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House won't debate Jackson resolution
Amid the great debates of the day over health care, global warming and economic recovery, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday that there will be no pause in the action to honor Michael Jackson.
For the record, the California Democrat said that Jackson was “a great, great performer” and that his death has brought “lots of sadness … for many reasons.” However, she made clear she won't allow the House to debate a resolution honoring the pop star.
A little background is in order.
Shortly after Jackson's death last month, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, introduced a resolution saluting the singer's life and work. She held a framed copy of it on the stage at Jackson's memorial service Tuesday.
However, Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., who called Jackson a “pervert” and a “pedophile,” had vowed to block the resolution.
Apparently not wanting anything to do with the fight, Pelosi addressed the issue at her weekly news conference, beginning with this: “We're into the popular culture now.”
Pelosi said members could give short speeches honoring Jackson but no roll call vote would be allowed.
“What I have said to my colleagues over the years, and certainly as leader and as speaker, is that there's an opportunity on the floor of the House to express their sympathy or their praise any time that they wish,” Pelosi said. “I don't think it's necessary for us to have a resolution.” McClatchy Newspapers
Clooney, Murray visit quake victims
George Clooney toured the ruins of Italy's April 6 earthquake Thursday and told survivors he'll shoot a film in their mountain region. The actor inspected crumbled buildings during a visit on the sidelines of the G-8 summit in L'Aquila. The quake left thousands homeless and killed nearly 300 people.
Clooney said that in September he'll shoot part of a film in the area, which could help the local economy. The movie will be a thriller about a killer who tries to hide out in an Italian town.
Actor Bill Murray accompanied Clooney to help draw attention to the quake victims. Associated Press
Mays' Mighty ads to continue
Death won't still the voice of Billy Mays. Viewers will continue to find the boisterous, bearded TV pitchman hawking household products for the indefinite future.
And at least one of his commercials is being introduced posthumously.
“Just stretch, wrap, and it fuses fast,” says Mays, demonstrating a product called Mighty Tape on a kitchen drain pipe in the new commercial.
The commercial will begin airing July 20. Mays' ads for other products in the Mighty brand line returned to the air this week. The commercials were pulled after Mays' death June 28 of an apparent heart attack.
“Our feeling is, everyone wants to have Billy go on,” said Bill McAlister, president of Media Enterprises, a sales and marketing company based in Trevose, Pa. “This is what he would have wanted.” Associated Press
Moore's next: ‘A Love Story'
Michael Moore's latest documentary now has a title – and a theme that resonates with recession-weary audiences. Moore's look at the consequences of big business will be called “Capitalism: A Love Story.” The documentary is due in theaters Oct. 2. Associated Press
Birthdays
Eunice Kennedy Shriver, 88. Former boxer Jake LaMotta, 88. Folk singer Arlo Guthrie, 62. Banjo player Bela Fleck, 51. Actress Sofia Vergara, 37. Actor Adrian Grenier, 33. Actor Thomas Ian Nicholas, 29. Singer Jessica Simpson, 29.
This day in history July 10
1509: French theologian John Calvin, a key figure of the Protestant Reformation, was born Jean Cauvin in Noyon, Picardy, France.
1999: The U.S. women's soccer team won the World Cup, beating China 5-4 on penalty kicks after 120 minutes of scoreless play.
