
?uestlove AIRFORCE 1'S

Downturn Will Test Obama’s Vision for an Energy-Efficient Auto Industry

President-elect Barack Obama leveled a stern warning at General Motors and Chrysler last week after the federal government promised them billions to help them survive: “The auto companies must not squander this chance to reform bad management practices.”
His writings and speeches on the auto industry suggest a keen interest in finding ways, including new technology, to improve the fuel efficiency of the cars and trucks that Americans drive.
But with Detroit in a fragile financial state, it is unclear how many compromises he will have to make in pursuing his agenda for the auto industry, as he juggles other priorities like providing a stimulus program for the broader economy. The United Automobile Workers union, which backed Mr. Obama, will want a say in the changes he envisions for the automakers.
And the car companies, which have long lead times to develop products, will need sales of big trucks and sport utility vehicles, which may pick up again as gas prices fall, to bring in much-needed revenue.
By all accounts, Mr. Obama’s personal interest in the industry stems from his interest in environmental issues, and he has a ready resource about how the industry operates in Martin Nesbitt, a close friend who worked in financial planning at G.M.
Mr. Obama delivered his clearest prescription to the automobile industry in May 2007, when he appeared at Cobo Convention Center in downtown Detroit before an audience of 2,000 auto industry executives.
In a speech to the Economic Club of Detroit, Mr. Obama said the Big Three had done little to lessen the nation’s dependence on foreign oil and needed to improve their vehicles’ fuel efficiency.
“The auto industry’s refusal to act for so long has left it mired in a predicament for which there is no easy way out,” Mr. Obama said.
He added, “For years, while foreign competitors were investing in more fuel-efficient technology for their vehicles, American automakers were spending their time investing in bigger, faster cars. And whenever an attempt was made to raise our fuel efficiency standards, the auto companies would lobby furiously against it.”
He suggested initiatives similar to the legislation he had introduced in Congress, and which he emphasized in his campaign. They included a 4 percent annual increase in the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards, equal to about one mile per gallon a year, and incentives for the companies to develop more fuel-efficient cars.
Mr. Obama said he would provide up to $3 billion to Detroit auto companies and their suppliers to retool their factories in order to produce smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles. Still, with gasoline prices falling again, it is unclear whether consumer demand will shift so dramatically to small cars.
Congress later included up to $25 billion for the companies for the retooling. General Motors and Chrysler initially tried to tap that money for their depleted cash reserves, before receiving assistance from the Bush administration.
Environmentalists say the speech in Detroit was a sign of commitment to prodding the auto companies to build more fuel-efficient vehicles.
“I think he gets it,” said Daniel Becker, director of the Safe Climate Campaign for the Center for Auto Safety, a Washington consumer advocacy group. “The speech at Econ Club was a brave one, but a thoughtful one.”
Mr. Obama, who received standing ovations at the beginning and conclusion of his speech, said he wanted to be blunt with the Detroit companies on their home turf.
“I’m making this proposal here today because I don’t believe in making proposals in California and giving a different speech in Michigan,” he said. His goal was “not to destroy the industry, but to help bring it into the 21st century,” he said.
A year earlier, in his 2006 book, “The Audacity of Hope,” Mr. Obama wrote that “fuel-efficient cars and alternative fuels like E85, a fuel formulated with 85% ethanol, represent the future of the auto industry. It is a future American car companies can attain if we start making some tough choices now.”
He also did not spare the U.A.W. from criticism.
“For years,” Mr. Obama wrote, “U.S. automakers and the U.A.W. have resisted higher fuel-efficiency standards because retooling costs money, and Detroit is already struggling under huge retiree health-care costs and stiff competition.”
With Detroit in crisis, there is little room for hesitation after Mr. Obama reaches office.
Once he takes office, the bailout will give him a tool to prod the industry to change, but it will also test his resolve as he pushes it in new directions.
Mr. Obama, after all, has been thinking out loud about the future of the American automobile industry for years, well before his presidential campaign began. He co-sponsored two bills in 2006, during his second year as a United States senator — one to raise fuel economy standards, and the other to encourage the use of alternative fuels.
Mr. Obama, after all, has been thinking out loud about the future of the American automobile industry for years, well before his presidential campaign began. He co-sponsored two bills in 2006, during his second year as a United States senator — one to raise fuel economy standards, and the other to encourage the use of alternative fuels.
His writings and speeches on the auto industry suggest a keen interest in finding ways, including new technology, to improve the fuel efficiency of the cars and trucks that Americans drive.
But with Detroit in a fragile financial state, it is unclear how many compromises he will have to make in pursuing his agenda for the auto industry, as he juggles other priorities like providing a stimulus program for the broader economy. The United Automobile Workers union, which backed Mr. Obama, will want a say in the changes he envisions for the automakers.
And the car companies, which have long lead times to develop products, will need sales of big trucks and sport utility vehicles, which may pick up again as gas prices fall, to bring in much-needed revenue.
By all accounts, Mr. Obama’s personal interest in the industry stems from his interest in environmental issues, and he has a ready resource about how the industry operates in Martin Nesbitt, a close friend who worked in financial planning at G.M.
Mr. Obama delivered his clearest prescription to the automobile industry in May 2007, when he appeared at Cobo Convention Center in downtown Detroit before an audience of 2,000 auto industry executives.
In a speech to the Economic Club of Detroit, Mr. Obama said the Big Three had done little to lessen the nation’s dependence on foreign oil and needed to improve their vehicles’ fuel efficiency.
“The auto industry’s refusal to act for so long has left it mired in a predicament for which there is no easy way out,” Mr. Obama said.
He added, “For years, while foreign competitors were investing in more fuel-efficient technology for their vehicles, American automakers were spending their time investing in bigger, faster cars. And whenever an attempt was made to raise our fuel efficiency standards, the auto companies would lobby furiously against it.”
He suggested initiatives similar to the legislation he had introduced in Congress, and which he emphasized in his campaign. They included a 4 percent annual increase in the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards, equal to about one mile per gallon a year, and incentives for the companies to develop more fuel-efficient cars.
Mr. Obama said he would provide up to $3 billion to Detroit auto companies and their suppliers to retool their factories in order to produce smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles. Still, with gasoline prices falling again, it is unclear whether consumer demand will shift so dramatically to small cars.
Congress later included up to $25 billion for the companies for the retooling. General Motors and Chrysler initially tried to tap that money for their depleted cash reserves, before receiving assistance from the Bush administration.
Environmentalists say the speech in Detroit was a sign of commitment to prodding the auto companies to build more fuel-efficient vehicles.
“I think he gets it,” said Daniel Becker, director of the Safe Climate Campaign for the Center for Auto Safety, a Washington consumer advocacy group. “The speech at Econ Club was a brave one, but a thoughtful one.”
Mr. Obama, who received standing ovations at the beginning and conclusion of his speech, said he wanted to be blunt with the Detroit companies on their home turf.
“I’m making this proposal here today because I don’t believe in making proposals in California and giving a different speech in Michigan,” he said. His goal was “not to destroy the industry, but to help bring it into the 21st century,” he said.
A year earlier, in his 2006 book, “The Audacity of Hope,” Mr. Obama wrote that “fuel-efficient cars and alternative fuels like E85, a fuel formulated with 85% ethanol, represent the future of the auto industry. It is a future American car companies can attain if we start making some tough choices now.”
He also did not spare the U.A.W. from criticism.
“For years,” Mr. Obama wrote, “U.S. automakers and the U.A.W. have resisted higher fuel-efficiency standards because retooling costs money, and Detroit is already struggling under huge retiree health-care costs and stiff competition.”
With Detroit in crisis, there is little room for hesitation after Mr. Obama reaches office.
BEATS R' US
Events....
click flyer for more info....Philly's Favorite DJ'S 2009 Poll coming soon!
LIFE OF THE PARTY PRESENTS
KICKIN OFF 2009 "THE PRESIDENT PRESENTS" The Night the CITY STOOD STILL @ Ms.Tootsies
Jan 9th reconition is a must, identify your social status as The President Presents "The Night The CITY STOOD STILL" Hosted by Trap st Productions @ Ms. Tootsies. also Birthday BASH for MARK TINSDALE AND LIL LEAK For more info visit www.identityink.net Yesszerrr!!!! click flyer to enlarge
Tags:
Identityink.net,
ms tootsies,
THE PRESIDENT
JAN.5th CALCUTTA,THE PRESIDENT AND LIL TROY PRESENTS

The bourgeoisie are members of the upper or merchant class, whose status or power comes from employment, education, and wealth. They are distinguished from those whose power comes from being born into an aristocratic family. With that being said we Officially welcome you to an exclusive event that will cater to YOU. Join Street Ball Legends Rafer Alston & Philly's own A.O and members of the 76ers and Houston Rockets as they host first annually NBA vs Street Ball Affair @ the all new ** Pearl Lounge** located in 19th & Chestnut in RittenHouse area Philadelphia Center City This month we will i like to continue our NBA Cares Program by holding our annual coat drive. At his coat drive we will encourage people to donate gently used or new child or adult coats in exchange for complimentary access to the event. Last year we were able to donate 107 coats to charity, this year we are shooting for 150+coats
GET THERE EARLY DOORS OPEN @ 9:30pm & **PEARL LOUNGE** LOCATED IN 19th & Chestnut St Rittenhouse Area 21 UP PROPER ID REQUIRED There is a STRICT DRESSCODE Sexy & Chic Only.Button up/ Collared Shirts Mandatory.No White Tee. Hats or construction boots.** No exceptions ** Comp Entry at Doorman’s Discretion SIMPLY** DRESS LIKE YOU WANT TO BE PHOTGRAPHED OR U WILL NOT GET IN
Jay-Z Gave Beyonce A Fake Wedding Ring!!!
Jay-Z and Beyonce like their bling but according to new reports some of it is too expensive to be allowed out in public. Apparently the ring Hova gave Beyonce when he proposed, valued at around $5 million, isn't the one she's been wearing. Star magazine reports that the rapper also gave his wife an imitation ring worth a measly $5,000 to wear day to day and when she performs. Beyonce is supposedly too scared to wear the flawless 18 carat diamond, even with the five bodyguards she has by her side permanently. Some say when you've got it flaunt but in this case maybe it is better staying hidden. You will understand this when you get older.....SMART MOVE JAY!!!
THIS FRIDAY MONSTARZ INC & JIBREAL ENT PRESENTS
After you get your laugh on come party at the 40/40 in A.C.... Click flyer for more infoYESSZERRR!!!!!
THIS FRIDAY;THE PRESIDENT PRESENTS MIKE EPPS LIVE @ THE TOWER
Laughter is the key that warms the heart… Change is the key that warmsthe Soul.Embarking on a new day we look to familiarity for balance. Ourpolitical forecast has dramatically changed for the better. Not only dowe have a president-elect with purpose, possessing ideas driven forchange, we as people can believe in a brighter future. This winterprepares you for Identity Ink's first foray into comedy as we present:
Comedy for Change/Ho Ho Ho Comedy Jam. This is the first of many futurecollaborations with Live Nation Concert Series. This Friday December26th at the Tower Theater (69th & Ludlow, Upper Darby, PA,). Join us aswe welcome a new group of comedians to Philadelphia. Reviving the scenewith resident performers from all walks of life and representing allregions of America.
Get ready to laugh, with a more democratic swag…
Directly from his tour of various cities up and down the east coast,Will "Spank" Horton has a lot to talk about. He knows first hand whattopics have been covered in barbershops and hair salons, and he is not afraid tosay it. With several appearances on BET's Comic View and over a year of successat "The Laff House's" Thursday nights, Spank has easily become thecities most recognized comic and party host. With both a military and comedic background, Earthquake possessesinsight into the political world that can't be compared. Born and raisedin Washington D.C. and serving time in the US Air Force before turning tocomedy, he has always been available for politically charged jokes.Appearing in HBO specials and more recently a reoccurring role on ChrisRocks' "Everybody Hates Chris" sitcom. We now welcome Earthquake intoAmerica's living rooms. Diversity, shift, difference, modification, transform, metamorphosis…All terms that represent our definition of change. Whether noticing lesschange in our pockets or a unified change on the horizon, these topicsare prevalent in comedic routines, before, during and after this year's election. The head liner of the Comedy for Change Show is morerecognizable for his standout movie roles that stay with you, even afterthe ending credits. With over 20 movies and countless television andmusic video cameos- Mike Epps is one of the funniest men on themicrophone. Beginning with comedy at the young age of 21, he revived theurban underground comedy scene appearing on many episodes of Def ComedyJam. His brash brand of comedy stems from Indiana, Atlanta, New York andL.A. You never know what to expect once he hits the stage, withlaughter- the best medicine in a time of turmoil.
Please purchase advanced tickets for general and V.I.P admission at www.livenation.com www.identityink.net and the chance to win one of three guest passes to meet and greet MikeEpps, and dinner at Ms. Tootsies Soul Food Café. This is a ticketed only event;please purchase as tickets will sell out. The Comedy for ChangeChristmas Show will create a new found sense of laughter within us. Celebrate the holiday season and the change you need in your weekly routine.
Identity Ink Marketing Group brings this event to you…
This is: The President and I approved this message!!!
www.myspace.com/215partylife
"Seven Pounds" No2 In the BOXOFFICE 16 MILLI
Will Smith's highly anticipated film Seven Pounds opened at No. 2 over the weekend with $16 million in box office sales.According to Variety, the blockbuster actor's latest film missed the top spot by just over $2 million as Jim Carrey's Yes Man debuted with $18.2. Despite both movie's high standings, each were reportedly expected to bring in at least $5 million. Chart watchers cite bad weather conditions throughout the north as possible reason for the lowered profits.
Looking past the weekend's turn-out, Sony expects Seven Pounds to gradually bring in more sales as time progresses.
"I'm certain the movie will find its way," Sony executive Rory Bruer told Variety. "We had great exits, and people like the movie. I think the long-term prospects are very, very good."
Opening in 2,758 nationwide theaters, Seven Pounds is Smith's lowest selling opener since 2001's Ali. Directed by Gabriele Muccino, the film co-stars Rosario Dawson.
In related news, the rapper-turned-mega actor is reportedly preparing to sign on for sequels to his blockbuster films Hancock and I Am Legend.
According to the New York Post, deals for both movie projects are near completion as Smith begins to make his way back to the big screen.
"He is ready to do both," a Hollywood insider told Post. "Producers are just trying to get Charlize Theron to sign on for the Hancock sequel."
I saw this movie last night its def a must see!!!! Will's best work my humble opinion....
www.myspace.com/215partylife
HBO Makes Deal W/ "Cocaine Cowboys," New Series On The Way
HBO has struck a deal with the creators of Cocaine Cowboys, the award-winning documentary that examines the drug trafficking trade, to be recreated as a drama series.According to the Hollywood Reporter, the series will chronicle stories featured in the film by closely examining the uprisings of Miami, Florida's cocaine trafficking.
The network has tagged on-screen big wigs Jerry Bruckheimer and Michael Bay to executive produce the project while "Cold Case" creator Meredith Stiehm will take over writing on the series. Produced by Warner Bros. Television, the project may later be picked up by local network WBTV for physical production if it becomes a hit. Based on the real-life experiences of criminals and drug traffickers in Miami during the 1960's and 1970's, the 2006 documentary offered viewers an inside look at the uprise of cocaine imports and violence associated with the lifestyle.
As a show of the documentary's popularity, Rick Ross created a notable mixtape with the same title, which featured other Miami heavy hitters such as Trick Daddy and Pit Bull as well as big names including Raekwon, Lil' Wayne, Fat Joe and Clipse.
www.myspace.com/215partylife
ANOTHER SNEAK PREVIEW "NIKE ACG BLAZERS"
WHITNEY HUSTON GETTIN SUED BY STEPMOM??
Whitney Houston has been sued by her stepmother for reportedly keeping the entire sum of her late father's $1 million insurance payout.According to E! Online, Barbara Houston claims the Grammy winning performer was responsible for paying $723,000 for her husband's New Jersey condo mortgage following his death in 2003. Upon making the payment, the remaining $277,000 was supposed to be given to her stepmother. However, the lawsuit states Houston has yet to shell out the agreed upon amount and, instead, has kept the entire insurance payoff. A rep for the singer was not able to return calls from 215partylife blogger by press time. No trial date has been announced. In related news, Houston's ex-husband Bobby Brown's unofficial biography hit bookshelves earlier this month called The Truth, The Whole Truth And Nothing But.... Revealing the story behind Brown's departure from his 1980's R&B group New Edition and what really went down with his marriage to the famed singer, author Derrick Handspike offers fans an up close look at the life of the renowned performer.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
































