| The Insider: Satirical site bashes predatory lenders
The 39-year-old former Microsoftie also was inspired by the movie "Thank you for Smoking," which follows the life of a tobacco lobbyist. Like the movie, Mathieu said, "the voice of the (PLA) site is what industry lobbyists might say to one another out drinking." At this point, the Predatory Lending Association has not heard from anyone in the payday loan industry. "PASS THE CHEER:" It surely won't be confused for any of the "Just do it" Nike ads, but the first animated TV spot for Starbucks is, well, kinda cute. The 30-second spot, done by ad giant Wieden & Kennedy of Nike fame, includes a bearded skier who is going up a ski lift with snow falling. His chair stops, and he gives a mug of coffee (Starbucks, we presume) from a thermos to a reindeer traveling down the lift.
Karabakh Peace Process Close to Breakdown (By Thomas de Waal)
But with no agreement in sight and presidential elections due in both Armenia and Azerbaijan in 2008, time is running out, leaving the bleak prospect that the peace process will die next year. US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matt Bryza, who is one of the three co-chairs of the Minsk Group, told IWPR in answers to written questions that he and his two colleagues planned to travel to the region in mid-January to try to bridge final differences between the parties. �The co-chairs hope the two presidents will reach an oral agreement on this document prior to Armenian presidential elections in February,� said Bryza. �The current set of ideas on the table provides the only logical and practicable way to advance toward a peaceful settlement of the conflict.� The hope is that both sides in the dispute are playing brinkmanship, and will ultimately agree to a deal.
Not a done deal
There was a tug-of-war over whether this story would run on Page One or the Business cover, but the consumer angle pushed it out front. Also coming up on Page One tomorrow: More information on the hunt for John Rollins Tuggle, suspected in the stabbing of a 12-year-old girl near Wallace. Also locally, Sandra Day O'Connor, sans fishing hat, spoke about what she called a worrisome future for an independent federal judiciary, and a local company is launching a new fast-dissolving toilet paper designed for boats and septic tanks. From the wires: Another transit bombing in London today - no injuries, but plenty of rattled nerves. .
No time off for holidays
Editor's note: It's Politics reports Saturdays on the ins and outs of Whittier-area politics and city government. With Christmas approaching, for most people that can only mean a slow-down in work and a time to relax and enjoy the holiday season. But not for the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/ County Clerk's Office. "What vacation season?" asked Dean Logan, chief deputy registrar. It's not that the county has a bah humbug attitude, it's that it just seems they don't get any time off from elections. "We're doing our best to make sure people have a little time off over the holidays, but we're in full election mode and will be in the future," Logan said. While 2007 typically would be considered an off year, the office will have had nine elections after Tuesday when the 55th Assembly District special election is held.
ON GARDENING: Cardoon dazzles winter landscape
After the bloom period, the plant dies to the ground then returns in the fall.I like Cardoon just as a foliage plant in the ornamental flowerbed, though I suppose it might have its place in a large herb or vegetable garden.At my local mall, Cardoon is being used in several locations with other cool-season color like Amazon Rose Magic dianthus and pansies. At one entrance, it's grown with yucca for a partnership of unique leaf textures and drought tolerance.If you are into culinary arts or the edible landscape, you may want to put this plant at the top of your list. The young tender stems may be eaten like celery, the young leaves like spinach and the main root sauteed in butter. The even-better news for many gardeners is that while people enjoy eating Cardoon, the deer do not.University of Florida horticulturists suggest that the stems be blanched before harvesting.
Now showing, November 23
The concept of fleshing out the creature's past and his motivation is inspired. The movie just doesn't come together well." (NEXT rating: C-) “THE HEARTBREAK KID" In this comedy, a newlywed (Ben Stiller) realizes he has married a nightmare of a woman and ends up trying to break up with her on their honeymoon as he falls for someone else. R for strong sexual content, crude humor and language. “LIONS FOR LAMBS" A Republican senator (Tom Cruise), a college professor (Robert Redford) and a cable news reporter (Meryl Streep) square off over the causes and repercussions of the nation's wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. R For some war violence and language “MR. MAGORIUM'S WONDER EMPORIUM" When Mr. Magorium (Dustin Hoffman) decides to bequeath his unusually magical store, the Wonder Emporium, to his awkward and insecure manager (Natalie Portman), a dark change begins to take over the store.
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