National Defense Authorization Act 2010 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' UPDATE

The National Defense Authorization Act 2010 and "Don't Ask Don't Tell" are two hot things on the agenda. While the lame duck session is nearing an end, there are many things that have yet to be resolved - such as the National Defense Authorization Act.

So what is the bill? It's the bill that keeps the government churning away. Without it, government spending on the military comes to a screetching halt.  That's why it's not really all that shocking that there could be some partisan back and forth as this particular bills failure to pass could be a really nasty thing.

Right now, there's a filibuster in the wings, which threatens the advancement of the bill.  President Obama has issued a statement revealing disappointment that the bill has not been passed yet.  For the last 48 years it has been passed, and without it - military families will be on the hook.

Everyone knows that the government won't leave the military hanging. However, this is a definite political gesture and game, and one that points out politics as usual.  President Obama has shown a willingness to compromise, giving in to some GOP demands in order to make headway in some of his desires.  He's been labeled a "sell-out" by the far left.

The filibuster is because a small group of senators oppose the repeal of "Don't Ask Don't Tell" which would end discrimination in the military dealing with sexual preferences. It's an executive order signed by Bill Clinton that meant that the openly gay could not serve in the military.

Maybe the National Defense Authorization Act 2010 will be able to pass before Congress Adjourns.

Funeral for Elizabeth Edwards Planned for Saturday

Elizabeth Edwards' funeral will be this Saturday in Raleigh North Carolina. Big crowds are expected at Elizabeth Edwards' funeral, which is public- although the burial is private. Many people are talking about the accomplishments of Edwards, who was known in recent years because of her husband's infidelities.

She and John Edwards, the former Senator and presidential hopeful, never divorced, but were estranged. John denied that a daughter born to Rielle Hunter named Quinn was his. However, paternity tests later revealed that the Senator who had two young children with his wife of many years was also the father of the young girl.

Now, many are wondering what will happen. Elizabeth Edwards died after a long battle with Cancer. She was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer the day after the 2004 General elections. The cancer was reported to have went into remission, but returned.

Only days ago, friends of Elizabeth Edwards told the media that further medical treatment of her ailment was futile. As such, her days were expected to be numbered.

The accomplished attorney will be laid to rest next to her son, Wade who was killed in an accident when he was 16.

Thank you Elizabeth Edwards for your amazing life and accomplishments. If you plan on attending the funeral for Elizabeth Edwards this Saturday, let us know below.

Dream Act 2010 Debate Begins Tomorrow

Dream Act 2010 debate begins tomorrow. The Dream Act would allow illegal immigrants who came to the United States to become legal citizens if certain stipulations are met. First off, they must have came to the US before their 16th birthday. Second,they have to agree to either getting a college degree or serving in the military.

This is a highly controversial measure. Many don't want to legalize illegal immigrants, and want to tighten immigration reforms. The Dream Act would add another loophole to an already lacking system.

On the other hand, the Dream Act 2010 would fix a "social injustice" by allowing people who aren't really American and aren't really their native heritage become American. This side of the argument claims that it's only the lack of a "piece of paper" that makes these particular illegal immigrants illegal.

The measure is expected to be brought to vote as early as tomorrow. This is a highly controversial bill, and one that some argue is detrimental to the country. What are your thoughts on the 2010 Dream act?

Elizabeth Edwards Facebook Page Bears Final Facebook Message Before Death

Elizabeth Edwards' Facebook page bears a final Facebook message before her death at age 61 of cancer. Elizabeth Edwards took to Facebook yesterday, after some friends told the press that her cancer was too serious for further treatment.

Her final Facebook message reads:

“I have been sustained throughout my life by three saving graces -- my family, my friends, and a faith in the power of resilience and hope. These graces have carried me through difficult times and they have brought more joy to the good times than I ever could have imagined. The days of our lives, for all of us, are numbered. We know that.”

Elizabeth Edwards suffered from Breast Cancer, and found a lump in her breast during the 2004 presidential election campaign. She was in support of her husband, who was running with John Kerry for the Democratic campaign against Bush 2's re-election. She was diagnosed with stage 2 cancer the day after the general election.

Edwards was sidelined later on when it was revealed that he not only had an affair, but also fathered a child out of wedlock. Edwards' little girl, Quinn, was born out of the affair between John Edwards and Rielle Hunter.

Rielle has not expressed any remorse for the affair. John Edwards' political career is over.

MORE ON THE JOHN EDWARDS SCANDAL, HERE.

Rest in peace, Elizabeth Edwards. The Facebook message she posted yesterday was a great final message, wasn't it?

FINALLY: Unemployment Extension 2010 - Almost Available, but No Tier 5 for 99ers

The unemployment extension 2010 is available, but still no tier 5 for the 99ers in sight. However, it's a good thing that the bipartisan agreement for an extension of both unemployment benefits and tax cuts is going to be passed as early as this week.

Still yet, it's vital to pass the extension, and the proposal will add an unbelievable 13 months to the amount of time the benefits are available. However, the move doesn't actually add time to the availability of benefits. That being said, 99 weeks is a lot better than 26 weeks.

The Democrats aren't very happy with Obama, mainly because the passage of the unemployment extension makes him required to break a campaign promise of raising taxes on wealthy Americans...

However, if it takes extending the Bush tax cuts to extend unemployment, that's a small price to pay.

However, there's no tier 5 for the 99ers in sight. However, it appears as if there's promise of an unemployment extension 2010 soon.

Could Julian Assange Arrested Conclude Wikileaks Debacle?

Could Julian Assange arrested conclude the Wikileaks debacle? The US, as well as many around the world are frustrated with Australian Julian Assange's insistence on leaking certain documents that have arguably caused a lot of worry to US officials, as well as our allies.

The founder of Wikileaks has been arrested on a warrant issued by Sweden, and was on Interpol's most wanted list.

Assange is accused of sexually assaulting two women in Sweden, and that's the charge he's being held on. He's currently in Britain, and will have a hearing on December 14 over whether or not he can be extradited to Sweden.

Previously, Assange claimed that he had an 'arsenal' of more information that he would leak on the site if he were arrested, or if his site, Wikileaks continued to have technical difficulties which many think are caused by hacks by countries who don't want Assange's information to get out there.

Now that Julian Assange is arrested, maybe at least for now the whole Wikileaks scandal will end. There's a reason some information is classified, and for matters of national security I think it's best if it's not out there for all the world - including our enemies, to see.

Celebrate Pearl Harbor Day 2010 - December 7 Military Quotes and Activities

Will You Celebrate Pearl Harbor Day 2010 today? Pearl Harbor Day is the fateful day when the United States was officially pulled in to World War II, not as an allied force but as a force waging their own war. The Japanese military attacked our Hawaiian military base at Pearl Harbor, and the events that unfolded was the biggest attack on US soil in history.

The Japanese, luckily for the US, did not successfully attack our aircraft carriers, and so our forces were still strong in the Pacific region. The events after the attacks at Pearl Harbor lead to our use of the A-Bombs in Japan. Since then, nuclear weapons have not been used.

It's a very important day, and it's a day that one should always remember. It's a historical event that changed the United States' history.

There are many ways to celebrate Pearl Harbor Day 2010. You can visit with a veteran, you can send a card to a veteran, and you can read up on the history of the day. In addition, you can also watch the film starring Ben Affleck titled "Pearl Harbor."

How are you going to celebrate Pearl Harbor Day 2010?

Kathy Griffin: Bristol Palin's Weight Joke Draws Boos from Military

Kathy Griffin struck out with the troops when she decided to poke fun at Sarah Palin's daughter, Bristol Palin's weight. Griffin really didn't think it through whens he decided to make fun of Bristol Palin, noting that she's the "only" Dancing with the Stars Contest to ever GAIN weight while on the show.

Obviously, Griffin didn't do her research. If she would have, she would have noted that Bristol's older brother, Track, is in the military. Dissing a fellow member's family is a definite no-no. Especially a younger sister.

And all that being said, weight jokes are a low blow, even by anyone else's standards. Recently during a New Jersey gubernatorial election, the Democratic contender made jokes about the Republican candidates weight.

The Republican went on to win. He's Chris Christie. He's well loved, and some even say that he's the GOP member with the best chances of beating Barack Obama in a theoretical 2012 matchup.

Bristol Palin kept her comebacks short and sweet about the matter - saying that the crowd's response spoke big about the whole situation.

Below see Kathy Griffin Bristol Palin weight joke flop.

Could Unemployment Extension 2010 & Bush Tax Cut Compromise Hurt Obama?

Could the unemployment extension 2010 and the Bush Tax cut compromise hurt President Obama's quest to be re-elected in 2012? Although the unemployment extension will give him points with the long-term unemployed, getting the extensions passed involved breaking campaign promises.

President Obama vowed not to raise taxes on the middle class - those earning less than $250,000 per year - but he didn't vow to do the same for the wealthiest Americans. Obama wanted the tax cuts put into place by President Bush to expire for the wealthiest Americans.

However, the GOP and the Democratic government were at a stalemate. Would they increase taxes on the wealthy, and use that money to pay for the unemployment extension?

Such would make sense, but that's not going to happen.

And could actually bending on the tax cuts hurt Obama? After all, it's yet another broken campaign promise. However, if it was the only way to pass the unemployment extension, that's great news.

After all, the unemployment extension 2010 will extend the benefits for a full year! This means there's not going to be a need to worry a couple of months from now. Hopefully next year at this time, the job market will be better.

POLITICS: Unemployment Extension 2010 Benefits Bill Blocked, 99ers & Tier 5 Woes

The 2010 unemployment extension benefits bill was blocked, and so far the unemployment extension has not been passed. However, there's indications that the Republicans and Democrats will be able to come to a consensus on the Bush era tax cuts, and so the unemployment extension should be the next thing on the agenda.

If the benefits are not extended and soon, there will be massive lapses in benefits, amid the holiday season. This is not good news.

In the Senate, a bill was blocked yesterday even though Senator Barbara Boxer read letters from unemployed constituents.  The bill would have had to head back to the House, but the Senate hurdle is far greater.

The benefits bill would have extended unemployment for one year.  It would not have added a 5th tier of benefits for the "99ers", or those who have been out of work for 99 weeks or more.

The job market doesn't show any signs of uptick.  The national unemployment rate went up during the month of November to a seasonally adjusted 9.8% - flirting with double digit unemployments.

The unemployed will keep their eyes trained on the unemployment extension 2010 and its passage. Hopefully the lame duck session will not pass by without an extension of benefits.

Bush Tax Cuts Extension 2010 Concessions On the Way?

Will the Bush Tax Cuts extension 2010 concessions come? The Democrats may cave on the issue of the Bush era Tax cuts, according to several sources. The Democrats have previously stated that they would only vote to extend tax cuts for those families earning under $250,000. However, they may vote for a temporary extension of all cuts for all incomes.

In reality, the cuts aren't actually cutting taxes - they are keeping taxes the same. The whole issue is this - the government has overspent their means, and the expiration of tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans would bring in much needed money.

Even Warren Buffett claims that he should be paying more taxes.

However, with Congress at a stalemate some concessions will need to be made. The Bush Tax Cut extensions will likely be one of the concessions, as there's no way the GOP is going to vote to allow the extensions to expire for the wealthiest Americans.

We will keep you informed about the 2010 Bush Tax Cuts extensions

Israel Fire 2010 Containment and UPDATES

The 2010 Israel fire is a horrendous disaster. The wildfires in Israel are causing all sorts of problems, and to a certain extent I am personally worried that Israel's enemies will see just how much devastation the fires have caused.

Despite the disastrous events, the fire is showing signs that containment may be possible in the near future. Cautious optimism remains in the forefront of the situation at hand.

The fire has claimed more than 40 lives. To keep it from becoming even worse, there are international efforts to stop the fire. Australia joined the country in their quest to contain the fire.

However, Prime Minister Netanyahu has announced that further aircraft coming in to Israel are not necessary, as they hope to have the situation contained by this afternoon.

The US knows about forest fires all too well. Earlier this year there were horrific forest fires in Boulder Colorado. California succumbs to fires on an almost annual basis.

Even though there is optimism, the future still remains guarded. Anything can happen with these fires, but we're keeping our fingers crossed that the Israel Fire 2010 containment will take place today.

Elisabeth Hasselbeck - Did Sarah Palin 'Use' Her?

Elisabeth Hasselbeck feels "used" by Sarah Palin - at least according to a report by Popeater. This sounds a little odd, considering that Hasselbeck has been an advocate for Sarah Palin on Barbara Walter's oftentimes liberally slated "The View"

Elisabeth Hasselbeck is a genuine person. Her political views are conservative, which gets her criticized by other View members such as Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar.

During 2008, Sarah Palin as a Vice Presidential candidate made an appearance on 'The View.' Elisabeth Hasselback was one of her proud supporters, and did everything she could to make the former Alaskan governor's quest to the White House successful. She even introduced Palin at political rallies

However, recently Palin slammed Obama for going on "The View."

On top of that, reports indicate that Palin won't even return Hasselbeck's calls.

Palin will, however, go camping with Kate Gosselin in Alaska. Hmm.

Is Sarah Palin alienating people that could help her politically? Do you think she's still the candidate she was presented as during 2008, or has she turned in to a 'typical politician?'

SATURDAY: Unemployment Extension 2010 Benefits Discussed Alongside Bush Tax Cuts

The 2010 unemployment extension benefits and the Bush era tax cuts are being discussed during a special Saturday session in Congress. The government is growing nearer and nearer to the end of the lame duck session, with very little accomplished. The Democrats and republicans are in a stalemate, which is rather disheartening considering that there are many things to accomplish before the new Congress convenes in January.

The Bush tax cuts expire at the end of 2010, and therefore taxes during the 2011 year will drastically increase across the board. The Democrats want to extend the cuts, but only for families above $250,000. The Republicans want ALL taxes increased, even for the wealthiest Americans.

However, the unemployment extension takes precedent - or at least it should. Consider this: couldn't Congress pass the extension, and then fund them using Bush Tax cut expirations for wealthy Americans? Of course, this is all too logical and that leads one to believe that it won't be part of a bipartisan compromise.

In the midst of the holiday season, millions of Americans are losing their unemployment benefits. This is not a good thing. Will the unemployment extension 2010 be situated by the end of the year? What about the Bush Tax Cuts?

Again: Unemployment Extension 2010, Benefits Ambiguous And Expired

Once again, the unemployment extension 2010 has expired, and continued benefits are ambiguous.  What does this mean? It means that there are millions of Americans who are going to be without their continued benefits.

This happened in May, and it was July before the benefits extension was passed.  This means that there were millions whose benefits lapsed, even though the benefits were retroactively restated.

Without swift actions, even if there are retroactive restatement of benefits there will still be numerous American families who  are left in limbo amid the holiday season.

This is troublesome, at best.

The Lame Duck session hasn't been very productive for Congress.  The Food Safety Bill was announced to be passed, only to be knocked back to the Senate for revisions.  The Bush era tax cuts are still in debate, and the Democrats and Republicans are at a stalemate on many issues. The House passed a tax bill that they knew wouldn't pass in the Senate - a move that Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell claims is pure political.

Speaker of the House elect John Boehner has also spoke out about the lame duck session, showing frustration on the right and the left.

If the government was a couple going through divorce, the rest of the country are the innocent children being negatively impacted by their decisions, living in uncertainty.

What are you going to do without the unemployment extension 2010 and benefits ambiguity?

UPDATE: Unemployment Extension 2010 Funding Found By Republican Senator?

The unemployment extension 2010 has been on the minds of many policy watchers, not just the unemployed. Funding the unemployment extension is the big question mark. The GOP doesn't want any additional federal spending without a corresponding increase in tax or cut in spending in other places.

So it's unlikely that it would be Scott Brown, the Massachusetts Senator that SHOCKED the world by being elected by the first red Senator in a traditionally blue state in many, many years would FIND money laying around in the government.

After all, we have billions upon billions of dollars of debt - we've got out of control spending, and Scott Brown has found what he calls "money in the couch cushion"

This is according to Fox News Live coverage...and of course sounds a little strange to me considering that less than 24 hours ago, major media was reporting that Scott Brown singlehandedly blocked the extension of benefits.

All finger pointing aside...when will the unemployment extension be passed? In essence, not fast enough.

Elizabeth Smart Case - Smart Storms Out of Trial (UPDATE)

Elizabeth Smart's case has been on the minds of many, ever since the Utah teen was found months after having been abducted at knifepoint. Smart was forced to live as the polygamous wife of Brian David Mitchell, who is currently undergoing trial.

Wanda Barzee, Mitchell's ex-wife was married to the man during the time Smart was in captivity. She, too, faced jail time for her involvement, and actually gave testimony against her ex husband.

Mitchell has acted odd during the entire ordeal, even going as far as to sing in the courtroom, which caused him to have to be excused from the room several times.

However, today it was Elizabeth Smart herself who stormed out of the trial. This happened as a defense witness, a psychiatrist, testified that the reason that Mitchell raped Smart repeatedly was to impregnate her.

The defense is trying to claim that Mitchell is mentally ill, and therefore can't be held criminally responsible for what happened.

Smart has come to the States from a mission trip in Paris in order to take part in the trial.

Hanukkah 2010 Calendar Available

A Hanukkah 2010 calendar is available, as it is the first day of Hanukkah 2010. December 1 marks the 5771 Chanukah on the Jewish Calendar ever, and notates the beginning of what is called the "Festival of Lights."

Although many focus on Christmas as the predominant holiday of the seasons, there are millions of Jewish families in the United States and around the world that celebrate "Eight Crazy Nights" of celebrations.

Here's a snapshot of the Hanukkah 2010 Calendar:

So what does Hanukkah celebrate? While Christmas is predominately viewed as a celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ, Hanukkah signifies the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrians in 165 BC and the rededication of the Temple.

No matter if you celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah, the main focus of the season is on family and togetherness. It's also a time to revel in religious freedom, and enjoy beautiful lights, whether they are from a menorah or a Christmas tree.

World AIDS Day 2010: Could A Cure to AIDS and HIV Be Near?

Today is World AIDS day 2010, and it's not really a day of celebration around the world, rather a day of awareness. So how is it that on World AIDS Day 2010 can you educate the masses, which at times appear to be a little apathetic?

Simply put, you can die a "digital death" to signify your desire to spread awareness of World AIDS Day.

Imagine this - Certain celebrities have millions of followers. Many celebs use Twitter multiple times a day, whether it's to plug a product or correspond with the masses. Imagine wondering to yourself "hey ... why hasn't Kim K Twittered today?" You find out about World AIDS Day and actually learn something.

Some AIDS trivia is as follows: The CDC reports the first AIDS case in 1959 in Congo. In 1983, it was revealed that HIV was the virus that causes AIDS. Approximately 1 in 22 African Americans will be diagnosed with HIV/AIDS at some point in their lifetime.

As late as November 23 it has been revealed that Truvada might be one drug that could potentially prevent HIV. There's still a long way to go to prove this, but if it's true this is rather earthshattering news.

World AIDS Day 2010 is important, but it's important to be aware of the illness that affects millions not only in our own country, but around the world as well.

TODAY: Hanukkah 2010, Unemployment Extension Expiration, & World AIDS Day

Today is a big day in world news.  First, it's the first day of Hanukkah 2010, it's the first day of the unemployment extension expiration, and it's also World AIDS Day.  Yes, my friends it's a really big day.

These are big times.  Of course, Hanukkah is the first holiday of the season, and it's celebrated by Jews all around the world - from the US, to Europe, to the Soviet Union - everywhere. In celebration of Hanukkah there's eight days of presents, and my favorite way to remember Hanukkah is of course to listen to Adam Sandler's song.

The unemployment extension expired last night, which means that as people exhaust their current tiers they will not be eligible for further benefits.  Many think that the whole debate over the benefits will somehow be resolved soon, but if that's the case I have yet to see any promising signs that the extension will be passed. This is disheartening to say the least. After all, this is the holiday season.

In addition, it's World AIDS Day. Stars like Kim Kardashian are living a "digital death" by turning off their social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter to raise awareness of the day. Actually, it did raise my awareness.  When I didn't get my hourly Kim Kardashian Twitter update I thought something was up.  A quick search on the Internet lead me to find out that it's World AIDS Day.

SO it's a big day in World News.  Stay tuned for further updates!