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Bully Pulpit

The term "bully pulpit" stems from President Theodore Roosevelt's reference to the White House as a "bully pulpit," meaning a terrific platform from which to persuasively advocate an agenda. Roosevelt often used the word "bully" as an adjective meaning superb/wonderful. The Bully Pulpit features news, reasoned discourse, opinion and some humor.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Chicago Plans to Demolish Reagan's Boyhood Home

Reagan's Boyhood Chicago Home Faces Demolition 

DIXON (By Derek Barichello, Daily Gazette) - Chicago is not in any rush to compete with Dixon when it comes to preserving Ronald Reagan's history. 

One of Reagan's little-known boyhood homes in Chicago is facing demolition. 

A vacant six-flat building at 832 E. 57th St., where a 4-year-old Reagan lived, could see the wrecking ball as the University of Chicago expands in that area, according to several Chicago media reports. 

The Commission on Chicago Landmarks told me the building does not meet the criteria for landmark status. It does not have architectural significance and is not associated with Reagan during his productive years. The building is not marked. 

Reagan, whose family moved often, lived there only a year. The Reagans also lived in Tampico, Galesburg and Monmouth before moving in 1920 to Dixon, where he lived in a few different homes. 

Reagan survived pneumonia in the gas-lit Chicago apartment, and he and his 6-year-old brother, Neil, sold popcorn while living there. 

The 40th president and Barack Obama are the only two U.S. presidents to have lived in Chicago.

Mick Jagger Sparks Controversy With Comment At Sandy Relief Concert: ‘If It Rains In London, You’ve Got To Come Help Us’

NEW YORK (CBS New York/AP) – Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger irked some fans with an attempt at humor during Wednesday night’s 12-12-12 Concert For Sandy Relief at Madison Square Garden. 

During his set with The Stones, Jagger told the crowd that there should be a benefit show the next time it rains in London. 

“This has got to be the largest collection of old English musicians ever assembled in Madison Square Garden,” Jagger said. “But I’ve got to say, if it rains in London, you’ve got to come and help us, OK?”

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Another giant step? Last man on moon calls for return

(By Garrett Tenney, FoxNews.com) - If NASA wants to get to Mars, the fastest way to get there is by returning to the moon -- according to the last man to walk on the lunar surface. 

“The moon is going to be an extraordinary resource for future generations as they go deeper into space and as they begin to settle the moon and eventually Mars,” said Harrison “Jack” Schmitt, the Apollo 17 lunar module pilot. 

Apollo 17, the final mission to send men to the moon, launched on Dec. 7, 1972, carrying Schmitt, command module pilot Ronald Evans and Commander Gene Cernan. Schmitt was the 12th and final man on the moon; Cernan was 11th and last to depart the planet’s surface.

Unhinged Chris Matthews Berates Conservative Guest 13 Times: 'Who's Paying Your Salary?'

(By Scott Whitlock, NewsBusters) - An unhinged Chris Matthews on Tuesday berated a representative of Americans for Prosperity with the same question 13 times. Talking to Scott Hagerstrom, the Hardball anchor didn't seem to hear the answer, despite Hagerstrom repeating it over and over. Matthews fumed, "Well, who's paying your salary?" 

A calm Hagerstrom appeared on the show to discuss the just-passed right-to-work law in Mighican. He explained, "I work for Americans for Prosperity...This is about freedom for everybody." Matthews repeated over and over: "Who's paying your salary?...No, but who's paying your salary to do it? Who's paying your salary to do what you're doing right now?...Who's paying your– to do this today?" 

ABC, NBC and CBS ignore union thugs' attack on Fox News contributor Steven Crowder

(By Dan Gainor, FoxNews.com) - It’s a sad day for American TV journalism when The Huffington Post is a more honest news outlet than ABC, CBS or NBC. On Tuesday, after Michigan union protests escalated into violence, HuffPo led with several stories, including one headlined: “Fox News Contributor Punched.”

Jenna Bush Hager is pregnant, former President George W. Bush 'fired up'

(FOX News Network) - Former first daughter Jenna Bush Hager announced Wednesday that she's pregnant with her first child, due in the spring. 

The 31-year-old made the announcement on NBC's "Today" show, where she is a contributing correspondent. 

Hager, the twin daughter of former President George W. Bush, and her husband, Henry, have been married for four years. 

During a phone call on the show, former President Bush said he's "fired up" about becoming a grandfather, and former first lady Laura Bush said she's "thrilled." It will be the couple's first grandchild.