I was a little bored and doing a some light reading over at PRNewswire.com and lo and behold, there were a few gems among the usual corporate dreck.
To wit -
...The Department of Justice announced "the Ingersoll-Rand CompanyLimited has agreed to pay a $2.5 million fine as part of an agreement withthe U.S. government regarding charges brought in connection with an ongoing investigation of the U.N. "Oil for Food" program..."
Ingersoll-Rand is a subsidiary of Halliburton. Halliburton reported revenues last year (period ending December 31, 2006) in excess of $22 billion.
Think they'll notice a paltry $2.5 million??
...The Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF) issued a release criticizing a report from the American Institute for Cancer Research as based on "sketchy" science. The report, Food, Nutrition,Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer, recommends, among other things, that people reduce their intake of red meat.
Earlier in the day, the CCF issued another press release, this one equating the report and its supporters to PETA.
The only problem with CCF's criticisms? The CCF is an astroturf lobbying group fronting for the restaurant, alcohol, and food industries.
Perhaps they should consider that they have a bit of a credibility problem, and a high volume of press release won't make up for their low volume of quality.
...The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) issued a press release blasting presidential candidate John McCain's health care proposal in a Halloween-themed release as "all trick and no treat."
Other prime Hallo-quotes -
"...he presents a health care reform plan that would bring the Bush Administration's failed health care policies back from the dead."
"...The frightfully feeble plan includes a Bush-like tax credit gimmick..."
"...Channeling President Bush, McCain also ignores the plight of the 47 million Americans..."
"...McCain ought to dress up as George W.Bush today, because he's clearly offering the same failed leadership."
No more snarkiness needed; I just wanted to use some cheesy quotes. :)
Note1: The NCSL release is drawn directly from a DNC release.
Note2: The Council for Affordable Health Insurance has a non-partisan summary of the health care plans of the presidential candidates here.
...and in the most poetic public service announcement of the day, Erie Insurance reminded us to
As You Steer, Fear the Deer
It was a gentle reminder that this time of year is the period when the greatest number of car/Bambi collisions occur and that drivers should be alert.
Not really a metro Phoenix problem, but northern AZ folks might find it to be good advice.
Later!
No comments:
Post a Comment