Who might be Romney's running-mate?

During the interview with CBS New few days ago, Mrs. Ann Romney hinted Mitt Romney might pick a woman as his running mate.

I guessed Mitt Romney will announce his choice sometime next week. Who will be? New Hampshire Senator Kelly Ayotte or New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez.

Either one will be a good choice. She will help Mitt Romney to win the election.

Buy American and Save Bucks

Found this writing on the Net. Re-post here.

Buy American and Save Bucks

This probably sounds crazy, but just yesterday I was in Wal-Mart looking for a wastebasket. I found some made in China for $6.99. I didn't want to pay that much so I asked the lady if they had any others. She took me to another department and they had some at 2.50 made in USA. They are just as good.

Same as a kitchen rug I needed. I had to look, but I found some made in the USA and they were 3.00 cheaper. We are being brain washed that everything that comes from China and Mexico is cheaper. Not so. That is also why I don't buy cards at Hallmark anymore. They are made in China and are expensive. I buy them at Dollar Tree.... 50 cents each and made in USA.

One Light Bulb at a Time

A physics teacher in high school, once told the students that while one grasshopper on the railroad tracks wouldn't slow a train very much, a billion of them would. With that thought in mind, read the following, obviously written by a good American ...

Good idea. One light bulb at a time...

Check this out. I can verify this because I was in Lowe's the other day for some reason and just for the heck of it I was looking at the hose attachments. They were all made in China .

The next day I was in Ace Hardware and just for the heck of it I checked the hose attachments there. They were made in USA. Start looking...

In our current economic situation, every little thing we buy or do affects someone else - even their job. So, after reading this email, I think this lady is on the right track. Let's get behind her!

My grandson likes Hershey's candy. I noticed, though, that it is marked made in Mexico now. I do not buy it any more.

My favorite toothpaste Colgate is made in Mexico... now I have switched to Crest. You have to read the labels on everything.

This past weekend I was at Kroger. I needed 60W light bulbs and Bounce dryer sheets.

I was in the light bulb aisle, and right next to the GE brand I normally buy was an off-brand labeled, " Everyday Value ." I picked up both types of bulbs and compared the stats they were the same except for the price . . .

The GE bulbs were more money than the Everyday Value brand but the thing that surprised me the most was the fact that GE was made in MEXICO and the Everyday Value brand was made in - get ready for this - the USA in a company in Cleveland , Ohio.

So throw out the myth that you cannot find products you use every day that are made right here.

So on to another aisle - Bounce Dryer Sheets... yep, you guessed it, Bounce cost more money and is made in Canada... The Everyday Value brand was less money and MADE IN THE USA! I did laundry yesterday and the dryer sheets performed just like the Bounce Free I have been using for years and at almost half the price!

My challenge to you is to start reading the labels when you shop for everyday things and see what you can find that is made in the USA - the job you save may be your own or your neighbors!

If you accept the challenge, pass this on to others in your address book so we can all start buying American , one light bulb at a time! Stop buying from overseas companies!
(We should have awakened a decade ago...)

Let's get with the program and help our fellow Americans keep their jobs and create more jobs here in the USA.

Which side of the fence?

Found this from internet. It make me laugh. So, repost here to share.

If you ever wondered which side of the fence you sit on, this is a great test!

If a Republican doesn't like guns, he doesn't buy one.
If a Democrat doesn't like guns, he wants all guns outlawed. 

If a Republican is a vegetarian, he doesn't eat meat.
If a Democrat is a vegetarian, he wants all meat products banned for everyone.

If a Republican is homosexual, he quietly leads his life. 
If a Democrat is homosexual, he demands legislated respect. 

If a Republican is down-and-out, he thinks about how to better his situation. 
A Democrat wonders who is going to take care of him. 

If a Republican doesn't like a talk show host, he switches channels. 
Democrats demand that those they don't like be shut down. 

If a Republican is a non-believer, he doesn't go to church. 
A Democrat non-believer wants any mention of God and religion silenced. 

If a Republican decides he needs health care, he goes about shopping for it, or may choose a job that provides it. 
A Democrat demands that the rest of us pay for his. 

If a Republican reads this, he'll forward it so his friends can have a good laugh. A Democrat will delete it because he's "offended".

Let Vote Out All Incumbents

Courtesy: http://www.kickthemallout.com/

The real change we need is a new face our Congress. Let vote out all incumbents in the Congress regardless they're in your party or not. Here the first one.

SALT LAKE CITY – Once-popular Sen. Bob Bennett fell victim to a growing national conservative movement with his stunning defeat atUtah's GOP convention.
(http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100509/ap_on_el_se/us_utah_senate)

18 Million for Recovery.gov

Is it worth or just a waste?

Not easy to hunt for cheap houses in US

After read this article "Not easy to hunt for cheap houses in US" published by VietNamNet, see below, I wonder how the foreigner can buy the house in the US.

7:23' 13/05/2009 (GMT+7)
VietNamNet Bridge – High house taxes have made many Vietnamese people waver over their plans to purchase houses in the US.

The house tax rate in California is 1% per annum, while in Houston, Texas, a medium-class house may be taxed $8,000. If people get profit from selling houses, they have to pay the income tax of 15%. The high tax rates have forced many Vietnamese people who are hunting for houses in the US to reconsider their plans.

Many Vietnamese people want to purchase houses in California for two important reasons. First, this is a state where many Vietnamese people live, and second, the state sets a 'soft' tax rate in comparison with other states, just 1%. However, the 'soft' tax rate is still considered high in the eyes of Vietnamese people.

Bich Lam, the owner of a fabric stall at Soai Kinh Lam Market in HCM City, related that she had returned from a trip to the US in March to learn more about the real estate market and the laws.

"I really wanted a house with four bedrooms and swimming pool, a house with very good interior design in California, priced at $350,000. My husband and I decided to buy the house, but we later cancelled the plan after we realised that the owner of the house would have to pay $3,500 in tax a year," she said.

Lam went on to say that in fact, 1% proves to be not the final tax rate. It is still necessary to upgrade infrastructure of the area (upgrade the water supply and drainage system, build more schools, parks, public libraries). Lam says that once the infrastructure is upgraded, the tax rate may be double, 2%.

Some people who plan to purchase houses in Houston, Texas have also become hesitant. A medium-class house here has to bear the tax of $8,000. And if the owners sell the houses within two years of living there, and if they get profit from the deals, they have to pay a 15% tax.

"The barriers in language, culture and law may put Vietnamese people at a disadvantage," said Hoang Ha Thanh, Deputy Chairman of The Millennium Global Solutions Group.

Thanh said that first off, people should know for sure what they want, real estate for accommodation (houses, apartments), commercial real estate (houses, buildings for lease, supermarkets) or real estate for industrial purposes (workshop premises, developed land).

Thanh has advised people to pay more attention to the geographical positions of the real estate, California, Florida, Boston or Houston, because every state has its own laws on real estate management. The tax rates prove to be quite different for different kinds of real estate.

According to Ngo Thi Xuan Binh, Director of Interland Real Estate Floor, additional procedures may lead to changes in the value of real estate. For example, in areas with no schools and parks, buyers will have to pay 1% in tax per annum. Meanwhile, the tax will be $3,000 or higher for houses in areas with good infrastructure facilities.

Despite the high tax rates, experts still believe that it is now the right time to purchase houses in the US, which have dropped to a record low. A lot of US people are trying to sell houses; advertisement pieces on houses with discounts of 50% can be seen everywhere. It is now not only a dream for Vietnamese people to own a house in the US, it is a realistic dream.

VietNamNet/VNE

Meg Whitman for California Governor

Yeah! I will vote for her. If she was successful in running eBay, she will help California. I like the business person turn to politician rather than career politician.

On the Net:

• Meg Whitman, governor of California? Maybe (CNET)
• Meg Whitman edges toward run for California governor (Mercury News)
• Former eBay chief launches exploratory bid for governor (Orange County Register)

Col. Viet X. Luong

This is a good news. Quote from The Leaf Chronicle: BCT's new boss a first for Army:

On Thursday at Hangar 3, a place where just a few weeks ago the soldiers of the brigade were welcomed home after more than a year in Iraq, Col. Viet X. Luong took command of the Rakkasan brigade, assuming a title known as Rakk 6.

Luong, a native of Vietnam, took over for Col. Dominic Caraccilo, who will in about four months begin another tour to Iraq as the executive officer to Gen. Ray Odierno, commander of coalition forces there.

By taking command of the some 4,000 soldiers, Luong is the first native of Vietnam to command an American Army brigade.

As I know,  there are at least two Vietnamese-Americans has the rank of colonel in United States Arm Forces. One is Col. Luong. Another is a pilot in navy. Who will the first Vietnamese-American advance to general in next couple year?

Is Geithner's resignation next ?

I thought so. After Dasche and Killefer, he should go.

Read the article written by Andew Horowitz here. 

Calif. No. 1 in U.S. ‘08 job losses

Theo Orange County Register, California dẫn đầu số công việc bị mất trong năm 2008. Nhưng theo CNBC, California đứng hàng thứ tư về tỷ lệ thất nghiệp.

According to Orange County Register, Califonia is number one in number of jobs loss in 2008. But, per CNBC, California is in the fourth rank in unemployment rate.

President George W. Bush's Farewell Address

Following is the text of president Bush's farewell address obtained from The White House:

8:01 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Fellow citizens: For eight years, it has been my honor to serve as your President. The first decade of this new century has been a period of consequence -- a time set apart. Tonight, with a thankful heart, I have asked for a final opportunity to share some thoughts on the journey that we have traveled together, and the future of our nation.

Five days from now, the world will witness the vitality of American democracy. In a tradition dating back to our founding, the presidency will pass to a successor chosen by you, the American people. Standing on the steps of the Capitol will be a man whose history reflects the enduring promise of our land. This is a moment of hope and pride for our whole nation. And I join all Americans in offering best wishes to President-Elect Obama, his wife Michelle, and their two beautiful girls.

Tonight I am filled with gratitude -- to Vice President Cheney and members of my administration; to Laura, who brought joy to this house and love to my life; to our wonderful daughters, Barbara and Jenna; to my parents, whose examples have provided strength for a lifetime. And above all, I thank the American people for the trust you have given me. I thank you for the prayers that have lifted my spirits. And I thank you for the countless acts of courage, generosity, and grace that I have witnessed these past eight years.

This evening, my thoughts return to the first night I addressed you from this house -- September the 11th, 2001. That morning, terrorists took nearly 3,000 lives in the worst attack on America since Pearl Harbor. I remember standing in the rubble of the World Trade Center three days later, surrounded by rescuers who had been working around the clock. I remember talking to brave souls who charged through smoke-filled corridors at the Pentagon, and to husbands and wives whose loved ones became heroes aboard Flight 93. I remember Arlene Howard, who gave me her fallen son's police shield as a reminder of all that was lost. And I still carry his badge.

As the years passed, most Americans were able to return to life much as it had been before 9/11. But I never did. Every morning, I received a briefing on the threats to our nation. I vowed to do everything in my power to keep us safe.

Over the past seven years, a new Department of Homeland Security has been created. The military, the intelligence community, and the FBI have been transformed. Our nation is equipped with new tools to monitor the terrorists' movements, freeze their finances, and break up their plots. And with strong allies at our side, we have taken the fight to the terrorists and those who support them. Afghanistan has gone from a nation where the Taliban harbored al Qaeda and stoned women in the streets to a young democracy that is fighting terror and encouraging girls to go to school. Iraq has gone from a brutal dictatorship and a sworn enemy of America to an Arab democracy at the heart of the Middle East and a friend of the United States.

There is legitimate debate about many of these decisions. But there can be little debate about the results. America has gone more than seven years without another terrorist attack on our soil. This is a tribute to those who toil night and day to keep us safe -- law enforcement officers, intelligence analysts, homeland security and diplomatic personnel, and the men and women of the United States Armed Forces.

Our nation is blessed to have citizens who volunteer to defend us in this time of danger. I have cherished meeting these selfless patriots and their families. And America owes you a debt of gratitude. And to all our men and women in uniform listening tonight: There has been no higher honor than serving as your Commander-in-Chief.

The battles waged by our troops are part of a broader struggle between two dramatically different systems. Under one, a small band of fanatics demands total obedience to an oppressive ideology, condemns women to subservience, and marks unbelievers for murder. The other system is based on the conviction that freedom is the universal gift of Almighty God, and that liberty and justice light the path to peace.

This is the belief that gave birth to our nation. And in the long run, advancing this belief is the only practical way to protect our citizens. When people live in freedom, they do not willingly choose leaders who pursue campaigns of terror. When people have hope in the future, they will not cede their lives to violence and extremism. So around the world, America is promoting human liberty, human rights, and human dignity. We're standing with dissidents and young democracies, providing AIDS medicine to dying patients -- to bring dying patients back to life, and sparing mothers and babies from malaria. And this great republic born alone in liberty is leading the world toward a new age when freedom belongs to all nations.

For eight years, we've also strived to expand opportunity and hope here at home. Across our country, students are rising to meet higher standards in public schools. A new Medicare prescription drug benefit is bringing peace of mind to seniors and the disabled. Every taxpayer pays lower income taxes. The addicted and suffering are finding new hope through faith-based programs. Vulnerable human life is better protected. Funding for our veterans has nearly doubled. America's air and water and lands are measurably cleaner. And the federal bench includes wise new members like Justice Sam Alito and Chief Justice John Roberts.

When challenges to our prosperity emerged, we rose to meet them. Facing the prospect of a financial collapse, we took decisive measures to safeguard our economy. These are very tough times for hardworking families, but the toll would be far worse if we had not acted. All Americans are in this together. And together, with determination and hard work, we will restore our economy to the path of growth. We will show the world once again the resilience of America's free enterprise system.

Like all who have held this office before me, I have experienced setbacks. There are things I would do differently if given the chance. Yet I've always acted with the best interests of our country in mind. I have followed my conscience and done what I thought was right. You may not agree with some of the tough decisions I have made. But I hope you can agree that I was willing to make the tough decisions.

The decades ahead will bring more hard choices for our country, and there are some guiding principles that should shape our course.

While our nation is safer than it was seven years ago, the gravest threat to our people remains another terrorist attack. Our enemies are patient, and determined to strike again. America did nothing to seek or deserve this conflict. But we have been given solemn responsibilities, and we must meet them. We must resist complacency. We must keep our resolve. And we must never let down our guard.

At the same time, we must continue to engage the world with confidence and clear purpose. In the face of threats from abroad, it can be tempting to seek comfort by turning inward. But we must reject isolationism and its companion, protectionism. Retreating behind our borders would only invite danger. In the 21st century, security and prosperity at home depend on the expansion of liberty abroad. If America does not lead the cause of freedom, that cause will not be led.

As we address these challenges -- and others we cannot foresee tonight -- America must maintain our moral clarity. I've often spoken to you about good and evil, and this has made some uncomfortable. But good and evil are present in this world, and between the two of them there can be no compromise. Murdering the innocent to advance an ideology is wrong every time, everywhere. Freeing people from oppression and despair is eternally right. This nation must continue to speak out for justice and truth. We must always be willing to act in their defense -- and to advance the cause of peace.

President Thomas Jefferson once wrote, "I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past." As I leave the house he occupied two centuries ago, I share that optimism. America is a young country, full of vitality, constantly growing and renewing itself. And even in the toughest times, we lift our eyes to the broad horizon ahead.

I have confidence in the promise of America because I know the character of our people. This is a nation that inspires immigrants to risk everything for the dream of freedom. This is a nation where citizens show calm in times of danger, and compassion in the face of suffering. We see examples of America's character all around us. And Laura and I have invited some of them to join us in the White House this evening.

We see America's character in Dr. Tony Recasner, a principal who opened a new charter school from the ruins of Hurricane Katrina. We see it in Julio Medina, a former inmate who leads a faith-based program to help prisoners returning to society. We've seen it in Staff Sergeant Aubrey McDade, who charged into an ambush in Iraq and rescued three of his fellow Marines.

We see America's character in Bill Krissoff -- a surgeon from California. His son, Nathan -- a Marine -- gave his life in Iraq. When I met Dr. Krissoff and his family, he delivered some surprising news: He told me he wanted to join the Navy Medical Corps in honor of his son. This good man was 60 years old -- 18 years above the age limit. But his petition for a waiver was granted, and for the past year he has trained in battlefield medicine. Lieutenant Commander Krissoff could not be here tonight, because he will soon deploy to Iraq, where he will help save America's wounded warriors -- and uphold the legacy of his fallen son.

In citizens like these, we see the best of our country - resilient and hopeful, caring and strong. These virtues give me an unshakable faith in America. We have faced danger and trial, and there's more ahead. But with the courage of our people and confidence in our ideals, this great nation will never tire, never falter, and never fail.

It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve as your President. There have been good days and tough days. But every day I have been inspired by the greatness of our country, and uplifted by the goodness of our people. I have been blessed to represent this nation we love. And I will always be honored to carry a title that means more to me than any other - citizen of the United States of America.

And so, my fellow Americans, for the final time: Good night. May God bless this house and our next President. And may God bless you and our wonderful country. Thank you. (Applause.)

END 8:14 P.M. EST

###

Obama Stimulus Package

Last month, Obama said his stimulus package could exceed one trillion. Earlier this month, his plan about 800 billion. Now, it almost 850 billion. Since the election, I did not pay much attention to Obama. Whenever I saw him on TV, I changed the channel. But, I'm interesting to learn in detail about his stimulus package. How fast it goes from Capitol to White House?

First Vietnamese-American in U.S. Congress

Excerpt from CNN:

Republican challenger Anh "Joseph" Cao, an attorney and community organizer, defeated Jefferson in the 2nd Congressional district race. He will become the first Vietnamese-American elected to Congress.

With 100 percent of precincts reporting, Cao had almost 50 percent of the vote to Jefferson's 47 percent.

The 2nd Congressional district, in and around New Orleans, is mostly African-American and heavily Democratic, and Jefferson appeared to be favored to win re-election going into the election.

Trích đoạn từ báo Người Việt:

Joseph Cao trở thành người Việt đầu tiên đắc cử Hạ Viện Hoa Kỳ
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Đỗ Dzũng/Người Việt

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (NV) -- Luật sư Joseph Cao vừa đắc cử chức dân biểu liên bang sau khi đánh bại đối thủ William Jefferson trong cuộc bầu cử tối Thứ Bảy vừa qua, trở thành dân cử gốc Việt đầu tiên trong lịch sử Mỹ tại Hạ Viện Hoa Kỳ.

Luật sư Joseph Cao (Cộng Hòa) đã đánh bại Dân Biểu William Jefferson (Dân Chủ), một người da màu, ngồi trong Hạ Viện Hoa Kỳ chín nhiệm kỳ, giành quyền đại diện Địa Hạt 2 của tiểu bang Louisiana, mà 75% cử tri là người gốc Châu Phi và đa số theo đảng Dân Chủ.

Theo một bản tin của hãng thông tấn AP, luật sư gốc Việt này hiện dẫn trước ông William Jefferson, 52.9% so với 43.2%, sau khi 79% số phiếu được kiểm.

On the Net:

• Anh 'Joseph' Cao beats Rep. William Jefferson in 2nd Congressional District
• Cao says he's 'here to represent everyone'
• GOP rookie Cao upsets 9-term Rep. William Jefferson in New Orleans
• Election 'a giant step' for O.C. Vietnamese Americans
• Joseph Cao and the 435 District Strategy
• Joseph Cao: Louisiana’s Newest Congressman
• Anh 'Joseph' Cao's unlikely, historic election win
• Vietnamese hail Cao's win over Jefferson in La.
• Voters Oust Indicted Congressman in Louisiana

Joseph Cao for U.S. Congress (LA-02)


CNN's Betty Nguyen interviews Anh "Joseph" Cao on his role as the first Vietnamese American in Congress.


CNN's John Roberts interviews first Vietnamese-American congressman.


Congratulation, Mr. Joseph Ánh Quang Cao. This is another Vietnamese-American achievement in USA. Thank you America.

G20 Summit on Financial Markets and the World Economy

Remark of President Bush:

2:11 P.M. EST

PRESIDENT BUSH: Welcome. Good afternoon. We just had a very productive summit meeting. Thinking about three weeks ago, when I was talking to President Sarkozy and Barroso at Camp David -- some of you were there -- I don't think we could have predicted then how productive and how successful this meeting would have been.

The first decision I had to make was who was coming to the meeting. And obviously I decided that we ought to have the G20 nations, as opposed to the G8 or the G13. But once you make the decision to have the G20, then the fundamental question is, with that many nations, from six different continents, who all represent different stages of economic development -- would it be possible to reach agreements, and not only agreements, would it be possible to reach agreements that were substantive? And I'm pleased to report the answer to that question was, absolutely.

One of the things we did, we spent time talking about the actions that we have taken. The United States has taken some extraordinary measures. Those of you who have followed my career know that I'm a free market person -- until you're told that if you don't take decisive measures then it's conceivable that our country could go into a depression greater than the Great Depression’s. So my administration has taken significant measures to deal with a credit crisis. And then we worked with Congress to deal with the credit crisis, as well.

We're beginning to see some positive results. One of the things people around the table were interested in is, are you beginning to see the results of your actions? And our credit markets are beginning to thaw, having been severely frozen; businesses are beginning to get access to short-term credit. It's going to take more time for the measures we have put in place to take hold. No question about that. As a matter of fact, we just started, for example, on the $700 billion fund to start getting money out to our banks. So it's going to take more time.

But I was pleased to tell the folks around the table that the significant actions we've taken are beginning to work. All of us committed to continue to work on pro-growth economic policies. It's phrased different ways -- fiscal plans -- but the whole point was, was that we recognize that, on the one hand, there's been a severe credit crisis, and on the other hand, our economies are being hit very hard. And so there was a common understanding that all of us should promote pro-growth economic policy.

We also talked about broader reforms -- so in other words, the discussions were focused on today and what we're doing about it, but what are we going to do to make sure it doesn't happen tomorrow.

One of the key achievements was to establish certain principles and take certain actions for adapting our financial systems to the realities of the 21st century. Part of the regulatory structures that are in place were 20th century regulatory structures. And obviously, you know, the financial industry went way beyond them. And the question is, how do we establish good regulatory structure without destroying the incentive to innovate, without destroying the marketplace.

Our nations agree that we must make the markets -- the financial markets more transparent and accountable. Transparency is very important so that investors and regulators are able to know the truth -- considered improving accounting rules, so that investors can understand the true value of the assets they purchase. We agree that we need to improve our regulations and to ensure that markets, firms, and financial products are subject to proper regulation and oversight.

For example, credit default swaps -- financial products that ensure against potential losses -- should be processed through centralized clearinghouses. That's a significant reform. Heretofore, the credit default swaps were traded in over-the-counter, unregulated markets.

Yesterday the Working Group on Financial Markets, which is -- which is obviously associated with the White House, announced an initiative to create these kinds of clearing houses. And I know that other nations are working on them as well. This process will help expedite credit default swaps and other types of instruments not being traded in unregulated, over-the-counter markets.

By bringing greater stability to this important sector, we will help with liquidity, but also mitigate risk.

Third, we agreed that we must enhance the integrity of the financial markets. For example, authorities in every nation should take a fresh look at the rules governing market manipulation and fraud to make sure that investors in all our countries are properly protected. We agree that we must strengthen cooperation among the world's financial authorities. There was a lot of discussion about the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, for example.

Leading nations should make regulations consistent. As well, we should reform the international financial institutions. Again, these institutions have been very important -- the World Bank, IMF -- but they were based on an economic order of 1944. And so to better -- we agreed that to better reflect the realities of today's global economy, both IMF and World Bank should modernize their governance structures. They ought to consider extending greater voting power and representation to developing nations, particularly those who have increased their contributions to the institutions.

All this is an important first step -- in other words, this is a beginning of a series of meetings. People say, well, why don't you have one meeting and, you know, call it Bretton Woods II. Well, Bretton Woods I took two years to prepare. I don't know what you want to call this one, but whatever name comes from this meeting, it took three weeks to prepare. And so it makes sense to come out of here with a firm action plan -- which we have.

It also makes sense to say to people that there is more work to be done and there will be further meetings, sending a clear signal that a meeting is not going to solve the world's problems. A meeting will help begin a process so that we can say over time that we will have a regulatory structure in place that will make this less likely to happen in the future.

And so we've directed our finance ministers to work with other experts and consult with officials in other economies and then report back to the leaders with detailed recommendations. Whatever we do, whatever reforms are recommended, we need to be guided by this simple fact: that the best way to solve our problems and solve the people's problems is for there to be economic growth. And the surest path to that growth is free market capitalism.

Leaders at this summit agreed on some other matters of importance. One is to reject protectionism and refrain from erecting new trade barriers. This is a very important part of this summit. The temptation in times of economic stress will be to say, oh, trade isn't worth it, let's just throw up protective barriers. And yet that attitude was rejected, thankfully. And matter of fact, not only rejected, there is a determined effort to see if we can't complete the modalities for Doha by the end of December.

One of the things I stressed as well is that the United States, in the midst of this financial crisis, will not abandon our commitments to people in the developing world; that the HIV/AIDS initiative, known as PEPFAR, will remain strong and vibrant; that our deep desire to significantly reduce malaria deaths in countries on the continent of Africa will not be diminished; that our obligation to help feed the hungry will not stop; that in the midst of all this turmoil and financial crisis, we will meet our obligations. These obligations are in our national security interests and our economic security interests and they in -- are in our moral interests.

And so I will tell you that I thought this was a very successful summit. And they're going to meet again. I keep saying "they" because some of you may not have heard yet, but I am retiring. But I told the leaders this: that President-Elect Obama's transition team has been fully briefed on what we intended to do here at this meeting. I told them that we will work tirelessly to make sure the transition between my administration and his administration is seamless. And I told them that I hope he succeeds, that it's good for our country that people see a peaceful transfer of power. And I hope it was good for them to hear that even though we're from different political parties, that I believe it's in our country's interest that he succeed.

So I want to thank you for giving me a chance to come and visit with you. Thanks for covering this summit. Goodbye.

END 2:23 P.M. EST
Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/11/20081115-5.html
Audio

Layoff Since Sept 2008

AMD cutting 500 workers, 3 pct of staff (AP)
http://us.rd.yahoo.com/finance/news/rss/story/*http://us.rd.yahoo.com/finance/news/topnews/*http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/081105/amd_layoffs.html

The Digital TV Transition: What You Need to Know About DTV
http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0oGkmFLcBJJFyUB7ghXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTByZWgwN285BHNlYwNzcgRwb3MDMQRjb2xvA3NrMQR2dGlkAw--/SIG=117iu6jeo/EXP=1226031563/**http%3a//www.dtv.gov/
https://www.dtv2009.gov/



Wave of layoff or job cut or reduction in force since Sept. 2008:

Mass layoffs highest since 9/11
Merck to Layoff More Than Seven Thousand
Yahoo to lay off 1,500 workers
After layoffs, Michael Dell brags
Cushman to cut jobs, restructure globally
Imeem jumping on the layoff bandwagon
October 23: Goldman Sachs said to cut 10 percent of work force
October 23: Xerox to cut 5 pct of staff
October 30: American Express to cut 7,000 jobs, save $1.8 billion
November 06: Mattel to cut 1,000 jobs worldwide
November 06: Fidelity to cut nearly 1,300 jobs
November 06: More White and Blue Collar Workers See Pink Slips
November 14: Sun to cut up to 6,000 workers, 18 pct of staff

(Last updated: Nov. 15)

Final Presidential Debate McCain vs. Obama

As of this time, CNN, FoxNews, CNBC and other TV channels interview people about the debate, to see who win the debate. Who care? Win the debate and lose the election. Right now, with financial crisis, whoever campaign under Democrat ticket will win the election regardless he or she is fit or ready to lead. No question ask, Obama will win the election with the help from financial crisis. I don't like it. McCain just not lucky for this time.

ACORN & Obama

Saw this picture from FreeRepublic:

7-yr. old gets an ACORN vote
Voter registration fraud under investigation
Thousands of voter registration forms faked, officials say
McCain Camp Calls for Probe of Obama’s Ties to ACORN
A Smelly Acorn
Missouri officials suspect fake voter registration
ACORN office in Vegas raided in voter-fraud probe
CRL Testimony on ACORN's Voter Fraud
1 voter, 72 Registrations 'ACORN paid me in cash & cigs'

Người Việt sang Mỹ mua nhà

03-09-2008 22:57:02 GMT +7

Mua nhà bên Mỹ rồi cho thuê đang trở thành một phương cách kiếm sống nhàn nhã của một bộ phận Việt kiều và người VN có tiền

Nhân dịp về VN thăm quê, anh Nguyễn Huyến tranh thủ thăm dò và tìm hiểu giá nhà đất tại VN để “vẽ” đường làm ăn cho một số bạn bè. Anh kể, giá nhà ở Mỹ đang thấp kỷ lục, cơ hội để người Việt sở hữu nhà tận bên trời Tây. Bản thân anh cũng đang đầu tư 320.000 USD, đóng trước 100.000 USD, số còn lại được ngân hàng (NH) hỗ trợ trong vòng 20 năm, mỗi tháng trả 1.100 USD với lãi suất 5,8%/năm. Căn nhà nằm ở thành phố Seattle thuộc bang Washington (Hoa Kỳ), diện tích 80 feet x 40 feet (tương đương 12 m x 24 m) rồi cho thuê lại, còn mình thì ở tận Alaska. Mỗi tháng thu lợi 1.000 -1.500 USD (khoảng hơn 30 triệu đồng).

Nước chảy chỗ trũng

Hiện đã có không ít người ở Hoa Kỳ đưa gia đình trở về VN sinh sống sau nhiều năm bôn ba. Anh Thiên Phạm cho biết trước khi về VN định cư, anh đã bán 1 căn hộ ở California, giá 1 triệu USD. Sau đó, mua 5 ngôi nhà tại Houston với giá 170.000 USD – 200.000 USD/nhà, 3 căn đang cho thuê kinh doanh với giá khoảng 1.800 USD/tháng, 2 căn còn lại rao bán để tìm mua 1 căn hộ tại San Jose. Theo anh, giá cho thuê ở đây cao hơn, khoảng 2.500 USD/tháng. Trừ tiền thuế đất hằng năm khoảng 2.000-3.000 USD/căn, cuộc sống của gia đình anh khá dư dả. Bây giờ, ở VN hai vợ chồng vẫn đi làm, nhưng như anh nói, chỉ là làm cho vui, chứ không phải vì kinh tế. Nhạc sĩ P.D cũng cho biết, hầu như giới nghệ sĩ tại hải ngoại, hết thời đều về VN sống. Cuộc sống của họ khá thoải mái nhờ tiền cho thuê nhà bên kia. Hiện tại, ông vẫn ở nhà thuê nhưng mức giá thuê nhà ông phải trả tại VN chỉ bằng 1/10 số tiền mà ông thu được từ ngôi nhà bên Mỹ. “Nếu kinh doanh ở Mỹ mà sống tại VN thì rất khỏe”- ông nói.

Qua lời kể của anh Thiên, nhiều người bạn tại VN của anh cũng nhờ người thân hoặc con cái họ đi du học tìm hiểu mua nhà ở Mỹ rồi cho thuê lại. Người em họ của anh cũng mới mua căn hộ ở Westminster giá 480.000 USD (3 phòng ngủ), còn căn hộ ở Garden Grove (California) 400.000 USD đang trả góp qua NH. Nếu cho thuê, mỗi căn sẽ thu được 2.800 USD/tháng.

Người Mỹ bán, người VN mua

Ông Trần Huy Phương, Giám đốc Văn phòng Địa ốc Selection Realty & Mortgage tại San Jose, cho biết việc đi du lịch, đầu tư, qua thăm thân nhân tại Mỹ tương đối dễ dàng nên những người có tiền thường dòm ngó nhà đất tại đây. Trước đây, chỉ có giới nhà giàu mới “đánh quả” kiểu này, nhưng nay khi giá nhà giảm mạnh, giới kinh doanh tại VN cũng chuyển hướng tìm mua nhà tại Mỹ để “chờ thời”. Vì vậy, thay vì phải đăng quảng cáo tại Mỹ thì chị Lan Nguyễn, 32 tuổi, lại rao bán căn hộ ở vùng ngoại ô thành phố Houston, bang Texas bằng cách nhờ anh Huyến về nước môi giới cho người thân của anh tại VN. Căn nhà trị giá 200.000 USD, 4 phòng ngủ, có cả bể bơi. Bình thường, khi bán một căn nhà trị giá khoảng 600.000 USD hoặc 700.000 USD, mức tiền phải trả cho buyer agent (người môi giới), khoảng 20.000 USD trở lại. Điều này vô tình “biến” nhiều Việt kiều không chuyên trở thành dân môi giới xuyên biên giới.

Cũng theo ông Phương, thị trường nhà cho thuê tại Mỹ đã ngấm ngầm từ lâu đối với những người “khá” vốn tại VN. Thời điểm này cơ hội thực sự. Đây là một nghề nhàn hạ, ít rủi ro, mà thu nhập cũng rất đáng kể so với vốn đầu tư ban đầu. Tuy nhiên, không phải ai cũng hưởng được “lộc trời”. Trả dứt thì đơn giản, nhưng nếu mua trả góp thì ngay cả những người định cư tại Mỹ cũng mắc phải nhiều sai lầm, đừng nói đến người thiếu kinh nghiệm tại VN. Thường người môi giới sẽ vẽ vời thêm, hoặc phát sinh những loại nợ rất phức tạp. Thay vì mình mượn nợ và hằng tháng trả tiền lời để nợ đứng yên hoặc trả góp cho nợ sụt giảm thì nhiều khoản phát sinh khiến món nợ càng ngày càng tăng. Thí dụ, một món nợ 400.000 USD nhưng không nắm hết điều khoản món nợ sẽ thành 450.000 USD. Trong hoàn cảnh mà giá nhà cứ tiếp tục gia tăng thì món nợ này dù có tăng cũng không sao nhưng nếu căn nhà bị đứng giá hoặc sụt giá thì chỉ có nước phải bán căn nhà...

Quỳnh Chi
(Báo Người Lao Động)

Sarah Palin in Southern California

Sarah Palin slams Obama on Bill Ayers association

Let take a look the number of people attended reported by three newspapers in Southern California:

Excerpt from Los Angeles Times: Sarah Palin claims Barack Obama would 'pal around with terrorists'

Her accusation -- made before an overflow crowd of more than 8,000 at Home Depot Center's tennis stadium in Carson, and earlier in the day at a Denver fundraiser -- signaled an increasingly abrasive stance toward Obama on behalf of her running mate, Republican nominee John McCain.

From Orange County Register: Palin says it's time to 'take off the gloves'

"'There's a place in hell reserved for women who don't support other women,'" Palin recited to the cheering crowd at the Home Depot Center's tennis stadium. The 13,000 seats were full, with a couple thousand more packed onto the court itself and standing around the perimeter.

From San Diego Union-Tribune: Palin: Obama 'pals' with terrorists

Yesterday's rally in the tennis stadium of the Home Depot Center was attended by 20,000 people, with several thousand more in an overflow area in the parking lot, arena officials said.

Each newspapers reported number of people attended different. Los Angeles Time look like to minimize by writing "more than 8,000". 13,000 is more than 8,000. 100,000 people is more than 8,000.

Vice Presidential Debate '08

It's a good debate. Sarah did a good job. So did Joe. I'm enjoy it.