Monday 28 March 2005

President In Late Push To Add Daylight Saving Time To SS Bill

With clocks across American poised to be pushed ahead this coming Saturday, White House staffers and key Republicans are working against that deadline this week, as they seek to add Daylight Saving Time to the President's Social Security overhaul.

First suggested by Benjamin Franklin in 1784, it was not established in U.S. law until the Act of March 19, 1918, sometimes called the Standard Time Act. The act also established daylight saving time, a contentious idea. It was repealed in 1919, restablished during World War II and in 1966, it was standardized by the The Uniform Time Act .

Under President Bush's proposal, citizens who open up a private social security savings account will automatically get the Daylight Saving Time package, which also can be started indpendently.

The holder of a Daylight Saving Time package will accumulate two-hours (Spring and Fall), per year, tax free, and can be used in any manner they wish, without government directive or any type of fees.

Rep. Tom DeLay is pushing the bill in the House, indicating he'd "love to have some of those extra hours, without any government on my back" DeLay is currently under investigation for violation of ethics.

The White is working in the Senate with Majority Leader. Sen. Bill Frist. Frist, though supporting the measure, is attempting to attach a rider, giving an unspecified amount of extra hours to Terri Shiavo immediately, believing Florida official would have to abide by the bill or face Comtempt of Congress charges.

A bi-partisian group vows to block the bill, if it doesn't carry extra hours in the account for members of Congress. Insiders say the vote will be close and it's It's unclear if the President is seeking a new bill, or will have Congress draft a new Uniform Time Act



Red Sox To Remain At Fenway For Long Term
Seeking Eminent Domain Ruling for Large Chunk of Boston

In annoucing last week that the Boston Red Sox will continue to improve their historic Fenway Park, and remain at the league's oldest ballpark for the long term, sources to The Garlic have learned that this is contingent on receiving a favorable ruling as to taking a significant chunk of the City of Boston by Eminent Domain.

The owners of the Boston Red Sox have filed papers to take over the Fens, the Back Bay and about half of downtown Boston.

Charles Steinberg, the team's executive vice president of public affairs indicated that this is needed to compete in today's baseball market to "enhance the fan experience" as well as generate non-baseball revenues.

"We could go after the city and state for the infrastructure", offered Steinberg, "where we may get what we want but wouldn't have ownership of those properties. By taking these areas near Fenway Park, we can build it out as we wish and have the investment for the club for the long term".

Boston Mayor Tom Menino was stunned by the plan, as well as the news that the Red Sox have applied for trademark ownership of the 'Rolling Rallies'. Upon receiving the trademark, only the Boston Red Sox would be able to conduct Rolling Rallies and, if the are successful with their push for Eminent Domain status, they would have the right to charge fees to any party that wishes to have a parade, or rally, in sections of the city that are Red Sox-owned.

Officials of the legendary Boston Marathon have been in talks with the Red Sox, for a waiver, as the final segment of the historic road race travels through the Back Bay and ends in downtown Boston.

The Red Sox are reportedly backed by Major League Baseball, who view this as a test case. If successful, MLB may attempt this strategy in other cities to better leverage their teams visiblity.