You Owe The President $20,000

Or, at least that’s what he’s saying. PLUS: Blackwater’s into drugs...Bush is sort of over these two “health care” and “education” things...Civil rights? More like civil wrongs...You probably have Chlamydia...and finally, we tell you how much really crappy TV is on the horizon. Today is November 14th, and this is Mic Check. You’re either in, or you’re out.

Celebration Excuse

Happy World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Day 2007

1889

Pioneer female journalist Nellie Bly begins her successful trip ‘around the world in 80 days.’ She did it in 72. You go, girl.

1959

The murders in rural Kansas that inspired the famous Truman Capote novel In Cold Blood, occur. Philip Seymour Hoffman is pretty much awesome, so toast his portrayal of the author in the 2005 Oscar-winning film “Capote.”

1991

In Royal Oak, Michigan, a fired US Postal Service employee goes on a shooting rampage, killing four and wounding five before committing suicide. And so goes the story behind the phrase, “Going postal.”

1995

A budget standoff between Democrats and Republicans in the US Congress forces the federal government to close, which was only slightly less work than normal.

Lots of Birthdays

1840: Claude Monet, founder of the French impressionist painting movement
1948: Prince Charles, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, son of Queen Elizabeth, and former husband of Princess Diana
1954: Yanni and Condoleezza Rice, One’s a famous pianist and the other is the 66th US Secretary of State to President Bush.
1964: Rev Run, one of the founding members of Run-D.M.C. and younger brother of Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons
1964: Patrick Warburton, better known as Puddy from Seinfeld, the Tick, or Joe Swanson from Family Guy
1966: Curt Shilling, Three time MLB World Series champion pitcher
1975: Travis Barker, drummer of the now defunct pop punk band Blink-182, and more recent reality star

Daybook

STUMPIN’

Mitt Romney fundraises in California
Barack Obama fundraises in San Francisco, CA
John McCain fundraises in Los Angeles, CA

CONGRESS

HOUSE

10 AM

The House (Select) Energy Independence and Global Warming Committee hears testimony from Governors Eliot Spitzer (D-NY) and Jane Napolitano (D-AZ) during a hearing on low-carbon energy and state leadership.
The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee discuss whistle blower allegations against the State Department and Inspector General.
The House Ways and Means Committee Income Security and Family Support Subcommittee meet on the issue of gaps in health care and their impact on income security.

2 PM

The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee National Security and Foreign Affairs Subcommittee meet to discuss the regional and global consequences of US military action in Iran.

SENATE

10 AM

The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee discuss ways to improve the Federal Climate Change Research and Information Program.
The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee meet to examine the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership and its relation to US policy on nuclear fuel management.
The House Judiciary Committee Human Rights and the Law Subcommittee hold hearings on human rights violators in the US and accountability.

2 PM

The Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee examine sovereign wealth fund acquisitions and other foreign government investments in the US, focusing on economic and national security implications.

2:30 PM

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Investigations Subcommittee meet to examine a GAO study on Medicaid providers’ unpaid taxes, the extent of the problem, and possible solutions.

TV

TIVO…

Oprah: “The Greatest Love Stories Ever Told,” plus Oprah’s favorite new book

The View: Former SNL cast member “Superstar” Molly Shannon, and CSI’s Jorja Fox

Regis and Kelly: Star of the new movie Love in the Time of Cholera Ben Bratt, R&B and soul artist Alicia Keys, with celebrity chef of Hell’s Kitchen Gordon Ramsey

Ellen: Canadian songstress Celine Dion, Former NBC anchor and author Tom Brokaw

STAY UP FOR…

Letterman: Heiress Paris Hilton, and Into the Wild’s Emile Hirsch (Rerun)

Leno: Comedian Wanda Sykes, August Rush star August Rush, and musical guest KT Tunstall

Late Late Show: Shark star James Woods, with musical guest Ben Lee (Rerun)

Conan: Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium star Jason Bateman, From the Sarah Silverman Program comedian Brian Posehn, and musical guest Plain White T’s

Last Call: (Rerun)

Kimmel: Comedian David Spade, and Brothers and Sisters star Dave Annable

Daily Show: Host of MSNBC’s “Hardball,” Chris Matthews (Rerun)

Colbert Report: Academy Award-winning actor Sean Penn, with author and poet Robert Pinsky (Rerun)

 

Eavesdrop

STEAL THIS AUDIO

How Light Are “Lite” Cigarettes?

Who: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chair Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), FTC Commissioner William Kovacic, and Dr. Cathy Backinger of the Tobacco Control Research Branch of the National Cancer Institute
What: The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee met in full yesterday afternoon to examine the accuracy of the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) tar and nicotine cigarette rating system and marketing claims of cigarette companies based on the ratings.
Why you should care: The FTC has previously admitted in Congressional testimony that its rating system tends to be a poor predictor of tar and nicotine exposure, especially in regards to “light” and “low-tar” cigarettes. This is because a smoker unconsciously overcompensates for the lack of nicotine with longer inhalation of cigarette smoke, which can actually lead to greater amounts of tar being inhaled.

The Audio

  • William Kovacic explains the counterintuitive effects of smoking “light” cigarettes.
    Please log in to download this clip.
  • Dr. Backinger notes that over a quarter of a century ago the Surgeon General understood the myth of “low-tar” cigarettes.
    Please log in to download this clip.
  • Dr. Backinger goes on to say that these inaccurate descriptions of cigarettes, and the advertising campagins associated with them were intentional, to prevent smokers from quitting.
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  • Sen. Lautenberg talks about when he began smoking. The military made him do it.
    Please log in to download this clip.
  • And Sen. Lautenberg goes on to explain what his daughter said that made him quit.
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Popularity Contest

No place for freaks or geeks.

NYT: A Health Plan for Wal-Mart: Less Stinginess

WP: Bush Veto Sets Stage for Budget Battle

LAT: Sheriff’s official spots rape suspect

USAT:A new page in O’Connors’ love story

ABC: American Held in Study-Abroad Slaying

MSNBC: Couple who lost three children expecting triplets

CBS: The “Millennials” Are Coming

CNN: Body of cop’s third wife exhumed; fourth wife still missing

FOX: Man Dies After Getting Stuck in Girlfriend’s Cat Door

Masthead

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Mic Check is produced every weekday by Christy Harvey, Sara Langhinrichs and Nicole Murphy, and is a project of the Center for American Progress Action Fund. Read more about Mic Check.

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