Read Excerpts From “13 Bankers”

I’m reading Simon Johnson and James Kwak’s new book — “13 Bankers, the Wall Street Takeover and the Next Financial Meltdown” – and posting a summary and excerpts of each chapter. Here is my progress so far:

Archives

Montgomery County Dems/GOP Conspire to Limit Democracy

The Montgomery County Democratic and Republican Party has apparently struck a deal to ensure certain officials in next years election run unopposed.

This is not the first time this kind of deal has been struck by the local political party leadership.

Word on the street is Montgomery County Commissioner Debbie Lieberman (D), Prosecutor Mat Heck (D), Engineer Joe Litvin (R), Coroner James Davis (R) and Sheriff Dave Vore (R) will be given a free pass to re-election.

Not part of the deal are County Commissioner Judy Dodge (D), Treasurer Carolyn Rice (D), Recorder  Willis Blackshear (D) and Clerk of Courts Greg Brush (D)

UD Flyers Move Into Top 25 with Win Over PITT

The list of undefeated teams in college basketball keeps shrinking.

The latest team to lose its unblemished mark was No. 6 Pittsburgh as the Panthers lost to Dayton 80-55 on Saturday.

Brian Roberts scored 31 points on 10-of-17 shooting for the victorious Flyers.

Dayton (11-1) surprised many with its easy victory over Pitt (11-1).

The Flyers built a lead that reached 30 points in the second half because of Roberts’ phenomenal play.

The guard’s head coach was even left rather astonished by all that transpired in the game. He had to give Roberts most of the credit though.

“Brian is phenomenal,” Dayton coach Brian Gregory said.

…continue reading the article UD Flyers Move Into Top 25 with Win Over PITT

Become an Ohio Delegate to the Democratic National Convention

How to Become a Delegate or Alternate

2008 Democratic National Convention

Delegates and alternates are selected either at a Congressional District Caucus held in each CD on January 3, 2008 or by the State Executive Committee on May 10, 2008. There are also 18 delegates who are ex-officio (members of Congress or the DNC).

Click here for a list of Caucus locations

Click here for a list of Caucus Coordinators

District Delegates & Alternates

There are 92 district delegates and 16 district alternates. The distribution is indicated on this chart. To become a delegate or alternate you must file a “Declaration of Candidacy” form with

…continue reading the article Become an Ohio Delegate to the Democratic National Convention

$900,000 in Government Corporate Welfare for Greene County Gas Station

More than 25 years after he nearly ran out of gas there, Rep. Dave Hobson was finally able to fill up in Wilberforce Thursday at a new Speedway SuperAmerica gas station at U.S. Route 42 and Brush Row Road.

Central State University President John Garland was so happy about the new oasis that he pumped the Springfield Republican’s gas himself, filling up Hobson’s Pontiac Montana SV6 after the Congressional credit card was swiped at the brand new pump.

“This will provide much-needed resources and services to this community,” said Garland. “Students no longer will have the fright of driving with their gas

…continue reading the article $900,000 in Government Corporate Welfare for Greene County Gas Station

Who Cares About Apathy

Apathy has to be the most pervasive problem in our town, as a microcosmic example, and the country as a whole. There’s the counter clerk at convenience store who can’t seem to find it in her heart to hang up the cell phone long enough to actually get you the damn pack of Marlboros you so desperately need so you don’t jerk her ass over the counter.

There’s the cop who just blew past you at the stop light, cutting in front of you without signaling. Surely he must be on his way to protect the community at large from the

…continue reading the article Who Cares About Apathy

Note to Iowa Democrats: Pleeeeease, Not Hillary

Iowa Democrats, if you are thinking of voting for Hillary, in part, I understand. You are thrilled at the thought of advancing a talented and perceptive woman to the nation’s highest office. I like that thought too. And, if Hillary’s last name was Brown or Smith — anything, but Clinton — I’d be her supporter. But Hillary comes with Bill and with a whole boatload of bad feelings that are the residue of an earlier time. Do we really want a Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton continuation? Can’t we move on?

Would-be Hillary voters might argue that it is

…continue reading the article Note to Iowa Democrats: Pleeeeease, Not Hillary

John Henry’s—Not Coco’s but Not Bad

Friday night was a funny night. I’m not sure how it happened but we went to three separate restaurants, one directly after the other. And this wasn’t bar hopping. I finally did John Henry’s. It was a little more pricey than I thought it would be which is fine but it better live up to

…continue reading the article John Henry’s—Not Coco’s but Not Bad

R.I.P, Oscar Peterson

Mike Turner Votes NO on Energy Independence

A year of rhetoric, lobbying, veto threats and negotiations ended yesterday as the House of Representatives voted 314 to 100 to pass (Mike Turner Voyed NO) an energy bill that President Bush is to sign this morning. The bill will raise fuel-efficiency standards for automobiles, order a massive increase in the use of biofuels and phase out sales of the ubiquitous incandescent light bulb popularized by Thomas Edison more than a century ago.

Lawmakers said the energy bill will reduce America’s heavy reliance on imported oil and take a modest step toward slowing climate change by cutting about a quarter of

…continue reading the article Mike Turner Votes NO on Energy Independence

Hey You!