The Bloomberg story suggests that Buffett might have 600 million reasons for supporting it.

From the Bloomberg Story: “Berkshire Hathaway Inc., the investment company controlled by billionaire Warren Buffett, may bank a $600 million profit if InBev NV succeeds in its $46.3 billion takeover of Budweiser-maker Anheuser-Busch Cos.

Buffett’s company owned 35.56 million shares of the brewer as of March 31. At the stock’s March low of $45.68, the stake was worth about $100 million less than the $1.72 billion Buffett paid. InBev’s $65 a share offering price would allow him to unload the investment for $2.31 billion.

Carlos Brito, chief executive officer of InBev, seeks to create the world’s largest brewer by sales volume, adding Budweiser to the Leuven, Belgium-based company’s Stella Artois, Bass and more than 200 other brands. Berkshire has owned its Anheuser shares for about three years.

“Here’s the payout right up front after a very short incubation period as far as Berkshire is concerned,” said Frank Betz, a partner at Carret Zane Capital Management, which oversees $800 million including Berkshire and Anheuser-Busch shares in Warren, New Jersey. “I think he would go along with this, especially at the premium.”

Belgium’s newspaper De Standaard reported that Buffett had committed to support the takeover, without saying where it got the information.

Buffett didn’t respond to repeated requests for comment on InBev’s offer, other than to say through his assistant Debbie Bosanek that InBev board member and fellow billionaire Jorge Paulo Lemann is a “good friend.” Lemann is one of a trio of Brazilian investment bankers who built Sao Paulo-based Cia. de Bebidas das Americas, or AmBev, which was sold to Interbrew SA in 2004 to form InBev.

Iconic Brands

Lemann and his partners received about $4 billion in InBev stock in the deal. Brito, a Brazilian who had run AmBev, displaced InBev’s U.S. chief executive officer in less than two years.

Buffett, 77, owns more than a quarter of Omaha, Nebraska- based Berkshire, which he built over four decades from a failing maker of men’s suit linings into a $200 billion holding company with businesses that range from candy-making to insurance. Berkshire earned $13.2 billion last year and has a $72.6 billion stock portfolio.

Ranked by Forbes magazine as the world’s richest person, Buffett is known for investing in companies with strong management and durable competitive advantages such as iconic brands, and holding them for years or even permanently.

Anheuser-Busch disclosed that Berkshire was a “significant shareholder” in April 2005. The holding totaled 43.85 million shares, or 5.6 percent of the brewer, according to Berkshire’s 2005 annual report. Since then, Berkshire trimmed its holding to 5 percent as of March 31, according to a regulatory filing.

Largest Shareholders

Berkshire is the second-largest shareholder, after Barclays Plc, which owned 6.13 percent as of March 31, according to Bloomberg data.

“Our board will pursue the course of action that is in the best interests of Anheuser-Busch’s stockholders and expects to make its determination in due course,” Chief Executive Officer August Busch IV said in a letter to Brito that was distributed as part of a statement this week.

In an effort to scuttle InBev’s unsolicited bid, St. Louis- based Anheuser-Busch has contacted Mexican brewer Grupo Modelo SAB’s Chief Executive Officer Carlos Fernandez on a possible combination, the Wall Street Journal reported on June 12. Buying Modelo, which is 50 percent-owned by the U.S. brewer, would undermine InBev’s bid by making the company too expensive for it to buy.

Grupo Modelo, based in Mexico City, said in a statement last week that it plans to remain a Mexican-owned company and will make a decision should Anheuser-Busch and InBev decide to merge.

Busch Family

The U.K.’s Guardian newspaper reported that Buffett will meet this week with Anheuser’s CEO, citing unidentified people close to the deal. Busch requested Buffett’s opinion, and the investor may recommend that the Busch family consider discussions with InBev, the newspaper said.

The Busch family, which has run the brewer for five generations, doesn’t have enough shares to block a purchase from InBev with a shareholder vote. Anheuser-Busch executives and directors, both family members and outsiders, control 4.5 percent of the brewer’s stock, according to a March regulatory filing.

Anheuser’s shares jumped 23 percent since May 1 as speculation over a possible bid grew, closing at $61.20 yesterday in New York Stock Exchange composite trading. The Wall Street Journal in February first reported that the two companies had discussed a merger. InBev’s shares slipped 8 percent since May 1, to 48.58 euros in Brussels trading.”

4. Tracy Morgan Plowed in El Pas

3. Ben Affleck Loaded and Horney

2. David Hasselhoff Hammered With Hamburger

1. Paris Hilton Blitzed and Racist!

Paris, drinking and your typical slurs against blacks, Jews and lesbians

Makers sure to visit this site for your chance to join Zane Lamprey’s New York City Pub Crawl!

Also check out the drinking quiz on this page, and see how much you really know about drinking!

Click any image below to see full size.

Click any image below to see full size.

In one photo, four women are seen bending over – their backsides showing and leaving little to the imagination. Another shows two women posing suggestively as if about to kiss.

At the least, the incident poses the question: What were they thinking?

The photos appear to be old – perhaps dating back at least two years – but the perils of digital footprints provide a cautionary tale that what happens in Las Vegas – or in this case, the locker room or private quarters – doesn’t always stay there.

“With the advent of the Internet, YouTube, MySpace and Facebook, these things take on a life of their own,” said Douglas Elmets, president of Elmets Communications, a public relations firm in Sacramento.

The story could have legs, he said, if not dealt with head-on and immediately. “They have to come clean,” Elmets said.

“Young girls look up to them and I presume old men lust after them,” Elmets said of the dance squad known as the Royal Court.

The photos are the latest in a string of embarrassments for the Kings. Last year, player Ron Artest had a run-in with the law because of domestic violence, and shortly after being hired, former coach Eric Musselman was arrested for drunken driving.

“The photos of Sacramento Kings Dance Team members circulating on the Internet were published without the knowledge or permission of the Dance Team members or the Sacramento Kings, and they do not adhere to the principles and values of the Sacramento Kings organization,” the Kings said in a statement to The Bee.

The photos show the Kings dancers partying. Some of the women pictured are no longer on the dance team.

The photos found their way onto the Internet when they were uploaded to a picture-sharing Web site – and posted for all the World Wide Web to see.

Access was soon restricted, however, after a blogger downloaded the images and began circulating the photos online to sites such as www.withleather.com.

Soon, other bloggers joined in, and online gawking ensued.

There was talk of shame and disciplinary action. Others offered racy commentary.

“As far as the dancers go, why is anyone surprised?” said one post on the Sactown Royalty blog. “Did people think they wore floor length dresses and went to the 6:00 AM mass on Sunday?”

In an e-mail to Bee sports writer Sam Amick, Mitch Germann, the Kings’ vice president of business communications, declined to say if disciplinary measures would be taken: “We handle all Team Member personnel issues internally.”

Kings co-owner Gavin Maloof also had little to say. “We obviously don’t condone that type of behavior,” he told Amick. “We’ll deal with it internally.”

Athletes have learned the perils of posting compromising pictures on their MySpace and Facebook accounts, with some high school and college coaches checking those sites to monitor their behavior.

Many of those who post risqué images do so on password-protected sites.

At least seven of the team’s dancers have accounts on MySpace – all but one inaccessible to the public.

It’s unclear when the collection of 14 photos – most of them tame and featuring group shots – was posted online. It’s also unclear how it was discovered by bloggers.

“You should always be ready for your close-up,” said Susannah Fox, associate director of the Pew Internet & American Life Project and co-author of a report on digital footprints on the Internet.

The spread of digital cameras makes it easy for anyone – including strangers – to post images online, Fox said.

That could mean added pressure to be on your best behavior, she and others say.

“When someone has a digital camera, you should ask that person what they’re going to do with it,” suggested Mary Madden, a co-author of the Pew report.

“There’s a difference in what your friends might want to see,” she said, “and what your parents or grandparents might want to see.”

“1. When is Mardi Gras Day 2008?

Mardi Gras day in 2008 is February 5. Mardi Gras Day (which is also Fat Tuesday) is the last day of the Mardi Gras Carnival season. Mardi Gras day falls on a different day each year. It is always 46 days before Easter.

2. When does Mardi Gras officially start?

Mardi Gras officially starts at Twelfth Night, which occurs 12 days after Christmas on January 6th. There are several celebrations around the city, and it is a great day here in New Orleans. It means for us King Cake Lovers, that the bakeries around town will have King Cake for sale!!!!.

3. Where can I find information about the parade schedule, and the parade routes? Here.

4. I won’t be able to visit New Orleans during Mardi Gras this year. I’d really like to be able to “see” the parades online. Will you be broadcasting them?

Yes. We will be broadcasting Mardi Gras parades live on the website. Please check this website frequently during the Mardi Gras season for updates.

5. What do the colors of Mardi Gras (purple, green and gold) symbolize?

Purple represents Justice; Green represents Faith; Gold represents Power.

6. Where can I find additional information about the history of the king cake?

Take a look at the King Cake Information Area for a complete history.

7. I visited New Orleans during Mardi Gras and love the food! Where can I get recipes that I can make myself?

We have a complete Mardi Gras & Cajun Food Recipe Guide online. These recipes can be used when planning a Mardi Gras party or any day of the year.

8. I’m planning a Mardi Gras party in my hometown. Do you have information that will help me?

Visit How to Have a Mardi Gras Party for information on how to plan a Mardi Gras party. Information about adult parties, teenager/prom parties, and children’s parties are available.

9. Where can I get Mardi Gras items? I’m not from New Orleans and I can’t find anything in my hometown.

Visit the shopping area of our website.

10. Help! I need a hotel room in New Orleans. Can you help me?

Absolutely. Book your hotel for Mardi Gras now.

11. How safe is New Orleans? Can you give me some tips?

New Orleans is a large city, and just like any other large city in the U.S. you should use common sense and the proper precautions when visiting.

12. Do you have any information about Mardi Gras in other cities besides New Orleans, LA?

At this time, this site is devoted to the Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans.

13. How and where do they build all those floats?

The floats are built in different facilities throughout New Orleans by float design companies. The area they build and store the floats are called dens.

14. Is it too early to plan for next year?

It’s never too early to make your plans and reservations for Mardi Gras. In fact, the earlier you begin, the more choices you will have.

15. Where can I find pictures of Mardi Gras?

Visit the Mardi Gras Gallery for a gallery of current and previous years at Mardi Gras.

16. What is a Mardi Gras parade like?

Almost all of the Mardi Gras parades begin with the King and Queen leading the parade. They are followed by many floats, which carry the members of the krewe. The krewe members throw “trinkets or throws” to the crowds lining the streets. These throws can be doubloons with the krewes insignia on them, beads, cups, etc. Many of these items become collectibles each year. The crowd scrambles for the throws while yelling “throw me something mister!”

17. Should I dress up to attend the parades? What should I bring?

No. You should always wear casual clothing and comfortable walking shoes to the parades. Many times your shoes will be stepped on so you do not want to wear anything you wouldn’t want ruined. You may also have to park a distance from the parade route, so you’ll want to be comfortable. You should bring a large bag to collect your trinkets and throws in. You should also bring extra tissue in case the port-a-lets are out. On Mardi Gras day, wear a costume.

18. Can I attend one of the Mardi Gras balls?

Admission to the traditional balls held is by invitation only. Most invitations are non-transferable. You can read a short narrative of a Carnival Ball and see pictures online.

19. My neighbor is bringing a ladder. What are the ladders for?

Many people bring ladders to parades for height advantage. Some even build custom ladders to seat children in them. (Hint: many times the krewe members throw extra trinkets and throws to children on ladders.)

20. What is the legal drinking age for New Orleans?

The legal alcohol purchasing age is 21.”(mardigrasday.com)

General Info
Mardi Gras…the mere mention of these two words convey thoughts of: raucous celebrations, beads flying through the air, ear-to-ear grins plastered on the faces of millions of revelers, and of course floats parading through the streets of New Orleans!

While these associations are accurate, this is only taking into account only a small portion of what Mardi Gras stands for and means to millions of people not just in the Bayous and Parishes of Louisiana, but across the world.

However, the first Mardi Gras in North America did not even occur under American rule but more appropriately the French. In 1704, France’s King Louis XIV ordered the brothers Iberville and Bienville LeMoyne to sail from France to defend their territories, which include the areas that now represent: Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Upon arriving, the LeMoyne brothers found the mouth of a body of water, now known as the Mississippi River, and sailed upstream for a few miles until they located the perfect place to build a colony and designated the area as: Point du Mardi Gras.

From these humble beginnings a proud culture of French ancestors known as the Creole population of the Bayous began and prospered, and each year thousands of people become honorary Creoles during Mardi Gras celebrations held throughout the United States.

There are other places in the world who take their Mardi Gras celebrations just as seriously, even if they are not as well known or publicized.

One of those celebrations is the Rio de Janeiro Carnival that is held in Brazil, each year for two weeks prior to the fasting period in the Christian calendar known as Lent. While Brazil’s Carnival resembles and incorporates many of the similar aspects that define America’s Mardi Gras: great music, tons of delicious and fattening foods, and parades, it is distinctively Brazilian due to the amount of Samba dancing that occurs over the two weeks.

Other noteworthy places throughout the world that hold Mardi Gras style parties around the same time as the celebrations are occurring in the United States are: Venice in Italy, Mazatlan in Mexico, and throughout many cities in Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Mardi Gras today is about various cultures coming together to celebrate the things that make them unique and uniting under the common theme of being people who like to have fun and enjoy each other and have a great time.

Hence the phrase, “Let the Good Times Roll!”"(mardigrasday.com)

Also make sure to check out some great Irish Toasts Here before drinking this St. Patrick’s Day!

Irish Eyes
1 oz Irish whiskey
1/4 oz crème de menthe, green
2 oz cream
Maraschino cherry for garnish

Pour the ingredients into a shaker with ice cubes, and shake well. Strain into an old-fashioned glass. Garnish with the maraschino cherry.

Everybody will love this green whiskey cocktail. Perfect for St. Patrick’s day. Give your Irish sweetheart an Irish Eyes cocktail, look into her eyes and say “Tá tú go h-álainn” (You’re beautiful).

Irish Eyes #2
1 oz Kilbeggan Irish whiskey
1/4 oz green creme de menthe
2 oz heavy cream

Shake with ice, strain and serve in a rocks glass. Garnish with maraschino cherry.

Irish Coffee
2/3 part freshly brewed coffee
1/3 part Irish whiskey
2 tsps brown sugar
lightly whipped cream

Into a stemmed glass or mug, put two teaspoonfuls of brown or regular sugar; add Irish Whiskey and really hot, really strong black coffee. Stir well to disolve all the sugar, then float some whipped cream on top.

Dublin Handshake
1/2 oz Baileys Irish cream
1/2 oz Irish whiskey
3/4 oz Sloe gin

Combine in shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into rocks glass with ice.

Nutty Irishman Shooter
1/2 shot Carolans Irish Cream
1/2 shot Hazelnut Liqueur

Serve as a shot or on the rocks.

Erie Tour
1/3 part Irish Mist Irish Liqueur
1/3 part Carolans Irish Creme
1/3 part Irish whiskey

Serve over ice.

Westside Manhattan
2 oz Tullamore Dew Irish whiskey
2-4 drops Angostura bitters
splash sweet vermouth

Build in rocks glass with ice.

Bushmills O’Thentic Irish Kiss
1 1/2 oz Bushmills Irish Whiskey
1 oz peach schnapps
2 oz orange juice
5 oz ginger ale

Build in rocks glass with ice and garnish with a wedge of lime.

Irish Prince
1 1/4 oz Jameson Irish Whiskey
3 oz tonic water

Combine in rocks glass. Stir.