Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

FakeNoose

FakeNoose's Journal
FakeNoose's Journal
January 16, 2023

I received a personalized email from my new Governor - Josh Shapiro

Wanted to share this with my friends on DU:


Kathy,

Tomorrow morning, I will be sworn in as Pennsylvania's next Governor and officially take on the responsibility of leading our Commonwealth into a bright, inclusive, and prosperous future.

But tonight, Kathy, I simply need to say thank you.

Thank you for standing with me as we’ve fought to defend democracy, protect our freedom, and build an economy that gives everybody a shot.

Thank you for getting off the sidelines and getting in the game. Whether you volunteered your time, donated a few hard-earned dollars, spread the word on social media, or simply cast your ballot for me and Austin, your contribution mattered and it made a real difference.

Thank you for tolerating the frequent emails from our campaign, and for taking time out of your day to learn about all that we stood for.

Thank you, Kathy, for being a part of this incredible team.

On November 8, 2022, Pennsylvanians said loud and clear that here in our Commonwealth, we value our rights. We value our freedoms. We value our democracy. And we value opportunity, for every single person, no matter what you look like, where you come from, who you pray to, or who you love.

Winning the election was only the beginning of our work together. Thanks to you and every single person who helped power this movement to victory, we have the opportunity to put those fundamental values into action and move our Commonwealth forward.

There will be so much more to say tomorrow, but for tonight, Kathy, I just want you to know how grateful I am for you.

Sincerely,

Josh Shapiro
Governor-Elect


I'm pretty sure I got on this list because I donated to his campaign. But I'm proud to live in Pennsylvania and to vote for such fine Democratic candidates as Josh Shapiro, John Fetterman, and our outgoing Governor, Tom Wolf.

January 16, 2023

Davos 2023 - News from the billionaires' party in the Swiss Alps

Headline: The Davos party returns, with the shakes
(link) https://www.reuters.com/breakingviews/davos-party-returns-with-shakes-2023-01-16/

DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan 16 (Reuters Breakingviews) - There’s a hangover happening in Davos even though the party hasn’t yet started. The World Economic Forum’s annual winter shindig in the Swiss mountain resort, which kicks off on Monday, marks a return for glitzy parties and high-minded debates following a three-year hiatus. A record number of business leaders are set to make the trip, and the passage of commercial, private and government aircraft through Zurich’s airport suggests overall attendees are at pre-Covid-19 levels. Yet the direction for the future – and those who will lead it – is more clouded than ever.

- more at link -


Headline: Davos 2023: Europe, NATO to build Ukraine unity in Russian no-go zone
(link) https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/davos-2023-europe-nato-build-ukraine-unity-russian-no-go-zone-2023-01-16/
DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan 16 (Reuters) - As fears of a new Russian offensive from Belarus mount in Ukraine, Kyiv's allies are seeking to forge greater unity and to ramp up support at the Davos meeting of political and business leaders, where Russians are conspicuous by their absence.

The World Economic Forum (WEF), which returns to its winter slot in the high-end Swiss ski resort this week, was once the deal-making playground for Moscow's tycoons but since Russia's invasion of Ukraine glitzy parties and investment meetings with Russian politicians, executives and academics are no more.

By contrast, a heavy contingent of Ukraine's closest allies from the Baltics, Nordic countries and eastern Europe, along with the European Union and NATO leaders, are all attending ahead of a crunch meeting in Ramstein, Germany on Friday that should see further sophisticated weaponry pledged to Ukraine.

- more at link -


Headline: Davos 2023: Global recession in 2023 seen as likely in WEF survey
(link) https://www.reuters.com/business/davos-2023-global-recession-seen-likely-2023-wef-survey-2023-01-16/
DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan 16 (Reuters) - Two-thirds of private and public sector chief economists surveyed by the World Economic Forum (WEF) expect a global recession in 2023, the Davos-organiser said on Monday as business and government leaders gathered for its annual meeting.

Some 18% considered a world recession "extremely likely" - more than twice as many as in the previous survey conducted in September 2022. Only one-third of respondents to the survey viewed it as unlikely this year.

"The current high inflation, low growth, high debt and high fragmentation environment reduces incentives for the investments needed to get back to growth and raise living standards for the world's most vulnerable," WEF Managing Director Saadia Zahidi said in a statement accompanying the survey results.

The organisation's survey was based on 22 responses from a group of senior economists drawn from international agencies including the International Monetary Fund, investment banks, multinationals and reinsurance groups.

-more at link -

January 14, 2023

2 men accused of stealing $1M from the Pa. Turnpike

(link) https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2023/01/13/pennsylvania-turnpike-fraud-e-zpass-tolls-million/stories/202301130083

Two men are charged with defrauding the Pennsylvania Turnpike of $1 million in tolls by buying and selling E-ZPass transponders, federal prosecutors said.

Duvany Zambrano, 43, of Hamilton, N.J., and Sergio Jara, 37, of Allentown, started buying thousands of transponders in Pennsylvania and New Jersey in 2018, according to the Department of Justice.

Prosecutors said the men registered the devices with false personal information and false credit card information, then sold them to New Jersey truckers who traveled on the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

Mr. Zambrano and Mr. Jara are scheduled for trial March 4. They are facing up to 20 years in prison, as well as probation and fines.


- short article, no more at link -

Wow, who knew you could buy and resell the EZPass transponders? Why would anyone pay more than the legal price?

(scratches head)

January 12, 2023

Spotlight: Here's what Gov. Tom Wolf will be remembered for


TYGER WILLIAMS / PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER

(link)https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2023/01/pa-tom-wolf-josh-shapiro-legacy-education-spending-covid-business-shutdowns/

HARRISBURG — Gov. Tom Wolf began and ended his eight years in the state’s top job with the same mantra: He was not a conventional politician.

Talk to his allies and opponents, and that reputation rings true in at least one way: The Democrat never demonstrated the enthusiasm for backroom dealmaking or hands-on horse-trading that some previous governors did.

“That part of the job was the thing he saw as a challenge,” said political observer and good-government advocate David Thornburgh, whose father was governor of Pennsylvania in the 1980s. That approach, in many ways, served Wolf well.

As he prepares to hand the reins of government to Democrat Josh Shapiro, Wolf leaves behind a long list of policy wins, from boosting education funding to legalizing medical marijuana.


- more at link -

Thank you Governor Tom Wolf! You fought the demons and pulled us through the darkness.
You've handled the job well for 8 years, and you've earned your time off.
Josh Shapiro will carry on from here.

We Pennsylvanians are forever grateful for your leadership and your service.



January 12, 2023

UPMC (Univ. of Pittsburgh Medical Ctr) to boost entry level wage to $18 an hour

(link) https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2023/01/12/upmc-mininum-wage-18-an-hour-employees/stories/202301120085

UPMC, which employs nearly 95,000 people, is raising its starting wage to $18 an hour by 2025 for workers in Pittsburgh, Harrisburg and Williamsport.

The entry level wage will increase to $18 an hour by January 2026 for hospitals, outpatient clinics and other facilities in southwestern Pennsylvania, western Maryland and New York by January 2026, the hospital and health insurance giant announced Thursday.

The wage hike will more than double Pennsylvania’s minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, which is also the federal minimum.

The announcement by Pennsylvania’s biggest nongovernmental employer comes amid a tight labor market in the region and median wage growth that reached a 25-year high nationally in November with torrid growth last year in health care jobs and nursing shortages. UPMC said the decision to increase wages followed “continual evaluation of the market” and builds on the system’s “reputation as a highly desirable employer.”


- more at link -

I think this is awesome news, especially since UPMC has been tarnished by the newsmedia recently.

January 11, 2023

Golden Globe awards 2023 - here's the list of winners

MOVIES

BEST PICTURE-DRAMA - “The Fabelmans”

BEST PICTURE-MUSICAL OR COMEDY - “The Banshees of Inisherin”

BEST ANIMATED FILM - “Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio”

BEST PICTURE (NON-ENGLISH LANGUAGE) - “Argentina, 1985" (Argentina)

BEST ACTRESS, DRAMA - Cate Blanchett, “Tar”

BEST ACTOR, DRAMA - Austin Butler, “Elvis”

BEST ACTRESS, MUSICAL OR COMEDY - Michelle Yeoh, “Everything Everywhere All at Once”

BEST ACTOR, MUSICAL OR COMEDY - Colin Farrell, “The Banshees of Inisherin”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS - Angela Bassett, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR - Ke Huy Quan, “Everything Everywhere All at Once”

BEST DIRECTOR - Steven Spielberg, “The Fabelmans”

BEST SCREENPLAY - “The Banshees of Inisherin,” Martin McDonagh

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE - “Babylon,” Justin Hurwitz

BEST ORIGINAL SONG - “RRR,” “Naatu Naatu” by Kala Bhairava, M.M. Keeravani, Rahul Sipligunj

TELEVISION

BEST DRAMA SERIES - “House of the Dragon”

BEST MUSICAL OR COMEDY SERIES - “Abbott Elementary”

BEST LIMITED SERIES, ANTHOLOGY SERIES OR TV MOVIE - “The White Lotus”

BEST ACTRESS, DRAMA - Zendaya, “Euphoria”

BEST ACTOR, DRAMA - Kevin Costner, “Yellowstone”

BEST ACTRESS, MUSICAL OR COMEDY - Quinta Brunson, “Abbott Elementary”

BEST ACTOR, MUSICAL OR COMEDY - Jeremy Allen White, “The Bear”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS, MUSICAL, COMEDY or DRAMA - Julia Garner, “Ozark”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR, MUSICAL, COMEDY or DRAMA - Tyler James Williams, “Abbott Elementary”

BEST ACTRESS, LIMITED SERIES, ANTHOLOGY SERIES or TV MOVIE - Amanda Seyfried “The Dropout”

BEST ACTOR, LIMITED SERIES, ANTHOLOGY SERIES or TV MOVIE - Evan Peters, “Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS, LIMITED SERIES, ANTHOLOGY SERIES or TV MOVIE - Jennifer Coolidge, “The White Lotus”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR, LIMITED SERIES, ANTHOLOGY SERIES or TV MOVIE - Paul Walter Hauser, “Black Bird”

(link) https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/golden-globes-2023-full-list-winners-2023-01-11/


January 10, 2023

Now in the Senate, John Fetterman's everyman persona scores him bobblehead treatment



(Link) https://www.inquirer.com/news/john-fetterman-bobblehead-senator-pennsylvania-20230109.html?query=Fetterman

What’s 8 inches tall, big-headed, and dressed chronically casual?

A John Fetterman bobblehead.

The junior senator from Pennsylvania now has a trinket that’s both caricature-ish and unsettlingly accurate, adding him to the short list of politicians with a cult following and a mass-produced character.

Available for preorder just in time to mark Fetterman’s swearing-in ceremony and National Bobblehead Day last week, the tiny clone captures Fetterman waving in his black hoodie and blue jeans uniform. It even has miniature replicas of his arm tattoos and a smile that feels both welcoming and like a warning to “mess around and find out.”


- more at link -

I just might get one of these!

January 10, 2023

New Pa. speaker Mark Rozzi wants 'work group' after slow session start

(link) https://apnews.com/article/politics-pennsylvania-us-republican-party-tom-wolf-religion-8b45de08cc916eefc4c46a874350cb7e

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A week after he was a surprise choice to become speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Democratic state Rep. Mark Rozzi on Monday canceled sessions for the rest of the week after failing to reach a deal on his primary legislative priority.

Lawmakers were brought to the Capitol for a hastily called special session designed to speed passage of a two-year window for letting some victims of child sexual abuse file otherwise outdated lawsuits.

But the House did virtually no business, and after hours of delay Rozzi issued a statement saying the two caucuses were too far apart. He announced he would create a “working group” of three Republicans and three Democrats “of varied interests from across the commonwealth to sit down and find a way forward.”

He said “statute of limitations reform” was his objective, “but we also must fix the workings of our government and find a way to move forward as Pennsylvanians for the betterment of Pennsylvania.”

Rozzi, who represents a Reading area district, was elected as speaker on Tuesday, breaking a deadlock caused by the two parties’ photo finish results in the November election. The speakership vote was 115-85, with all seven members of the GOP leadership and nine other Republicans joining all Democrats.


- more at link -

One of the Repukes who nominated Rozzi for Speaker has already turned against him and called for his resignation.

By the way, this special House session was called by outgoing Governor Wolf in order to keep a promise to Mark Rozzi, because mistakes were made when Rozzi's bill failed to pass both houses back a couple years ago. The issue of protecting children against sexual abuse has been Mr. Rozzi's main concern for most of his adult life.

Profile Information

Name: Kathy Hinsman
Gender: Female
Hometown: Pittsburgh PA
Home country: USA
Current location: Pittsburgh
Member since: Sat Feb 18, 2017, 02:16 PM
Number of posts: 32,833

About FakeNoose

Hey DU friends! Baby boomer here. I became a voter in 1972 when I turned 21, and I've been voting regularly ever since. For a long time I remained independent - always voting for Dem candidates. However that changed in 2008 when I wanted to vote for Hillary Clinton for President. But I live in Pennsylvania where we have closed elections, and my only chance to vote for Hillary was in the Dem primary. So I joined the Democratic Party in 2008, voted for Hillary, and I've never looked back. Barack Obama won the primary in Pennsylvania, as ell as most other states, and I supported him in the general election. It was a different story in 2016 .... You'll never convince me that Chump didn't CHEAT his way into the White House. The worst 4 years in the history of our country ensued, 2017 to 2020, and the first few days of 2021. We all lived through it and i don't need to explain it now. My goal is to make sure that Chump NEVER gets elected to ANYTHING again. Not even Dogcatcher of West Palm Beach FL. Whether he goes to prison is not up to me - but he must be CONVICTED of his crimes and PREVENTED from running for office again. Better yet - he should be in prison or six-feet-under. You get me? I love the cooperation, optimism and can-do spirit of Democratic Underground. We're a community of liberal-minded Americans and we know how to share our stories constructively and pro-actively. Let's all pitch in and get this job done. There has never been a more important election that right now, this year. Democrats everywhere MUST WIN. Joe Biden must win FOUR MORE YEARS!
Latest Discussions»FakeNoose's Journal