News and Notables

Mildew Found in Peanut Butter Plant

Break out the Lysol. Last year inspectors found mildew on the ceiling and other problems at a peanut butter plant. The plant, located in Georgia, has been linked to the current salmonella outbreak.

While the plant's owner maintained that the problems were cited and "for the most part corrected on site," a New York Times article list several lapses in cleanliness.

Citing an inspection report from August 23, 2007, the Times noted at least three incidences in which "food-contact surfaces" were "not properly cleaned and sanitized."

In an apparent response to the Times article, PCA released a statement saying, "When the observations were noted during inspections by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, corrective action was taken immediately where possible and subsequently when immediate action was not possible."

Another Day, Another Ted Haggard Sex Scandal

Them bones are just tumblin' out of the closet. Another man has come forward with allegations that he and the former New Life pastor had an affair. The twenty-year old church assistant was given money in exchange for not publicly speaking about he and Haggard's relationship.

The church also paid for the man's college tuition, moving expensives and therapy.

"This was compassionate assistance. It was to help him move forward, not a settlement to keep him quiet," said Rev. Brady Boyd, senior pastor at New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Hmmm. Sounds like shut up money to me. You be the judge.

President Pushes for Stimulus Package

"We begin this year and this administration in the midst of an unprecedented crisis that calls for unprecedented action."

"Just this week, we saw more people file for unemployment than at any time in the last 26 years, and experts agree that if nothing is done, the unemployment rate could reach double digits."

This is the picure President Obama painted during his first weekly Internet and radio address on Saturday. Obama's remarks about the current crisis served as a push for the $825 billion stimulus package to revive the economy. According to CNN.com:

The president revealed more details of his stimulus package, which he said would add more than 3,000 miles of electric lines to transport alternative energy across the country.

Obama also said the plan would save taxpayers $2 billion by making three-quarters of federal buildings more energy efficient and would "save the average working family $350 on their energy bills by weatherizing 2.5 million homes."

In addition the White House also released a report pushing for investment in Pell Grants for college students and $2,500 tax credit for 4 million students. The president wants to have the plan on his desk for signing by Feb. 16.

"Prayers For Bobby"

A personal side note: I watched "Prayers for Bobby" twice, once on the Saturday premiere and again on Sunday. The movie was good and definitely a step up for Lifetime, but at times was gut-wrenching to watch. I found myself reliving and reflecting on the darker parts of my own teenage years, so needless to say I could relate. I think every family, especially devoutly religious ones, should see this film. While it may not completely change minds about homosexuality, it could inspire more compassion and understanding. The movie airs again tomorrow at 9/8 Central on Lifetime.