Corey’s Variety Ad

Digital News Report – America woke up Tuesday to the sad news that 1980s teenage heartthrob actor Corey Haim died Wednesday in what police believe to be a drug overdose (see videos below). Late Tuesday night his mother Judy called 911 and he was taken to Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, California where he was pronounced dead at 2:15 AM Wednesday morning.

Although no illegal drugs were found at the scene, police say it appears to be an accidental overdose (perhaps legal drugs). The 38 year-old has been battling drug addiction for the past 20 years.

On CNN’s Larry King Live a friend of Haim, Corry Feldman, said “he was very funny. He was tremendously funny.” He was the only person who could make Feldman laugh until he was in tears.

Besides appearing with Haim in the 1987 “The Lost Boys” and 1988 “License to Drive” films, Feldman teamed up with his friend to make “The Two Coreys”, a reality TV show on A&E. They began working on the show in 2006 and filmed two seasons before A&E ended it.

In 2008 Haim tried to make another comeback on-the-heals of his reality show with an ad in “Variety” that stated “This is not a stunt. I’m back. I’m ready to work. I’m ready to make amends.”

Haim did appear again with Feldman in the 2008 film “Lost Boys: The Tribe” and got a bit-part alongside Jason Statham in “Crank: High Voltage”.

Haims began his acting career at age 11, but it was the role in “Lucas” in 1986 that established his teen appeal. The next year, at 16, he took a lead role in “The Lost Boys”. After the filming Haim first admitted to using drugs. He soon went from marijuana to crack cocaine.

“For me rock bottom was I couldn’t look in the mirror in the morning,” Haim told ABC News Nightline several years ago. “I feel like with myself, I ruined myself to the point I was not functionable to work for anybody. Even myself, I wasn’t working”.

Feldman and Haim, Kirk Cameron (Mike Seaver in “Growing Pains”), River Phoenix (“Stand by Me” 1986) all hung out together during the late 80s. “It just took my breath away”, Cameron said speaking about the recent death of his two friends. Just three weeks ago Andrew Koenig took is own life. “It was a one-two punch” Cameron added.

Haim and Koenig join a long list of other teen stars that did not make it through middle-age. River Phoenix (August 23, 1970 – October 31, 1993) died from an overdose of heroin in 1993. Brad Renfro (July 25, 1982 – January 15, 2008), who stared in “The Client” at age 12 died at age 25 from an apparent overdose of heroin. Jonathan Brandis (April 13, 1976 – November 12, 2003), star of “Lady Bugs” (1992) hung himself at age 27.

By: Jael Kirk

2011 Ford Mustang

DEARBORN, Mich. – The 2011 Ford Mustang last week breaks new ground, cracking the record books as not only the most fuel-efficient Mustang ever, but also the first production car in history to produce more than 300 horsepower and more than 30 mpg highway.

The Mustang’s official EPA ratings – completed this week – certify that coupe models equipped with the 305-hp 3.7-liter V-6 and available six-speed automatic transmission achieve 31 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg in the city. The standard six-speed manual transmission is rated at 29 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg in the city.
“The Mustang engineering team aimed high and, through hard work, achieved fuel economy numbers that elevate Mustang into a class by itself,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development.

“At no other time in Mustang’s history – for that matter, in automotive history – have we been able to talk about 305 horsepower and 31 miles per gallon. The Mustang truly is a no-compromises sports car,” said Kuzak.

Mustang is powered by a lightweight, all-aluminum 3.7-liter dual-overhead-cam (DOHC) V-6 engine that uses advanced engineering to deliver its combination of power and economy. Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) adjusts the valvetrain in microseconds depending on driver inputs, further contributing to the engine’s overall efficiency.

The fact that Mustang achieves its top fuel economy rating with the convenience of an automatic transmission also marks a shift in conventional wisdom. Ford engineered a modern six-speed automatic transmission with carefully calibrated gear ratios and shift programs to maximize economy, while still delivering high-horsepower driving fun.

“Advanced powertrains like our Ti-VCT V-6 and six-speed automatic really speak to the future of Mustang,” says Barb Samardzich, Ford vice president of Global Powertrain Engineering. “We’ve proven that, using technology, Ford can deliver both power and fuel economy.”

In addition to engine improvements, upgrades to Mustang’s body, powertrain and chassis design contribute to the higher fuel economy numbers for 2011. Examples include:

New Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system eliminates the drag of an engine-operated hydraulic power steering pump
Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions allow lower cruising revs without sacrificing off-the-line performance
Aerodynamic changes include improvements like a new front fascia, tire spats on the rear wheels, modified underbody shields, a taller air dam and an added rear decklid seal
The new 2011 Mustang already has more than 11,000 orders. Half of all the nationwide orders are for the car’s fuel-efficient 3.7-liter V-6 engine. The 2011 Mustangs are also being equipped with record levels of technology, giving customers the option of choosing navigation, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps and rearview cameras.

The new 2011 Mustang goes on sale this spring and will be built at the AutoAlliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 198,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

EUFAULA, Ala., March 3, 2010 – A new Walmart opens in Eufaula, bringing approximately 140 planned new jobs, savings on a full line of groceries and an increase in tax revenue to support the area’s economy. Nonprofit organizations will also benefit from the retailer’s ongoing charitable contributions and support for community projects. The Walmart, located at 3176 South Eufaula Ave., will be open to customers at 8 a.m., Wednesday, March 10.

Store Designed to Improve Customer Experience
In recent months, Walmart has taken major steps to refresh its stores, merchandising and customer experience. The improvements have all come together in the company’s newest stores, such as the Eufaula Walmart.

The new Walmart features wide aisles, enhanced service and a layout designed to make the shopping experience more convenient for customers. Walmart aligned the departments that customers shop most frequently. The pharmacy, for example, is adjacent to food making it easier for customers to pick up their prescriptions while shopping for their groceries.

“The layout of the store is easy to navigate, which will save our customers time as they shop for everyday necessities,” said store manager Michael Reed. “By grouping the products that our customers most often purchase including health and beauty and pet supplies, we are making one-stop shopping even easier.”

A bright interior color palette creates an inviting shopping experience and helps define the store’s merchandise areas. Lower shelving creates an improved sightline and directional signage on every aisle helps customers find what they are looking for quickly. Walmart also combined the customer service desk, Site-to-Store pick-up location and photo lab in one area near the entrance. Customers now have easy access to these services, as well as associates on hand to help meet their needs.

Approximately 140 new jobs were created as a result of the relocation. Forty of the store’s associates have worked for Walmart for more than 10 years, including 12 associates who have worked at the store since its original opening in 1990.

Community Organizations Benefit from Grand-Opening Grants
As part of Walmart’s commitment to the communities in which it operates, $3,000 in grants from the Walmart Foundation will be presented as part of the grand-opening celebration. The following organizations will each receive funds to support programs that serve the community: Boys and Girls Club of Eufaula; Leadership Barbour and Main Street Eufaula.

Store Design Incorporates Environmentally Friendly Features
The Eufaula Walmart, like all new Walmart stores, includes energy-efficient technology and environmentally friendly features to reduce energy and water consumption and minimize waste. The store’s skylights harvest daylight and reduce the amount of energy required to light the store by up to 75 percent daily. LED lighting in the store operates 70 percent more efficiently than traditional fluorescent lighting.

The cement used in the concrete flooring is made with recycled materials, and the floor’s finish reduces the need for chemical cleaners. Low-flow toilets and faucets reduce the water used in the bathrooms. The new store also operates a recycling program and will promote sustainable product purchases.

Ribbon-Cutting Celebration 7:30 a.m., March 10
Community and business leaders, including Mayor Jay Jaxon Jr., will join Walmart associates at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday for a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Eufaula High School ROTC will present the colors. The school’s string band will also perform.

About Walmart
Every week, millions of customers visit Walmart stores, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam’s Club locations across America or log on to its online store at www.walmart.com. The company and its Foundation are committed to a philosophy of giving back locally. Walmart (NYSE: WMT) is proud to support the causes that are important to customers and associates right in their own neighborhoods, and last year gave more than $378 million to local communities in the United States. More information about Walmart can be found by visiting www.walmartstores.com.

Wal-Mart Press Release

NORTHFIELD, Ill. – March 10, 2010 – DiversityInc has named Kraft Foods to its “Top 50 Companies for Diversity.” The company moved up from DiversityInc’s “25 Noteworthy” list last year. Being among the Top 50 companies for diversity recognizes Kraft Foods’ commitment to and success in building an inclusive workplace.

“We’re fully committed to diversity as an integral part of our business strategy,” said Jim Norman, Vice President, Diversity. “At Kraft Foods, diversity is not just about gender or race. Rather, it’s also about bringing together people with diverse experiences, perspectives and backgrounds. As a result, we’re creating a culture that’s open and inclusive – a culture that’s driving business success for our shareholders, our business partners, our consumers and our employees.” Openness and inclusion is woven into how Kraft Foods does business every day – from training and mentoring to accountability in leadership objectives:

Kraft Foods requires diversity and inclusion training for every employee at each career stage to sustain a culture that welcomes and values individual differences.
The company’s 10 diversity-focused employee councils align their objectives with Kraft Foods’ business strategies to have greater impact.
The company develops strategic relationships with key external organizations to connect with diverse consumers and attract diverse talent to bring a wider range of perspectives to the business.
Kraft Foods links the diversity goals of each business unit and function directly to executive compensation to strengthen accountability.

“What I really admire most about Kraft Foods is how hard the company works to improve its diversity management and create an inclusive workplace,” said Luke Visconti, Chief Executive Officer of DiversityInc. “Jim Norman is a tireless leader who reflects Kraft Foods’ culture of innovation and achievement. His leadership in building a stronger mentoring program is seeing significant results.”

About DiversityInc’s Top 50 Companies for Diversity
Now in its tenth year, the DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity (www.diversityinc.com/top50) is derived from an objective analysis of submissions to more than 200 questions in four key areas: CEO Commitment, Human Capital, Corporate and Organizational Communications, and Supplier Diversity. To make the Top 50, a company must have more than 1,000 employees and score above average in all four areas. A total of 449 companies participated this year, up 12 percent from last year.

About Kraft Foods

The combination of Kraft Foods and Cadbury creates a global powerhouse in snacks, confectionery and quick meals. With annual revenues of approximately $50 billion, the combined company is the world’s second largest food company, making delicious products for billions of consumers in more than 160 countries. The combined company’s portfolio includes 11 iconic brands with revenues exceeding $1 billion – Oreo, Nabisco and LU biscuits; Milka and Cadbury chocolates; Trident gums; Jacobs and Maxwell House coffees; Philadelphia cream cheeses; Kraft cheeses, dinners and dressings; and Oscar Mayer meats. Another 70+ brands generate annual revenues of more than $100 million. Kraft Foods (www.kraftfoodscompany.com; NYSE: KFT) is a member of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Standard & Poor’s 500, Dow Jones Sustainability Index and Ethibel Sustainability Index.

Kraft Press Release

Digital News Report - More than 2.2 million Californians are out of work. Families across the state are struggling to stay in their homes and put food on the table. People are fed up with a bloated government picking their pockets, and they should be.

Californians want more jobs, less government and no tax hikes, and that is what I will fight this year to deliver. According to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, California has the fifth-highest unemployment rate in the nation at 12.4 percent, just ahead of South Carolina, Rhode Island, Nevada and Michigan. California has the highest income and sales tax in the nation.

The state’s business tax climate ranks 48 th highest in the nation, just ahead of New Jersey and New York, according to the non-partisan Tax Foundation’s 2010 State Business Tax Climate Index study. Additionally, a report released by the governor’s office last fall shows California’s burdensome regulations resulted in the loss of 3.8 million jobs – that’s over $210 billion in lost wages and benefits to California workers, according to the report.

State government needs to hurry up and get out of job creation’s way. Oppressive regulation and sky-high taxes are strangling California employers, and driving business and jobs out of the Golden State. invite you to visit www.cajobsfirst.com and take the survey to weigh in on Republican solutions that will help to put California Jobs First, and get people back to work.

By: Jeff Denham

Senator Gloria Romero (D – East Los Angeles) and Senator Bob Dutton (R- Rancho Cucamonga) have introduced legislation to prevent elected officials from collecting unemployment benefits after they lose or leave their public seats.

The issue recently came to light after former Rosemead City Councilman John Nunez lost his re-election in March 2009 and then filed for, and received, unemployment payments from the State of California, despite objections from Rosemead city officials. The city was billed $11,250 through September 2009.

“As elected officials, we are public servants who answer a call to give, not to receive,” said Senator Romero. “I am outraged to hear that an elected official would file for unemployment and I am committed to ensuring that this never happens again.”

Senator Dutton reacted with equal outrage when he learned Nunez received unemployment benefits when he didn’t win re-election to the Rosemead City Council.

“This common-sense measure will ensure public servants don’t bilk our unemployment system when they leave office,” Senator Dutton said. “California’s unemployment insurance fund is bleeding red ink, having borrowed more than $7 billion so far from the federal government to stay afloat. We must identify and eliminate all forms of abuse and ensure that only those who rightly qualify for benefits receive them.”

SB 1211 clarifies existing provisions in state law related to unemployment benefits in order to prevent both inadvertent mistakes and deliberate abuse of a system set up solely for the protection of California’s workers.

From the office of Robert Dutton

Digital News Report – In response to a request from my colleague, Sen. Dave Cogdill (R-Modesto), the non-partisan Legislative Analyst’s Office reviewed California’s global warming legislation (AB32) and found that its implementation by state regulators will kill private sector jobs.

Among the key findings from the Legislative Analyst:
Lost Jobs: More jobs will be likely lost in the near term.
Uncertainty: Overall job impact in the long term is unknown.
Increased Cost of Living: Certain individual businesses and households will be seriously affected.
Increased Energy Costs: Near-term prices of electricity, gas and other energy sources will rise.

Instead of moving forward with this job killing, especially at a time when California’s jobless rate is at historic highs, we should be doing everything to put people back to work.

With each study released it’s becoming more evident that California’s experimental global warming regulations will make it even tougher for our economy to recover. The only jobs California’s global warming law, AB 32, has created are government jobs at the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which is charged with imposing AB 32. In the past five years alone CARB has grown its payroll more than 50 percent.

By: Robert Dutton

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced President Barack Obama has declared a major disaster declaration for Calaveras, Imperial, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and Siskiyou counties after winter storms pounded the state beginning in January. This declaration will release federal funds to help communities recover from the effects of these storms.

“This action by President Obama will get assistance where it’s needed most. It will also help reduce a significant portion of the financial burden the storms have placed on communities throughout California,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “It’s important that we’re doing all we can to help these communities recover from the damaging effects of those powerful storms.”

The Governor requested the major disaster declaration on February 11 after a series of preliminary damage assessments conducted by representatives of the California Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the affected counties identified more than $59.1 million in estimated costs eligible for reimbursement by FEMA and more than $33.3 million in estimated costs eligible for reimbursement by the Federal Highway Administration.

The declaration, signed by President Obama, makes state and local agencies as well as certain private non-profit organizations in the declared counties eligible to apply for federal reimbursement for costs related to the implementation of emergency protective measures, debris removal and the repair and restoration of public facilities damaged by the severe storms, flooding, mudslides and mudflows that began on January 17, 2010.

Funds from FEMA to local and state government agencies as well as eligible non-profit organizations after a major disaster declaration are provided on a cost-share basis and usually allocated as work is completed, with FEMA paying 75 percent of the eligible costs. Under current state law, the State of California covers up to 75 percent of the non-federal share for local government agencies that are responsible for the remaining non-federal share.

Although state agencies, Indian tribes and private non-profit organizations that provide emergency medical care, power, water, wastewater treatment, communications, education and other critical government-type services to the general public are eligible to apply for federal assistance, they are not eligible to apply for California Disaster Assistance Act funds.

In addition to making the six declared counties eligible for federal reimbursement of disaster related emergency response, debris removal and repair and restoration costs, the President’s declaration enables local, state and private non-profit agencies throughout California with approved hazard mitigation plans to compete for funds under FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to reduce the risk of deaths, injuries and property losses in future disasters.

Hazard mitigation grants are provided on a cost-share basis, with FEMA providing 75 percent of the funds and the recipient agency responsible for the remaining 25 percent by using its own funds or in-kind contributions.

Last month, the Governor announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) declared a disaster for several Southern California counties, making affected homeowners, renters, business owners and non-profit organizations eligible to apply for low-interest disaster loans from SBA to cover physical damages caused by the severe winter storms, heavy snows, flooding, debris flows and mudflows that began on January 17. This action was a result of the Governor’s letter on February 11 requesting a disaster declaration by SBA.

The Governor’s Office

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Lance Cpl. Nigel K. Olsen, 21 of Orem, UT:

“Lance Corporal Nigel Olsen was a heroic Marine who put his life on the line, willingly facing danger to defend the freedoms we are lucky enough to enjoy every day. His death is a terrible loss for our country and our armed forces. Maria and I send our most sincere condolences and prayers to his family, friends and fellow Marines during this very difficult time.”

Olsen, 21, died March 4 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, based out of Camp Pendleton, CA.

In honor of Lance Cpl. Olsen, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

My 2010 legislative package contains a number of measures aimed at lifting the unneeded and burdensome regulations that have made California the most expensive place in the nation for businesses to survive (let alone make a profit).

California’s current unemployment rate stands at 12.5 percent; the rate in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties continues to hover around 14 percent. California’s economics woes are certainly the result of a global economic downturn that has been made much worse by this state’s anti-jobs business climate.

California and the rest of the country will eventually pull out of this recession, but how fast we recover is up to the Legislature. My legislative package aims to help businesses of all sizes by getting government out of the way.

My pro-jobs legislation would:

Purge needless regulations: SB 942 would require the State Auditor to review all regulations to determine which ones are effective and which ones need to be repealed and amended. This measure would also require all needless regulations to sunset after 10 years.

Provide greater oversight: SB 960 would require the non-partisan Legislative Analyst Office to review regulations adopted by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to ensure they are cost effective and technologically feasible.

Prevent risky plans: SB 1120 would limit CARB’s ability to establish a cap and trade program. Under the bills a state program would only be implemented if a national program is already in place or in alliance with the Western Climate Initiative Partners.

Protect worker paychecks: SB 1180 would protect employees by giving them the right to decide to join or support a union.

Properly analyze proposed taxes: SB 1160 would require a dynamic fiscal analysis of proposed taxes and regulations so that California policymakers and the public know the true economic impact of new laws and regulations.

Put penalties in writing: SB 1402 would require CARB to provide all businesses that receive a fine with an explanation of how the penalty was calculated. The bill would require all penalties and fines to be paid to the state’s general fund, not to CARB.

I will keep you up-to-date on the progress of these and the other pieces of legislation I’ve introduced or co-authored. Many people have talked about the importance of jobs, but many, especially majority Democrats believe the solution to California’s problems is through the creation of more government programs rather than private sector jobs.

Remember, it takes 25 private sector jobs to support just one government job.

True job creation measures will lift the regulatory burdens that limit the ability of private sector businesses to grow and prosper. My legislative package aims to do just that.