Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–February 14, 2012.  The Commerce Department’s U.S. Census Bureau today released retail sales data (PDF) for January 2012. Total retail sales grew 0.4 percent from December 2011 to January 2012.  Excluding automobiles, January 2012 retail sales grew 0.7 percent. “Retail sales showed continued progress last month, but work remains[Read More…]

BELGIUM–(ENEWSPF)–14 February 2012.  NATO permanent representatives met senior officials from Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, the four countries which are part of the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI), at a seminar at NATO HQ on February 14 to discuss ways to deepen their partnership ahead of NATO’s Chicago[Read More…]

Defendant Ordered to Surrender Yacht, Cadillac, and Rolex Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–February 14, 2012.  At the request of the Federal Trade Commission, a U.S. district court put the mortgage relief business permanently off limits to marketers who allegedly charged thousands of consumers up to $2,600 each, based on bogus promises to provide[Read More…]

Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–February 14, 2012 – 10:55 A.M. EST THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, everybody.  (Applause.)  Thank you.  Everybody, please have a seat.  Well, good morning.  And let me start with a quick public service announcement for all the gentlemen out there:  Today is Valentine’s Day.  (Laughter.)  Do not forget.  I speak[Read More…]

Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–February 14, 2012.  Japan to Establish INPO-Style Organization Industry/Regulatory/Political The New Jersey governor’s nuclear review task force, formed shortly after the accident at Fukushima Daiichi, has published a report that concludes: “Based upon the information provided by the NRC and the licensees, the task force members have a high[Read More…]

Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–February 13, 2012.  SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, good afternoon, everyone. And let me say what a great delight it is for me to welcome my friend and colleague for intensive negotiations and discussions over a range of issues that are of importance to both of us. I am always pleased[Read More…]

Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–February 13, 2012.  Index for Today’s Briefing DEPARTMENT Budget Rollout / S/R Davies Trip NORTH KOREA Six-Party Talks/ Kim Jong-un/ Nutritional Assistance SYRIA Arab League/ Friends of Syria Meeting/ International Peacekeeping Efforts/ Humanitarian Access/ Syrian National Council ISRAEL Attacks Against Israeli Diplomats in India and Georgia CONGO Great Lakes[Read More…]

Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–February 13, 2012 – 3:00 P.M. EST         MR. CARNEY:  Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.  Welcome to the White House.  I know that you have already been well briefed on the President’s budget by an all-star cast of presenters over in the Old EOB.  I just wanted to be[Read More…]

Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–February 13, 2012.  The President and Prime Minister Cameron spoke by telephone today, continuing their frequent consultations on a range of global issues.   The President and Prime Minister discussed the situation in Syria, condemning the regime’s violent repression of its own citizens, and agreed to coordinate closely on efforts[Read More…]

Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–February 13, 2012 – 1:52 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you!  Hello, everybody.  (Applause.)   Thank you.  Thank you very much.  Thank you.  Thank you so much.  Thank you, everybody.  Please, please have a seat.  Thank you. Thank you so much for joining us in this celebration of the arts[Read More…]