Wednesday, October 31, 2012

The Last Gasp of Union Power

The Last Gasp of Union Power | Hoover Institution
"We should be profoundly skeptical of any proposal that aims to improve the lot of the “people” by giving some people rights that necessarily bind others—in this instance, the public at large or the owners and employers of private firms.
The folks on the receiving end of these collective bargaining laws are people too.
No system has a prayer of long-term success if the gains that some people get by state coercion are smaller than the losses those laws inflict on others."

Eurozone unemployment rises to new record

Eurozone unemployment rises to new record - Yahoo! News
Unemployment in the 17-country eurozone hit a record high of 11.6 percent in September, official figures showed Wednesday, a sign the economy is deteriorating as governments struggle to get a grip on their three-year debt crisis.

The mysterious media Benghazi bugout

The mysterious media Benghazi bugout - NYPOST.com
“Meet the Press” host David Gregory shushed a guest who tried to bring up the subject, saying, “Let’s get to Libya a little bit later.”
He never did, but he saved plenty of time to dive deep into the question of what Indiana Senate candidate Richard Mourdock’s comments on abortion and rape mean for the Romney campaign.

Good riddance to wind farms - one of the most dangerous delusions of our age

Good riddance to wind farms - one of the most dangerous delusions of our age | Mail Online
The significance of yesterday’s shock announce-ment by our Energy Minister John Hayes that the Government plans to put a firm limit on the building of any more onshore windfarms is hard to exaggerate.
On the face of it, this promises to be the beginning of an end to one of the greatest and most dangerous political delusions of our time.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Law Enforcement Does Not Universally Support Proposal 4

Law Enforcement Does Not Universally Support Proposal 4 [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
Michigan's highest ranking law enforcement official, Attorney General Bill Schuette, is opposed to Proposal 4.
So is the Michigan Sheriff's Association.

PETA wants sign to memorialize dead fish

PETA wants sign to memorialize dead fish | sign, fish, letter - News - The Orange County Register
The sign would read, "In memory of hundreds of fish who suffered and died at this spot," to remind tractor-trailer drivers of their responsibility to the animals who are "hauled to their deaths every day," according to the letter provided by PETA.

Monday, October 29, 2012

The Alamo at San Antonio de Benghazi

The Alamo at San Antonio de Benghazi » Da Tech Guy's Blog

"Remember at the Alamo they beat back the first wave before sheer number overwhelmed the Texans who defended it. Picture that night for a moment, In the end attackers lost 30-60% of their force but for the sake of argument lest say only 25% of that was in the first wave.
You’re attacking the compound, you’ve been attacking for hours and seen people all around you. You’ve been beaten back once and don’t actually know how many men are inside, what do you think would have happened if they heard the sound of a single helicopter gunship?
A single plane?
a single drone dropping a bomb on the force already bloodied at a rate that would cause most Western countries to declare the mission a disaster?
They would have run.
Instead there was no Helicopter gunship, there was no relieving force, there wasn’t even a single remote control bomb in those seven hours after all there is a fundraiser in Vegas to worry about.
All of us die in the end, Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty died fighting, they died like men, like warriors and in the American Tradition that we once embraced and celebrated."

Sunday, October 28, 2012

EYE ON MUSKEGON - OCTOBER 28TH 2012


Earn your Trident every day…

Where do we get such men....
Earn your Trident every day… « ScottOnCapeCod's Weblog

A short distance from the American compound, two Americans were sleeping. They were in Libya as independent contractors working an assignment totally unrelated to our embassy. They also happened to be former Navy SEALs. When they heard the noise coming from the attack on our embassy, as you would expect from highly trained warriors, they ran to the fight. Apparently, they had no weapons, but seeing the Libyan guards dropping their guns in their haste in fleeing the scene, Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty snatched up several of these discarded weapons and prepared to defend the American compound.

Not knowing exactly what was taking place, the two SEALs set up a defensive perimeter. Unfortunately Ambassador Stevens was already gravely injured, and Foreign Service officer, Sean Smith, was dead. However, due to their quick action and suppressive fire, twenty administrative personnel in the embassy were able to escape to safety. Eventually, these two courageous men were overwhelmed by the sheer numbers brought against them, an enemy force numbering between 100 to 200 attackers which came in two waves. But the stunning part of the story is that Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty killed 60 of the attacking force. Once the compound was overrun, the attackers were incensed to discover that just two men had inflicted so much death and destruction.

As it became apparent to these selfless heroes, they were definitely going to lose their lives unless some reinforcements showed up in a hurry. As we know now, that was not to be. I’m fairly certain they knew they were going to die in this gun fight, but not before they took a whole lot of bad guys with them!

Consider these tenets of the Navy SEAL Code: 1) Loyalty to Country, Team and Teammate, 2) Serve with Honor and Integrity On and Off the Battlefield, 3) Ready to Lead, Ready to Follow, Never Quit, 4) Take responsibility for your actions and the actions of your teammates, 5) Excel as Warriors through Discipline and Innovation, 6) Train for War, Fight to Win, Defeat our Nation’s Enemies, and 7) Earn your Trident every day ( http://www.navyseals.com/seal-code-warrior-creed).
Thank you, Tyrone and Glen. To the very last breath, you both lived up to the SEAL Code. You served all of us well. You were courageous in the face of certain death.

Read it all and be thankful to live in a country where such men still stand tall.

RFK Jr. raked in freebies for ‘green’ home project

EXCLUSIVE: RFK Jr. raked in freebies for ‘green’ home project - NYPOST.com
“He didn’t think he should pay for anything; even the suits he wears were donated,” a source said of RFK Jr.
“He felt people should pay for him. He had an enormous sense of entitlement.”

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Friday, October 19, 2012

I'll be back!

Something's come up.

Posting to resume in a week or so.....

Friday, October 12, 2012

Peg West: MLive and Chronicle election coverage ramping up

Peg West: MLive and Chronicle election coverage ramping up | MLive.com
In addition, we will publish the Voters Guide in your Oct. 28 Muskegon Chronicle.
But we're just getting started on our coverage.
We already have provided previews and candidate profiles in our local races.
(I think of these necessary stories as the eating-your-broccoli part of election coverage.
They are good for us to consume, even if we don't crave them).

On Monday, at Muskegon Community College, we will hold a live debate for the three candidates in the 91st District House race, Holly Hughes, Collene Lamonte and Nick Sundquist.

TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES: James Taranto in his Best of the Web

Instapundit » Blog Archive » TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES: James Taranto in his Best of the Web column on the Left and the L-Word

"Reader Michael Segal traces a thread from a later decade’s America:
My wife remembers an interview with William F. Buckley back in the 1970s, when he predicted that our whole generation that left college after Watergate would shun politics as dirty, and the nation would suffer as a result.
Instead, my classmates who were interested in public affairs went into journalism and made it dirty."

From "my friend" Joe Biden....

James,

I did my best to make you proud tonight.

But I hope you remember one thing: This debate wasn't about me, or Congressman Ryan.

It was about you, and what we're fighting for together.

So if you're standing with Barack and me, like we're standing with you, please chip in $5 or more to show it:

https://donate.barackobama.com/Our-Team

Thanks,

Joe

Vice President Jerk: The return of Smirky Malarkey McSmirk

Michelle Malkin » Vice President Jerk: The return of Smirky Malarkey McSmirk
While his theatrics may mollify partisan Obama-bots looking for more aggression after the president’s Empty Podium Day in the first debate, undecided voters were turned off.
What the Left perceived as “assertive” came across to uncommitted voters as asinine.

EU wins the Nobel Peace Prize despite crisis and looming break-up

EU wins the Nobel Peace Prize despite crisis and looming break-up | UK News | Express.co.uk - Home of the Daily and Sunday Express
Meanwhile critics of the prize argued that it should have instead gone to bloggers from the Arab spring, Russian rights activists and even Julian Assange instead of the European body.
The European Union has been mired in crisis with strains on the euro and has been hit by protests throughout its 17 nation members over the past four years but the committee argued its role in the past was enough to guarantee the prize.

Detroit Police Union Official Says Resource Cuts Make Streets Unsafe, But Police and Fire Department Salaries Increased

Detroit Police Union Official Says Resource Cuts Make Streets Unsafe, But Police and Fire Department ... [Michigan Capitol Confidential]

U.S. Commerce Department plans to raise taxes on Americans buying solar panels from China

U.S. Commerce Department plans to raise taxes on Americans buying solar panels from China | AEIdeas
"Below is an edited version of a recent New York Times article, re-titled “U.S. Will Place Tariffs on Americans Buying Chinese Solar Panels.”
These revisions reflect the voice of millions of disorganized American consumers, which is a usually a mere whisper when trade policy is decided in Washington, compared to the very loud and well-organized screams of domestic producers using the political process to their advantage:"

Brilliant!

Russia Decision To Pull Out Of Arms Dismantling Deal With U.S. Shows Failure Of Obama's 'Reset'

Russia Decision To Pull Out Of Arms Dismantling Deal With U.S. Shows Failure Of Obama's 'Reset' - Investors.com: In announcing the move, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov seemed to take a contemptuous dig at both the U.S. and the president. "The agreement doesn't satisfy us," he said, "especially considering new realities."
Those "new realities" no doubt include Obama's feckless "reset" — another word for U.S. capitulation to the New Russia's neo-imperialism under its strutting dictator wannabe, Vladimir Putin

Obama's Real Unemployment Rate Is 14.7%, And A Recession's On The Way

Obama's Real Unemployment Rate Is 14.7%, And A Recession's On The Way - Forbes
The BLS explains, “These individuals were working part time because their hours had been cut back or because they were unable to find a full-time job.”
 That applied to 582,000 of the supposed new jobs reported by the September Household Survey, and a total of 8.6 million Americans last month.

Veep debate: Angry Joe and Martha vs. that nice Ryan fellow from Accounting

Veep debate: Angry Joe and Martha vs. that nice Ryan fellow from Accounting - Conservative News
Raddatz did ask a few solid questions of Biden, although never with anything like the contentious tone she displayed toward Romney, and she didn’t cut him off nearly as much.
Biden was rather rude to her during these moments. 
He doesn’t like being challenged much more than his boss does.

Report Describes How Lance Armstrong Beat Cycling’s Drug Tests

Report Describes How Lance Armstrong Beat Cycling’s Drug Tests - NYTimes.com
How could the world’s greatest cyclist, always in the cross hairs of doping officials, never fail a drug test if he was doping, Armstrong reasoned.
An explanation emerged Wednesday, when the United States Anti-Doping Agency released its dossier on Armstrong, citing witness testimony, financial records and laboratory results.
Armstrong was centrally involved in a sprawling, sophisticated doping program, the agency said, yet he employed both cunning and farcical methods to beat the sport’s drug-testing system.
The report also introduced new scientific evidence that the agency said suggested Armstrong was doping the last two times he competed in the Tour de France.

US Nears Fiscal Disaster: ‘Washington Doing Nothing’

US Nears Fiscal Disaster: ‘Washington Doing Nothing’ - US Business News - CNBC
"People are never going to understand how critical this particular time in history is," said Erskine Bowles, the North Carolina businessman and co-chairman of President Barack Obama's National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform.
 "We have $7.7 trillion worth of economic events that are going to hit America in the gut in December, and in Washington they're doing nothing about it."

‘Market Duress’ Ahead?

‘Market Duress’ Ahead? — US Business News - CNBC
"If we imagine a Greek euro [EUR=X 1.298 0.0054 (+0.42%) ] exit today, I think that the consequences for the rest of Europe would be very severe," Marcussen says.
"I do not think we are in a position to be able to manage that contagion."

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Jack Welch: I Was Right About That Strange Jobs Report

Jack Welch: I Was Right About That Strange Jobs Report - WSJ.com
The good news is that the current debate has resulted in people giving the whole issue of unemployment data more thought.
Moreover, it led to some of the campaign's biggest supporters admitting that the number merited a closer look—and even expressing skepticism.
The New York Times in a Sunday editorial, for instance, acknowledged the 7.8% figure is "partly due to a statistical fluke."

Muskegon Heights asked to pay for old district

Muskegon Heights asked to pay for old district | wzzm13.com
A proposal on the November ballot will ask voters in Muskegon Heights to renew an 18 mill non-homestead property tax, to help pay off the public school district's old debts.
The tax would be paid by commercial property owners and non-residents who own property, like rentals.
Even though the district no longer exists, the Muskegon Heights emergency financial manager, Donald Weatherspoon, says it still owes 300 creditors a total of $16 million.

Not Every Sheriff Ignoring Voter Fraud

Not Every Sheriff Ignoring Voter Fraud - 620 WTMJ - Milwaukee's Source for Local News and Weather
Dane County Sheriff Dave Mahoney says that his department’s order to deputies to ignore possible voter fraud in the county jail is part of a long-standing policy of his department.
He insists that the memo explaining the order contains no new information and that concerns over inmates with felony convictions being allowed to vote is not his responsibility.
But officials with sheriff’s departments in other parts of the state have a different take.

A Modest Proposal To Stop California's Rich At The State Line

A Modest Proposal To Stop California's Rich At The State Line - Investors.com
California was once the land of opportunity, but it is going down the tubes.
Several of California's prominent cities have declared bankruptcy, such as Vallejo, Stockton, Mammoth Lakes and San Bernardino.
Others are on the precipice, and that includes Los Angeles, California's largest city.
California's 2012 budget deficit is expected to top $28 billion, and its state debt is $618 billion.
That's more than twice the size of New York's state debt, which itself is the second-highest in the nation.

Exorbitant Michigan Pensions Hurt Children, Teachers

Exorbitant Michigan Pensions Hurt Children, Teachers
First, the taxpayer side of the equation. Using 2011 Census Bureau figures for population and average household, and state figures for unfunded liabilities, the gap between what Michigan has saved and what it will owe just for current employees’ retirement benefits is approximately $11,000 per household.

Carlos Slim, world’s richest man, gets richer supplying ‘Obamaph

Carlos Slim, world’s richest man, gets richer supplying ‘Obamaph - DC Breaking Local News Weather Sports FOX 5 WTTG
A Mexican telecom mogul who holds the title of world's richest man, and one of President Obama's top donors are both getting even richer from the U.S. government program that supplies so-called "Obamaphones" to the poor.

Mailing a letter to cost a penny more next year

My Way News - Mailing a letter to cost a penny more next year
The cash-strapped U.S. Postal Service said Thursday that it will raise postage rates on Jan. 27, including a 1-cent increase in the cost of first-class mail to 46 cents.
Shocker!

Wisconsin bus driver fired for harassing pro-Romney student, telling him ‘maybe your mom should have chosen abortion for you’

Wisconsin bus driver fired for harassing pro-Romney student, telling him ‘maybe your mom should have chosen abortion for you’ - EAGnews.org :: Education Research, Reporting, Analysis and Commentary
A Wisconsin school bus driver has been fired for harassing a 12-year-old boy over a Mitt Romney sign in his family’s yard and for allegedly telling the boy,
 “Maybe your mom should have chosen abortion for you.”

Chinese billionaire to scoop up failing car battery maker that got $240M from feds

Chinese billionaire to scoop up failing car battery maker that got $240M from feds | Fox News
Since 2009, the Waltham, Mass.-based company has lost a reported $857 million, laid off workers and recalled its products.
A123's stock price has plunged from $4.44 about a year ago to 26 cents this week.

Oakland County commissioner sees bid to 'confuse voters' in petition fraud case

Oakland County commissioner sees bid to 'confuse voters' in petition fraud case | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com
John Charles Scott, 22, of West Bloomfield Township, an independent candidate for Oakland County Commission in District 5, was arraigned Thursday on a charge of nominating petition fraud.
According to a warrant, he signed a nominating or initiative petition as the circulator when he was not the circulator.
He could not be reached for comment Thursday.
John A. Scott, 64, who has served in the district for 10 years, said he was disturbed by the incident.
"This was an obvious attempt by somebody to confuse the voters and cost me votes," said Scott, who first learned of the petitions from friends in the district who initially thought they were for his re-election bid.

DEMOCRAT CROOK!

Detroit parents embrace school choice, poll says

Detroit parents embrace school choice, poll says | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com
More than half choose options other than DPS; have high hopes for kids' futures

Kilpatrick's family, mistress all got money from ex-mayor's charity, jurors told

Kilpatrick's family, mistress all got money from ex-mayor's charity, jurors told | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com
Testimony showed mistress Christine Beatty was paid more than $100,000 from the Kilpatrick Civic Fund after resigning in 2008 amid the text-message scandal.

Michigan's U.S. Senate race continuing without formal debates between Stabenow, Hoekstra

Michigan's U.S. Senate race continuing without formal debates between Stabenow, Hoekstra | MLive.com
It appears Democratic U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow and Republican challenger Pete Hoekstra will campaign for Michigan's U.S. Senate seat without meeting for formal debates.

Lance Armstrong stands unmasked as the worst kind of cheat and liar

Lance Armstrong stands unmasked as the worst kind of cheat and liar - NY Daily News
He is a fraud to the jazzed-up marrow of his bones.
He is a bald-faced liar to the public and under oath to investigators.
And he is a thug who attempted to conceal his systemic cheating with threats and intimidation.

Fire authority liabilities doubled to a half-billion dollars in 7 years

Fire authority liabilities doubled to a half-billion dollars in 7 years - OC Watchdog : The Orange County Register
.....the Orange County Fire Authority is calling them all out in a way that’s a bit unusual, and can leave one short of breath.
On top of pensions, OCFA has piled what it owes workers for medical benefits once they retire, workers’ compensation, and for vacation, sick and other leave time earned but not taken, as well as those pricey helicopter leases.
Here, then, is the picture that emerges:
Over the last seven years, OCFA’s total long-term obligations have more than doubled, to $558 million.
That happens to be twice as much as its general fund budget this year ($282 million).

MEDC Removes Video of Failed Battery Maker

MEDC Removes Video of Failed Battery Maker [Michigan Capitol Confidential
At the time, the company was promoted heavily by President Barack Obama, U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu, former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm and U.S. Sens. Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow.
Since then, A123 has shed money, laid off half its workforce, recalled products and seen its stock price plummet to about 26 cents this week from a previous high of $26.
Now, just two years after the initial roll-out, A123 is being acquired by a Chinese company.
Shortly after this deal was rumored a few weeks ago, the MEDC made all of its promotional videos “private.”
This is not the first time questions have been raised about the MEDC’s lack of transparency.

Muskegon County unemployment drops below 10 percent as economy improves

Muskegon County unemployment drops below 10 percent as economy improves | MLive.com
Muskegon County’s unemployment rate dropped to 9.1 percent in August, down from 10.1 percent in July and 10.0 percent a year ago.
At the same time, 1,290 people left the labor force and 945 fewer people were listed as employed.

Greece's Biggest Company Quits Country

Greece's Biggest Company Quits Country — European Business News - CNBC
Greece's biggest company is leaving the country, drinks bottler Coca Cola Hellenic (CCH) said on Thursday in announcing it will move to Switzerland and list its shares in London, dealing a blow to the debt-crippled Greek economy.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Spain Downgraded to One Level Above Junk by S&P

Spain Downgraded to One Level Above Junk by S&P - Businessweek
“The negative outlook on the long-term rating reflects our view of the significant risks to Spain’s economic growth and budgetary performance, and the lack of a clear direction in euro-zone policy,” S&P said.
“The deepening economic recession is limiting the Spanish government’s policy options.”

Rebuild America - Defeat Obama Draws Hundreds to Downtown Brighton

Rebuild America - Defeat Obama Draws Hundreds to Downtown Brighton - Hartland, MI Patch
Jennifer Panning of Pinckney shows off her sign, "I built Artisan Tile," her business which is located in Brighton.
"I built it despite government involvement," she said.
 "I want them (government) to do less, not more.
And I'm pretty sure I can run my business better than they can."

Monday, October 08, 2012

What questions would you ask during the MLive, Muskegon Chronicle debate for the 91st State House seat

What questions would you ask during the MLive, Muskegon Chronicle debate for the 91st State House seat | MLive.com
Candidates for the 91st State House seat -- incumbent Republican Rep. Holly Hughes, Democrat Collene Lamonte and Libertarian Nicholas Sundquist -- will meet in a debate Oct. 15 at Muskegon Community College.

Sunday, October 07, 2012

Maryland's other pension problem

Maryland's other pension problem | WashingtonExaminer.com
With two-thirds of its state employee pension/benefit system unfunded, Maryland's retirement system is in serious trouble.
But according to a new study by the Maryland Public Policy Institute, the situation at the county level is even worse.
On average, Maryland's 24 counties are funding only half of what's needed to provide promised post-employment pension, health and insurance benefits to their aging work forces.

Dems Out Andrea Mitchell as Partisan

Dems Out Andrea Mitchell as Partisan « Commentary Magazine
Mitchell is hardly the only partisan hack masquerading as a fair-minded journalist on one of the networks and perhaps isn’t even the worst (CNN’s Soledad O’Brien certainly gives her a run for her money in this category).
But the Obama ad removes even the flimsy veil of false objectivity from her conduct.

Recycling fraud is draining California cash

Recycling fraud is draining California cash - latimes.com
That kind of success isn't just impressive, it's unbelievable.
But the recycling rate for certain plastic containers was even higher: 104%.
California's generous recycling redemption program has led to rampant fraud.
Crafty entrepreneurs are driving semi-trailers full of cans from Nevada or Arizona, which don't have deposit laws, across the border and transforming their cargo into truckfuls of nickels. In

EyeOnMuskegon 10-7-2012


Billboard getting noticed across US. Updated new info 9/21 | Ottawa County Patriots

Billboard getting noticed across US. Updated new info 9/21 | Ottawa County Patriots
It is parked at a stop sign on Blue Star Highway.
Not only does the stop allow drivers to read it, but at night headlights illuminate it.

Saturday, October 06, 2012

Insider tip led to criminal complaint against Barbara Stellard for false WayPoint pupil counts

Insider tip led to criminal complaint against Barbara Stellard for false WayPoint pupil counts
Stellard worked at WayPoint, a sixth through 12th grade charter school in Muskegon Township, beginning in 2002 and at least through 2008.
Stellard’s attorney, Terry Nolan, said another employee falsified the documents, and Stellard signed them without knowing they weren’t accurate.

FOCUS: 2012 Statewide Ballot Proposals

Michigan Catholic Conference: Public Policy
FOCUS: 2012 Statewide Ballot Proposals

September 28, 2012: Michigan voters participating in the statewide general election this November will have the opportunity to vote on six policy questions.
These six questions will be the highest number of ballot proposals Michigan voters will have witnessed in some 25 years.
Five of the questions are proposed constitutional amendments while the sixth, Proposal 1, is a referendum on an existing state law.
Michigan Catholic Conference is urging a “no” vote on Proposal 5. Continue reading FOCUS: 2012 Statewide Ballot Proposals…

Lunch lady slammed for food that is 'too good'

Lunch lady slammed for food that is 'too good' - The Local
A talented head cook at a school in central Sweden has been told to stop baking fresh bread and to cut back on her wide-ranging veggie buffets because it was unfair that students at other schools didn't have access to the unusually tasty offerings.

Spain's Desperate Economic Situation

Spain's Desperate Economic Situation - Business Insider
The amount of bad loans on Spanish bank balance sheets is stunning

USS Michael Murphy In New York

USS Michael Murphy In New York - Business Insider

Click and be proud you're an American!

Dane County Voter Fraud?

BREAKING: Dane County Voter Fraud? - 620 WTMJ - Milwaukee's Source for Local News and Weather
The Sheriff's Department in one of Wisconsin's most heavily Democratic counties has begun handing out absentee ballots to inmates and deputies are being told not to verify the inmate's felony status before they are handed the ballot.
"In my opinion," wrote one Dane County Sheriff's deputy, "this is causing us to be complicit in the crime."
The deputy forwarded the instruction from a lieutenant telling staff that "It is going to up to their polling locations to research whether they are allowed to vote based on criminal record, not the DCSO (Dane County Sheriff's Office.)"

Pulitzer-winner Michael Ramirez takes the Obama empty chair meme to eleven

Pulitzer-winner Michael Ramirez takes the Obama empty chair meme to eleven [Darleen Click] | protein wisdom

EPA Celebrates ‘Children Health Month,’ Encourages Recruiting Students for ‘Energy Patrols’ at School

EPA Celebrates ‘Children Health Month,’ Encourages Recruiting Students for ‘Energy Patrols’ at School | CNSNews.com
On the website page is a link to a 26-page EPA report entitled, “Sensible Steps to Healthier School Environment.”
In the report’s chapter on Energy Efficiency, the EPA presents a box with items to help establish “Energy Efficiency Opportunities for Schools.”
One of the items in the box reads, “Educate students and staff about how their behaviors affect energy use. Some schools have created student energy patrols to monitor and inform others when energy is wasted.”

Enter At Your Own Risk: Police Union Says ‘War-Like’ Detroit Is Unsafe For Visitors

Enter At Your Own Risk: Police Union Says ‘War-Like’ Detroit Is Unsafe For Visitors « CBS Detroit

The men and women of the Detroit Police Department believe the city is too dangerous to enter, and they want citizens to know it.
Detroit Police Officer Association (DPOA) Attorney Donato Iorio said officers are holding the “Enter At Your Own Risk” rally at 3:30 p.m. Saturday in front of Comerica Park to remind the public that the officers are overworked, understaffed, and at times, fearful for their lives.
“Detroit is America’s most violent city, its homicide rate is the highest in the country and yet the Detroit Police Department is grossly understaffed,” Iorio told WWJ’s Kathryn Larson.
“The DPOA believes that there is a war in Detroit, but there should be a war on crime, not a war on its officers

Fiscal 'Emergency' Hits Another California City

Fiscal 'Emergency' Hits Another California City - WSJ.com
The small agricultural town of Atwater, Calif., has declared a fiscal emergency, as it seeks to avoid becoming the fourth municipality in the state this year to file for bankruptcy protection.

Located about 100 miles east of San Francisco, Atwater is grappling with a $3 million budget deficit, declining city revenues and cost overruns for a new wastewater treatment plant.

AFP Responds to September Jobs Report with Silence

AFP Responds to September Jobs Report with Silence
On the day the national unemployment rate was cut to 7.8 percent, Americans For Prosperity (AFP) on Friday released what may be one of the most attention-grabbing and unconventional ads of the 2012 election

The Dinner Table


Biofuels and the food that’s going up in smoke

Biofuels and the food that’s going up in smoke - Telegraph
The growing use of energy from crops has driven up food prices and hunger, spurred enormous corporate land grabs in poor countries, and probably made global warming worse.

'Dysfunctional' pension plans need radical fix now

'Dysfunctional' pension plans need radical fix now > Blog > State Budget Solutions
Public-sector context is where taxpayers are on the hook for fundamental flaws and outright corruption in state and municipal defined benefit plans.
As of June 30 of this year, they fell at least another 9.3 percent behind where they need to be - by their own arithmetic - to pay pension benefits.

They lost money, all contributions went to paying current benefits instead of being invested to pay the future benefits earned by current workers, and they had to cannibalize assets to pay benefits.
Taken as a whole, public defined benefit plans have fallen and never can get back up.
The numbers are irrefutable.

Somebody is going to have to make up more almost $5 trillion because the tab is rising fast and so-called "reforms" in 44 states do little or nothing to pay it down.

Politicians expect taxpayers who already face a retirement crisis of their own to pay trillions of dollars more to receive no government services of any kind.

Proposed Federal Mandate Would Cost $57.2 Million Per Life Saved

Proposed Federal Mandate Would Cost $57.2 Million Per Life Saved [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it hopes to complete a rule that would require rear view cameras in the back of vehicles, which could cost as much as $57.2 million per life saved.

Equipping all vehicles with the rearview camera with interior mirror display would cost between $1.1 billion to $2.57 billion and is estimated to result in 26 to 69 "total fatalities avoided," according to NHTSA documents.

michigan decides 2012

michigan decides 2012 | MLive.com

Excellent Michigan Nov election proposal reference

Some Ontario municipalities could be headed for bankruptcy

Some Ontario municipalities could be headed for bankruptcy: Report | Ontario | News | Toronto Sun

Rays of hope as Britain switches to new light bulbs and a grey autumn

Rays of hope as Britain switches to new light bulbs and a grey autumn - Telegraph
But most of all it is the quality of the light they emit that upsets me.
The CFL bulbs drape everything in a sickly pallor reminiscent of Romanian orphanages.

Every time I sit down to read a book, my heart sinks as the page reflects back a deathly, damp patch of bluish grey;
it turns lovingly prepared food into something served up in a 24-hour carvery;
a family game of Scrabble becomes supervised recreation hour at Pentonville Prison.

If He’s Lost the New Yorker…

If He’s Lost the New Yorker… | Power Line
"So I guess it’s unanimous.
Clint Eastwood was right.
But here is what I don’t understand: why isn’t everyone embarrassed to be a liberal?
Or, put another way, a Democrat?
How is it that some people can witness the latest liberal fiasco–Romney sneaked a crib sheet into the debate!
That’s the only way he could remember all those facts!
No one could actually know all that stuff!–and say, hey, I don’t mind associating with those people! They’re not idiots, they’re just Democrats, like me!'

Egelston Township supervisor race attracts six write-in candidates, more possible

Egelston Township supervisor race attracts six write-in candidates, more possible | MLive.com
But Chappell died Sept. 10. With candidate registration deadlines passed, the race came down to write-in candidates.

Mass rally in Venice to call for independence from Italy

Mass rally in Venice to call for independence from Italy - Telegraph
Inspired by the nationalist aspirations of Scotland and Catalonia, pro-independence campaigners will hold a mass rally in the heart of the lagoon city on Saturday, calling for an urgent referendum to be held on the issue.

Friday, October 05, 2012

The Books Weren’t Cooked. Obama’s Recovery Is Just Crap

The Books Weren’t Cooked. Obama’s Recovery Is Just Crap. | RedState
Flipping burgers at McDonalds on a part time basis has suddenly become a job Barack Obama wants to brag about as a full time success story.
There’s the issue.
It’s not a conspiracy.
It’s crap.

Thursday, October 04, 2012

Miguel Cabrera Wins the Triple Crown

Miguel Cabrera Wins the Triple Crown - NYTimes.com
Ruth never did it. Neither did DiMaggio, Aaron, Musial, Clemente or Mays. Ted Williams did it twice, and Mickey Mantle once.
The last player to accomplish the feat was Carl Yastrzemski of the Boston Red Sox in 1967, when Lyndon Johnson was president, free agency was a pipe dream and the Boston left fielder known as Yaz chain smoked cigarettes in the dugout.

Another income report is out, and the news is not so good for Michigan

Another income report is out, and the news is not so good for Michigan | MLive.com

Survey: Michigan business owners pessimistic about economy; 'I'm not hiring anybody until after the election'

Survey: Michigan business owners pessimistic about economy; 'I'm not hiring anybody until after the election' | MLive.com

Romney Hit It Out of the Park » Oceana County Republicans

Super comments and link from our old friend, now up in Oceania county, Bob Carr:
Romney Hit It Out of the Park » Oceana County Republicans
"As I watched the debate, without a teleprompter and seemingly after too many golf outings in the sun the President looked tired and at times confused;
I was again reminded of Clint Eastwood’s “Empty Chair” skit.
How’s that golf working for ya?










But as I watched the debate I couldn’t help but think someone else was looking down and Approving of Mitt’s efforts.


Let’s Win this one for the Gipper"

2012 Presidential Debate Moderators: Candy Crowley, Jim Lehrer, Bob Schieffer And Martha Raddatz Chosen

2012 Presidential Debate Moderators: Candy Crowley, Jim Lehrer, Bob Schieffer And Martha Raddatz Chosen

From my "friend" Barry this morning:

James --

I hope I made you proud out there explaining the vision we share for this country.

Now we need to go win this election -- the most important thing that will happen tonight is what you do (or don't do) to help in the little time we have left:

https://donate.barackobama.com/Tonight

Thank you,

Barack


He doesn't seem too happy..........


Wednesday, October 03, 2012

Obama's Re-Election Case Rests On 5 Phony Claims

Obama's Re-Election Case Rests On 5 Phony Claims - Investors.com
But each part of Obama's argument is based on claims that are not accurate:

Forget The Breakup Of The EU, How About The Breakup Of Spain?

The Scratching Post: Forget The Breakup Of The EU, How About The Breakup Of Spain?
Catalonia is one of Spain's wealthiest regions and it includes Barcelona.
They have their own culture and their own language.
They've always had an independent streak and right now, they aren't all that enthused about sticking around to watch the place fall to pieces

DHS ‘fusion centers’ portrayed as pools of ineptitude and civil liberties intrusions

DHS ‘fusion centers’ portrayed as pools of ineptitude and civil liberties intrusions
The Washington Post
But after nine years — and regular praise from officials at the Department of Homeland Security — the 77 fusion centers have become pools of ineptitude, waste and civil liberties intrusions, according to a scathing 141-page report by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs permanent subcommittee on investigations.

Two more foreign ships arriving at Muskegon's Mart Dock; public invited on the dock Thursday noon

Two more foreign ships arriving at Muskegon's Mart Dock; public invited on the dock Thursday noon | MLive.com
Mart Dock officials will have a noontime tour of the dock Thursday.
Those interested in attending are asked to register on the Mart Dock’s Facebook page and gather at the security gate at noon.

Hans von Spakovsky

Hans von Spakovsky
He is the co-author with John Fund of the new book “Who’s Counting?: How Fraudsters and Bureaucrats Put Your Vote at Risk” (Encounter Books, 2012).

"Free Beacon"

"Free Beacon" — Breaking News, Politics, National Security

American Crossroads: "Actually Happened"


Oakridge finally settles teachers contract with 'cost-avoidance' agreement

Oakridge finally settles teachers contract with 'cost-avoidance' agreement | MLive.com
After two years of “volatile” negotiations, Oakridge Public Schools has a new labor contract with its teachers.
The three-year contract goes back two years and covers this school year.
It includes no wage increases, other than one year of step increases, teachers taking on a larger share of insurance costs and the elimination of an early retirement incentive.

Broken Promise Zone: Scholarship requirements 'just impossible'

Broken Promise Zone: Scholarship requirements 'just impossible' | MLive.com
It was hailed as a last-chance scholarship for needy students, but two years after Muskegon County’s Promise Zone was approved, students have yet to receive any money.
That’s because the state guidelines for the Promise Zone that would require the county to raise $2 million are unrealistic and unworkable, said Muskegon Area Intermediate School District Superintendent Dave Sipka.

Lacks Enterprises CEO offers voting advice in memo announcing employee bonus

Lacks Enterprises CEO offers voting advice in memo announcing employee bonus | MLive.com
The president and CEO of Lacks Enterprises is warning his company's 2,300 employees their paychecks will be smaller if President Barack Obama is re-elected.
Richard Lacks urged his employees to “vote to improve your standard of living” in a letter notifying them of their sixth bonus in almost three years thanks to the good times his automotive parts company has enjoyed.

Mitt Romney, Paul Ryan crop art featured in Jackson County field

Mitt Romney, Paul Ryan crop art featured in Jackson County field | MLive.com
This crop art featuring a portrait of the Republican presidential ticket of Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan is in a field owned by Hank Choate of Liberty Township.

Truth Squad: Technical foul on pro-home health care claim

Truth Squad: Technical foul on pro-home health care claim | MLive.com
Technical foul. The ad presents Proposal 4 as a bulwark against policy actions that are mischaracterized (such as the state income tax on pension) or have not occurred ("ending Medicare as we know it").
The ad featuring Sheriff Wriggelsworth would have the viewer believe that criminal background checks are not in place right now, but the co-chair of the Prop 4 campaign admits such checks are being done.

Tuesday, October 02, 2012

Federal Law? What Federal Law?

Federal Law? What Federal Law? : The Other McCain

Federal Law? What Federal Law?

Posted on | October 1, 2012 | 12 Comments and 0 Reactions
Ace gave this the Flaming Skull™ and pinned it to the top of his blog: There is a federal law that requires employers to give advance notice of layoffs. Because of Obama’s massive deficits, defense contractors will have to lay off tens of thousands of employees.
Obama convinced Lockheed Martin to delay the layoff notification until after the election. Don’t like it? You’re a racist!
(Trying to get me one of those Elspeth Reeve gigs at the Atlantic.)
Last week, one of my tip-jar hitters informed me that he was one of the 575 people to be laid off when Sikorsky shut down its Black Hawk helicopter plant in New York State. When the Obama deficits start hurting my tip-jar hitters, I get angry.
UPDATE: Gabriel Malor at New York Daily News:
In case you missed it over the weekend, the Obama administration’s Friday afternoon document drop was a memo from the Department of Labor telling defense contractors not to provide legally-required notice to thousands of employees that they are about to be laid off, if automatic spending cuts agreed to by the President and the Congress take effect.
Translation: President Obama wants to prevent thousands of employees, especially in swing-state Virginia, from being told that they are going to be laid off due to Department of Defense funding cuts. Because of the timing of the cuts, those notices would have been sent to employees just prior to the election in November. The man who signed those funding cuts into law would like to avoid that.
It’s worth noting that blog sidekick Smitty works for a defense contractor. Are they going to lay Smitty off? We don’t know.
Because, hey, who cares about a freakin’ federal law, when following it might hurt Obama’s re-election chances?
UPDATE II: Yeah, let’s add this:Robert Stacy McCain@rsmccain

Jay Leno pokes fun at Muskegon Heights Middle School on The Tonight Show

Jay Leno pokes fun at Muskegon Heights Middle School on The Tonight Show | MLive.com
The banner pictured in Leno’s photograph has been taken off of Muskegon Heights Middle School, replaced by one with the phrase “Game On” created by charter district operator, Mosaica Education Inc.
“That’s right,” Leno said. “Work hard kids and you can be adequate.”

Skydiver aims to break sound barrier in free fall

My Way News - Skydiver aims to break sound barrier in free fall
"After this," he promises, "I'm going to retire because I've been successfully doing things for the last 25 years and I'm still alive."

MSU Math Professor Breaks Down, Removes His Clothes In Front of Class

MSU Math Professor Breaks Down, Removes His Clothes In Front of Class
An "eccentric" Michigan State University math professor had what appears to be a nervous breakdown during class this afternoon, removing all his clothes and screaming obscenities at students.

Read the comments!

In History—the Obsession with Race, Class and Gender

In History—the Obsession with Race, Class and Gender
(Uof)Michigan is an extreme example of a broader pattern, one that’s been evident for more than a decade—the academy’s conscious decision to narrow the range of questions explored about the American past, to conform to campus racial, pedagogical, and ideological concerns.
The mission of training future citizens can take a back seat.

Government assistance down in Muskegon County, but one-quarter of households still receive some

Government assistance down in Muskegon County, but one-quarter of households still receive some | MLive.com
Still, more one in four Muskegon County households, or 25.7 percent, received some form of government assistance from April to June this year.

Helicopter Parents Hover In The Workplace

Helicopter Parents Hover In The Workplace : NPR
Michigan State University surveyed more than 700 employers seeking to hire recent college graduates.
Nearly one-third said parents had submitted resumes on their child's behalf, some without even informing the child.
One-quarter reported hearing from parents urging the employer to hire their son or daughter for a position.
Four percent of respondents reported that a parent actually showed up for the candidate's job interview.

Instapundit.com -Chicken

Instapundit.com -: January 14, 2004

"RECIPEBLOGGING: I had the opportunity to spend the day working at home today (rare lately, with all the appointments committee stuff going on) so I cooked something that takes a little time. It's not much work: you just have to start it earlier. It's somewhere between roasted chicken and coq au vin.

Ingredients: 3 large baking potatoes; 3 sweet potatoes; two large onions; one fryer hen; assorted spices

Preheat an oven to 350. Start with a nice fryer hen, about 3 lbs. Clean and then mist with olive oil. (If the InstaWife isn't around to object that it contains fat, also rub with one tablespoon butter, which doesn't add many calories, but does add a lot of flavor). Sprinkle with salt, pepper, paprika (lots), garlic, and a bit of sage. Place in a large, covered roasting pan.

Now chop the onions into quarters, and add to the roasting pan. Slice the potatoes (both kinds) into inch-thick sections and add to the pan as well. (Some peeled baby carrots are nice, too, but the InstaWife is allergic to carrots, so we skip those). Next, in a measuring cup add two ounces each of worcestershire, teriyaki, soy, and whatever wine you have around (I used the last of a bottle of Reynolds Merlot tonight). Pour over the chicken and vegetables, then cover the pan.

Put in the oven for about two hours and go do whatever you want -- you're done cooking. Two hours later, serve the chicken, which will be wonderfully tender and succulent, on a platter. Remove the vegetables and serve separately in a large serving bowl. Total prep time is about 15 minutes, there's not much to clean up, and as a nice side effect, the house smells wonderful when your family gets home."

posted at 07:26 PM by Glenn Reynolds

Analysis: China slides faster into pensions black hole

Analysis: China slides faster into pensions black hole | Reuters
Policy makers and economists have long been worried about the financial burden of China's expanding patchwork of pension schemes, but those concerns have recently escalated as its rural pension scheme took off in the past three years.

Monday, October 01, 2012

Triumph The Insult Comic @ Occupy Wall Street

White House Hack Attack

White House Hack Attack | Washington Free Beacon
Hackers linked to China’s government broke into one of the U.S. government’s most sensitive computer networks, breaching a system used by the White House Military Office for nuclear commands, according to defense and intelligence officials familiar with the incident

Progress Michigan's criticism of Michigan's China office is premature at best

Tim Skubick: Progress Michigan's criticism of Michigan's China office is premature at best | MLive.com