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Under the Radar

By on 27 March 2009

Interesting development in Coleman v. Franken:

The former finance chief of a Texas company controlled by Nasser Kazeminy, a close friend of former Sen. Norm Coleman, said in a deposition last week that Kazeminy ordered $100,000 in fees be paid to a Minneapolis insurance agency where Coleman’s wife was employed.

B.J. Thomas, who was chief financial officer of Deep Marine Technology Inc., said that $75,000 of that sum was paid to Hays Companies even though he saw no evidence of Deep Marine receiving any consulting services from Hays. [...]

Looking through some of the comments the one below is a favorite:

How does a model/actress get hired as an insurance consultant?

I work in insurance. A very valid point has been made on this website – what qualified Mrs Coleman to be a highly paid consultant in a specialized field such as this? You can’t just walk in off the street and pick it up in an afternoon! That alone elevates the highly suspicious nature of this transaction.
posted by hcmn76 on Mar 27, 09 at 9:29 am |

Any other news item “off the radar” that you’re following?

TM NOTE: A heads up. After a call on Afghanistan this morning (analysis of Obama’s Afghan plan coming in a post for Sunday), I’ll be at a lecture by Karen J. Greenberg, the author of The Least Worst Place: Guantanamo’s First 100 Days. Check my Twitter feed if you’re interested.

About Taylor Marsh

Veteran political analyst and author of "The Hillary Effect - Politics, Sexism and the Destiny of Loss," now available in print at Amazon.com, and 1 of 4 books chosen by Barnes and Noble to launch their "NOOK First" Featured Authors Selection program. Former Miss Missouri, Broadway dancer, & relationship consultant at LA Weekly, produced & wrote one woman show "Weeping for JFK."
View all posts by Taylor Marsh →

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45 Responses to Under the Radar

  1. justlen 27 March 2009 at 12:21 pm #

    Off the radar? Palin announced the nomination of Wayne Anthony Ross for Attorney General. The previous one resigned over all the Palin ethics problems.

    Let’s see, this is a guy that has represented state legislators that are now behind bars.

    This anti-abortion gun nut drives around in a bright red Hummer with a license plate of “W A R”

    A couple of years ago AWAIC (Abused Women in Aid Crisis) held a forum at U.A.A. about what we can do as a community to decrease the amount of domestic violence in Alaska. Mr. Ross stood up and shared his enlightened opinion on the subject. He stated that the cause of domestic violence in America was the women’s equal rights movement of the 1970′s has emasculated men and thus caused them to beat their wives. To summarize – if women just stayed at home the problem would be solved.

    She truly is the gift that keeps on giving.

  2. Betsy 27 March 2009 at 12:35 pm #

    I just can’t believe that the people of Alaska really think she’s that great. She’s a real winner. Haha!

    By the way I posted a link on the thread below if anyone is interested in it. It’s about the Bush secret memos.

  3. justlen 27 March 2009 at 1:49 pm #

    Wait a minute, who was that standing next to Obama as he announced his Afghanistan strategy?

    Was it the ghost of Hillary? Must be, since we know she’s invisible.

  4. AnninCA 27 March 2009 at 2:04 pm #

    This is under the radar, but Feinstein is floating test balloons on not supporting EFCA.

  5. AnninCA 27 March 2009 at 2:05 pm #

    The minute he announced his “envoys” separate from State, I knew she was headed to oblivion, justlen.

    I do believe I was right on that one.

  6. kris 27 March 2009 at 2:19 pm #

    anninca -

    1) Is not under the radar. Politico has a large story on just that topic.

    2) Where in the world did Hillary go?

  7. kris 27 March 2009 at 2:27 pm #

    Where the hell is everybody??? I need back up here…..

  8. justlen 27 March 2009 at 2:45 pm #

    nah, you’re just fine Kris. Just laugh it off.

  9. AnninCA 27 March 2009 at 2:52 pm #

    Hey kris….I answered you on the pot deal.

  10. GeoT 27 March 2009 at 2:57 pm #

    “B.J. Thomas, who was chief financial officer of Deep Marine Technology Inc”

    _______

    I guess the music career didn’t work out….

  11. AnninCA 27 March 2009 at 2:58 pm #

    I gotta check in here more often, I guess. *haha

    I missed the drama!

  12. GeoT 27 March 2009 at 3:03 pm #

    AnninCA says:
    27 March 2009 at 2:05 pm

    The minute he announced his “envoys” separate from State, I knew she was headed to oblivion, justlen.

    I do believe I was right on that one.
    ______

    If oblivion is a highly respected stature on the international stage as a diplomat and heroine to women across the globe, then okay I agree with you. Maybe oblivion means something else under your hat Ann. Just try to remember that your perceptions (or mine for that matter) do not necessarily reflect reality, sometimes they are just our own perceptions based on our own biases.

  13. GeoT 27 March 2009 at 3:05 pm #

    AnninCA says:
    27 March 2009 at 2:52 pm

    Hey kris….I answered you on the pot deal.
    ___

    How much is Kris selling it for these days? :)

  14. kris 27 March 2009 at 3:06 pm #

    Yes ann – please do clarify oblivion.

  15. justlen 27 March 2009 at 3:12 pm #

    From a CNN article this week on the iSoS and discussing her 70% approval rating:

    “Since taking office in January, Clinton has been at the White House nearly every day, meeting with President Obama, Vice President [Joseph] Biden and other members of the Cabinet and national security staff,” said CNN State Department producer Elise Labott. “The secretary maintains close ties with her former colleagues on Capitol Hill and meets regularly with congressional leaders.”

  16. AnninCA 27 March 2009 at 3:17 pm #

    Oh kris…I think Medical Marijuana is legitimate. It may not please everyone, but I’m also for state-assisted suicide.

    I simply don’t believe in undue suffering. If anything helps, go for it.

    I smoked pot back in my youth for recreational purposes and then abandoned it because I did notice a lack of clarity in the morning.

    I enjoyed it. And then, when I got focused on grad school, etc., I easily gave it up.

    But I don’t begrudge people going through chemo ANYTHING that helps.

    Since my youth, I have experienced a couple of things that really changed my attitude. They are so simple that I feel foolish sharing.

    One was a broken arm. Omigosh….I had no idea.

    The other was a tumble down my concrete steps where I landed on my teeth. Again, OMIGOSH.

    Those experiences really gave me a much better perspective about people in pain.

    And….I was way lucky. The broken arm came at an age where it completely healed. I have full use. I met a few corky 70Plus gals who showed me..they still have limited use after experiencing the same type of break.

    The tumble down my concrete stair corrected my own habits. No more floppy houseshoes with runs to the garbage. No carrying up multiple bags. And use handrails.

    My teeth look great again. I’m lucky. I healed fine.

    But I learned not to discount the real challenges of those facing pain.

    I remember.

  17. whitepaw 27 March 2009 at 3:26 pm #

    Hey GeoT — OT.. but can you tell me the name of that local personality you know in Portland? Not Jeff G, but the other guy? Think he is in radio and does other things too, Thanks

  18. AnninCA 27 March 2009 at 3:32 pm #

    BTW, guys….this is a truly personal note. I really do try not to comment when I’ve figured out it will do nothing but upset you guys.

    I have a variety of posting spots. When I really want to speak out, I try to find an appropriate venue.

    Any “dramas” I create are due to misjudgment on my part.

    It’s humbling….but probably great feedback is how I learn.

    I’ve figured out to enjoy posting, then don’t be a troll but engage.

    Tricky territory, sometimes.

    I honestly think none of us agree with any of us.

    *haha

    We are all individuals, and we’re not too good at aligning common goals.

    That is because of the financial crisis.

    It’s been like 9/11.

    Devastating.

  19. justlen 27 March 2009 at 3:36 pm #

    Ann, even when we’re busting on you we appreciate your posts. It’s all in good humor.

    Never take anything on the Internet personally.

    also.

  20. Betsy 27 March 2009 at 3:40 pm #

    Well, now we have some more people here. Geez, I’m beginning to think I have b.o. or something.

    That’s okay, I’m watching the AF hockey team playing Michigan in the NCAA Frozen Four. AF is ahead 1-0 for anyone interested. :-)

  21. ogenec 27 March 2009 at 3:41 pm #

    Awww, Justlen. Ann, you may have other posting spots. But I guarantee you will never get that justlen love anywhere else :-)

  22. justlen 27 March 2009 at 3:45 pm #

    Ogenec, you betcha.

    also.

  23. kris 27 March 2009 at 3:48 pm #

    Thanks for the answer ann. Sometimes when I think I am not progressing enough in understanding also I have to call an audible and switch gears never looking back also.

  24. vintagejulie 27 March 2009 at 3:49 pm #

    I’m all for legalizing weed.
    I’d rather use it then the Welbutrin and Ambien that I take now. I know that pot makes me a much nicer person who can sleep at night.
    Even though I would rather ingest it then smoke it, but since I live in Arkansas and do not want to lose my son or our home I can’t partake.
    Instead I am allowed to take legal drugs and drink a cocktail every night to smooth out the rough edges.
    Crazy.
    I know.

    Hillary Clinton is exactly where she should be doing great work on behalf of her country. She is a true public servant and while we may not see her that does not in anyway diminish her or the job she is doing.

  25. justlen 27 March 2009 at 3:58 pm #

    God I am so glad I am in a credit union:

    http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/3/27/713649/-Citi-tried-to-kill-our-small-businessLocal-bank-might-save-us

  26. GeoT 27 March 2009 at 4:09 pm #

    whitepaw says:
    27 March 2009 at 3:26 pm

    Mike O’Brien “OB”… sports guy… he just sent me a new pic of he and his family. I haven’t seen him in years but we email once in awhile. A bunch of us started at the same TV station in Eureka Calif.
    He does Portland State B-ball play by play and has his own radio show, not sure which station.

  27. GeoT 27 March 2009 at 4:24 pm #

    justlen says:
    27 March 2009 at 3:36 pm

    Ann, even when we’re busting on you we appreciate your posts. It’s all in good humor.
    ____

    except for justlen, he’s a big meanie.

  28. justlen 27 March 2009 at 4:26 pm #

    you forgot the also.

    also.

  29. GeoT 27 March 2009 at 4:27 pm #

    vintagejulie says:
    27 March 2009 at 3:49 pm

    I’m all for legalizing weed.
    I’d rather use it then the Welbutrin and Ambien
    ____

    Julie: that Ambien has some crazy side effects like sleep driving. Joe Scarborough blamed Ambien when he said “F You” on air one morning ;)

  30. GeoT 27 March 2009 at 4:27 pm #

    also, also

  31. GeoT 27 March 2009 at 4:30 pm #

    kris says:
    27 March 2009 at 3:48 pm

    Thanks for the answer ann. Sometimes when I think I am not progressing enough in understanding also I have to call an audible and switch gears never looking back also.
    ____

    justlen is rubbing off on you…

  32. GeoT 27 March 2009 at 4:33 pm #

    Betsy says:
    27 March 2009 at 3:40 pm

    Well, now we have some more people here. Geez, I’m beginning to think I have b.o. or something.

    That’s okay, I’m watching the AF hockey team playing Michigan in the NCAA Frozen Four. AF is ahead 1-0 for anyone interested.
    ___

    who’s in he final 4 Betsy? I used to root for RPI just because no one has ever heard of it and they almost always have a good team. Maine and BC are always up there.

  33. kris 27 March 2009 at 4:34 pm #

    GeoT – justlen is rubbing off on me. It’s actually pretty interesting to try and talk like that.

  34. Betsy 27 March 2009 at 4:34 pm #

    AF 2 MI 0. Go AF!!

  35. GeoT 27 March 2009 at 4:38 pm #

    kris says:
    27 March 2009 at 4:34 pm

    GeoT – justlen is rubbing off on me. It’s actually pretty interesting to try and talk like that.
    _____

    I’m waiting for justlen to say something smutty (the double entendre)…. ;)

  36. Betsy 27 March 2009 at 4:41 pm #

    This game is the Eastern Regional in Bridgeport, CT. Tonight Yale plays Vermont. What is absolutely so great about AF is that they aren’t as big and no Canadians. Tougher to recruit because of grades, etc. This is the third year that they have been in the NCAA playoffs. They’ve never gotten past the first game, but they are a bunch of really committed kids. I know that Boston U, Notre Dame, Denver U, Miami (OH), Princeton, and I think Minnesota/Duluth. A couple of other teams but just can’t remember.
    If AF wins they will play the winner of the Yale/Vermont team. If they should win that then they will go to the final four.

  37. GeoT 27 March 2009 at 4:41 pm #

    new thread slackers…

  38. Betsy 27 March 2009 at 4:42 pm #

    And one of AF players is up for the Hobey Baker Award. He’s leading the nation in goals. Really a great kid with a great story.

  39. justlen 27 March 2009 at 4:43 pm #

    Sorry, I was busy watching the iSoS speech also in Mexico come up as the top story also on cnn.com every hour.

    also.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qophEpQuC9E

  40. GeoT 27 March 2009 at 4:56 pm #

    Betsy says:
    27 March 2009 at 4:42 pm

    And one of AF players is up for the Hobey Baker Award. He’s leading the nation in goals. Really a great kid with a great story.
    _____

    I love hockey Betsy, is the game on ESPN?

  41. GeoT 27 March 2009 at 5:02 pm #

    Betsy:

    found it: ESPN2-HD Western Regional 2:30 pacific time.

  42. justlen 27 March 2009 at 5:20 pm #

    Some of us are working and can’t watch hockey all day. You damned unamerican retirees.

    also.

  43. vintagejulie 27 March 2009 at 5:42 pm #

    “Julie: that Ambien has some crazy side effects like sleep driving. Joe Scarborough blamed Ambien when he said “F You” on air one morning ;) ”

    It does nothing crazy for me.
    My hubby was hoping for the crazy sleep sex effect, but all I do is sleep.
    Poor man.

  44. justlen 27 March 2009 at 6:32 pm #

    vintagejulie says:
    27 March 2009 at 5:42 pm

    You’re doing it wrong. You give him the Ambien.

  45. Ray 27 March 2009 at 6:48 pm #

    You give him the Ambien, also.