Liz loves lovely eyes so she asks… How do waterproof mascaras work?
The Right Brain’s Raccoon Eyed Response:
Before we talk about waterproof mascara, go read our description of how mascaras work so you understand the basics.
Did you read it?
Come on, did you REALLY read it?
OK, that’s better.
Wet or wild?
It’s easy to make a product […]
Full interview with Art Garrison - candidate for the 126th NY Assembly seat
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Written by Michael Vass
Michael Vass interviewed Art Garrison, who is running for the 126th seat on the New York State Assembly – currently held by Donna Lupardo (Democrat). The interview took place at the business of Mr. Garrison, Family Hobby and Crafts in Vestal, New York.
The interview delves into the background of Mr. Garrison, his motivation to run for elected office, plans to deal with the State deficit, term limits, reaction to the Health Care Reform, comments on the 9/11 mosque and proposals by Gov. Paterson dealing with the cigarette tax and Native American Indians, among other issues.
Several of the questions covered in this interview are in response to the Open Letter to candidates and incumbents for New York elected office posed by Michael Vass previously.
Note – M V Consulting, Inc. does not advocate any candidate or incumbent for any elected office at the local, State, or Federal level. We have not recieved any payment for any interview with a political candidate or incumbent. The interviews, present, past, and future, are intended to allow voters the chance to learn about the candidates and the issues such that an informed decision can be made in the election booth.
M V Consulting, Inc. Announces Milestone at its Online Political Commentary Division
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New York, NY (PRWEB) August 31, 2010
Today M V Consulting, Inc., president Michael Vass announced the achievement of the milestone 1000th article at the Company’s political commentary blog site - http://www.mvass.com (VASS). In celebration the Company has planned a month long sale at its online store.
“We are pleased to have achieved this milestone. It is a representation of the effort and dedication of the Company, as well as the ongoing support of viewers across the globe,” stated Mr. Vass.
He went on to say, “While providing a 10% discount on all purchases over $100 at our Alchemy at World of Vass online store for the month of September is not related to political commentary, it is something that we can do for our visitors that have come back day after day over the years.”
The VASS political commentary blog has been in existence since 2005, with an official launch in 2006. In that time it has been selected as 1 of 2 sites covering the entire 2008 Presidential election for TV One, and cited in the book Current Controversies: Immigration (hardcover editions), by author Debra A. Miller. Author Michael Vass was also selected as one of 3 contributors to the Central New York Business Journal, Greater Binghamton Business Journal, and Mohawk Valley Business Journal – Financial Quarterly editions, May 14, 2010, based on the financial commentary found on this site.
In addition to these recognitions, VASS has also interviewed Mayor Matt Ryan of Binghamton NY, NY Congressional candidate George Phillips, NY State Assembly candidate Art Garrison, NY State Assembly candidate Jason Stokes. Interviews with several additional candidates for the 2010 mid-term elections (local, State, and Federal) are currently in planning stages.
VASS has also covered major news events including the Binghamton Civic Center Shooting, the Viet Nam Living Wall Memorial, Coverage of anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan, and the recent Binghamton Tea Party Rally (where Company president Mr. Vass was an invited speaker).
Company president Michael Vass also stated, “We have provided coverage of elections, commentary on major legislation and its effects on the nation, economic forecasts, and posed public questions on issues to elected officials for 5 years. We have taken the stance that questions not often asked by the major media need to be asked of elected officials, and the ramifications of legislation that the public needs to know must be made clear. It’s a daunting task, but with visitors from 100 countries (predominately from the U.S.A.) per month in the tens of thousands, we feel we are succeeding in that continuing quest.”
The VASS political commentary site is one of several divisions of M V Consulting, Inc. The Company also owns Black Entertainment USA (http://www.blackentertainmentblog.com) - an entertainment blog primarily presenting movie, television, and entertainment reviews; Alchemy at World of Vass (http://alchemy.vassconsult.com) - an online store featuring handmade imported English pewter jewelry, accessories, and clothes; World of Vass (http://www.cafepress.com/nova68) - an online store featuring t-shirts, clothes and other items with unique proprietary custom designs; and the M V Consulting, Inc. corporate site (http://www.vassconsult.com) - featuring SEO, Video production and editing, Webmaster, consulting and other services of the Company.
Glenn Beck and President Obama - the result stays the same
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Written by Michael Vass
Just over a year ago, Glenn Beck called President Obama a racist on national television. The cause of this was the reaction of President Obama to an incident between the police and a college professor that was his friend. President Obama jumped into a local situation, admittedly without all the facts, and created a controversy that centered on race.
I stated on July 29, 2009 that,
Separate of that, there is nothing wrong with posing the question, “Is our President racist?” It’s the same as asking if our President is overly religious, or an adulterer, or drunk, or anything else. It is a Right that all Americans have. And if in asking the question a better understanding of America and all Americans is achieved then the question was worth asking.”
But Glenn Beck has retreated from his words. He has taken steps to redress his position, especially in light of his 8/28 event. But not an apology.
Given time to further learn about President Obama, to hear of the regret of Beck, to reflect on what happened a year ago, has the question about President Obama been answered? More importantly, has the bigger question of race relations in America been answered?
No.
There is the most true and telling thing to take away from what Glenn Beck has said and what pundits will be speaking around. Race relations of people of color and Whites in America have not improved. America is no more post-racial today than the sun rises in the west.
The potential was there. There was an opportunity for a bit of reality to ease into the national conciousness about how people of color differ in their lives and in their interactions with authorities like the police. We could have made a step towards something bigger.
But in the end, President Obama had an uncomfortable beer with the men at the center of the controversy, and Glenn Beck got hate mail. A year later, Beck still gets hate mail, and most have forgotten the event having moved on to now the 9/11 mosque. President Obama still gets called a racist, and some even question his religious claims (which is the business of no one but President Obama and God). America has gained nothing.
Like most I don’t know or care about liberation theology. But I have a vested interest in race relations for people of color in this nation. And I am saddened by the missed opportunity to actually improve things in the nation.
The story going forward will be that Beck has insulted the President. That Beck misunderstands the motivations of the President, and/or that he continues to think of the President as a racist. None of that matters though.
The news should be that we as Americans have come to a point where we can discuss race and issues openly, leading to an understanding that helps move the nation forward. But that remains a dream. Therefore America loses, not just Beck with his ratings or President Obama with his political clout.
It doesn’t matter what things are said about a President (like the war-monger comments on Bush, the ineptness of Ford, the philandering of Clinton, ect.) if in the end a national discussion can be had where the nation improves in some way. That hasn’t happened in the past, and it seems clear that with regard to race relations it won’t happen now either.
Open Letter to candidates and incumbents for New York elected office
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Written by Michael Vass
The following letter has been sent, VERBATIM, to all those listed at the bottom of this article. Any and all responses will be provided VERBATIM.
To the candidates and incumbents for:
Governor of New York, Senators for the Senior and Junior seats, NY Congressional District 22 in the House of Representatives, 126th State Assembly seat
I am Michael Vass, owner of M V Consulting, Inc., writer for the Binghamton Examiner.com, and resident of New York State. As the mid-term elections approach there are several concerns that voters have expressed to me as a member of the press, a political commentator, and individual that I believe need to be addressed.
Therefore, as a member of the press and a resident of New York I request a response on the following questions. Any and all responses will be published VERBATIM. I am also willing to meet with you at any point prior to the mid-term elections to speak with you in-person or via phone interview on these and other issues voters seek answers on.
1) Do you have any comment on the proposal by Gov. Paterson, which may potentially violate the 4th Amendment, to enforce the New York cigarette tax on those that exit Native American lands?
2) Do you have any comment about Mayor Bloomberg’s statement on the abovementioned issue, to “act like a cowboy with a shotgun and enforce the state tax law.”
3) Where exactly do you stand on the 9/11 mosque controversy. Specifically are you in favor of the mosque being built at the proposed location or not - given the fact that there is every Constitutional Right for it to be built there.
4) Given the looming fear of a double dip recession, and the stagnation of progress in the New York economy, what are your thoughts on the $814 billion stimulus and its effect on New York?
5) The $26 billion in emergency funds for teachers and other unions provided New York some $2.2 billion in funds. What is the likelihood of funds being needed again in 2011? What is your long-term plan to fix this gap in the budget for New York?
6) Businesses of all sizes are stating that the Health Care Reform will impede their ability to hire new employees. Many workers are having healthcare costs increase by 20% in 2010 alone. This is in addition to the proposed end of the Bush Tax Cuts that will increase taxes for many in New York by 3% in 2011. At the same time New York has enacted several new or higher taxes. How do you plan to help secure jobs, and encourage business in New York under these conditions?
The above set of questions are not partisan. They are issues that voters in New York are concerned with and are seeking leadership about. They are issues that affect Democrats, Independents, and Republicans alike.
I look forward to your response, and/or the opportunity to ask these questions in person.
Sincerely,
Michael Vass
President - M V Consulting, Inc.
info@vassconsult.com
** The following are all the contact addresses for the candidates and incumbents.**
http://www.andrewcuomo.com/contact
http://lazio.com/o.cfm?o=405
http://gillibrand.senate.gov/contact/
http://schumer.senate.gov/new_website/contactchuck.cfm (attempted 3x - site states technical issue prevents email)
http://www.dioguardiforussenate.com/contact.php
http://www.blakeman2010.com/contact_us.php
http://www.malpassforsenate.com/home/contact-us/
http://www.house.gov/hinchey/zipauth.shtml
http://electgeorgephillips.com/contact
http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=126&sh=contact
http://www.artgarrisonforassembly.com/
http://jasonstokes.org/YourComments.aspx
Gov. Patterson plans to violate the 4th Amendment, with Mayor Bloomberg cheerleading
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Written by Michael Vass
The more I have thought about the comments of Gov. Patterson of New York about imposing the $4.35 cigarette tax on the Native American tribes in the State, the more upset I become. It’s not just because raising taxes ever higher places NY no closer to a budget being balanced. It’s not that the tax is unfair, and a means of the Government regulating social behaviour. It’s that Liberals are such hypocrits.
I cannot think of a single Conservative that could get away with stating what Mayor Boomberg has said
I think that the image of the Government riding in with shotguns against Indians that have broken no law just might be racially tinged. I’m sure that had a Conservative made such a statement it would directly be called racist, and that elected official would be railroaded out of office. But NYC is the mecca of Liberals in New York State, so the Mayor is safe. Protected from criticism and his comments ignored by the major media.
So already the concept of imposing the ridiculous cigarette tax on the Senneca and other tribes has a roadblock that Liberals have made for themselves. But where else are you hearing
“Oneida Nation Representative Ray Halbritter said Bloomberg’s imagery was as distasteful to his tribe as if someone urged Nazis to take action against Jews.”
You might think that Liberals that claim to be highly sensitive to the plight of just about any minority group in the world might make some comment about Mayor Bloomberg. But there is silence. The story is being passed over.
Ok, so the racial aspect of this issue, which was created solely by Democrats, is not worthy of discussion by the left-leaning major media. What about the Constitution?
“Once they come off or anyone else comes off their sacred land with cigarettes that are not being taxed by New York state we are going to address that issue,” Paterson said Thursday.” [emphasis added]
That sounds like a violation of the 4th Amendment to me.
“The right fof the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”
That makes what Gov. Patterson proposed and Mayor Bloomberg forcibly advocates sound like illegal searches just because an individual was on Indian sovereign lands. Because how else will the Government be able to know if someone has cigarettes unless they stop them and search them? But no outcry from Liberals or the media. How strange.
Was it not the Liberals that ‘love’ the Constitution that screamed about the Arizona Immigration Law? Did they not claim that the law violated the 4th Amendment privacy rights? Wasn’t the arguement that stopping someone to check their nationality status was unconstitutional? Isn’t that why Liberals sued en masse?
Exactly what is different in New York?
Native American Indians are minorities, like many illegal aliens. Native Indians have a right to be in this nation, unlike illegals, and are protected by the 4th Amendment like everyone else. Americans leaving Indian lands have every Right the Constitution provides. So why is there no uproar as New York elected Government officials imply (and Bloomberg virtually states) they will take illegal action (potentially with force).
The difference is that New York is a Democrat haven. It is, because of the population of Liberals in NYC, a Liberal State unlike Arizona. The difference is that Native American voters are not a block important to preserving power to Democrats, but Hispanics are. The differnce is that Native Americans don’t count as much as the potential of illegal aliens - if amnesty and citizenship are provided to them by Liberal Democrats.
This is not just an insult to Native American Indians, it’s an insult to Democrats and all Americans. It’s worse than petty politics. This is the active promotion of a political agenda over the Rights of Americans. And the major media won’t go near it.
If Liberals and Democrats are so concerned about minorities as they claim, why are they not making noise about the comments made on this issue?
If Liberals and Democrats are so concerned with 4th Amendment Rights, why are they seemingly ok with this thinly veiled threat of that Right?
Consider this. If the same thought was happening in a Conservative State, say Texas, against illegal Mexican aliens, do you think Liberals and Democrats would hesitate to make this a national issue? Therefore why is it any different for New York State?
It’s hypocrisy at its worst. It’s an insult. And a violation of the 4th Amendment if they enact what has been said as it has been said. If the Liberals and Democrats have any intestinal fortitude or integrity they should be saying the same thing. But don’t hold your breath waiting.
Wag the dog Mr. President
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Written by Michael Vass
I have no problem stating that I believe President Obama is an intelligent and accomplished man. In terms of his politics, that is another matter. But I believe that credit must be given to the President for what he has done this summer.
The summer of 2010 was set up to be a shining example of what a Democrat-led Congress coupled with a Democrat President could do. The American Recovery Act (Obama Stimulus) was planned to have had it’s penultimate effect during this time. Promises of jobs were made with this summer being the payoff for the patience of the public. As the months after passage ticked away the message was that the end was in sight and assurance of the near-guaranteed change was at hand.
But things did not get better.
At every step the Obama Administration promoted the Obama Stimulus. They touted websites and figures of jobs saved ranging from the hundreds of thousands to the millions (depending on which official you asked, sometimes differing even on the same day - though completely refuted by news organizations that bothered to check the numbers). They noted that there was still billions more in spending to come. They repeated the mantra that given just a bit more time, the recovery would be apparent to everyone.
19 months after the swearing in of President Obama, 17 months after passage of the Obama Stimulus and the economy is worse than where it started. That’s not rhetoric or partisan. That’s fact with enough data to prove it that it could choke a horse.
Unemployment has risen to levels that exceeded the worst case scenario of doing absolutely nothing, laid out by the President and all his advisors. As of this time in the promise, unemployment is supposed to be under 7.5%. Currently it is in excess of 9.3%. Unemployment checks have been extended to 99 weeks, with debate raging on extensions even further out. Over 40% of those receiving unemployment benefits have done so for more than a year.
Worse yet, mortgage foreclosure rates have risen steadily, now at all-time highs. And projections are that over 1 million foreclosures will happen by the end of the year. These foreclosures are no longer confined just to sub-prime markets, this now includes middle class Americans that previously maintained excellent credit.
Jobs creation is unseen. With the exception of temporary Government jobs (ie Census), the private sector has limped along barely creating 20,000 new jobs in any given month - though unemployment claims have maintained over 400,000 almost non-stop. Projections again are for more of the same or worse as the year progresses.
Taxes are soaring on both the Federal and State levels. The end of the Bush Tax Cuts are expected to increase taxes to the average American some 3%. That’s not including the Health Care Reform - initially promised not to be a tax increase but currently being called a tax in courtrooms as Americans at the State level look to repeal the law. All the while healthcare insurance rates are skyrocketing 20% or more, in direct opposition to the promise of lower health insurance rates. And the best outlook on this front is that there is still 3 more years before the Health Care Reform takes effect.
This says nothing of the proposal to “necessarily skyrocket” (as then-Senator Obama promised in a television interview) energy prices with Cap & Trade. Nor does this touch upon the gargantuan [never get to use that word much] increase in deficit spending, hastening the unsustainable level of national debt to a propbable collapse that would make the combination of Greece and Spain look like a pittence.
Therefore under even the most generous and partisan view, the Obama Administration and the Democrat-led Congress, have failed in the most attrocious manner at every economic indicator. Such failures would define any other President as a disappointment, and turn his remaining time in office into an extended lame-duck session.
But instead President Obama has the tail wagging the dog. With the help of the major media, news of the economy escapes the daily news reports. In 2007 and 2008 there was barely a day where the mortgage or finacial crisis was not a headline. In 2010 the media is hard pressed to notice that unemployment levels are increasing, the latest at 500,000 without work for the week. And the last time anyone mentioned the foreclosure rate in the nation was before the Health Care Reform was passed.
In fact the news tomorrow will not be about the economy. It will not be about the insanity of statements like “this is the summer of recovery” or “unemployment checks are a stimulus” (the last said by Speaker Nancy Pelosi - a statement that begs the question of what her math grades were in school). The news will be about the proposed mosque next to the remains of the Twin Towers in New York City.
Given that this is an issue. A moral impasse that is being kept alive with one-sided arguements on the Freedom of Religion (an issue that many liberals have fought against for decades) that no one disputes, and near complete silence to serious questions of where the source of funding is coming from. Is there a right to build the mosque? Of course, and everyone agrees with that. Should it be done? Will it improve relations with Muslims in this nation? No and no.
But I have to admire the brilliance of President Obama. With 2 almost diametrically opposed statements he has elevated the arguement to a national discourse, distracted everyone from the elephant in the room that is the economy, given incumbent Democrats a desperate chance to try to get re-elected by distancing themselves from the President, and hung a racist label on anyone that opposes his views.
That’s the kind of strategy only a lawyer would consider. A deflection from the obvious so simple that if it were transposed to our fight against Al Quaeda, Osama Bin Laden would walk out of a cave in Afghanistan (or Pakistan) right up to a camera and troops to argue the pros of the mosque. It’s a confusion so taunt on the heartstrings of millions that many won’t even notice the fact they are being thrown out of their homes as they argue.
Is President Obama a great President? Does he deserve the A he gave himself back in January?
Yes; great if you mean a great failure, a complete loss, an utter incompetence at every level of economic planning. Yes, he deserves an A grade; if the grading is based on distraction, obfuscation, and deception (which if he were a car salesman it would be called fraud).
Yes Mr. President you have the nation wagging by it’s tail. But, at some point, the wagging will stop. At some point, the nation will pay attention to the details because President Bush walked out of the White House 19 months ago and counting. At some point, everyone will recall that regardless of color or political party the buck stops at the door of the White House and whomever holds the Office.
Will that day be before or after the mid-term elections? There is no doubt that the White House and many Democrats up for re-election hope so. But only time will tell.
Transcript of speech by Michael Vass at the Binghamton Tea Party Rally
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Written by Michael Vass
The following is the transcript of the speech by Michael Vass, president of M V Consulting, Inc., seen in the video above. The speech was made on August 21, 2010 at 15 Henry Street in Binghamton, New York, to a crowd of roughly 200 people at the Binghamton Tea Party Rally.
Hello fellow New Yorkers. I’m Michael Vass, owner of M V Consulting, Inc. I am a political commentator and a member of the press. Some of you may be familiar with my videos on Youtube or my articles on various blogs and the internet. But today I am here as a concerned American, just like all of you.
Sun Tzu wrote in his famous book The Art of War,
“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle..”
While we are not at war with Congress, make no mistake we are engaged in a battle for America. A battle that requires we first know our Rights and we are determined to make a difference. Thus we are enacting our Rights to Speak and Assemble, in the face of media criticism and scorn from entrenched elected officials, because we do not agree with the direction Congress is taking the nation.
I know that it is a difficult task to stand up in front of peers and say that Congress has failed to listen to voters. Not because tens of millions of Americans don’t agree. When it comes to the Health Care Reform that was shoved down our throats against our wills, the Obama Stimulus that was passed without anyone knowing what was involved or what it enacted, the disdain against Americans in Arizona that stood up when the Federal Government wanted only to lay down… No we are not alone in what we believe. But what separates us is that we are willing to publicly say what tens of millions mention at school, around the water cooler, on the golf course, even going so far as to break the unwritten rule at bars. And only in America is this possible.
I have had the chance to live in Moscow. I have seen the socialist system in action… and the results of generations of its after-effects. I have lived with the people that could not speak out against the Government, could not openly pray, could not impact the laws and enforcement that affected their lives. And those people envied me. Because I am an American that could do all those things they wished they could do. It is a reason why I am speaking before you.
Right now our voices and actions are being heard. They are having an effect. An effect that the entrenched elected officials in Congress fear. Because it means that they cannot continue to ignore voters, or pander to special interests and their political party agendas. Because we are willing to act on the Rights we have in this nation, Congress and those that subsist on the status quo are trembling.
You may recall this quote,
“People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people.”
Congress should fear us and the tens of millions of Americans that think just like us, that share our hopes and goals, that haven’t come out today for various reasons - but will vote their conscious just like we will. We are not violent, or racist, or bought, or whatever moniker the media and Speaker Nancy Pelosi might want to label us with. We are Americans that know our Rights and we are willing to use them. Career politicians with agendas and special interest support thought we forgot, but we haven’t.
I want to be clear. I am speaking directly about politicians that have made a career out of abuse of public service. People that have forgotten those that elected them and the reasons they were elected for. Let me name the names.
I am speaking about Representative Maurice Hinchey. A man that is entrenched in Congress. A man that has served for 18 years. A man that will not speak to his constituents. I say that because I have written to Representative Hinchey - as a member of the press and a voter of New York. I have written him about the Health Care Reform, twice. I have written to him about the Obama Stimulus, and the actions of the DOJ. And months later I still await even a single letter of reply, though I have gotten unsolicited emails asking me to donate to the re-election of Representative Hinchey.
I am speaking about appointed Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. She too seeks to be re-elected. Actually to be elected in her case as the public had no voice in granting her the junior Senator seat she now holds.
She too has neglected to speak to the people. Even worse, she has taken us for granted. She assumes that we have not noticed her flip-flop on immigration - as she now gains significant financial support from pro-illegal alien organizations. She assumes that we won’t remember that she sent out the same form letter response about the Health Care Reform for 6 months. A form letter that when questioned her office still has not made comment as to why it was a copy - even 4 months after the question was asked.
And Senator Charles Schumer. He too refused to comment on the Health Care Reform. He too actively avoided town hall meetings. He too has taken a stance, repeatedly, of Party over the people.
I don’t say these things about the entrenched elected officials in Congress because I heard a rumor about it. These are facts I have written about and made videos about. I say these things because I know first-hand how little the entrenched members of Congress care about the concerns of the public when it’s not time to be re-elected.
But we can change this scenario. We can end this cycle of broken campaign promises and political party agendas. All we need to do is what we are doing. We are standing up and using our Rights. They are the most powerful tool we have along with our votes. Our Rights and votes combined ensure that the most entrenched, the most deaf to our concerns, the most special interest supported elected officials cannot maintain their granted power.
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
We the People. Not the special interests. Not the Democrats, a political party or a political agenda. Not the Government. The People.
I want to close with that thought. The People. You, and I, our friends and families. We are the power of America. Never let a commercial, a media station, a political ad or campaign promise make you forget that. Because in roughly 2 months you will have the chance to use your power and make a change. I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know. But I am reminding you, and everyone that will read this speech or see this video, that rain or shine, whatever the political ads or media mockery, your vote will guide this nation to the future.
We the people are America. And Congress needs a wake-up call to remember that fact.
Thank you. And God bless you.
Michael Vass to speak at Tea Party Rally in Binghamton, NY - reminder
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Written by Michael Vass
On August 21, 2010 in Binghamton, New York at 15 Henry Street (between 10am and 12 noon) there will be a Tea Party Rally.
Michael Vass - owner of M V Consulting, Inc - will be among the speakers for this public event. Other speakers include:
George Phillips - candidate for NY 22 Congressional District 22
Art Garrison - candidate for the NY 126th Assembly Seat
Jason Stokes - candidate for the NY 126th Assembly Seat
Tim Roberts - candidate for Broome County Sheriff
Pastor Gary Sawyer - Calvary Community Church
Ray Schaffer
Debbie Preston - Conklin Town Supervisor
Also invited was Representative Maurice Hinchey - who has yet to confirm an appearance.
Democrats, Republicans, Independants, and more importantly, Americans are invited to show up.
Event sponsored by the Southern Tier Tea Party
Rep. Hinchey rides into D.C. to save the day… for whom?
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Written by Michael Vass
Right now Representative Maurice Hinchey is in Washington D.C., voting with Democrat House members to pass $26 billion in funding for teachers, firefighters, and nurses. Some $2.2 billion of that money will be coming to New York State and roughly $607 million will reach Broome County. Overall, Democrats believe this will save 161,000 teaching jobs.
The question that should be asked is, for how long?
While most in the media don’t want to ask the question it is important. It’s a question that Rep. Hinchey and Democrats don’t want to discuss. Especially as the mid-term elections are approaching. Rather the focus is the benefit they will be providing, the jobs that are being “saved”. It makes for a great political re-election ad.
What won’t be in the ads, nor mentioned in all the speeches about the vote, is the fact that this is just the latest Government funding for the same problem. Just last year the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Obama Stimulus) spent $100 billion to “create or save” 300,000 education-related jobs. It also allowed States (like New York and California) to continue to survive the massive budget deficits they have been accumulating.
In just 1 year, the money has been spent and nothing has improved. In fact things have gotten worse. State budget deficts have gotten no smaller. Over a hundred thousand jobs are set to be removed from the rosters. And Congress, especially Rep. Maurice Hinchey (who has advocated this emergency funding since April), have decided the best solution is to pour in more money. Borrowed money. Increasing the natinal debt, to be paid off by tax increases.
Therefore we are left with a few common sense questions that the media will not ask, and elected politicians seeking re-election will not voluntarily answer.
Representative Maurice Hinchey is happy to state
It sounds great for an official that needs teachers (and the union) to get re-elected. Once past the election though, what will be the answer to the other constituents that will pay higher taxes with fewer jobs, or even those same teachers that will face layoffs again next year and the year after that? What solution is Rep. Hinchey, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats really offering other than pouring more money that they don’t have - that constituents don’t have - down the same ever-growing hole?
Other than making a great soundbite for a re-election ad, what long-term benefit are the people of New York getting from the $26 billion being spent by Congress? Rep. Hinchey, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Democrats are not telling. The major media is not asking. They all are counting on the fact you the voter will not worry about it, at least until after the November mid-term elections. But don’t constituents deserve an answer?
Michael Vass to speak at August 21st Tea Party Rally in Binghamton, NY
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Written by Michael Vass
I am honored to announce that on August 21st in Binghamton, New York I will be among a group of speakers invited by the Southern Tier Tea Party for the Tea Party Rally. The event will be taking place at 15 Henry Street, near the offices of Representative Maurice Hinchey and Senator Charles Schumer. Rep. Hinchey has also been invited to speak at the rally but has as yet failed to comment.
The speakers at the event besides myself include:
George Phillips (running against Rep. Hinchey)
Art Garrison (running to replace Lupardo)
Jason Stokes (running to replace Lupardo)
Pastor Gary Sawyer (Calvary Community Church)
Debbie Preston (Town of Conklin Supervisor)
Father K. (Sts. Peter & Paul Russian Orthodox Church)
There are several other speakers planned for the event that will run from 10am until 12 noon.
The theme of the event is to discuss and draw attention to the failure of Congress and the elected officials to respond to voter concerns about: the national debt, earmarks and Government waste, the reaction (or complete lack thereof) to the Arizona Immigration Law, the proposed increases of taxes, the economy, campaign promises and more.
I feel privledged to speak to the public directly and convey my thoughts on some of the pressing issues that are affecting this nation and the New York community. I am happy to join the other speakers, each of whom also display the sense of duty and public service that motivates my political commentaries. I expect that the event will draw the attention of the media (local and/or national) and as such highlight concerns that All Americans have today. It is those very concerns that the mid-term elections will sit squarely upon.
I invite any and all of my readers that are able to attend the event to come and hear what all the speakers have to say. I have no doubt that the impact the event will have will be worth the trip.
I look forward to seeing you at the event.
Sincerely
Michael Vass
President - M V Consulting, Inc.
info@vassconsult.com
Full interview with George Phillips - New York candidate for Congress
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Written by Michael Vass
This is the complete interview with George Phillips and Michael Vass, held in the Endwell campaign office of Mr. Phillips. Mr. Phillips (on the Republican ticket) is running against 18 year incumbent Representative Maurice Hinchey (on the Democrat ticket) for the seat for the New York 22nd District.
The interview covers a wide range of issues, both on the local, state-wide, and national levels. The topics include the economy, the Health Care Reform, Arizona’s Immigration Law, the Tea Party, incumbency, jobs, special interests organizations, and the motivations as well as experience of Mr. Phillips. These items were selected as they are some of the most prominent on the minds of voters not only in Central New York, but the entire nation.
Neither M V Consulting nor Michael Vass make any claim in support of or against George Phillips. The interview is intended only to provide voters with the opportunity to learn more about the candidate and the issues that they will be voting on come November’s mid-term elections.
George Phillips - NY House of Representatives candidate
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Written by Michael Vass
The following video is the first part of a 4 part series that presents the interview of Michael Vass with New York 22nd Congressional District challenger George Phillips. The interview took place at the Endwell campaign office on July 23, 2010.
Mr. Phillips is challenging Rep. Maurice Hinchey, who is an 18 year incumbent in the House of Representatives. This is the second time that Mr. Phillips is has run against Rep. Hinchey.
The interview covers the topics of the economy, the Health Care Reform, the Obama Stimulus, jobs, immigration, taxes, the national debt, as well as the background and beliefs of Mr. Phillips.
Letter to Senators Gillibrand and Schumer, Rep. Hinchey - New Black Panther Party
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Written by Michael Vass
**Note the following is a VERBATIM transcript of the letter sent to the New York elected officials named below. The only changes made are the inclusion of links and video for the internet reader.**
Senators Gillibrand and Schumer
Representative Hinchey
I am a constituent and voter in New York State as well as a member of the press. As such I am interested to know your opinions on a issue that has been again gaining attention across the nation.
During the 2008 election, members of the New Black Panther Party were involved in an incident that was initially identified as voter registration intimidation in Philadelphia. The incident can be found on Youtube as well as multiple news reports, from live video taken of the incident.
The incident, which appears to be a direct example of violations of Federal laws, was pursued by the Department of Justice after it was made public by the media. The case was won and sentences prepared to be imposed against the New Black Panther members involved (as reported by multiple news agencies), when Attorney General of the United States Eric Holder dropped the case.
Since that time (May 29, 2009), noted civil rights lawyer, activist, and self-acknowledged Liberal Bartle Bull, a witness of the incident has denounced the dismissal of the case. Former DOJ lawyer J. Christian Adams - who has spent years working voter intimidation cases - has recently come before the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights to state that the New Black Panther Party case was dropped due to an Obama Administration guidance (via Eric Holder) to essentially ignore incidents where people of color are in violation of voter intimidation laws.
Given the facts as they are known, this is an outrage. The Rights of American citizens to vote has been impaired, and it appears that the DOJ is willing to support such denial of Rights based solely on the skin color of those involved.
Yet given these facts, witnesses, a whistleblower. and a open and shut case Congress has essentially avoided comment. In my research I have only found comment from Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA) on this matter. More to the point, I have not found comment from any of the New York elected federal officials.
Thus I ask the following questions of you all.
1) Do you believe that the New Black Panther Party violated the voter intimidation laws?
2) Do you believe the case, won by the DOJ, should have been dropped? If so, why?
3) Do you agree that voter intimidation can only be enacted by Whites against people of color, as Former DOJ lawyer J. Christian Adams has stated is the implicit policy of the DOJ under Eric Holder?
4) If you do not agree, when was your first public statement in disagreement?
5) If you do not agree, when did you address this issue in the Congress?
6) If you do not agree, what action are you involved with to prevent such actions and policy from continuing?
These are simple questions, and while election years politics generally motivates ambiguous responses I look forward to simple answers.
Be advised that this letter is being sent to each of those named above. In addition this letter will be found at www.mvass.com among other sources available to the public. ANY AND ALL RESPONSES WILL BE PROVIDED TO THE PUBLIC VERBATIM. If you prefer, I am also willing to record your responses via phone or in-person press interviews.
Thank you for your time and attention to this constituent concern.
Sincerely
Michael Vass
President - M V Consulting, Inc.
info@vassconsult.com
** To contact the New York elected officials mentioned, here are their email addresses I have contacted them at.
http://gillibrand.senate.gov/contact/
http://schumer.senate.gov/new_website/contactchuck.cfm
http://www.house.gov/hinchey/zipauth.shtml
World Cup controversy - America denied win
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Written by Black Entertainment USA
This is incredible. There is no question that Team USA played poorly in the first half of the match against Group C rival Slovenia. Equally there is no question that the pace of the game stepped up in the second half.
After a rallying goal at 47:33 in the second half by Landon Donovan, the USA was down 2-1 versus Slovenia. It was no simple task for America to make up the second gola while denying Slovenia another goal. But in the 81st minute Michael Bradley evened up the score. With time left Team USA was eager to win.
That’s when things get very odd. Already there had been plays (in the 40th and 68th minutes) that were against the USA that were questionable. But in the 85th minute America had a significant chance to win. Off of a free kick outside the penalty box, Maurice Edu kicked in the winning goal. Then it was denied.
This was a shocking call. The cause given was offsides. But neither Edu nor any American was offsides. Every angle of replay has shown this.
Worse, was the fact that if a referee was paying so close attention to the players being offsides then they could NOT have missed Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley being held (Bradley actually being put into a headlock). Each of those offenses should have been worthy of a penalty kick alone. But neither player received the call they deserved to have been granted.
Thus the outcome was a mystery call without justification, a denied winning goal, a denial of 2 additional penalty kicks and potentially 2 more points. Considering the Group C points it is very possible that America will be out of advancing to the knockout Round of 16. All because of the referee.
Why does the USA continuosly suffer from horrendous call from referees in the World Cup? Politics? In a post-Bush America the world was supposed to embrace President Obama, and he has made every effort to apologize to everyone (except our allies). So that should not be it.
Is it a general anti-American sentiment. That’s been a problem in the world since the 1950’s, but it shouldn’t have been a factor. Could it be that the referee was paid off? Doubtful. FIFA is careful to ensure that the referees are not tainted (except for the world cup in France - but then again the rumor is France bought the opposing team not the referees).
Whatever the reason, the outcome is the same. Outrage. It was a deplorable action with far reaching ramification. The world of soccer has been shown it’s dark side, and once again that shadow fall on the USA. But maybe this time the rest of FIFA and the world will make a comment.
Feds refuse to obey law - blame Arizona
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Submitted by Breaking News Blog
Written by VASS
The most shocking news was announced at 1pm today. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has announced, via John Morton, it is considering NOT acting on illegal aliens sent to it by the State of Arizona. In effect it is a federal agency that is promising to willfully ignore federal law, solely because John Morton disagrees with the Arizona Immigration Law.
Imagine that. A non-elected official is now effectively dictating public policy for the nation, based on his whim and the political ideology of the President. When has that ever been the case in America?
What right does a Government Agency have in picking and choosing the laws it will abide by? What right gives them the option of selecting where and how they will support the American people?
John Morton believes, like Eric Holder and Janet Napalitano (who have not read the 10 page Arizona Immigration Law), that the Arizona law is bad. A law passed by the people of Arizona, and signed by the Governor of Arizona with the support of the people. John Morton, in his position as a member of the federal government dedicated to enforcing the laws of the nation, knows better than a State of over 6.5 million people acting in a legal democratic process that the nation is based upon.
Some would say this is a sign of problems for this nation. Some would say that when Government officials act to supercede the will of the people of the nation, democracy is dying. Some would say that Government officials, acting without knowledge, imposing their will on Americans is more akin to autocratic governments than a representative system we have been taught in schools and demonstrate each November on Election Day.
Perhaps even more troubling is the fact that this news is not being shared at this moment. On MSNBC, not a single word was heard about this. On that cable news outlet the discussion was on a new book decalring the success of President Obama, and attributing the rise in the stock market to Senate approval of the new banking regulations (not the fact that unemployment levels decreased in 34 States). At the time this was being written YAHOO had no indication of the news as well. Why is this not being presented to the public?
This is troubling news, no matter the opinion of the Arizona Immigration Law. If the Government can choose which law it will enforce, if it can choose where it will enforce laws, where has democracy gone? What will a Government like that do next? Who will it favor and who will it abuse? Will you even know until the actions of a Government like that affects you and your family?
Should we blame Arizona, as many Liberals, Democrats, the Obama Administration, and the Mexican Government have done? Or should we notice what the Arizona Immigration Law is highlighting about our Government right now?
Michael Vass commentary on L.A. Boycott, the Mexican President, and Arizona immigration law
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Written by VASS
Here are some facts and conclusions based on recent events and threats about the Arizona Immigration Law (SB 1070). Sometimes it’s better to see and hear a thing than to read it.
Mexican President Calderon won’t admit this, but it’s obvious. The Obama Administration won’t explain their position, but they can’t seem to stop themselves from giving opinions. The Los Angeles City Council wants to bully an entire State, without the balls to stand by their convictions.
Given all these things, what seems more dangerous, more deceitful, more of a problem, Arizona and the 60% of Americans that agree with SB 1070 or the few that oppose it based on their political ideals without knowledge of what it states?
New Generation Biofuels Signs Sales Deal With Energy Management Company
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Submitted by DTN Ethanol Blog
New Generation Biofuels Holdings, Inc. on Tuesday announced that it has signed a sales and marketing agent contract with DD&J, LLC., a fuels and energy management company based in Columbia, Maryland.
RFA Chief Asks for Volatility Waiver
Cell Therapeutics Dilutes Shareholder Value (CTIC)
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Submitted by BioHealth Investor Blog
Cell Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: CTIC) recently decided to exchange up to 60 million shares of its common stock for $30 million of notes. Liquidity crisis at the company continues to remain a major concern for us. Earlier, in April 2010, the company raised $18.5 million through preferred stock and warrants.
Although Cell Therapeutics has taken several steps to reduce the burn rate, its cash crunch will continue for the time being. During 2009, Cell Therapeutics reduced its debt burden considerably. However, the company’s policy to reduce debt level by converting into common stock dilutes shareholder value.
The liquidity crisis at Cell Therapeutics has become more prominent since its New Drug Application for lead candidate, Pixuvri was denied. The company has been seeking approval for the drug to treat relapsed or refractory aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) in patients who have not responded to other treatment options.
In April 2010, the company received a complete response letter for Pixuvri from the US Food and Drug Administration. The company will be required to conduct additional trials, the roadmap for which will be decided in consultation with the FDA.
Following the setback for Pixuvri, Cell Therapeutics reduced its workforce by 36 employees. The reduction in staff strength along with the elimination of other planned expenses is likely to result in savings of about $16 million in 2010. The company expects operating expenses for 2010 to be approximately $60 million, a 21% reduction from its earlier projection.
Apart from Pixuvri, the company has other pipeline candidates as well. With the advancement of the pipeline, additional funds are required to support the various programs.
Current investor focus is primarily on the future course of action that Cell Therapeutics takes for Pixuvri. We are Neutral on the stock.
Close: CTIC closed up 0.5% at $0.4625 today, but shares were up over $0.50 early this morning.
Amgen and the War on Bone Tumors (AMGN)
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Submitted by BioHealth Investor Blog
Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ: AMGN) has submitted a BLA, a Biologics License Application, to the U.S. FDA for denosumab. The BLA submission summarizes trial data as a “clinical experience from nearly 6,900 patients across 18 clinical studies” including approximately 5,700 patients with advanced cancer in the three, pivotal, Phase 3, head-to-head trials versus Zometa® (zoledronic acid).
Denosumab is a subcutaneous RANK Ligand inhibitor and the aim here is to slow or stop he spread of tumors into the skeleton. Bone metastasesis a serious concern for many patients with advanced cancer.
If cancer reaches into the bone structure, the growing cancer cells weaken and destroy the bone around the tumor. After that occurs, patients can end up with easy fractures, spinal cord compression, and/or the need to receive radiation or surgery to bone.
The RANK/RANKL pathway is believed to play a central role in cancer-induced bone destruction, regardless of cancer type. Denosumab is the first therapy to target this important pathway.
Amgen said that it intends to submit marketing applications in the European Union, Switzerland, Canada and Australia, and also in Japan, all in a short period of time, with its licensing partner, Daiichi-Sankyo, under a collaboration and license agreement for the development and commercialization of denosumab in Japan.
This BLA represents the second marketing application for denosumab that has been submitted to FDA; denosumab is currently being reviewed under the trade name Prolia™ for conditions related to bone loss. For that application, the FDA has set a corresponding Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) action date of July 25, 2010.
Roger M. Perlmutter, M.D., Ph.D., EVP ofR&D said, “We believe that denosumab will offer substantial benefit to cancer patients suffering from bony metastases. Denosumab, administered monthly as a 120 mg dose subcutaneously, demonstrated consistently similar or greater efficacy in clinical trials when compared to zolendronic acid, offering the potential to improve on the current standard of care. One potential advantage of denosumab is that dose adjustments resulting from declining renal function are not necessary.”
Amgen shares closed down 2.25% at $54.63 (unofficial closing bell price) on only about 4.8 million shares.
JON C. OGG
Ikaria: BioHealth IPO with Profits and Revenues
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Submitted by BioHealth Investor Blog
The newest initial public offering in the realm of biotech and biohealth has just been filed by a company called Ikaria Inc. While terms were not disclosed, it plans to sell up to $200 million in common stock per the SEC filing.
The New Jersey-based biotherapeutics company plans to take the ticker “IKAR” on NASDAQ. The underwriting group is rather large: Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Credit Suisse, Lazard Capital Markets, Cowen & Co., and Wedbush PacGrow Life Sciences.
Unlike many BioHealth pre-public companies which file to come public, Ikaria has revenues. 2009 sales were $274 million. The company also had had net income of $13 million and EBITDA of $109 million in 2009.
Ikaria is focused on developing and commercializing new therapeutics and interventions designed to meet the significant unmet medical needs of critically ill patients.
Its net sales are generated from INOtherapy, most of which come from the medical gas called Inomax used to treat a certain type of respiratory failure and is approved for hypoxic respiratory failure in term-infants and in premature infants. INOtherapy is sold in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Australia, Mexico and Japan. Inomax is also in clinical trials for other indications.
Other focal areas are Hepatorenal Syndrome, where kidneys start to fail, as well as treating post heart attack patients.
OTHER PROPOSED TREATMENTS:
- LUCASSIN, a Terlipressin/vasopressin receptor agonist, is for Hepatorenal Syndrome Type 1 with a pivotal phase III expected to start in 2010;
- IK-5001, a sodium alginate and calcium gluconate/mechanical support of infarcted heart muscle, targeted for cardiac remodeling and subsequent congestive heart failure following a heart attack with an expected Pivotal phase II/III expected to commence in 2011.
- IK-1001, a sodium sulfide to treat conditions characterized by tissue ischemia is in the clinical program in planning stage.
- IK-6001, is a Fibrinogen Bb15-42/anti-inflammatory indicated for conditions characterized by vascular leakage and is in pre-clinical stages.
JON C. OGG
NicOx: When Hell Breaks Loose in Foreign Stocks
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Submitted by BioHealth Investor Blog
NicOx S.A. (NYSE Euronext Paris: COX) is not a US company and only has a Pink Sheet listing. Generally we do not cover such issues, but this is one of the instances where it is merited.
Today the company’s shares were dealt a serious blow after the company confirmed that the Joint Advisory Committees of the U.S. FDA, including the Arthritis Drugs Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee, voted against the approval of naproxcinod in the war against osteoarthritis.
It wasn’t exactly a close vote. 16 to 1, and one abstention. Ouch.
The Joint Committee said that they did not have sufficient evidence at this time to support the approval of naproxcinod for the relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis. The press release noted that “there was enthusiasm for the potential of naproxcinod but more data was required from additional safety studies.”
The data included included 35 clinical studies involving more than 6,500 subjects; and the NDA file contained data from three pivotal Phase III studies, which the company said all met the co-primary efficacy endpoints.
While the FDA is not required to follow the panel recommendation and while a final decision is due on or before June 24, 2010, a vote of 16-1-1- is a hell of an endorsement against an approval.
Naproxcinod is NicOx’s lead investigational compound and the first in a new class of anti-inflammatory agents known as CINODs (Cyclooxygenase- Inhibiting Nitric Oxide Donators). The NDA was filed in December 2009 and the company said “is supported by data from a large program of 35 clinical trials that involved more than 6,500 subjects. The program evaluated the efficacy of naproxcinod in relieving signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis, as well as its safety, with particular care given to its effect on blood pressure.”
On the Euronext in Paris, NicOx fell over 44% to 2.90 Euro on over 15.5 million shares. Shares hit a low of 2.34 today, and that marked a 52-week low. This company has been public since 2001.
JON C. OGG
Chemistry of Nail Biting
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Submitted by Beauty Brains Blog
Chew-Chew says…How do nail biting and thumb sucking prevention products like Mavala work?
The Right Brain responds:
Products like Mavala that are designed to keep you from putting stuff in your mouth are based on one simple principal: if things taste really, really, really bad you won’t WANT to put them in your mouth. To that end, […]
Does Psychic Shampoo Really
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Submitted by Beauty Brains Blog
Perhaps no other topic bugs this side of the Beauty Brains more than the subject of psychics and psychic readings. That’s why I was outraged when I saw the Heritage Store selling products that were supposedly recommended by Edgar Cayce. If you don’t know (one can only hope) Cayce was a pretty famous […]
The Beauty Brains Blog
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Submitted by Beauty Brains Blog
Latch onto these luscious links…
Busy With Style explains how your purse can make your sick.
Home Spa Goddess loves the new summer vanillas more than most of us love chocolate.
Speaking of sweets, Kiss and Makeup thinks the Angel Cat Sugar Beauty Bag is tasty.
The Makeup Girl is all a-glitter over Gleam Cream. (No, it’s not toothpaste!)
The […]
