HuskyCaucasian

QUOTE (MurcieOne @ May 12, 2010 -> 02:52 PM) . . . sigh, a day late and a dollar short. f***ing Jason. we love you anyways

QUOTE (docsox24 @ May 12, 2010 -> 02:32 PM) I really hate Rauch Finally living up to his potential.

QUOTE (Milkman delivers @ May 12, 2010 -> 01:35 PM) But you don't share his world view? Not on this. But his "paying for the war" rant is hysterical.

Senate climate bill emerges without key GOP support Key Points (via Huffington Post): Offshore Drilling States would be allowed to opt out of offshore drilling up to 75 miles from their coast. Currently, drilling can occur three miles off the shore. It also allows neighboring states to veto offshore drilling plans if it could have potential negative impacts on them. In a reversal of current policy, states that do allow offshore drilling will receive 37.5 percent of revenues "to help protect their coastlines and coastal ecosystems." An additional 12.5 percent is allocated for federal and state programs under the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Emissions would be cut by 17 percent below 2005 levels by 2020 and by more than 80 percent by 2050. It would also provide for a separate, more urgent limit-and-reduction schedule for super-greenhouse gases and black carbon. Greenhouse gases that would be limited are: carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride, hydrofluorocarbons emitted as a byproduct, perfluorocarbons, and nitrogen trifluoride. It requires the phase-down of HFC consumption to 15 percent of the baseline by 2032. Price On Carbon The bill would set a price on carbon, setting floor and ceiling rates that would range from $12 per ton of carbon emissions to $25 per ton, which would increase depending on inflation. Restrictions would take effect in 2013 for power plants and transportation fuels and in 2016 for manufacturers. The bill states that this delay in the entry of manufacturers into the pollution plan is "to maximize the opportunity for new technologies to be developed and deployed and for investments in energy efficiency to take hold." The bill stipulates that only the largest sources of pollution should comply with reduction targets to block market manipulation. In other words, those who produce more than 25,000 tons of carbon pollution annually, meaning the bill will focus only on 7,500 factories and power plants. Consumer Protection Two-thirds of emissions revenues (that are not allocated to reducing the nation's deficit) would be sent back to consumers from day one. This would come in the form of energy bill discounts and rebates-- from the moment the bill goes into effect until 2030, Americans should see this reflected in reductions in monthly bills from electric and natural gas utilities. By 2035, 100 percent will be given back to the American people, again after deficit reduction. Americans who "may be disproportionately affected by potential increases in energy prices," in other words low- and middle-income families, would get assistance in the form of tax cuts and an energy refund program that will come from fifteen percent of revenue raised. Those whose incomes are below 150 percent of the poverty level, which is about $33,000 for a family of four, will be eligible for a monthly federal benefit through an Energy Refund Program. The program will work through the same debit cards that are now used to administer food stamps and other benefits. Nuclear Power The bill's section on clean energy heavily emphasizes the development of nuclear power, increasing funding for nuclear loan guarantees to $54 billion. It provides a ten percent tax credit for the construction of certain nuclear power facilities and allows tax-exempt bonds to be used for public-private partnerships for advanced nuclear power facilities. No later than a year after the bill's enactment, a Center of Excellence would be designated as a nuclear waste reprocessing center. Transportation Transportation makes up a large part of the bill's clean energy investments. While the transportation sector will still be held accountable for emissions reductions, it will not be included in a carbon market. This means they will no longer buy and trade emissions allowances with other companies. Instead, the price of carbon will be the same across the industry, and all refiners and fuel providers will see the same price each quarter. More than $6 billion annually would be provided to improve the effectiveness of highways and systems of mass transit. This includes money for the Highway Trust Fund, almost $2 billion for state and local projects that reduce oil consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and almost $2 billion for TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) grants. Tax incentives would be provided for conversion to clean, natural gas vehicles. The bill also expands the clean energy manufacturing tax credit by $5 billion, which will go toward producing advanced vehicles and funding investments in energy efficiency innovation. By decreasing reliance on carbon-based fuels, the bill notes that we also decrease our reliance on foreign oil. "Clean" Coal Technology "Clean" coal technologies would be invested in through annual incentives of $2 billion for researching and developing carbon capture and sequestration methods. Jobs Clean energy jobs in America that cannot be shipped abroad are also addressed, though not explained yet in detail. The Secretary of Education would have the authority to award grants to develop programs of study that focus on on emerging jobs in clean energy, renewable energy, energy efficiency, climate change mitigation, and climate change adaptation. Job training would be supported with internet-based information and resources that aid in career and technical education. A Green Construction Careers demonstration project would be formed to promote careers in the green construction sector. International Market The bill stipulates that, in the event that no global agreement on climate change is reached, an international reserve allowance program would be implemented. This would require that imports from other countries that have not taken action on limiting emissions pay a comparable amount at the border in order to avoid carbon leakage. Agriculture Farms, and most small and medium-sized businesses, would be exempt from carbon limits. Instead, the bill would create a "multi-billion dollar revenue stream for the agricultural sector through a domestic offset program that provides incentives for farmers to reduce emissions on their land." They could receive credits if they made real reductions in emissions, which could then be sold to and used by those who must comply with reduction requirements.

QUOTE (Milkman delivers @ May 12, 2010 -> 12:43 PM) Once you've seen one naked...you wanna see 'em all. I love Ron White.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ May 12, 2010 -> 11:33 AM) Hell, do everything you can legally do if courtship is required...but I don't care if Wade or Bosh is 3rd on your list of ideals, if they're willing to sign first, you sign that MF that instant. agreed

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ May 12, 2010 -> 11:32 AM) They may have looked longingly towards 2010, but the moves that made them under the cap this year really started after they had Rose, when they moved Nocioni's contract for Miller and then let Gordon walk for nothing. oh obviously. but there is only so much you can do for 3 years from now. You make the moves when you can.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ May 12, 2010 -> 11:28 AM) BTW, I should re-state this. The right move for the Bulls is not to prioritize. The right move for the Bulls is to call up the agent of Lebron, Wade, and Bosh the second you're allowed to make an offer and offer a max deal to each one of them. Start the recruiting process after that. But if Chris Bosh is ready to sign with you 10 seconds into the FA period, and Lebron wants to take 4 weeks to make his decision...you sign Bosh and you walk away 100% content. Ditto Wade. You do not wait and risk walking away with nothing. I'd hate to pass on Lebron, but you are right. I would add this: Do more than offer max deals, have $$$ quotes from companies willing to endorse them of they come to Chicago.

Interestingly enough: The Bulls have been gearing for this year... or any year with big free agents... for a long time. The thought of bringing Lebron to the Bulls was mouth watering. Then Rose dropped into their laps. And without Rose, I dont think Chicago is in Lebron's top 5.

QUOTE (Steve9347 @ May 12, 2010 -> 11:21 AM) I swear, I told myself I wouldn't start to boleeve, yet here I am... starting to boleeve. All are welcome aboard the bandwagon.

Anyone else kind of sympathetic towards MIB now? While he is evil, he's just a pissed off man who cant go home.

QUOTE (BigSqwert @ May 12, 2010 -> 11:01 AM) I wanted more clarity in who their mom was. I completely agree QUOTE (BigSqwert @ May 12, 2010 -> 11:01 AM) Why was she on the island and who picked her for that role? I have a feeling there will be more about this in the last 3.5 hours. If not her specifically, the islands origin. QUOTE (BigSqwert @ May 12, 2010 -> 11:01 AM) Where those people the first "Others" or where there more before them? Odds are they were not the FIRST, but they were the most recent. However, if they are of Egyptian origin, then they well may be the first as there wasnt much sea travel before that. QUOTE (BigSqwert @ May 12, 2010 -> 11:01 AM) Were all the temples and statues created yet? Who created them anyway? My belief is no. Who is to be determined.

I'll be in the minority. I like it. Was it ALL I expected it to be? No, I expected a little more on the origin of the island. But I like the episode as a whole.

QUOTE (whitem0nkey @ May 12, 2010 -> 10:38 AM) Oh Ohio, you so crazy. lol

BP makes enough profit in four days to cover the costs of the spill cleanup thus far

QUOTE (SoxFan562004 @ May 12, 2010 -> 10:02 AM) While I don't think he's leaving Cle, I do agree with Broussard that Chicago should be a top choice for him if he does. With the players they would have in place he would have the best chance to immediately compete, probably a strong argument for the LACs as well and Mia if Wade stays (although I don't think LeBron will go to a place with another top-tier superstar). If Lebron is on the Bulls they steamroll Cle this year IMO. Again, I don't think Wade or Lebron are going anywhere, I see Bosh, Johnson and Boozer moving though. Also, to me if the Bulls are put in the dream situation where they have their pick of Lebron or Wade it's Lebron everyday and twice on Sunday, he's the best player in the NBA I've been saying it all along, Chicago is a real legit possibility for Lebron. If Cleveland gets bounced by Boston, I would be willing to bet a TON Lebron walks.

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ May 12, 2010 -> 09:32 AM) The perception has changed a lot, and will continue to change. I hope so.

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ May 12, 2010 -> 09:28 AM) Not sure if you noticed, but the neighborhoods around the park have changed dramatically, just since the park opened less than 20 years ago. And I'd be 20 years from now, they will look further different. They are putting in a MEtra station as well. Neighborhoods in Chicago are not static, contrary to popular belief. Oh, I'm with you. I'd go to every Sox home game if I could. I'm am just saying it's the PERCEPTION that is bad and a lot of "re-branding" needs to go on.

QUOTE (iamshack @ May 12, 2010 -> 09:15 AM) I can see a woman naked in 3D every night if I want.

QUOTE (Controlled Chaos @ May 12, 2010 -> 08:55 AM) The June edition of Playboy will have pictures in 3D!! Consequently, doctors are predicting about 13% of pubescent boys to experience headaches, dizziness and carpal tunnel. The other 87% have internet access. If I want to see a naked woman in 3D... a strip club works just fine. Well, I dont need a strip club as I am married, but you get the point.

QUOTE (kapkomet @ May 11, 2010 -> 07:02 PM) I had a friend email me this picture from rushlimbaugh.com: LMAO. Obama looks good in a pearl necklace.

QUOTE (kev211 @ May 11, 2010 -> 09:09 PM) His mother said something worse then dieing happens when you go in it, and I believe the MIB at some point said jacob took away his humanity so I think the smoke is still the brother. I was thinking the same thing. It's his soul.

Personally, I would prefer the leave the south side when they do decided to get a new home. Yea... I said it. Like it or not, that area has a nasty reputation and it's going to take a LOT of work to fix that.

#3 wont be mentioned in the hearings, but there will be emails flying around the conservative community. I'll let you know what I get.

Senate Adopts Sanders' 'Audit The Fed' Amendment