Thursday, June 30, 2011

Amazon ends deal with 25,000 California websites

Amazon ends deal with 25,000 California websites amazon, affiliate, california - The Orange County Register
"Board of Equalization Member George Runner blasted Brown for signing the law.
'Even as Governor Jerry Brown lifted his pen to sign this legislation, thousands of affiliates across California were losing their jobs.
The so-called 'Amazon tax' is truly a lose-lose proposition for California.
Not only won’t we see the promised revenues, we’ll actually lose income tax revenue as affiliates move to other states.'"

Turtles shutdown runway at Kennedy Airport as they crawled across tarmac heading for seasonal breeding grounds

Turtles shutdown runway at Kennedy Airport as they crawled across tarmac heading for seasonal breeding grounds - NYPOST.com

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

On Behalf of Eyebrow Threaders, The Institute for Justice Goes Up Against The AZ Cosmetology Cartel

CARPE DIEM: On Behalf of Eyebrow Threaders, The Institute for Justice Goes Up Against The AZ Cosmetology Cartel
"'Eyebrow threading is a natural and safe method of hair removal that uses a single strand of cotton thread to remove unwanted hair, most commonly from the eyebrows, with no chemicals, dyes, hot wax or sharp objects.
But state bureaucrats have decided that threaders cannot practice their trade without first obtaining an unnecessary and expensive government license.
The Arizona Board of Cosmetology is now requiring skilled threaders to obtain an aesthetician license, which requires at least 600 hours of classroom instruction—not one hour of which teaches or tests threading—and that can cost over $10,000."

Tap the nation's true oil reserve in the Gulf of Mexico

Tap the nation's true oil reserve in the Gulf of Mexico: An editorial NOLA.com
"The Obama administration has come under criticism for its decision to drain 30 million barrels from the nation's Strategic Petroleum Reserve, purportedly in an effort to address Libya's unrest and ease prices at the pump."

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Just One Michigan Republican Votes for Labor Union Monopoly Over Government Construction Work

Just One Michigan Republican Votes for Labor Union Monopoly Over Government Construction Work [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
"Big Labor bosses seeking protection from non-union competition on government construction jobs had a two-front fight going on last week in both Washington, D.C., and Lansing.
Votes to determine the fate of project labor agreements occurred in both the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives and the GOP-dominated Michigan Senate.
When it was all over, a total of 34 Republican lawmakers from Michigan had cast votes on these legislative battlefields, and just one voted on the side of the labor unions to protect PLAs: Congressman Thad McCotter, R-Livonia."

Monday, June 27, 2011

Sears to leave People's Republic of Illinois to Michigan over high taxes

theblogprof: Sears to leave People's Republic of Illinois to Michigan over high taxes

The Local Government Pension Squeeze

Steve Malanga: The Local Government Pension Squeeze - WSJ.com
"But U.S. Census surveys show that in the typical town or school district, employee pay and benefits can consume from 70% to 80% of the budget."

Girls as young as ONE 'forced to have sex change operations in India'

Girls as young as ONE 'forced to have sex change operations in India' Mail Online
"Girls as young as one are being forced into sex change operations in India by parents desperate for a son.
Surgeons in the city of Indore are reported to be 'converting' hundreds of girls a year, who are subsequently pumped full of hormone drugs.
A report in the respected Hindustan Times newspaper said the 'shocking, unprecedented trend, catering to the fetish for a son, is unfolding at conservative Indore's well-known clinics and hospitals on children who are one to five years old."

Recent Sightings: Family Portraits

Recent Sightings: Family Portraits:
"A friend told me about this family of Eastern Screech-owls at an undisclosed Muskegon County location.
Mama Mallard with her 11 ducklings at Muskegon State Park, along with the Brown Thrasher and Snapping Turtle."

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Obama Recovery Is WORST EVER Since Great Depression

Obama Recovery Is WORST EVER Since Great Depression - HUMAN EVENTS
"Spending your way out of a recession is not such a great idea."

Atop TV Sets, a Power Drain That Runs Nonstop

Atop TV Sets, a Power Drain That Runs Nonstop - NYTimes.com
"Those little boxes that usher cable signals and digital recording capacity into televisions have become the single largest electricity drain in many American homes, with some typical home entertainment configurations eating more power than a new refrigerator and even some central air-conditioning systems."

They're coming for our TVs?

Blue State Schools: The Shame Of A Nation.

Instapundit » Blog Archive » WALTER RUSSELL MEAD: Blue State Schools: The Shame Of A Nation.:
"When it come to excellence in education, red states rule — at least according to a panel of experts assembled by Tina Brown’s Newsweek.
Using a set of indicators ranging from graduation rate to college admissions and SAT scores, the panel reviewed data from high schools all over the country to find the best public schools in the country.
The results make depressing reading for the teacher unions: the very best public high schools in the country are heavily concentrated in red states."

The right's ideas are winning

The right's ideas are winning - JSOnline
"True to this, they've not just protested Walker's reforms.
They've occupied the Capitol, they've shouted 'fascist' from the gallery, they've shut down public schools to protest, they've harassed Walker's kids, they've f-bombed a 14-year-old girl giving a speech.
Not all progressives do this, nor even most.
Many creditably deplore it.
But such excess is not the antonym of their favorite metaphor for politics but its overextension.

This comes after the most progressive president in half a century won his job by wooing the nation's center with a promise to end politics-as-combat.
Yet for six months, public-sector unions at the heart of progressivism have reminded everyone that combat is their default mode.
They also persist in the hysterical claim that being given a much nicer deal than the private-sector middle class or even Barack Obama's federal workforce amounts to being cheated.
They've conceded the role of calm adulthood to conservatives."

Expert says Michigan's one-state recession is over

Expert says Michigan's one-state recession is over MLive.com
"From 2002-2007, much of the U.S. enjoyed economic prosperity while Michigan's economy was mired in a one-state recession.
The rest of the nation joined Michigan in economic misery during the Great Recession, which began in 2007 and officially ended in 2009.

And although it may not feel like it to the 500,000 or so people in the state still without a job, Michigan's one-state recession is definitely over as well, said Ken Darga, Michigan's state demographer, in his analysis entitled 'Is Michigan’s Economic Recovery Real?'

Michigan's one-state recession might have ended in 2007 if not for the beginning of the national recession, Darga said.

Darga's analysis doesn't explain why Michigan saw job gains shrink among new and expanding businesses from 2002-07, despite economic prosperity elsewhere in the country."

Interviewing Ann Coulter About Her New Book, “Demonic”

Interviewing Ann Coulter About Her New Book, “Demonic” Right Wing News
"Last but not least, how about dashing off a quick sentence or even just a word or two about the following individuals…
Al Sharpton: The media’s designated spokesman on civil discourse.
GOProud: No longer supporting gay marriage, God bless them.
Charles Manson: Would be teaching at Northwestern if he hadn’t killed Sharon Tate.
Mitt Romney: Christie might want to consider him for vice president.
Rachel Maddow: The second openly crazy anchor to host a prime-time news program in the United States.
Anthony Weiner: Who? Name doesn’t ring a bell.
Andrew Breitbart: A great American.
Barack Obama: The second-worst black president in U.S. history.
Meghan McCain: A dumber, bustier John McCain.
Debbie Wasserman Schultz: I think these programs to mainstream the learning disabled may have gone too far."

What is Freedom to Work?

Michigan Freedom to Work—What is Freedom to Work?
"Of the five most successful states in job growth from 1999-2009, all were Freedom to Work states, while the biggest losers were all forced-unionism states:

The Biggest Winners
(all Freedom to Work)The Biggest Losers
(all forced-unionism)
1. Texas+866,00046. California-170,400
2. Florida+291,60047. Indiana-225,300
3. Arizona+194,00048. Illinois-332,700
4. Virginia+138,40049. Ohio-508,200
5. Nevada+124,50050. Michigan-687,600"

Will Atlas Shrug?

The American Spectator : AmSpecBlog : Will Atlas Shrug?
"Atlas is shrugging in the US. Capital is relocated to regions where it is treated more favorably.
Within the country, we see capital and jobs leaving the overtaxed, overregulated Blue states and migrating to smaller government Red states."

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Forecasts for Growth Drop, Some Sharply

Forecasts for Growth Drop, Some Sharply - CNBC
"Macroeconomic Advisers, a research firm, projected 3.5 percent growth back in April and is now down to just 2.1 percent for this quarter."

Five Reasons Why I Believe Texas Governor Rick Perry Will Be Our President In 2013

Five Reasons Why I Believe Texas Governor Rick Perry Will Be Our President In 2013 - FoxNews.com
"Recently Governor Perry allowed his Labrador Retriever to accompany him on his daily six mile jog.
While on his run, he and his pet were accosted by a menacing coyote.
After remaining still and waiting to see what the wild coyote would do, the governor pulled out a .380 Ruger and shot the coyote dead when it become apparent the coyote was after his pup.

When he returned to the governor's office he was queried about his 'heartless' actions towards 'innocent' animals.
After answering more than one question on the matter, and in a mildly exasperated manner he replied, 'Don't go after my dog!'
In other words while the press was confused about his value system, he saw it in very simple terms."

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Michigan Fresh Produce

New Jersey Government Workers’ Union Sues State Over Pension Contributions

New Jersey Government Workers’ Union Sues State Over Pension Contributions - Bloomberg
"Christie’s proposal, which would also raise the retirement age to 65 from 62 and freeze cost-of-living adjustments, is scheduled to go before the Assembly tomorrow."

They'll use every method they can to steal our money.
Stop them now!

Follow the money: Bailout tracker

Follow the money: Bailout tracker - CNNMoney.com
"CNNMoney.com's bailout tracker
The government is engaged in a far-reaching - and expensive - effort to rescue the economy.
Here's how you can keep tabs on the bailouts."

Was Fast And Furious A Gun-Control Plot?

Editorial: Was Fast And Furious A Gun-Control Plot? - Investors.com
"If 'Operation Fast and Furious' was merely a botched attempt at law enforcement, why was a supervisor of the operation, David Voth, 'jovial, if not, not giddy but just delighted about' marked guns showing up at crime scenes in Mexico"

Answer the question, Mr. President!

Just two weeks before QE2 ends, Russia becomes third major country to announce it will dump U.S. Treasury holdings

Just two weeks before QE2 ends, Russia becomes third major country to announce it will dump U.S. Treasury holdings « The Greenroom

The 32 Percent Teacher Pay Hikes at Birmingham Schools

The 32 Percent Teacher Pay Hikes at Birmingham Schools [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
"In the most recent union contract, Birmingham teachers have assumed 70 percent of the increased costs of health insurance, and had incurred 60 percent of the cost in the previous contract,” they wrote in the Op-Ed."

In other words, we paid the other 30%.
They got another raise!

Medicare Trustees Confirm Democrats' Medicare Plan Would Result in 'Actual' 17% Medicare Cut

Blog: Medicare Trustees Confirm Democrats' Medicare Plan Would Result in 'Actual' 17% Medicare Cut: "In testimony before the House Ways and Means Committee today, two Medicare Trustess, Drs. Charles Blahous and Robert Reischauer, confirmed that based on our current path in 2024 there would be 'actual' cuts to Medicare at 17%.
They also confirmed that Medicare would end itself by 2024 unless actions are taken to save the program."

This is built into the current democrat plan.
Stop the lies!

ACLU | The biggest schoolyard bully of them all: The ACLU

ACLU The biggest schoolyard bully of them all: The ACLU The Daily Caller
"Meanwhile, in New Jersey, as part of its ongoing crusade for sexual anarchy, the ACLU sent a letter threatening Sussex Technical High School over its recommendation that boys wear a pair of slacks with a dark tie under their graduation gowns, and for girls to wear a dress and comfortable shoes.
Right on cue, the ACLU demanded that the school change its “discriminatory” recommendations, claiming that the policy violates New Jersey’s anti-discrimination laws.
According to the ACLU, a school “may not (even) prohibit male students from wearing a skirt or dress to the graduation ceremony.”
In the words of the school’s principal, Anthony Macerino, “You have to pick your battles.”
So, the school has caved and adopted a new recommendation — students should merely wear “appropriate and suitable” attire.
Now, there’s a nebulous standard in this age of RuPaul, Anthony Weiner and Lady Gaga."

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Study-$1400 Tax Hike Needed to Fund US Pensions

Taxes: Study-$1400 Tax Hike Needed to Fund US Pensions - CNBC
"U.S. state and local governments will need to raise taxes by $1,398 per household every year for the next 30 years if they are to fully fund their pension systems, a study released on Wednesday said."

Post office suspends retirement contributions

Post office suspends retirement contributions
"The financially troubled Postal Service is suspending its employer contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System."

Michigan Redistricting: Official Republican State Senate Map Released

RightMichigan.com Michigan Redistricting: Official Republican State Senate Map Released
"Michigan Redistricting: Official Republican State Senate Map Released"

Texas Turns Off Lights on Federal Lightbulb Ban

CARPE DIEM: Texas Turns Off Lights on Federal Lightbulb Ban
"lets any incandescent light bulb manufactured in Texas - and sold in that state - avoid the authority of the federal government or the repeal of the 2007 energy independence act that starts phasing out some incandescent light bulbs next year.'"

I KEEP WARNING PEOPLE NOT TO PICK ON BLOGGERS

Instapundit » Blog Archive » I KEEP WARNING PEOPLE NOT TO PICK ON BLOGGERS

Is Newspaper Coverage of Economic Events Politically Biased?

Is Newspaper Coverage of Economic Events Politically Biased? by John Lott, Kevin Hassett :: SSRN: "Accusations of political bias in the media are often made by members of both political parties, yet there have been few systematic studies of such bias to date.
This paper develops an econometric technique to test for political bias in news reports that controls for the underlying character of the news reported.
Our results suggest that American newspapers tend to give more positive news coverage to the same economic news when Democrats are in the Presidency than for Republicans."

Medicaid for the middle class?

AP Exclusive: Medicaid for the middle class? - Yahoo! News
"The Medicare actuary's office roughed out some examples to illustrate how the provision would work.
A married couple retiring at 62 in 2014 and receiving the maximum Social Security benefit of $23,500 apiece could get $17,000 from other sources and still qualify for Medicaid with a total income of $64,000."

Governerd’s Bill 411: How Michigan Taxpayers Really Pay For DRIC

Governerd’s Bill 411: How Michigan Taxpayers Really Pay For DRIC Windsor Square

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Extreme Low Pass

Good News: Black unemployment at 16%

theblogprof: Good News: Black unemployment at 16%

GE's Finest Gun

GE's Finest Gun

FDA issues graphic cigarette labels

My Way News - APNewsBreak: FDA issues graphic cigarette labels

Collect the whole set!

The Law School Bubble

The Law School Bubble

Why the Jobs Situation Is Worse Than It Looks

Why the Jobs Situation Is Worse Than It Looks - US News and World Report
"The Great Recession has now earned the dubious right of being compared to the Great Depression.
In the face of the most stimulative fiscal and monetary policies in our history, we have experienced the loss of over 7 million jobs, wiping out every job gained since the year 2000."

State Taxpayers May Eat $1.6 Million Loan for Defunct Green Bus Company

State Taxpayers May Eat $1.6 Million Loan for Defunct Green Bus Company [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
"In September of 2009, Fisher Coachworks was mentioned in a press release from Gov. Jennifer Granholm as a “green technology” company that was part of the “new energy economy for Michigan.”
Two years later, the state says Fisher Coachworks is out of business and the state has to write off $1.6 million it loaned the electric bus manufacturing company."

"Green" is the new "red" in more ways than one.

Michigan gets $3.3 million to fight food-stamp fraud and abuse, Sen. Debbie Stabenow says

Michigan gets $3.3 million to fight food-stamp fraud and abuse, Sen. Debbie Stabenow says MLive.com: "U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow said this morning that Michigan has been awarded $3.3 million to fight fraud and abuse in the food-assistance program."

What a country!
The bigger the iddiot, the more moolah they get.

What Is The Q-Ratio?

What Is The Q-Ratio?
"What Is The Q-Ratio, And Why Do People Think It's Predicting A Market Crash?"

Obama Backs EPA War on Coal, While Networks Ignore Harm to Industry

Obama Backs EPA War on Coal, While Networks Ignore Harm to Industry NewsBusters.org
"According to Paul Bedard's June 8 Washington Whispers column in US News & World Report, 'two new EPA pollution regulations will slam the coal industry so hard that hundreds of thousands of jobs will be lost, and electric rates will skyrocket 11 percent to over 23 percent, according to a new study based on government data.'

The Hill reported that the EPA is attempting to 'impose new regulations aimed at limiting greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants including mercury and arsenic.'"

Scientists See More Deadly Weather, but Dispute the Cause - NYTimes.com

Scientists See More Deadly Weather, but Dispute the Cause - NYTimes.com

How to Delete an Account from Any Website

How to Delete an Account from Any Website - Social Networks PCMag.com

Fast and Furious Backpedaling at the Department of Justice

Power Line - Fast and Furious Backpedaling at the Department of Justice
"The operation's goal was to establish a nexus between straw purchasers of assault-style weapons in the United States and Mexican drug-trafficking organizations (DTOs) operating on both sides of the United States-Mexico border."

This is HUGE.
READ IT and understand just how gangster our government has gone!

Monday, June 20, 2011

MORE ON THAT ATF GUN-SMUGGLING DEBACLE

Instapundit » Blog Archive » MORE ON THAT ATF GUN-SMUGGLING DEBACLE: Mega-Scandal: Was ‘Gunwalker’ a PR Op for Gun Control?
“Buckle up:
An agent testifies that surveillance stopped at the border, meaning the operation didn’t actually trace guns to cartels to make arrests.
The only conclusion?
Law enforcement wasn’t the point, orchestrated violence was, and that’s a history-making scandal. . . .
At the same time they were damning gun dealers in public, the administration was secretly forcing them to provide weapons to the cartels, by the armful and without oversight.”

Well, people are calling it worse than Iran-Contra.

Also, Michael Walsh bears down on this scandal in the Post.
“Fast and Furious was supposed to prove the theory.
That is, the administration ‘knew’ who the bad guys were — legitimate gun dealers in the Southwest — and set out to make them the heavies in a phony sting operation.”"

Incredible Recycled 747 Airplane House Completed in Malibu!

FIRST PHOTOS: Incredible Recycled 747 Airplane House Completed in Malibu! Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World

Another Reason For Companies to Leave California

CARPE DIEM: Another Reason For Companies to Leave California
"'Enterprising trial attorneys by the dozen are using an obscure California labor law requiring retailers such as such as Wal-Mart, Home Depot and Target to have enough seats on hand for their workers."

Free breakfasts, lunches for children available throughout the area | MLive.com

Free breakfasts, lunches for children available throughout the area MLive.com: "The sites must be located in areas where more than half the families' earnings are 185 percent or less than the poverty level — the threshold for children to qualify for free or reduced-price lunches at school.
Meals at the summer sites are free to all children 18 and under"

$48,414

S.S. Milwaukee Clipper to offer weekend tours starting in July | MLive.com

S.S. Milwaukee Clipper to offer weekend tours starting in July MLive.com
"The S.S. Milwaukee Clipper will be receiving visitors again starting this summer, after a three-year hiatus.
The ship will be open for tours from 1-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays starting July 2 through Labor Day.
The ship also will be open July 4."

Idaho family abandons snake-infested house

Idaho family abandons snake-infested house Seattle Times Newspaper

Why Political Perversions Get A Pass

Irish Examiner USA: Why Political Perversions Get A Pass

Obama Campaign Offering "Dinner With Barack" For $5

Obama Campaign Offering "Dinner With Barack" For $5 - Political Punch

Abysmal Graduation Rate Puts Chicago State Accrediation at Risk

Abysmal Graduation Rate Puts Chicago State Accrediation at Risk : Chicagoist
"The state of Illinois may want to put a hold on the magical $40 million it granted to Chicago State University last month for a new West Side campus. According to the Tribune,
'Chicago State University is at risk of losing its accreditation because of 'remarkably poor' graduation and retention rates, as well as tumultuous leadership and finances, according to the region's accrediting agency.
'In a letter obtained by the Tribune, the Higher Learning Commission cites several 'grave' concerns regarding the future of the South Side school that serves roughly 6,800 students. The most pressing problems derive from managing enrollment, but other issues include a reduction in student financial assistance that led to dropouts and delayed approval of budgets.'
CSU's graduation rate - 12.8 percent over six years - makes the city's public high schools look downright wonderful"

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Why Obama's hometown has the highest gas prices in America

Blog: Why Obama's hometown has the highest gas prices in America
"What are the consequences of living in the last of the one-party machine towns, a town that has hosted the Daley family as well as being the hometown of Barack Obama and the cronies he put in power (including Bill Daley, his Chief of Staff)?
Politicians who have no problem imposing the highest gas prices in America on their citizens."

NBC Cuts 'Under God' From Pledge of Allegiance

NBC Cuts 'Under God' From Pledge of Allegiance NewsBusters.org

What the talking heads don’t tell you about the NBC/WSJ poll internals

Datechguy's Blog » Blog Archive » What the talking heads don’t tell you about the NBC/WSJ poll internals: "One can spin it any way you want but if you look at the internals of this poll the bottom line is Barack Obama is hemorrhaging his popularity and barring some cataclysmic failure on the GOP side or incredible success on his side he is not going to win re-election."

Cost of Obama’s Green-Car Mandate: 260,000 jobs

Cost of Obama’s Green-Car Mandate: 260,000 jobs - By Henry Payne - Planet Gore - National Review Online

Venezuela to begin rationing electricity - seattlepi.com

Venezuela to begin rationing electricity - seattlepi.com

More regulations: EPA's fantasy solution to unemployment

More regulations: EPA's fantasy solution to unemployment Examiner Editorial Opinion Washington Examiner: "American Electric Power Chairman Michael Morris announced last week that his company would be forced to close five coal-fired power plants, spend an additional $8 billion refitting other plants, and lose 6,000 megawatts of its coal-generated capacity if the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency follows through with its latest proposed regulation of coal power plants.
That's just fine with President Obama and Lisa Jackson, whom he appointed as EPA administrator.
Their goal is to put people like Morris and utilities like AEP out of the coal-fired generation business."

Editorial: Greek Crisis Is A Warning To Europe, U.S.

Editorial: Greek Crisis Is A Warning To Europe, U.S. - Investors.com
"As heavily indebted Greece continues to implode, threatening to drag Europe down with it, Americans should remember one key fact:
Repeated bailouts don't work, only fiscal responsibility does."

Free Microsoft stubborn virus remover

Komando.com, Website for The Kim Komando Radio Show®, Komando Toolbox
"When that happens, you need a more powerful solution.
You could try the latest security tool from Microsoft.
It's called Standalone System Sweeper and it's based on Microsoft's Security Essentials."

Excellent tool!

Mayors See End to Wars as Fix for Struggling Cities

Mayors See End to Wars as Fix for Struggling Cities - NYTimes.com

So they can take all our defense money and be as successful as Detroit and other US cities?

Hospitals Performed Needless Double CT Scans, Records Show

Hospitals Performed Needless Double CT Scans, Records Show - NYTimes.com

The union-owned Democrats

The union-owned Democrats - The Washington Post
"One obvious way to increase exports is through free-trade agreements.
But unions don’t like them.
No surprise then that for two years Obama has been sitting on three free-trade agreements — with Colombia, Panama and South Korea — already negotiated by his predecessor."

Obama impersonator crosses the line at RLC

Obama impersonator crosses the line at RLC - Jonathan Martin - POLITICO.com
"As Brown was preparing to make a Michele Bachmann joke, one of the conference’s officials came out to the lectern and told the comedian to leave the stage.
It was a remarkable display and came just one day after two high-profile Republicans —- Haley Barbour and Bobby Jindal — urged activists to focus only on going after Obama on policy and not engage in personal attacks."

Some serious idiotic rot at the top of the RLC.

Rick Perry | Left Never Going To Like Us

Rick Perry Left Never Going To Like President Bush RealClearPolitics
"'It saddens me when sometimes my fellow Republicans duck and cover in the face of pressure from the left.
Our party cannot be all things to all people,' Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX) said at a Republican party event in Louisiana today."

It's about time!

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Gov't's Gun Scheme: ‘Loads of Weapons … for Criminals Was The Plan’

Gov't's Gun Scheme: ‘Loads of Weapons … for Criminals Was The Plan’ CNSnews.com
"John Dodson, a special agent for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, told the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee yesterday that he was shocked when he discovered his agency was carrying out a plan specifically designed to deliver “loads of weapons” into the hands of criminals, including operatives purchasing guns for Mexican drug cartels"

What the talking heads don’t tell you about the NBC/WSJ poll internals

Datechguy's Blog » Blog Archive » What the talking heads don’t tell you about the NBC/WSJ poll internals: "One can spin it any way you want but if you look at the internals of this poll the bottom line is Barack Obama is hemorrhaging his popularity and barring some cataclysmic failure on the GOP side or incredible success on his side he is not going to win re-election."

IMF cuts U.S. growth forecast, warns of crisis

IMF cuts U.S. growth forecast, warns of crisis - Yahoo! UK & Ireland Finance
"The International Monetary Fund cut its forecast for U.S. economic growth on Friday and warned Washington and debt-ridden European countries that they are 'playing with fire' unless they take immediate steps to reduce their budget deficits"

Four suspects involved in separate Muskegon shootings, including two fatal, aggressively sought by authorities; Police urge public to help

Four suspects involved in separate Muskegon shootings, including two fatal, aggressively sought by authorities; Police urge public to help MLive.com
"The hunt for the suspects will continue to be aggressive until the men are apprehended, Olson said. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the suspects' whereabouts to come forward."

It's the culture, stupid!

Clarifying the View of Retirement Debt

Clarifying the View of Retirement Debt
"And then there's OPEB.
Barclay's did not include the unfunded liabilities of state and local retiree health coverage obligations (OPEB or 'other post-employment benefits') which are at least double and likely triple the size of the unfunded pension obligations reported by the public funds using conventional actuarial methods.
If you add the OPEB obligations, then 'we have a problem, Houston' as the percentage of revenues required to defease retirement promises this way would then jump to 15 to 20 percent of an average employer's annual tax revenues."

The Door is About to Shut for Americans

The Door is About to Shut for Americans
"Anyone aware of the US Government's real financial situation knows that time is running out.
The Government has $15.5 trillion in admitted debts but those debts, when calculated under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), or 'honest accounting', is over $70 trillion.
$70 trillion divided by 300 million+ Americans works out to $233,000 per person in US Federal Government debt and obligations.
Or nearly $1 million per family of four.

That does not included personal debt, state debt or municipal debt."

The euro has not brought Europe closer – it has ripped it apart

The euro has not brought Europe closer – it has ripped it apart - Europe, World - The Independent
"The scale of Greece's problem is simply stated: her national debt will approach 160 per cent of GDP on current trends.
Here in the UK we are supposed to be in crisis because that ratio is heading for about 75 per cent.

Unless the Greek economy grows at an astonishing rate, the interest on that debt simply cannot be paid out of any conceivable tax take, while the spending cuts and austerity packages are conspiring to push the economy into depression"

Congressional Gym Price Tag?

Congressional Gym Price Tag? Video - ABC News
"Congressional Gym Price Tag?
Jake Tapper tracks taxpayers' dollars subsidizing exclusive gym."

Democrat: We Need 'Analysis of How Christian Militants … Might Bring Down The Country’

Democrat: We Need 'Analysis of How Christian Militants … Might Bring Down The Country’ CNSnews.com
"At a congressional hearing on Muslim radicalization in U.S. prisons, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) said that investigators needed to analyze Christian militants in America because they too might try to “bring down the country.”"

Assistant AG: ‘I Do Not Know’ Who Authorized Plan to Let Drug Cartels Get Guns

Assistant AG: ‘I Do Not Know’ Who Authorized Plan to Let Drug Cartels Get Guns CNSnews.com: "Ronald Weich, the assistant attorney general for legislative affairs at the Justice Department, told the House Oversight and Government Reform Commitee on Wednesday that he does not know who authorized the Justice Department’s “Operation Fast and Furious” which deliberately let operatives of Mexican drug cartels purchase guns at licensed U.S. firearms dealers and did nothing to intercept the gun purchaser or retrieve the guns even when they were under active surveillance by federal law enforcement officials"

Michigan State Spartans Cheerleaders | AthlonSports

Michigan State Spartans Cheerleaders AthlonSports
"Having shot college football games for over thirty years, we thought it would be a good idea to cull our archives for some of the cheerleaders we've shot over the years. Here are some of our favorites from the 80s, 90s and 2000s."

Bin collections: If only politicians were on the side of ordinary people

Bin collections: If only politicians were on the side of ordinary people Mail Online
"About a year ago, Oxford City Council kindly gave me a slop bucket.
It has sat unused outside our back door.
The idea of scraping old potato peelings and fish bones into this small receptacle, inevitably creating an almighty mess and stink, was a bridge too far.
Now, however, we shall all be forced to use them.
The Tory Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman has decreed that every household in England must press a slop bucket into action."

Friday, June 17, 2011

How Miserable? Index Says the Worst in 28 Years

How Miserable? Index Says the Worst in 28 Years - CNBC
"“Frankly, we have been stunned by the disconnect that we see between these optimistic calls over the past six to nine months and the reality of what is occurring in the global economy,” wrote Boston-based Hans P. Black in the Interinvest Review & Outlook."

Changing Tides: Research Center Under Fire for 'Adjusted' Sea-Level Data

Changing Tides: Research Center Under Fire for 'Adjusted' Sea-Level Data - FoxNews.com
"'Gatekeepers of our sea level data are manufacturing a fictitious sea level rise that is not occurring,' said James M. Taylor, a lawyer who focuses on environmental issues for the Heartland Institute."

Travel Insurance Won't Help Greece-Bound Tourists

Travel Insurance Won't Help Greece-Bound Tourists - Pay Dirt - SmartMoney
"Tourists who were planning to head to Greece this summer have little recourse for refunds if the violent protests in Athens have made them reconsider their trip — even if they have purchased travel insurance."

Sunspot Drop Won’t Cause Global Cooling

Sunspot Drop Won’t Cause Global Cooling Wired Science Wired.com
"Most Little Ice Age cooling appears to have been the result of coincidentally high volcanic activity that cloaked Earth in sunlight-blocking soot.
As for the sun, a study published in 2001 in Science found that reduced solar activity produced a cooling effect of about 0.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
In other estimates, the cooling is even more insignificant."

Mich. governor, billionaire clash over new bridge

Mich. governor, billionaire clash over new bridge - FoxNews.com
"Nearly 30 percent of the goods sold between the U.S. and Canada are trucked across the Detroit River."

More regulations: EPA's fantasy solution to unemployment

More regulations: EPA's fantasy solution to unemployment Examiner Editorial Opinion Washington Examiner
"American Electric Power Chairman Michael Morris announced last week that his company would be forced to close five coal-fired power plants, spend an additional $8 billion refitting other plants, and lose 6,000 megawatts of its coal-generated capacity if the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency follows through with its latest proposed regulation of coal power plants"

Thursday, June 16, 2011

U.S. Manufacturing in 2009 = Germany, Italy, France, Russia, U.K., Brazil and Canada COMBINED

CARPE DIEM: U.S. Manufacturing in 2009 = Germany, Italy, France, Russia, U.K., Brazil and Canada COMBINED
"The U.S. ranked #1 in the world for manufacturing, and produced 14% more output than second-ranked China ($2.04 trillion) and twice as much output as third-ranked Japan ($1.15 trillion)."

Do 'Stealthy' Michigan Senators Want to Spend $100 Million on Film Subsidies?

Do 'Stealthy' Michigan Senators Want to Spend $100 Million on Film Subsidies? [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
"Do 'Stealthy' Michigan Senators Want to Spend $100 Million on Film Subsidies?
Facebook post insists: Michigan senator 'wishes to keep this process quiet and very stealth!'"

The Extinction of Retirement

The Extinction of Retirement
"According to the Social Security Administration, in 2008, Social Security provided 50% of all income for 64% of recipients and 90% of all income for 34% of all beneficiaries.
With these numbers, it's not hard to see how even small cuts will spark big protests.
Now try cutting the $20 trillion prescription drug program and the $79 trillion Medicare entitlements and watch the political sparks fly! However, given the realities, it's hard to see how the program can escape deep cuts."

Half of Taxes Pay for Retiree Benefits

GoLocalProv News Providence - Half of Taxes Pay for Retiree Benefits
"Just over half of all taxes collected in Providence in 2010 were owed to pensions and benefits for all city retirees—sucking money away from basic services and adding to the property tax burden"

Obama's unauthorized war on Libya costs $9,421,000 a day: Are you getting your money's worth?

Obama's unauthorized war on Libya costs $9,421,000 a day: Are you getting your money's worth? - latimes.com

How Public Employees get to run government

How Public Employees get to run government « Burypensions Blog
"Say you have a business in the private sector.
Would you let your employees name their salary and benefit levels and oblige you to pass on the cost to your customers?
Absent a captive market your customers will likely be gone and so would your business."

George Soros and the Plot to Take Judicial Selections Away from Voters

George Soros and the Plot to Take Judicial Selections Away from Voters [Michigan Capitol Confidential]: "Billionaire political financier George Soros is behind a $45 million campaign to strip American citizens of their right to select state court judges and thereby put the legal system in the hands of Left-wing jurists"

US Is in Even Worse Shape Financially Than Greece: Gross

US Is in Even Worse Shape Financially Than Greece: Gross - CNBC
"When adding in all of the money owed to cover future liabilities in entitlement programs the US is actually in worse financial shape than Greece and other debt-laden European countries, Pimco's Bill Gross told CNBC Monday."

Bill Gross?!!!!

Allan McNish's terrifying Audi R18 TDI Le Mans crash

Allan McNish's terrifying Audi R18 TDI Le Mans crash — Autoblog
"Video: Allan McNish's terrifying Audi R18 TDI Le Mans crash"

Court order allows Christian leaflets at Arab fest

Court order allows Christian leaflets at Arab fest
"A Detroit federal judge has signed an order allowing Christian evangelists to work the sidewalks of a popular Arab-American festival in Dearborn."

Imagine you'd need a judge to allow this in an American city.
A muslim controlled city!

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

EMU unions reject wage freeze

EMU unions reject wage freeze Detroit Free Press freep.com
"Martin had asked for about $3.3 million back from union raises that ranged from 1% to 3%"

Theory and Facts

Theory and Facts
"Correct or not, the belief that “government spending was the only option” to keep the economy from imploding is itself a theory.
No data independent of some economic theory scream with crystalline clarity that increased government spending must substitute for collapsing private spending."

Very unfortunate for America.

Very unfortunate for America.
Thadd McCotter voted with the big unions/democrats AGAIN!
Huisenga was a no-show.
Why?
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/vote.xpd?vote=h2011-413&sort=party

Michigan Union Targets Legislator

Michigan Union Targets Legislator - Kyle Olson - Townhall Conservative
"This certainly isn’t unique.
Wisconsin unions took similar action against business owners who refused to condemn Gov. Scott Walker’s reform efforts.
How would the unions feel if tea party members protested outside the homes of public employees and their union bosses?
They don’t, because they understand that all Americans have the freedom to believe what they want to believe without having to fear for their safety or livelihoods"

The Sorry State of Liberal Compassion

Articles: The Sorry State of Liberal Compassion
"Of course, beyond the reckless sensationalism, the fact remains that those tax dollars are still funding responsible family clinics that provide those essential services.
They are only being denied to the ones who use the family planning cloak to shroud the evil butchery of abortion that appears at the top of their menu.

Nevertheless, with the stage set, Barack Obama waded into the fray with the trademark political thuggery he once used to brow-beat Arizonans over their immigration policy.
This time, showing the extent to which he is beholden to the abortion lobby, Obama has threatened to deny Indiana its federal Medicaid dollars if Hoosiers don't capitulate to his demands and restore Planned Parenthood's blood money."

TEDx Muskegon will have two lunch sessions to teach the community about a September event

TEDx Muskegon will have two lunch sessions to teach the community about a September event MLive.com
"TEDx Muskegon organizers will have a 'brown bag lunch' meeting Wednesday and Aug. 18 to teach the community about the upcoming Sept. 20 event in Muskegon.
TEDx is a community-based, independent organization associated with the global TED initiatives. The local TEDx group will have their first confernce at the Freauthal Theater Sept. 20 with a thrive Muskegon theme.
To learn more about the TED experience and how it is coming to Muskegon, organizers will meet with interested citizens Wednesday from noon-1 p.m. at the Grand Valley State University Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center, 200 Viridian along Muskegon Lake. Another lunch session is planned for the same time and place Aug. 18."

What is this TED?
Fuzzy always makes me nervous.
http://www.ted.com/pages/about

Dozens of Republicans Vote for Handouts to Big Labor

Dozens of Republicans Vote for Handouts to Big Labor RedState
"Yesterday, the House passed the largely non-controversial Military Construction/Veterans Affairs Appropriations (MilCon) bill for FY 2012.
Unfortunately, it is these non-controversial bills which provide a safe haven for meretricious policy initiatives through the rapid fire amendment process.
While everyone was focused on presidential politics, the House passed an amendment forcing government contractors to use labor unions on federal construction projects.
Oh, and like most bad legislation, this amendment passed by one vote, with the help of 27 Republicans."

Very unfortunate for America.
Thadd McCotter voted with the big unions/democrats AGAIN!
Huisenga was a no-show.

Why?

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/vote.xpd?vote=h2011-413&sort=party

Waterfront restaurant celebrates West Michigan lifestyle

Waterfront restaurant celebrates West Michigan lifestyle MLive.com
"A welcome new place to dine out is The Lake House Waterfront Grill, a renovation of the Muskegon landmark Rafferty's."

I'm not sure what "West Michigan lifestyle" means but we finally have a few pretty good restaurants here in Muskegon.
Good news whatever you "lifestyle.
Mine is usually...hungry....

Shocking Headline: Greektown patrol cop dies a week after being struck by tourist

theblogprof: Shocking Headline: Greektown patrol cop dies a week after being struck by tourist
"Detroit has a tourist?
Did not see that coming."

heh.....

Fred Upton’s Broken Light Bulb Promise Another Example of the Failure of Republican Leadership

Michael Patrick Leahy: Fred Upton’s Broken Light Bulb Promise Another Example of the Failure of Republican Leadership
"He therefore promised that one of his first acts would be to advance legislation that would repeal the very light bulb ban he had once championed."

This RINO needs to GO!

WWII B-17 makes emergency landing outside Chicago

My Way News - WWII B-17 makes emergency landing outside Chicago
"A World War II bomber made what appeared to be an emergency landing in a cornfield Monday and all seven people on board escaped before it was consumed by fire, according to the Federal Aviation Administration."

Not too many left.

Environmentalists: Hands Off My Dishes!

Environmentalists: Hands Off My Dishes! - Page 1 - Mona Charen - Townhall Conservative
"I began noticing the white coating, dull film, and simply unclean dishes a few weeks ago."

Monday, June 13, 2011

Muskegon Tea Party Today 7:00pm Whitlows!

Muskegon Taxpayers Alliance
"But our own little county is 100 MILLION in debt to unfunded pension and health benefits for its employees.
And the big spending left has been hard at work trying to recall the governor and many GOP Michigan reps. and senators.
And showing their strength at rallies statewide.
'Keep up the spending and more' is their cry.
If they win, your children and grandchildren will lose, big time."

Signs of tyranny

EDITORIAL: Signs of tyranny - Washington Times
"The ordinance carefully carves out an exemption for artistic and political speech.
So a gigantic “Vote Obama” sign is acceptable, but one that states “20 percent off on Wednesdays” is not."

China's Pearl Harbor?

EDITORIAL: China's Pearl Harbor? - Washington Times
"Imagine a Chinese aircraft carrier sailing south close along the Florida coast and making a port call in Cuba.
It seems unimaginable but this scenario may be in our near future."

Media's Bias On Display In Hate Of Palin

Editorial: Media's Bias On Display In Hate Of Palin - Investors.com
"'Journalism': The New York Times and Washington Post have asked their readers' help in scouring 24,000 emails from Sarah Palin's governorship, released Friday.
They hate her — really hate her."

Breaking Up is Hard to Do for Michigan Brewers



Another example of big government and big business conspiring to screw the little guys...us!
It is time we start to out these thieves.

The Weekend Interview with Michele Bachmann: 'On the Beach, I Bring von Mises'

The Weekend Interview with Michele Bachmann: 'On the Beach, I Bring von Mises' - WSJ.com
"'If I'm in, I'll be all in,' says Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota, artfully dodging my question of whether she's running for president.
 Given that she just hired campaign strategist Ed Rollins, whose past clients include Ross Perot and Mike Huckabee, rumors abound"

Ed Rollins?!!!
Eeeeooouuuuu....

NAACP wants Obama, Congress to focus more on creating jobs

NAACP wants Obama, Congress to focus more on creating jobs - The Hill's On The Money
"“Generally speaking, we first and foremost want them to pay attention to the economy and the high rates of joblessness in the black community,”
NAACP President Benjamin Todd Jealous said Thursday.
“It is unacceptable for us to be 2 ½ years into a recession and still be fighting for Congress to accept responsibility to get working class people back into this economy.”"

The "we've got the black vote in our back pocket" conceit ain't gonna work if they can't find jobs.

Police ‘covered up’ violent campaign to turn London area ‘Islamic.’ “

Instapundit » Blog Archive » TELEGRAPH: Police ‘covered up’ violent campaign to turn London area ‘Islamic.’
“If that happened in a football stadium, arrests would have taken place.
I have complained, twice, to the police, and have heard nothing.
A Labour colleague waited three hours at the police station before being told that nothing would be done.
The police are afraid of being accused of Islamophobia.”
Posted by Glenn Reynolds at 2:50 am"

Sunday, June 12, 2011

H&H Photos: Hummers on a cool day..by Susie

H&H Photos: Hummers on a cool day..by Susie
"Hummers on a cool day..by Susie"

This has NOTHING to do with democrats!
Just beautiful photos from a beautiful gal.
Click it....NOW!

Cloud computing goes mainstream

Cloud computing goes mainstream - Kim's Columns – Reviews and Advice on All Things Digital - The Kim Komando Radio Show
"But if you don't understand why cloud computing is the future of computers, you're not alone.
The 'cloud' simply refers to the Internet.
'Cloud computing' refers to software and services that run over the Internet.
Webmail like Gmail and Hotmail are considered cloud computing. So are online backup services like my national radio show's advertiser Carbonite.com."

"Cloud" is the future.
Don't get left behind on the tech-curve!

Inflation Explained

One law for us, another for you

EDITORIAL: One law for us, another for you - Washington Times
"The California state Senate voted 28-8 Wednesday to exempt itself from the pointless gun-control laws that apply to the rest of the populace. Legislators apparently think they alone are worthy to pack heat on the streets for personal protection, and the masses ought to wait until the police arrive"

The day France betrayed its Jews

The day France betrayed its Jews The Jewish Chronicle
"This may be only a short summary of these horrific events but it is more than you will find in French text books.
The Vel d'Hiv round-up (named after the Winter Velodrome, the cycling stadium where the Jews were detained) has been almost totally ignored in France."

The novel "Sarah's Key" recounts this awful event.
Well worth the read.

Top Democrat operative launches plan of attack in Wisconsin recall elections

Blog: Top Democrat operative launches plan of attack in Wisconsin recall elections
"The plan is a tried and true staple of leftist politics, get involved in the Republican primary elections and manipulate the process in order to ensure victory in the general election."

Coal plants closing: Why coal plants closing means higher electricity prices

Coal plants closing: Why coal plants closing means higher electricity prices - chicagotribune.com
"Consumers could see their electricity bills jump an estimated 40 to 60 percent in the next few years"

USA 2011: McJobs, $4 Gas And Underwater Housing

USA 2011: McJobs, $4 Gas And Underwater Housing - Investors.com
"Random example from the headlines:
The paramilitarization of the education bureaucracy.
The federal Department of Education doesn't employ a single teacher, but it does have a SWAT team:
They kicked down a front door in Stockton, Calif., last week and handcuffed Kenneth Wright (erroneously) in connection with a student-loan 'investigation.'
'We can confirm that we executed a search warrant,' said Department of Education spokesperson Gina Burress.
The Department of Education issues search warrants?
Who knew?
 The Brokest Nation in History is the only country in the developed world whose education secretary has his own Delta Force.
And, in a land with over a trillion dollars in college debt, I'll bet it's got no plans to downsize."

Tea Party Strength | 2012

Tea Party Strength 2012 FreedomWorks The Daily Caller
"These days, Tea Party activists are focused on state and local issues, such as school choice legislation in Pennsylvania, Kibbe said.
They’re not looking to mount another massive D.C. march, such as the 9/12 protest in 2009, in part because the movement has already proved its influence during the 2010 election, he said."

Freedom in the 50 States

Freedom in the 50 States Mercatus
"This study comprehensively ranks the American states on their public policies that affect individual freedoms in the economic, social, and personal spheres."

Michigan is 27th.

Saturday, June 11, 2011

TOUGH LOVE: Gates to NATO: America is getting sick of fighting for you people who won’t defend yourselves

Instapundit » Blog Archive » TOUGH LOVE
"Gates to NATO: America is getting sick of fighting for you people who won’t defend yourselves.
Plus, from the comments: “When you coddle and shelter kids, do you get good teenagers or spoiled punks? What about when you coddle and shelter sovereign states for decades?”
Posted by Glenn Reynolds at 1:15 pm"

Infomation Age 2.0: The Cost of Hard Disk Space Has Decreased by Almost 1.5M Times Since 1980

CARPE DIEM: Infomation Age 2.0: The Cost of Hard Disk Space Has Decreased by Almost 1.5M Times Since 1980: "the cost of hard disk space over the last thirty years (not adjusted for inflation), from $100,000 per gigabyte in 1980 to only $0.07 by 2009."

Longtime Montague business, Todd Pharmacy, closes

Longtime Montague business, Todd Pharmacy, closes MLive.com
"As a kid, every summer my family and I would take a week vacation in northern Muskegon County.
One day, we would hit the A&W drive thru in Fremont.
Another day, was getting hand-made Cherry Cokes at Todd Pharmacy.
To this day, I haven't found any other place that can make em up the way Todd's could"

I remember that back in the late 70's Todds had one of the last soda fountain/lunch counters in the state. It was wonderful.
Time marches on, I guess.

ObamaCare preview: Four arrests in Britain after patient abuse caught on film

theblogprof: ObamaCare preview: Four arrests in Britain after patient abuse caught on film
"From the BBC via memeorandum, a sign of things to come should ObamaCare be ruled constitutional by judicial fiat: Four arrests after patient abuse caught on film"

Lifeguards in hot water

Lifeguards in hot water - Daily Pilot
"So when news reports revealed guards' generous pensions — one of the reasons Selna took the job — and the nearly $150,000 in salaries paid to Newport Beach supervisors, people around the world got furious."

Jefferson County To Lay Off Up To 700 Workers To Avoid Bankruptcy

Jefferson County To Lay Off Up To 700 Workers To Avoid Bankruptcy
"Alabama's troubled Jefferson County may be forced to lay off nearly 700 employees - one-third of its workforce - as it struggles to avoid what would be the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history."

This is what happens when the public allows the unions and county leadership complete control until they destroy the county.
It CAN happen here.

Gates blasts NATO, questions future of alliance

My Way News - Gates blasts NATO, questions future of alliance
"America's military alliance with Europe - the cornerstone of U.S. security policy for six decades - faces a 'dim, if not dismal' future, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Friday in a blunt valedictory address.
In his final policy speech as Pentagon chief, Gates questioned the viability of NATO, saying its members' penny-pinching and lack of political will could hasten the end of U.S. support."

The comparison with the collapse of the League of Nations prior to WW2 is a bit eerie.

Hot Rod Power Tour likely to return to Muskegon in coming years

Hot Rod Power Tour likely to return to Muskegon in coming years MLive.com
"“My editor, David Freiburger, said last night it was the best tour stop we've had ever in a downtown,” Pitt said Friday morning while traveling to Detroit for the final tour stop this year. Freiburger is editor-in-chief of Hot Rod Magazine."

YES!

Weiner Nation

KUHNER: Weiner Nation - Washington Times
"The problem is that Weinergate goes to the heart of the Democrats’ cultural liberalism.
Try as they might to disown him, he embodies the party’s moral rot.
Mr. Weiner is a progressive crusader.
He has championed almost every secular leftist cause: socialized medicine, government day care, welfare, high taxes, abortion rights, homosexual marriage, gays in the military, sex education in schools and a European-style nanny state.
In other words, he peddles sex and socialism - the twin pillars of progressivism."

Friday, June 10, 2011

Our view: Focus on national debt, not another stimulus

Our view: Focus on national debt, not another stimulus - USATODAY.com
"The road to economic recovery has developed some major potholes recently.
First came housing data showing that prices had dropped to levels not seen since 2002.
Then came a surprising dip in consumer sentiment.
This was followed by a grim May jobs report: Private-sector job growth slowed, and the unemployment rate ticked up for a second straight month, to 9.1%.
Ouch!"

When you've lost USA Today, you've lost the country......heh...

California’s Green Jihad

California’s Green Jihad - Joel Kotkin - New Geographer - Forbes
"Then there’s California, rich in everything from oil and food to international trade and technology, but still skimming along the bottom of the national economy.
The state’s unemployment rate is now worse than Michigan’s"

Gordo's musings

I finally figured out the popularity of the iPad. Kids start out with cell phones that use touch screen tech. iPad has touch screen and traditional computers still use a mouse. Kids won't move to the mouse. Touch screen is the future...for now.

 
Walmart prices are noticeably up. And the number of shoppers is noticeably down. Not surprising that the poor are hurt first and most. Very sad what this president has done to those in need.

Fruits. Why did "fruit" stop being both singular and plural? Is it the work of gay activists to redefine "fruits"?

Libs must be goofy.
They tell us that Obama would kill Sarah Palin in an election yet they demonize her in an attempt to keep her off the GOP ballot. One would think they'd be supporting the heck out of her.
Doesn't seem too smart to me.....but I never thought libs were all that smart to begin with.....

China ratings house says US defaulting: report

China ratings house says US defaulting: report - Yahoo! News
"'In our opinion, the United States has already been defaulting,' Guan Jianzhong, president of Dagong Global Credit Rating Co. Ltd., the only Chinese agency that gives sovereign ratings, was quoted by the Global Times saying.
Washington had already defaulted on its loans by allowing the dollar to weaken against other currencies -- eroding the wealth of creditors including China, Guan said."

No, You Can't Keep Your Health Insurance

Grace-Marie Turner: ObamaCare and the Future of Employer Health Insurance Coverage. - WSJ.com
"ObamaCare will lead to a dramatic decline in employer-provided health insurance—with as many as 78 million Americans forced to find other sources of coverage.
This disturbing finding is based on my calculations from a survey by McKinsey & Company.

The survey, published this week in the McKinsey Quarterly, found that up to 50% of employers say they will definitely or probably pursue alternatives to their current health-insurance plan in the years after the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act takes effect in 2014.
An estimated 156 million non-elderly Americans get their coverage at work, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute."

True Cost of Fannie, Freddie Bailouts: $317 Billion, CBO Says

True Cost of Fannie, Freddie Bailouts: $317 Billion, CBO Says CNSnews.com
"The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) says the real cost of the federal government guaranteeing the business of failed mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is $317 billion -- not the $130 billion normally claimed by the Obama administration."

Felony charge filed in lobster, steak Bridge Card case

Schneider: Felony charge filed in lobster, steak Bridge Card case Lansing State Journal lansingstatejournal.com
"Buying $141.78 worth of lobster, steak and Mountain Dew with a Bridge card violates no laws or rules.

But turning around and selling the stuff for 50 percent of its value, well ... that's a different matter."

These cards destroy our entire sense of community.
Every penny spent using these cards comes from someone else.
Yet the contempt of card holders aimed at those who pay for the cards is palpable.

$6 for cholesterol or glucose screenings, $15 for a lipid profile and $21 for both.

Next Tuesday, June 14.
Don't forget to fast before the screening!
Mercy H.E.A.R.T. Center
The following are programs of the Mercy H.E.A.R.T. Center at 1212 E. Sherman Blvd., Muskegon.
Cholesterol, Lipid and Glucose Screening
Second Tuesday of each month, 7 a.m. to noon
$6 for cholesterol or glucose screenings, $15 for a lipid profile and $21 for both.
No appointment needed. To learn more, call 231-672-3648.
http://www.mghp.com/services/heart/heartcenter.shtml

Thursday, June 09, 2011

County board must improve meeting notification

Letters: County board must improve meeting notification MLive.com
"Our commissioners will soon face tremendous challenges as they try to maintain county services and keep our county solvent.
They will need more than citizen committees and consultants to deflect the criticism likely to arise from the tough decisions ahead."

Muni Defaults Still Coming, But Timing Unclear: Whitney

Muni Defaults Still Coming, But Timing Unclear: Whitney - CNBC
"But in a CNBC interview, Whitney stuck to her prediction even if she said the debt crash may not happen overnight.
'It's going to be big,' she said.
'What was troublesome is people took (the call) that it would have to be this year.
I never said that.
But that's the size we're looking at.'"

Bailed-Out GM Spends Millions on Phantom Carbon Offsets

Bailed-Out GM Spends Millions on Phantom Carbon Offsets National Legal and Policy Center
"That’s GM: sponging off taxpayers not only to save the company and its unions, but also using them to score points with eco-extremists."

The Fish Monger’s Wife | Muskegon Farmers Market

The Fish Monger’s Wife Muskegon Farmers Market

Two For One

Abortion Pap Smear Two For One The Daily Caller
"Two for one: Orlando clinic offers free pap smear with every abortion"

CNN Poll: Obama approval rating drops as fears of depression rise

CNN Poll: Obama approval rating drops as fears of depression rise – CNN Political Ticker - CNN.com Blogs
"President Barack Obama's overall approval rating has dropped below 50 percent as a growing number of Americans worry that the U.S. is likely to slip into another Great Depression within the next 12 months, according to a new national poll."

Martin Feldstein: The Economy Is Worse Than You Think

Martin Feldstein: The Economy Is Worse Than You Think - WSJ.com
"The policies of the Obama administration have led to the weak condition of the American economy.
Growth during the coming year will be subpar at best, leaving high or rising levels of unemployment and underemployment.

The drop in GDP growth to just 1.8% in the first quarter of 2011, from 3.1% in the final quarter of last year, understates the extent of the decline.
Two-thirds of that 1.8% went into business inventories rather than sales to consumers or other final buyers.

This means that final sales growth was at an annual rate of just 0.6% and the actual quarterly increase was just 0.15%—dangerously close to no rise at all.
A sustained expansion cannot be built on inventory investment.
It takes final sales to induce businesses to hire and to invest"

ObamaCare and the Future of Employer Health Insurance Coverage. - WSJ.com

Grace-Marie Turner: ObamaCare and the Future of Employer Health Insurance Coverage. - WSJ.com
"ObamaCare will lead to a dramatic decline in employer-provided health insurance—with as many as 78 million Americans forced to find other sources of coverage.

This disturbing finding is based on my calculations from a survey by McKinsey & Company.
The survey, published this week in the McKinsey Quarterly, found that up to 50% of employers say they will definitely or probably pursue alternatives to their current health-insurance plan in the years after the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act takes effect in 2014.
An estimated 156 million non-elderly Americans get their coverage at work, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute."

Wednesday, June 08, 2011

President Obama’s phony accounting on the auto industry bailout

President Obama’s phony accounting on the auto industry bailout - The Fact Checker - The Washington Post
"This post has been updated."

Lack of buyers may force Treasury to boost interest rates

Lack of buyers may force Treasury to boost interest rates - Washington Times
"Though a significant rise in interest rates could be toxic for a softening U.S. economy, the Federal Reserve has said it will end its program of purchasing $600 billion in U.S. Treasury bonds as planned on June 30.
The Fed is estimated to have bought about 85 percent of Treasury’s securities offerings in the past eight months."

85%!!!!!!!!
What the heck is going to happen when 85% of the demand simply....disappears?
Interest rates will finally track the real inflation!

NLV Councilman Richard Cherchio ousted by a single vote

NLV Councilman Richard Cherchio ousted by a single vote - Tuesday, June 7, 2011 10:45 p.m. - Las Vegas Sun
 "A union-driven attack on Cherchio dominated much of the campaign, as residents were flooded with mailers criticizing his tenure and approach to public safety."

Next time you think your vote won't count, remember the union voter who decided this election.

Public pensions operate under far laxer accounting rules than private pensions

Public pensions operate under far laxer accounting rules than private pensions CAIVN
"Government pensions, including CalPERS and the other public pension plans in California, are permitted to use far laxer accounting standards than private pension plans.
This allows them to greatly overstate how much money they have and to understate future liabilities, something which does not bode well for the financial health of the funds or for those relying on the money for retirement.
Yes, you got that right.
Federal government rules allow their own pensions, as well as state and local pensions, to ignore rules that private funds must follow."

Where is the outrage?

State representative to host town hall meeting in Norton Shores

State representative to host town hall meeting in Norton Shores MLive.com
"State Rep. Holly Hughes, R-Montague, will host a town hall meeting and presentation Monday to inform area veterans of the benefits available to them through the state.

Jason Allen, senior deputy director of the Department of Military Affairs, will join Hughes at the town hall meeting, as will state Rep. Kurt Damrow, R-Port Austin, chair of the House Military and Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security Committee.

The event will 1 p.m. at VFW Post No. 3195, 5209 Grand Haven Road in Norton Shores. The event is free."

Proposed “Strike Free Education” law would restore sanity to Pennsylvania schools

Proposed “Strike Free Education” law would restore sanity to Pennsylvania schools
"Do Pennsylvania’s public schools exist for students or the employees who staff the buildings?"

What an amazing question.
One we dare not ask in Michigan.

NL's whale fountain shut off for sanitary reasons

The Day - NL's whale fountain shut off for sanitary reasons News from southeastern Connecticut
"The city turned off the water at the new whale tail fountain over the weekend after someone reportedly defecated in the water.
'People are using the tail as a latrine,'' Evelyn Louziotis said. 'It's an $11 million bathroom.'"

It's the culture, stupid!

Random attacks cause concern in Chicago

Random attacks cause concern in Chicago - chicagotribune.com
"No one was seriously hurt in the flurry of five random attacks by a mob of young men on Chicago's lakefront over the weekend.
But the feeling among many visitors and residents that the popular Near North Side stretch where the attacks occurred is safe for strolling on a summer night may have taken a hit."

It's the culture, stupid!

Does anyone think that Obama's preacher-of-hate, Rev. Wright was the only voice of hate in Chicago?

The entire south side of Chicago is a coven of community organizers preaching envy and demanding "social justice".

"Justice" for whom.

"Justice" from which oppressors?

Think about it.

Educating for Liberty

Intercollegiate Studies Institute - Educating for Liberty
"Full Civic Literacy Exam (from our 2008 survey)
Are you more knowledgeable than the average citizen?
The average score for all 2,508 Americans taking the following test was 49%; college educators scored 55%.
Can you do better?"

Interesting, and humbling, test of our civic literacy.

Tuesday, June 07, 2011

Hot Rod Power Tour looking forward to downtown setting, cooler temperatures at Muskegon stop

Hot Rod Power Tour looking forward to downtown setting, cooler temperatures at Muskegon stop MLive.com
"More than 3,500 high-end hot rods, street rods, muscle cars and custom trucks are expected to be displayed in Muskegon's downtown. Organizers expect the lead pack to arrive in Muskegon about noon Thursday.
Admission for spectators is free."

Obama: No fears of double-dip recession

My Way News - Obama: No fears of double-dip recession
"After a spate of discouraging economic reports, President Barack Obama insisted Tuesday he's not afraid of the country slipping into a double-dip recession."

A double dip is almost guaranteed.

U.S. funding for future promises lags by trillions

U.S. funding for future promises lags by trillions - USATODAY.com
"The government added $5.3 trillion in new financial obligations in 2010, largely for retirement programs such as Medicare and Social Security.
That brings to a record $61.6 trillion the total of financial promises not paid for.

This gap between spending commitments and revenue last year equals more than one-third of the nation's gross domestic product.

The $61.6 trillion in unfunded obligations amounts to $534,000 per household.
That's more than five times what Americans have borrowed for everything else — mortgages, car loans and other debt."

President Obama’s phony accounting on the auto industry bailout - The Fact Checker - The Washington Post

President Obama’s phony accounting on the auto industry bailout - The Fact Checker - The Washington Post
"“Chrysler has repaid every dime and more of what it owes American taxpayers for their support during my presidency.”
— President Obama, June 4, 2011"

S.C. legislator wants to cap gas prices

S.C. legislator wants to cap gas prices - USATODAY.com
"'I don't like to interfere with the competitive free enterprise system, but in this case we don't believe the competitive free enterprise system is fully at work,'"

Monday, June 06, 2011

MURRAY: Nobody for commerce secretary

MURRAY: Nobody for commerce secretary - Washington Times
"In choosing John Bryson as his nominee to be the next U.S. secretary of commerce, President Obama has chosen a perfect representative of our new ruling class.
He is the founder of a lobby group, the powerful Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC),"

Urban Beach Week Destroys South Beach

Urban Beach Week Destroys South Beach … Again - Page 1 - Doug Giles - Townhall Conservative
"Well, I’m going to be called a racist for this one, but here it goes:
What the heck is up with the hip hop crowd trashing South Beach year after year on Memorial Day?
Is this how your crew celebrates the hard-won freedoms our nation’s heroes gave their lives for—by annually ransacking South Florida and shooting at cops?"

NAACP Fights To Keep Kids Trapped in Failing Schools

NAACP Fights To Keep Kids Trapped in Failing Schools - Page 1 - Kyle Olson - Townhall Conservative
 "Many civil rights groups around the nation have strongly supported school choice initiatives, mainly out of concern for inner-city children who have traditionally been stuck in sub-par schools.
Civil rights leaders understand that education is the key to escaping the cycle of poverty that’s prevalent in many inner-city neighborhoods.
Kids trapped in poorly run, dangerous schools often don’t receive the instruction required to move on to college or a decent job.
Those children need quality options like charter schools, or government vouchers to pay tuition at private schools, if they are going to have a chance to succeed.
Most civil rights leaders understand that concept and want to help children seek quality education beyond their geographic school district boundaries.
So why isn’t the NAACP on board?"

Muskegon's Kyle Olson!

13 injured when bounce houses go airborne in New York

13 injured when bounce houses go airborne in New York - CNN.com
"13 injured when bounce houses go airborne in New York"

2nd time in the last few weeks this has happened.

WEINER'S TALE UNRAVELING

WEINER'S TALE UNRAVELING - WWW.THEDAILY.COM
"“Here’s the thing that solves it all,” said McCroskey, “for him to call for a criminal investigation.
All they have to do is look at his TweetDeck and see if it came from there, see what IP address [it had].
The local police department or Capitol Police could probably figure this out in 15 minutes.”"

Boy's Death Highlights Crisis in Homes for Disabled

Boy's Death Highlights Crisis in Homes for Disabled - NYTimes.com
"“I could be a good king or a bad king,” he told the dying boy beneath him, according to court documents.
In the front seat of the van, the driver, another state worker at O. D. Heck, watched through the rear-view mirror but said little.
He had been fired from four different private providers of services to the developmentally disabled before the state hired him to care for the same vulnerable population."

Saturday, June 04, 2011

China Has Divested 97 Percent of Its Holdings in U.S. Treasury Bills

China Has Divested 97 Percent of Its Holdings in U.S. Treasury Bills CNSnews.com
"China has dropped 97 percent of its holdings in U.S. Treasury bills, decreasing its ownership of the short-term U.S. government securities from a peak of $210.4 billion in May 2009 to $5.69 billion in March 2011, the most recent month reported by the U.S. Treasury."

Friday, June 03, 2011

Employment growth slows sharply in May

Employment growth slows sharply in May - Yahoo! Finance
"Economists had expected payrolls to rise 150,000 and private hiring to increase 175,000"

Farewell, My Weiner

iowahawk: Farewell, My Weiner
"Excerpts from the new Inspector Dan Rather mystery

Secrets are funny things.
The harder you try to keep them under wraps, the harder they spring up in the most embarrassing places.
And in my line of business, you learn that no matter how you try thinking about baseball those secrets can jump right out of their soft cotton comfort and put you on ice permanently.
My name is Rather.
And I'm a dick."

Muskegon County-Board

Muskegon County-Board

GREAT new facebook site focusing on the continued misdeeds of the Muskegon county commission.

Understanding liberals

"The liberal vision of government is easily understood and makes perfect sense if one acknowledges their misunderstanding and implied assumptions about the sources of income.
Their vision helps explain the language they use and policies they support, such as income redistribution and calls for the rich to give something back.
Suppose the true source of income was a gigantic pile of money meant to be shared equally amongst Americans.
The reason some people have more money than others is because they got to the pile first and greedily took an unfair share.
That being the case, justice requires that the rich give something back, and if they won't do so voluntarily, Congress should confiscate their ill-gotten gains and return them to their rightful owners.
A competing liberal implied assumption about the sources of income is that income is distributed, as in distribution of income.
There might be a dealer of dollars.
The reason why some people have more dollars than others is because the dollar dealer is a racist, a sexist, a multinationalist or a conservative.
The only right thing to do, for those to whom the dollar dealer unfairly dealt too many dollars, is to give back their ill-gotten gains.
If they refuse to do so, then it's the job of Congress to use their agents at the IRS to confiscate their ill-gotten gains and return them to their rightful owners.
In a word, there must be a re-dealing of the dollars or what some people call income redistribution.
The sane among us recognize that in a free society, income is neither taken nor distributed; for the most part, it is earned.
Income is earned by pleasing one's fellow man.
The greater one's ability to please his fellow man, the greater is his claim on what his fellow man produces. Those claims are represented by the number of dollars received from his fellow man."

Plan for Muskegon County's economic development growth being designed Friday

Plan for Muskegon County's economic development growth being designed Friday MLive.com
"The meeting, scheduled for Muskegon Community College's Collegiate Hall, is broken into two sessions.

The public is encouraged to attend the morning session, beginning at 9 a.m., while the afternoon session is geared toward local governmental officials."

Another government funded promise of better times.

All paid for with borrowing from your grandchildren.

Cinderella and Jackyl booked for Muskegon Summer Celebration; all-festival passes go on sale Thursday

Cinderella and Jackyl booked for Muskegon Summer Celebration; all-festival passes go on sale Thursday MLive.com
"Muskegon Summer Celebration has pretty much set its main-stage entertainment in a “make or break” year as the festival's eight-day passes go on sale Thursday."

Dispute Grows as Egyptian Gas Doesn’t Flow to Israel

Dispute Grows as Egyptian Gas Doesn’t Flow to Israel - NYTimes.com
"More than a month after saboteurs blew up an Egyptian pipeline supplying natural gas to Israel, the line is repaired but gas is not flowing and foreign shareholders of the company suspect politics to be the reason."

I starting to believe that American jews hate Israel.