Eminem to fans: Thanks for help in dark times

Eminem, who battled an addiction to prescription drugs, thanked his fans at a New York concert for helping him get through dark times. The 39-year-old told hundreds Thursday night that he "wouldn't have gotten out of that dark place without y'all" before he performed the Grammy-winning song "Not Afraid." He said the performance was "dedicated to anybody tonight who's been through personal struggles." Eminem's addiction and climb to sobriety is detailed in his 2010 album "Recovery." It was that year's best-selling album. At the Hammerstein Ballroom the rapper performed more than a dozen songs at an event for the watch brand G-Shock, including the hits "Lose Yourself," ''Love the Way You Lie" and "The Real Slim Shady." Hip-hop foursome Slaughterhouse opened for the Detroit-born rapper.

Travolta, Spielberg light up Foreign Press lunch

Steven Spielberg talked movies with Harvey Weinstein. John Travolta chatted with Bradley Cooper. Dustin Hoffman and Jack Black shared cellphone photos. Those stars, along with Kerry Washington, Jennifer Lawrence, Kelsey Grammer, Christina Hendricks and others, lit up the Hollywood Foreign Press Association's annual summer luncheon Thursday at the Beverly Hills Hotel, where the group behind the Golden Globe Awards presented grants and introduced its officers for the coming year. The stars helped present and accept $1.2 million in grants from the association to organizations around the country that promote film education and preservation. The Sundance Institute, Film Foundation and American Film Institute were among 40 nonprofit beneficiaries of grants this year. But the organization's annual luncheon was really about schmoozing with the stars. "I loved your movie," Weinstein said to Travolta, who stars in Oliver Stone's marijuana drama "Savages." ''I thought your movie was great." Meanwhile, Hoffman and Black swapped snaps on their iPhones as Washington and Hendricks posed for a photo. "I am here to get nominated," Hoffman joked as he took the stage. He told the audience he had just turned 75. "Dustin's 75 and he looks great; I'm 57 and I look like hell!" said the grey-bearded Grammer, who sat with his new wife, Kayte. Don Johnson was practically unrecognizable with a newly taut face and his long hair wrapped into a bun. He referred to "Scandal" star Washington as "poised, delicious and divine." Washington said from the stage that she'd gotten close to Black during the luncheon. "I'm going to call him my dear friend because of the things we've shared this afternoon," she said of the comedian. Black addressed Spielberg from the podium: "'Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Killer' looks incredible," the funnyman said to the director of "Lincoln," a different movie. Lawrence also joked with the legendary filmmaker. "I just had to follow Steven Spielberg," she said when she took the stage. "Or you opened for me, actually." The president of the association, Aida Takla-O'Reilly, also poked fun at the filmmaker, saying the luncheon was especially memorable for her. "This is the day Steven Spielberg pulled my scarf out of the soup and wiped it for me," she said. Spielberg thanked the organization for its support of film-preservation efforts that totaled $3.6 million over the past 16 years. Film is "mankind's most original medium," he said. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association has given nearly $15 million in grants over the past 18 years from profits generated by the Golden Globe Awards telecast. The 2013 Golden Globes are set for Jan. 13.

Residents who attended a Richmond town hall meeting one day after a refinery fire cast a black plume of smoke over their city expressed one emotion toward Chevron: rage. In a rowdy expression of frustration and anger, more than 500 residents crowded into Richmond Memorial Auditorium, where people shouted down Chevron and Contra Costa County public health officials on hand to answer questions about the accident. The question asked most often was, "What are we breathing?" Residents were repeatedly unsatisfied each time a public health official said inspectors didn't know because they were still analyzing the data. For some, the venting and verbal stoning of Chevron was a much-needed outlet for people who had waited all day for answers - and in the end were provided few. General Haymon, 60, a pastor who lives in Richmond, said the public display was necessary to blow off the steam of years of accumulated anger toward one of the city's largest employers. "The more people who show up and the rowdier they are help get the message across this cannot happen again," Haymon said. "I don't care how rowdy people get, these guys have got to get the message." At times, people jumped on stage to shout their opinions; a few people were escorted out by police. Often when Chevron refinery General Manager Nigel Hearne spoke, he was met with extended boos and catcalls of "liar!" Residents held signs that read, "How many more 'accidents'?" and "Chevron out of Richmond." Michael Bracy, 60, a construction worker, said he attended the meeting to get answers, but left frustrated by the antics of the outraged. "Everyone makes mistakes," Bracy said. "Chevron is not God. I'm not mad about this. People need to calm down and listen to what Chevron has to say." Chevron's Hearne reiterated an apology issued by the company. Truck driver Greg McClain, 47, of Richmond said the oil company needed to hear out residents' frustrations, and residents needed to do their part as well. "This stuff with Chevron has been going on as long as I remember," he said. "Chevron never seems to get the message. Chevron has to take a stand. And we, as the people of Richmond, have to follow this up." Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Richmond-residents-outraged-at-Chevron-3770786.php#ixzz22wwt3zPH

A three-day rally on world equity markets stalled on Wednesday and the euro dipped as investors awaited the next moves by the world's major central banks to tackle declining global economic growth and Europe's fiscal crisis. Risky assets began rising on Friday after U.S. jobs data eased concerns about global growth but supported hopes of a further policy easing by the Federal Reserve. Markets were also lifted by last week's promise by European Central Bank President Mario Draghi to ease borrowing costs for Spain and Italy. "Sentiment is still broadly cautious - people realize there are still a lot of hurdles to be overcome. But investors can't ignore potential stimulus from central banks and what impact that's had on stock markets in the past," said Keith Bowman, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown. The Bank of England sharply cut its forecast for medium-term growth in Britain's economy due to worries that factors hurting growth since the financial crisis may be longer-lasting than first thought. Investors believe that the gloomy outlook may open the door to further policy easing by the Bank of England later this year. A batch of Chinese economic data on Thursday will also draw attention to the nation's cooling growth rate and the potential for Beijing to take more action to support activity. ECB HOPES European shares, which have taken off since Draghi first signaled a more interventionist stance to defend the euro two weeks ago, have begun a retreat after recording their highest close since March 19 on Tuesday. The FTSEurofirst 300 index of top European shares <.FTEU3> was down 0.37 percent at 1,090.12 in early trading, down 0.3 percent at 1,090.82. U.S. stock future also pointed to a weaker start on Wall Street later <.N> Since Draghi's comment that he was prepared to do whatever it took to defend the single currency, the UK's FTSE 100 index <.FTSE> has gained 6.2 percent, Germany's DAX <.GDAXI> has surged 8.8 percent and the French CAC index <.FCHI> has soared 12 percent. Standard Chartered Bank , under fire from accusations it violated U.S. laws by hiding $250 billion in transactions tied to Iran, clawed back some of its huge losses, to be up 6.1 percent and top the FTSEurofirst 300 leader board. The British bank's shares dived 16.4 percent on Tuesday in hefty volume after the accusations by New York's top bank regulator, which also threatened to revoke its state banking license. MARKETS TURN WARY The euro, which has also bounded higher since Draghi's comments, was down 0.25 percent at $1.2371, turning lower after the recent gains took it to a one-month high of $1.2444. Investors were becoming wary of pushing the euro much higher until they see more details of the ECB's latest proposal to tackle the three year-old debt crisis that has threatened the survival of the 17-nation currency bloc. So far Draghi has said the plan was to ensure effective transmission of the central bank's easier monetary policy stance by purchasing the shorter-term debt of struggling euro zone nations. But he said any action had to be in conjunction with the euro zone's bailout funds and under strict conditions imposed after the targeted country had sought help. "We think there will be a reality check in time," said Sarah Hewin, senior economist at Standard Chartered Bank in London. "Any action from the ECB is really reliant upon euro area governments first taking action. And indeed countries that require assistance will have to ask for a bailout, so there are many steps before you get to the ECB moving in to buy bonds." In the debt market Germany's sale of 3.4 billion euros of 10-year government bonds attracted more demand than a similar auction last month, indicating investors' appetite for safe haven assets hasn't eased much since Draghi's moves. The Bund auction drew bids of 1.8 times the amount allotted, compared with 1.5 at an auction on July 11. After the sale 10-year German bond yields were 7 basis points lower at 1.41 percent, up from a record low of 1.126 percent in July. Bund prices were also support by a media report quoting a member of Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats party as saying Germany will not back more financial aid for Greece. Ten-year Spanish government bond yields were up 11 basis points to the 7 percent danger level, beyond which funding costs are perceived to be unaffordable in the long run. Equivalent Italian yields were up 5 basis points to 6.01 percent.

Residents who attended a Richmond town hall meeting one day after a refinery fire cast a black plume of smoke over their city expressed one emotion toward Chevron: rage. In a rowdy expression of frustration and anger, more than 500 residents crowded into Richmond Memorial Auditorium, where people shouted down Chevron and Contra Costa County public health officials on hand to answer questions about the accident. The question asked most often was, "What are we breathing?" Residents were repeatedly unsatisfied each time a public health official said inspectors didn't know because they were still analyzing the data. For some, the venting and verbal stoning of Chevron was a much-needed outlet for people who had waited all day for answers - and in the end were provided few. General Haymon, 60, a pastor who lives in Richmond, said the public display was necessary to blow off the steam of years of accumulated anger toward one of the city's largest employers. "The more people who show up and the rowdier they are help get the message across this cannot happen again," Haymon said. "I don't care how rowdy people get, these guys have got to get the message." At times, people jumped on stage to shout their opinions; a few people were escorted out by police. Often when Chevron refinery General Manager Nigel Hearne spoke, he was met with extended boos and catcalls of "liar!" Residents held signs that read, "How many more 'accidents'?" and "Chevron out of Richmond." Michael Bracy, 60, a construction worker, said he attended the meeting to get answers, but left frustrated by the antics of the outraged. "Everyone makes mistakes," Bracy said. "Chevron is not God. I'm not mad about this. People need to calm down and listen to what Chevron has to say." Chevron's Hearne reiterated an apology issued by the company. Truck driver Greg McClain, 47, of Richmond said the oil company needed to hear out residents' frustrations, and residents needed to do their part as well. "This stuff with Chevron has been going on as long as I remember," he said. "Chevron never seems to get the message. Chevron has to take a stand. And we, as the people of Richmond, have to follow this up." Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Richmond-residents-outraged-at-Chevron-3770786.php#ixzz22wwt3zPH

A three-day rally on world equity markets stalled on Wednesday and the euro dipped as investors awaited the next moves by the world's major central banks to tackle declining global economic growth and Europe's fiscal crisis. Risky assets began rising on Friday after U.S. jobs data eased concerns about global growth but supported hopes of a further policy easing by the Federal Reserve. Markets were also lifted by last week's promise by European Central Bank President Mario Draghi to ease borrowing costs for Spain and Italy. "Sentiment is still broadly cautious - people realize there are still a lot of hurdles to be overcome. But investors can't ignore potential stimulus from central banks and what impact that's had on stock markets in the past," said Keith Bowman, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown. The Bank of England sharply cut its forecast for medium-term growth in Britain's economy due to worries that factors hurting growth since the financial crisis may be longer-lasting than first thought. Investors believe that the gloomy outlook may open the door to further policy easing by the Bank of England later this year. A batch of Chinese economic data on Thursday will also draw attention to the nation's cooling growth rate and the potential for Beijing to take more action to support activity. ECB HOPES European shares, which have taken off since Draghi first signaled a more interventionist stance to defend the euro two weeks ago, have begun a retreat after recording their highest close since March 19 on Tuesday. The FTSEurofirst 300 index of top European shares <.FTEU3> was down 0.37 percent at 1,090.12 in early trading, down 0.3 percent at 1,090.82. U.S. stock future also pointed to a weaker start on Wall Street later <.N> Since Draghi's comment that he was prepared to do whatever it took to defend the single currency, the UK's FTSE 100 index <.FTSE> has gained 6.2 percent, Germany's DAX <.GDAXI> has surged 8.8 percent and the French CAC index <.FCHI> has soared 12 percent. Standard Chartered Bank , under fire from accusations it violated U.S. laws by hiding $250 billion in transactions tied to Iran, clawed back some of its huge losses, to be up 6.1 percent and top the FTSEurofirst 300 leader board. The British bank's shares dived 16.4 percent on Tuesday in hefty volume after the accusations by New York's top bank regulator, which also threatened to revoke its state banking license. MARKETS TURN WARY The euro, which has also bounded higher since Draghi's comments, was down 0.25 percent at $1.2371, turning lower after the recent gains took it to a one-month high of $1.2444. Investors were becoming wary of pushing the euro much higher until they see more details of the ECB's latest proposal to tackle the three year-old debt crisis that has threatened the survival of the 17-nation currency bloc. So far Draghi has said the plan was to ensure effective transmission of the central bank's easier monetary policy stance by purchasing the shorter-term debt of struggling euro zone nations. But he said any action had to be in conjunction with the euro zone's bailout funds and under strict conditions imposed after the targeted country had sought help. "We think there will be a reality check in time," said Sarah Hewin, senior economist at Standard Chartered Bank in London. "Any action from the ECB is really reliant upon euro area governments first taking action. And indeed countries that require assistance will have to ask for a bailout, so there are many steps before you get to the ECB moving in to buy bonds." In the debt market Germany's sale of 3.4 billion euros of 10-year government bonds attracted more demand than a similar auction last month, indicating investors' appetite for safe haven assets hasn't eased much since Draghi's moves. The Bund auction drew bids of 1.8 times the amount allotted, compared with 1.5 at an auction on July 11. After the sale 10-year German bond yields were 7 basis points lower at 1.41 percent, up from a record low of 1.126 percent in July. Bund prices were also support by a media report quoting a member of Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats party as saying Germany will not back more financial aid for Greece. Ten-year Spanish government bond yields were up 11 basis points to the 7 percent danger level, beyond which funding costs are perceived to be unaffordable in the long run. Equivalent Italian yields were up 5 basis points to 6.01 percent.

Richmond residents outraged at Chevron

Residents who attended a Richmond town hall meeting one day after a refinery fire cast a black plume of smoke over their city expressed one emotion toward Chevron: rage. In a rowdy expression of frustration and anger, more than 500 residents crowded into Richmond Memorial Auditorium, where people shouted down Chevron and Contra Costa County public health officials on hand to answer questions about the accident. The question asked most often was, "What are we breathing?" Residents were repeatedly unsatisfied each time a public health official said inspectors didn't know because they were still analyzing the data. For some, the venting and verbal stoning of Chevron was a much-needed outlet for people who had waited all day for answers - and in the end were provided few. General Haymon, 60, a pastor who lives in Richmond, said the public display was necessary to blow off the steam of years of accumulated anger toward one of the city's largest employers. "The more people who show up and the rowdier they are help get the message across this cannot happen again," Haymon said. "I don't care how rowdy people get, these guys have got to get the message." At times, people jumped on stage to shout their opinions; a few people were escorted out by police. Often when Chevron refinery General Manager Nigel Hearne spoke, he was met with extended boos and catcalls of "liar!" Residents held signs that read, "How many more 'accidents'?" and "Chevron out of Richmond." Michael Bracy, 60, a construction worker, said he attended the meeting to get answers, but left frustrated by the antics of the outraged. "Everyone makes mistakes," Bracy said. "Chevron is not God. I'm not mad about this. People need to calm down and listen to what Chevron has to say." Chevron's Hearne reiterated an apology issued by the company. Truck driver Greg McClain, 47, of Richmond said the oil company needed to hear out residents' frustrations, and residents needed to do their part as well. "This stuff with Chevron has been going on as long as I remember," he said. "Chevron never seems to get the message. Chevron has to take a stand. And we, as the people of Richmond, have to follow this up."

Phelps reaches the end, so limitless and free

This is the end, so limitless and free, Jim Morrison sang, and so it came on this Saturday night for Michael Phelps, the one and only, the greatest athlete in Olympic history. In what he said repeatedly would be his last competitive swim, Phelps, 27, swam the butterfly leg of the men's 4x100 medley relay for the U.S. team on the final night of the swim meet at the 2012 Olympic Games, the Americans winning in 3:29.35. Paul Drinkwater/NBCOlympics.com 1 of 34 The U.S.'s Jessica Hardy prepares for the women's 50m freestyle race. The victory gave Phelps his 22nd Olympic medal, his 18th gold. He finished these Games with six medals -- four gold, two silver. He became the first male swimmer to throw the Olympic three-peat, and did it in not just one event but two, the 200 IM and the 100 butterfly. The medley victory also made him the third person to win three golds in that event, along with Jason Lezak and Ian Crocker. "I have been able," he said late Saturday in emphasizing he truly is retiring from racing, "to do everything I wanted." Phelps always said three things: Anything is possible. He wanted to be the first Michael Phelps. And he wanted to grow the sport of swimming. Here is indisputable evidence that he did so: the BBC cut away from what had been the glamour sport of the Olympic Games, track and field, to go live showing the American men winning the medley before returning to heptathlon action at the track. The Phelps show at these London Games went down in three distinct acts. Related to this article Related Video Michael Phelps Gets Emotional After Final Race Andrea Kramer speaks with the US Men's 4x100m medley relay team after they capture gold, and Michael Phelps gets emotional talking about the end of his career. Highlights: Michael Phelps Awarded His Final Gold MedalExpert Analysis: Phelps Calls It A CareerHighlights: U.S. Women Set World Record, Win Gold In 4x100m Medley Related Slideshows PHOTOS: 22 Olympic Medals A look through all of Michael Phelps' Olympic medals. Swimming: Day 7 FinalsSwimming: Day 6 FinalsSwimming: Day 5 Finals Stories Both U.S.Relays Win Gold Missy Franklin sweeps the backstrokes in record time Katie Ledecky wins Olympic gold in front of a royal audience Phelps doubles up on three-peats with win in 100m butterfly Ryan Lochte finishes London Olympics with five medals: Success or failure? Franklin, Phelps and Ledecky all win gold for U.S. By The Numbers Results Michael Phelps Bio Ryan Lochte Bio Missy Franklin Bio Katie Ledecky Bio The first played itself out at the outset of the Games, in the 400 IM, when Phelps -- who hadn't trained for the race -- finished fourth, behind gold medalist Ryan Lochte. Here Phelps seemed the sympathetic champion with apparently diminished talent and resignation, facing the end of his stellar career. The next act revealed itself in particular through the freestyle relays, in which the Americans first picked up a silver in the 4x100 free and then gold in the 4x200, and in the 200 butterfly, in which Phelps finished second, behind South African Chad le Clos. In that 200 fly, Phelps uncharacteristically made a mistake, gliding to the wall when he should have done what he did in winning the 100 fly in Beijing four years ago, take another half-stroke. In defeat, Phelps proved gracious in praise of le Clos, saying time and again that he could see le Clos -- started swimming watching Phelps race in Athens in 2004 -- becoming a versatile champion in years to come. Finally, Act III -- in which Phelps staged a glorious end triumph and issued reminders to any and all doubters of why he is and will forever be the greatest Olympic athlete ever. He won the 200 IM. He won the 100 fly. He reclaimed the lead in the medley for the U.S. team and they won gold, too, lifting the American swim team to 30 medals for the 2012 Games. When he burst onto the scene in Sydney in 2000, Phelps was 15. Now he is 27. Here, as just one example, Katie Ledecky is 15. She won gold in the 800. Here, in another, Missy Franklin is 17. She won five medals, four golds, sweeping both the 100 and 200 backstroke events; she swam the opening backstroke leg Saturday in the women's medley, won by the U.S. in world-record time, 3:52.05. As Franklin told the Associated Press, "I don't think his shoes will ever be filled. Hopefully, I can make little paths next to him." There are those, of course, who doubt the Phelps assertion he is through swimming competitively. The 2000 gold medalist Anthony Ervin, for one, who finished fifth in the 50-meter free here in London, issued this rejoinder via Twitter late Saturday: "If @MichaelPhelps never races again, I'll eat my fins." That said, how many actors get to choose the time, place and manner by which they get to leave the stage? "If Michael does come back, I'll be the first to cheer," said Chuck Wielgus, the executive director of USA Swimming. But I think he has given himself the perfect opportunity to transition. So few athletes have the opportunity, or are able to see that opportunity -- to have that perspective, and self-awareness. He's one of the blessed few." In London, the U.S. team finished with four more golds and one less overall medal than in 2008 in Beijing. "This particular team," Wielgus said, "was so imbued with spirit and caring for each other, the veterans and the rookies. There was not one bit of drama," and in measure that was because of leadership that came from Phelps. "Certainly winning medals helps. But it doesn't change who they are. Are we satisfied? We are over the moon. It has nothing to do with medals. It has everything to do with the way these athletes conducted themselves, the way they represented themselves and their country." In that same song, Morrison asks, can you picture what will be? The answer is not yet clear. All we know is what we have seen. And it has been beautiful. "When I was in the warm-down pool, and I said to Bob," meaning Bob Bowman, the coach who has been been there with him since he was 11, "I said, 'I have looked up to Michael Jordan my whole life because he has done something nobody else has ever done and he is the greatest basketball player to ever play the game. "And I said, 'You know what? We have been able to become the greatest -- I've been able to become the best swimmer of all time. I said, 'We got here together.' I thanked him. It was funny. "When I got out of the pool, he was, like, 'That's not fair.' "I said, 'What's not fair about it?' "He goes, 'You were in the pool.' "I was, like, 'Yeah, my tears could hide behind my goggles.' I was, like, 'Yours are streaming down your face.'" © 2012 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Any use, reproduction, modification, distribution, display or performance of this material without NBCUniversal's prior written consent is prohibited.

Lithuanian lesson on how to beat U.S.

There is much Cold War history here, but it is more like the “warm” side of “cold.” Lithuania has always been the romantic’s version of the Eastern bloc, more European than Soviet, more American in style and temperament. The Lithuanians are the freedom-fighting poets of international hoops, the tie-dyed darlings of the 1992 Olympics and the subject of their own upcoming documentary, “The Other Dream Team.” On Saturday afternoon, though, Lithuania was something else: A blueprint for a way to beat Team USA. Maybe. Possibly. Let’s not go overboard. But Team USA squeezed out a mere 99-94 victory and trailed 82-80 with just 6:56 left in the game. Without some late-game heroics by LeBron James — where have we heard that before? — who knows what would’ve happened. “They kind of took us by surprise,” said U.S. guard Deron Williams. “But it’s good for us to have a game like that where we don’t just blow everyone out.” That is the predictable response. But what did Lithuania, by no means the second-most talented team in the field, do that enabled it to stay close? And can others replicate it? Here are a few thoughts. 1st: Don’t be Nigeria, which came in thinking it had no chance, played like it and ended up on the wrong end of an historic 156-73 score on Thursday. 2nd: Close up the driving lanes and make the U.S. shoot threes. That sounds counterintuitive since Team USA made 29 treys against Nigeria. But with players like LeBron and Kobe Bryant, opponents have no chance in a driving-lane game. 3rd: Contest those three-point shots. “We knew we couldn’t do what Nigeria did,” said guard Martynas Pocius. “You have to run at them with your hands up and hope they don’t shoot as high a percentage as they did against Nigeria.” They didn’t. Lithuania ran at them and the U.S. made only 10-of-33. 4th: Assure that your offensive execution is precise, as Lithuania’s was. Team USA does have terrific defenders — Russell Westbrook comes to mind — but, no matter what they say, the Americans are thinking about the changeover to offense. Opponents can score baskets in the 23rd second of the 24-second clock against the U.S. if it stays patient. 5th: Bang the ball inside, muck up the game, and send the U.S. to the free-throw line if you have to. Because it has so little scoring punch among its big men, Team USA has to go small when it needs scoring. Late in the Lithuania game, it had what one could consider an all-perimeter team of LeBron, Bryant, Kevin Durant, Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony on the floor. “With a small team, we can get out and pressure a little more,” says Williams, “and on offense it doesn’t hurt us at all.” Okay, but there’s a flip side: Watching Anthony try to guard postup scorers is painful. 6th: Depend on your veterans. There is still a “fright factor” when opponents go up against the U.S. But Lithuania’s NBA veterans, players like Linas Kleiza (game-high 25 points) and Darius Songailia could care less about that. All that still might not be enough with players like LeBron able to make plays in the stretch. “What you have to remember is that they are so versatile,” said Kleiza. “They have a lot of ways to beat you.” But just two days after an 83-point win, there suddenly seem to be a few ways to beat them, too. There was no history lesson given by Lithuania here at the basketball venue, only a contemporary primer. © 2012 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Any use, reproduction, modification, distribution, display or performance of this material without NBCUniversal's prior written consent is prohibited.

First Thoughts: Better (but still not great) jobs news for Obama

Better (but still not great) job news for Obama: 163,000 jobs added in July, while unemployment rate ticks up to 8.3%... An ode to Congress on its August recess: We salute you -- for not getting much done… Put up or shut up: More Harry Reid vs. Mitt Romney… And Romney camp/RNC try to distract the Obama campaign. Well, the July jobs numbers are in, and they are better news for President Obama than they’ve been since the early spring. Here’s the AP’s write-up: “U.S. employers added 163,000 jobs in July, a hopeful sign after three months of sluggish hiring. The Labor Department says the unemployment rate rose to 8.3% from 8.2 % in June. July's hiring was the best since February. Still, the economy has added an average of 151,000 jobs a month this year, roughly the same as last year's pace.” As we said before, anything above 150,000 new jobs per month is good news for Obama. But expect Mitt Romney and the Republicans to focus on the slight tick up in the unemployment rate. The president will likely comment on the job numbers at his 11:45 am ET event at the White House, which is scheduled to press Congress to extend the Bush-era tax cuts for the middle class. Meanwhile, we’ll certainly get reaction from Romney, who campaigns in Las Vegas around the very same time. Advertise | AdChoices An ode to Congress on its recess: For those who have departed on their August recess, we salute you -- for going down as one of the most unproductive, contentious, and unpopular Congresses in modern history. So in addition to last summer’s debt-ceiling debacle, the Super Committee’s failure, and the near-government shutdown during 2011, Congress has failed to come together to pass a comprehensive farm bill. And Senate Republicans yesterday filibustered a cybersecurity bill. So here’s your current Congress: Republicans are working to block or dismantle laws; Democrats are focusing on protecting what’s already law; and no one is getting stuff done. As we wrote earlier this week, one of the most profound changes on Capitol Hill is the job requirement. It’s no longer about bringing home deliverables to your state or congressional district (like roads, bridges, or new schools). Instead, it’s about scoring ideological points and waging partisan crusades.

Pro-gay marriage groups have Chick-fil-A 'Kiss-In'

Two days after supporters of Chick-fil-A president Dan Cathy's stance against gay marriage flocked to its restaurants for an Appreciation Day, pro-gay marriage advocates are descending on the fast-food chain with a message of their own. "We want to show Chick-fil-A and the country that the LGBT community's love is just as valid, just as good as heterosexual love," said grassroots advocate Carly McGehee. McGehee started "National Same-Sex Kiss Day at Chick-fil-A" at which she said same-sex couples are encouraged to visit the chain, "have a quick smooch or hug or show of affection," then post a photo or video of it online. She said organizers of local kiss-ins have been told to suggest that participants take their pictures outside the restaurants by its signs to avoid violating trespassing ordinances. Advertise | AdChoices More than 13,000 people have signed up as "attending" on the event's Facebook page. "This is not just about gay people getting together and kissing in front of a restaurant," said Marci Alt, an activist who organized a kiss-in at a Chick-fil-A in suburban Atlanta at noon (many of the others are scheduled for 8:00 p.m.). Yesterday, Alt posted a Change.org petition asking Cathy to have dinner with her, her wife and two kids, which had collected around 1,300 signatures by Friday. Alt said roughly 100 protesters were gathered by 11:30 a.m., half an hour before the event was set to begin, and that the crowd fluctuated between 50 and 100 people for the first hour. She characterized the gathering as "very peaceful" although there was a police presence of four officers, along with a single counter-protester. The restaurant was serving "typical lunch hour traffic," Alt said. The group didn't receive any hostility from patrons or employees, Alt said. In fact, "[workers] brought two trays of lemonade out" for people protesting in the 95-degree heat. "It was very nice of them," Alt said, adding that they turned down the beverages. "It really seems like this is a way young people on social media are responding to Dan Cathy," Rich Ferraro, spokesperson for the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, said. An NBC affiliate in the Los Angeles area reported Friday that vandals had defaced a Chick-fil-A restaurant in Torrance, depicting a cow with a paint can alongside the words "Tastes Like Hate" in an uneven block-letter font, mimicking the one used by the company in its ads. Related story: Chick-fil-A protest marks rise of 'eat-in' movement Advertise | AdChoices The firestorm kicked off after Cathy's interview in the Baptist Press last month, when the chicken scion said he was "guilty as charged" for opposing same-sex marriage. Through its foundation arm, family-owned Chick-fil-A has a long history of donating to organizations that oppose gay marriage. It also embraces other evangelical principles like closing its restaurants on Sundays. Wednesday's Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day, launched on Facebook by former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, had more than 668,000 people listed as "attending." It could have earned the chain an additional $8 million in revenue, according to one analyst's estimate. Privately held Chick-fil-A wouldn't provide numbers but said it was a record day for sales. Local news outlets across the country reported long lines and police directing traffic at restaurants across the country. Despite the sizable grassroots support, Chick-fil-A has faced backlash from other sectors. Lawmakers in Boston, Chicago and Philadelphia voiced objection to the company building new restaurants in their cities, and the toy company run by the estate of Muppet creator Jim Henson said it will no longer make toys for the restaurant's kids' meals. (Chick-fil-A has said it decided to stop selling the Henson toys a day prior to that decision.) "This is about, 'I should have the same rights as everybody else,'" Alt said.

Pro-gay marriage groups have Chick-fil-A 'Kiss-In'

Two days after supporters of Chick-fil-A president Dan Cathy's stance against gay marriage flocked to its restaurants for an Appreciation Day, pro-gay marriage advocates are descending on the fast-food chain with a message of their own. "We want to show Chick-fil-A and the country that the LGBT community's love is just as valid, just as good as heterosexual love," said grassroots advocate Carly McGehee. McGehee started "National Same-Sex Kiss Day at Chick-fil-A" at which she said same-sex couples are encouraged to visit the chain, "have a quick smooch or hug or show of affection," then post a photo or video of it online. She said organizers of local kiss-ins have been told to suggest that participants take their pictures outside the restaurants by its signs to avoid violating trespassing ordinances. Advertise | AdChoices More than 13,000 people have signed up as "attending" on the event's Facebook page. "This is not just about gay people getting together and kissing in front of a restaurant," said Marci Alt, an activist who organized a kiss-in at a Chick-fil-A in suburban Atlanta at noon (many of the others are scheduled for 8:00 p.m.). Yesterday, Alt posted a Change.org petition asking Cathy to have dinner with her, her wife and two kids, which had collected around 1,300 signatures by Friday. Alt said roughly 100 protesters were gathered by 11:30 a.m., half an hour before the event was set to begin, and that the crowd fluctuated between 50 and 100 people for the first hour. She characterized the gathering as "very peaceful" although there was a police presence of four officers, along with a single counter-protester. The restaurant was serving "typical lunch hour traffic," Alt said. The group didn't receive any hostility from patrons or employees, Alt said. In fact, "[workers] brought two trays of lemonade out" for people protesting in the 95-degree heat. "It was very nice of them," Alt said, adding that they turned down the beverages. "It really seems like this is a way young people on social media are responding to Dan Cathy," Rich Ferraro, spokesperson for the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, said. An NBC affiliate in the Los Angeles area reported Friday that vandals had defaced a Chick-fil-A restaurant in Torrance, depicting a cow with a paint can alongside the words "Tastes Like Hate" in an uneven block-letter font, mimicking the one used by the company in its ads. Related story: Chick-fil-A protest marks rise of 'eat-in' movement Advertise | AdChoices The firestorm kicked off after Cathy's interview in the Baptist Press last month, when the chicken scion said he was "guilty as charged" for opposing same-sex marriage. Through its foundation arm, family-owned Chick-fil-A has a long history of donating to organizations that oppose gay marriage. It also embraces other evangelical principles like closing its restaurants on Sundays. Wednesday's Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day, launched on Facebook by former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, had more than 668,000 people listed as "attending." It could have earned the chain an additional $8 million in revenue, according to one analyst's estimate. Privately held Chick-fil-A wouldn't provide numbers but said it was a record day for sales. Local news outlets across the country reported long lines and police directing traffic at restaurants across the country. Despite the sizable grassroots support, Chick-fil-A has faced backlash from other sectors. Lawmakers in Boston, Chicago and Philadelphia voiced objection to the company building new restaurants in their cities, and the toy company run by the estate of Muppet creator Jim Henson said it will no longer make toys for the restaurant's kids' meals. (Chick-fil-A has said it decided to stop selling the Henson toys a day prior to that decision.) "This is about, 'I should have the same rights as everybody else,'" Alt said.

Service sector growth gains modestly in July

The pace of growth in the vast U.S. services sector edged up in July as new orders gained, but employment fell to its lowest level in nearly a year, according to an industry report released on Friday. The Institute for Supply Management said its services index rose to 52.6 last month from 52.1 in June, topping economists' forecasts for 52. A reading above 50 indicates expansion in the sector. "This is in line with the idea that longer term, we're still seeing slow but steady growth," said Mike Shea, a managing partner and trader at Direct Access Partners LLC in New York. Forward-looking new orders advanced to 54.3 from 53.3, while exports rose to 51 from 49.5, a move to expansion from contraction. Advertise | AdChoices But the employment gauge shrank, falling to its lowest level since September 2011 at 49.3 from 52.3. It was also the first time the index has contracted since December. The ISM report followed Labor Department data on Friday showing employers hired the most workers in five months in July, though the unemployment rate rose to 8.3 percent. U.S. stocks held gains immediately after the ISM data, while Treasuries prices maintained losses and the euro climbed to a session high against the dollar. Overseas, separate data showed activity among euro zone companies contracted again last month as new orders dropped sharply, while China's services sector expanded.