“Millions of Skype Internet phone users worldwide couldn’t make calls — or were dropped in mid-conversation — because of a network connection failure that began about 9 a.m. Wednesday PST.”
DDoS attacks threaten free speech, says report:
“Computer attacks launched against sites run by human rights and dissident media groups threaten to knock free speech off the Web, a new report warned this week.”
Internet access is not a “civil right”:
“When bureaucrats talk about increasing your “access” to X, Y, or Z, what they’re really talking about is increasing their control over your lives exponentially. As it is with the government health care takeover, so it is with the newly-approved government plan to “increase” Internet “access.” Call it Webcare.”
Global Warming / Environment / Energy:
Obama Administration Admits Polar Bears Are Not ‘Endangered’ But Sets Aside 187,000 Miles For Them Anyway:
“After democrats passed the junk science “pile of sh*t” Cap and Trade legislation in June 2009 a report was released, and suppressed, that showed that polar bear numbers, far from decreasing, were much higher than they were 30 years ago.”
Obama, EPA to expand regulatory regime for climate change:
“After initially appearing to retreat in the face of the midterm onslaught, Barack Obama and EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson have decided to pursue an end-run strategy to impose regulation on energy producers regarding greenhouse-gas emissions. The move sets up a confrontation between the White House and Congress, which has already signaled a willingness to play hardball with Obama on regulatory innovation:”
Insurance / Gambling:
Gambling laws ‘not fit for purpose’:
“Existing laws regulating gambling in the State are not fit for purpose, Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern said today.”
Health / Safety:
Mike Huckabee sides with Michelle Obama against Sarah Palin on ‘food fight’ [Audio]:
“Speaking with New York radio host Curtis Sliwa, Gov. Mike Huckabee rejected Sarah Palin’s mocking of Michelle Obama’s childhood nutrition campaign. The former Arkansas governor
and Fox News host came out in support of the first lady’s efforts against the nation’s “obesity crisis.””
Economics:
Mrs. Obama’s Separate Hawaii Travel Likely Costs at Least $63,000:
“The decision by First Lady Michelle Obama to leave on schedule for her two-week Hawaii vacation and not wait a few days for her delayed husband will probably cost taxpayers more than $63,000 in additional expenses, according to a White House Dossier analysis.”
Legal:
Tobacco money transfer OK:
“The Ohio Supreme Court ruled unanimously Wednesday that lawmakers didn’t violate the state Constitution when they used about $230 million set aside for tobacco prevention for other purposes.”
Censor Sharpton Speaks Out On ‘Arrogance of Letting People Say What They Want’:
“The left seems perfectly happy with Mr. Sharpton dictating our nation’s broadcast standards.”
Boy, 13, Busted For Illegal Marker Possession:
“A 13-year-old boy was arrested Friday for using a permanent marker while in class at his Oklahoma City middle school, a violation of an obscure city ordinance.”
Labor:
AFL-CIO: Manchin showed “ineffective representation and leadership”:
“West Virginia AFL-CIO President Kenny Perdue (left) is calling out Sen. Joe Manchin for missing key votes this weekend to attend a family event in Pittsburgh.”
Transportation/ Land Use:
IDOT, railroads reach $1.1 billion deal on high-speed rail:
“The Illinois Department of Transportation has reached agreement with Amtrak and the Union Pacific Railroad to allow $1.1 billion in improvements for high-speed passenger rail between St. Louis and Chicago.”