for life and liberty

Behind Google’s mission to map the world

"Eight years ago, Google bought a cool little graphics business called Keyhole, which had been working on 3D maps. Along with the acquisition came Brian McClendon, aka 'Bam', a tall and serious Kansan who in a previous incarnation had supplied high-end graphics software that Hollywood used in films including Jurassic Park and Terminator 2. It turned out to be a very smart move. Today McClendon is Google’s Mr Maps – presiding over one of the fastest-growing areas in the search giant’s business, one that has recently left arch-rival Apple red-faced and threatens to make Google the most powerful company in mapping the world has ever seen." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingBehind Google’s mission to map the world

Obama’s inauguration committee to accept corporate cash

"President Obama’s inauguration in January will be funded in part by corporate cash, a reversal from 2008 when he declined corporate donations and capped individual donations to $50,000. Donations from both corporate donors and individuals to the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Committee will not have an upper limit, although the committee will not take funds from PACs or lobbyists. President of Public Citizen, Robert Weissman, told the Post, 'It’s not a bribe' but 'they’re going to expect access and the ability to have their views heard more favorably than they otherwise would be. And that’s not how the system should work.'" Continue reading →

Continue ReadingObama’s inauguration committee to accept corporate cash

Obama gives 83% of export loan guarantees to Boeing

"The Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im)’s primary way of subsidizing exports is through loan guarantees: a private bank lends money to a foreign buyer (such as a foreign company or government) who is buying an American good. Ex-Im guarantees the loan, meaning that if the foreign buyer defaults, U.S. taxpayers foot the bill. In fiscal year 2012, Ex-Im issued $14.7 billion in loan guarantees. $12.2 billion of that money subsidized Boeing sales. That’s right: 82.7% of all of Ex-Im’s taxpayer-backed loan guarantees benefitted one corporation." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingObama gives 83% of export loan guarantees to Boeing

Crony America: Goldman Sachs Settles with CFTC Run by Former Goldman Partner

"Goldman Sachs has agreed to pay $1.5 million to settle charges that it failed to supervise the activities of a former trader who in 2007 was able to amass an $8.3 billion trading position without detection. The head of the CFTC, Gary Gensler, is a former Goldman partner, who was recruited by Goldman right out of Wharton. CFTC Commissioner Bart Chilton said the settlement did not go far enough. Chilton dissented in part from the agreement and said the starting point for penalties should have been $7.8 million." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingCrony America: Goldman Sachs Settles with CFTC Run by Former Goldman Partner

10-Year Veteran TSA Screener Busted for Stealing iPads at JFK

"A Transportation Security Administration screener has been arrested on charges he swiped iPads and other electronic devices from passengers' luggage at John F. Kennedy Airport. Port Authority spokesman Steven Coleman said Wednesday that 32-year-old Sean Henry, of Brooklyn, was nabbed in a sting operation using decoy bags in cooperation with the TSA. Coleman says Henry was arrested after leaving work carrying in his backpack two planted iPads and other electronic devices. He says stolen items were also found in Henry's home." Continue reading →

Continue Reading10-Year Veteran TSA Screener Busted for Stealing iPads at JFK

Have you ever wondered why your renting your property from the County and State?? You just thought Slavery was abolished!!!

Officials on notice that you know about CAFR… Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports! I can send you some info on the Federal Level CAFR if you want. We must contact media, powerful people with a voice? Anyone got Rick Santelli’s email? Tweet this to him! Walter Burien is the expert…his contact info is below!

Continue ReadingHave you ever wondered why your renting your property from the County and State?? You just thought Slavery was abolished!!!

UK tax hitmen to track your spending

"Credit reference agencies will cross-check details of the income people declare on their tax returns against their spending patterns to identify 'high' and 'medium' risks of both illegal and legal tax avoidance. About two million people are expected to be scrutinised under the programme, which may lead to privacy concerns. Treasury sources said that 'hundreds of millions' are expected to be raised from the greater use of third-party data, such as that supplied by credit reference agencies. Information will also be routinely shared between the British and American authorities." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingUK tax hitmen to track your spending

Crime-Ridden Camden To Dump City Police Force

"As the New Jersey city of Camden blasts through its all-time-high homicide record — exceeding 60 murders so far this year — city officials have an unusual solution to rising crime: laying off the entire police department. Camden officials say it's the only affordable way to bring down crime, but critics call the strategy a deliberate move to bust the police union. People say they turn to crime because they can't make money doing anything else." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingCrime-Ridden Camden To Dump City Police Force

Bitcoin going mainstream? Exchange approved to operate as a bank

"Bitcoin Central, a Bitcoin exchange that is popular in the eurozone, says it has secured approval from regulators to operate as a bank under French law. Users will be able to deposit funds in either euros or bitcoins, and to easily convert between the two. Euro-denominated funds will be insured by the Garantie des dépôts, the French equivalent to the US FDIC. The accounts will also be integrated with the French banking system, so users can have their paychecks automatically deposited into their accounts and converted to bitcoins." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingBitcoin going mainstream? Exchange approved to operate as a bank

US Small Business Owners’ Hiring Intent Plunges to 2008 Lows

"U.S. small-business owners expect to add fewer net new jobs over the next 12 months than at any time since the depths of the 2008-2009 recession, according to this November's Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index survey. Small-business owners' net hiring intentions for the next 12 months plunged to -4 in November, down from +10 in July and matching the previous record low recorded by the Wells Fargo/Small Business Index of -4 in November 2008." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingUS Small Business Owners’ Hiring Intent Plunges to 2008 Lows