Friday, May 10, 2013

Hillary Misled Congress--But Not Under Oath

Hillary Misled Congress--But Not Under Oath:
"In 2004, the 9/11 Commission insisted on hearing testimony from then-National Security Advisor Condoleeza Rice under oath, even after she had already spoken to the panel in a private interview, because of concerns about inconsistencies between her statements and those made by other witnesses.
The White House initially resisted, then relented, and on Apr. 8, 2004, she took the oath and testified before the Commission. "

Sharp drop in gun violence, but most killings still involve firearms

Report: Sharp drop in gun violence, but most killings still involve firearms - The Washington Post:
"Less than 1 percent of state prison inmates who possessed a gun when they committed their offense obtained the firearm at a gun show, the report said.
...About 40 percent of state prison inmates obtained their firearms from illegal sources such as theft or through a drug deal, the report said, while 37 percent got their guns from a family member or friend. Those findings are based on data from 2004.
Overall, the Justice Department report said, firearm-related homicides dropped from 18,253 homicides in 1993 to 11,101 in 2011, while nonfatal firearm crimes declined from 1.5 million in 1993 to 467,300 in 2011. The drop extended to schools: Homicides at schools declined from an average of 29 per year in the 1990s to an average of 20 per year in the 2000s."

Report: Muslim cleric invited to pray over fallen SEALs damns them during service

Report: Muslim cleric invited to pray over fallen SEALs damns them during service - Washington Times
"The families of Navy SEALs killed in an August 2011 shoot-down of a helicopter in Afghanistan spoke at a press conference Thursday morning, citing a number of grievances, including an allegation that the Pentagon invited a Muslim cleric who “disparaged in Arabic the memory of these servicemen.”
In addition to blasting the Obama administration for the mission and for an official investigation they deemed a cover-up, the families complained that “military brass, while prohibiting any mention of a Judeo-Christian God, invited a Muslim cleric to the funeral for the fallen Navy SEAL Team VI heroes who disparaged in Arabic the memory of these servicemen by damning them as infidels to Allah.”
During the news conference, attorney Larry Klayman who is representing the grieving parents showed a video with audio of the prayer and a translation that scrolled over the screen."

‘What the Frack!’: Colorado School Kids Made to Participate in Anti-Fracking Rap During Assembly

‘What the Frack!’: Colorado School Kids Made to Participate in Anti-Fracking Rap During Assembly | Video | TheBlaze.com:
"Students at a Colorado middle school were serenaded and sang along to an anti-fracking rap from a group of young environmental activists last week.
The “Earth Guardians” posted video of the performance, titled “What the Frack,” from Evergreen Middle School, about 20 miles west of Denver.
In it, students rap along after the line, “When we say ‘what the,’ you say ‘frack’!”
By Thursday afternoon, the video had been made private.
The rap demonized the process of hydraulic fracturing — “fracking” — to extract natural gas from rock, saying it “poisoned the water, poisoned the air, poisoned the people, do you think that’s fair?”

1-day fast-food worker strike comes to Detroit

1-day fast-food worker strike comes to Detroit | Detroit Free Press | freep.com:
"Workers at a fast-food restaurant on Detroit's east side have walked off the job as part of an effort to push for higher wages.
Detroit pastor Charles Williams II says workers want $15 an hour, better working conditions and the right to unionize. "

Hooters targets women with free food on Mother's Day

Hooters targets women with free food on Mother's Day | Detroit Free Press | freep.com:
"Hooters may have finally figured out a way to lure Mom in the door: Give her the grub.
For one day, at least.
The chain famous for its waitresses in sexy uniforms has long struggled to attract female customers — particularly mothers.
But this Mother's Day, it hopes to lure others nationwide by offering free entrees — worth up to $10 — for mothers who bring a kid along and buy any drink."

Pontiac schools in danger of missing payroll, state warns

Pontiac schools in danger of missing payroll, state warns | Detroit Free Press | freep.com:
"The district’s original five-year deficit-elimination plan was supposed to end next year.
Officials went back to the drawing board after the district was hit in January with a more than $7-million court judgment, Dougherty said. "

Michigan ranks 8th on nationwide list of most competitive states

Michigan ranks 8th on nationwide list of most competitive states | MLive.com

Federal appeals court: Michigan can ban schools from collecting union dues

Federal appeals court: Michigan can ban schools from collecting union dues | MLive.com

Colorado Lawmakers Set Taxes And Rules For Marijuana Sales

Colorado Lawmakers Set Taxes And Rules For Marijuana Sales : The Two-Way : NPR:
"Colorado is set to become the first U.S. state to regulate and tax sales of recreational marijuana, after lawmakers approved several bills that set business standards and rules. Legislators expect enforcement of the rules to be paid for by two taxes on marijuana — a 15 percent excise tax, and a 10 percent sales tax."

Playing defense: Muskegon County's much-maligned indigent legal defense system headed for scrap heap

Playing defense: Muskegon County's much-maligned indigent legal defense system headed for scrap heap | MLive.com:
"The new model will launch Jan. 1. It’s budgeted at $1.3 million for the first year.
That’s $160,000 more than the current system costs, according to County Administrator Bonnie Hammersley.
The plan calls for 13 staff attorneys and three support staff plus $150,000 to contract for outside attorneys for appeals and cases where there’s a conflict of interest."

Thursday, May 09, 2013

Mona Shores reducing administrators, facing $1 million shortfall next year

Mona Shores reducing administrators, facing $1 million shortfall next year | MLive.com:
"The district continues to seek ways to close an anticipated $1 million shortfall next year.
Peden said part of the plan is to attract 50 additional schools of choice students, who would bring in another $350,000. In addition, the district is negotiating with its employee union groups.
“We are negotiating with all our groups and 85 percent of our money goes to people, so it’s going to come from people," Peden said. "

Green energy triumph: $11,000,000.00 spent per job created

Green energy triumph: $11,000,000.00 spent per job created | Human Events:
“Without much fanfare, the Department of Energy (DOE) recently updated the list of loan guarantee projects on its website,” the Institute for Energy Research noticed on Wednesday.
”Unlike in 2008, when Barack Obama pledged to create 5 million jobs over 10 years by directing taxpayer funds toward renewable energy projects, there were no press conferences or stump speeches.”
Uh-oh.
Why weren’t there any celebrations?
President Obama loves a good celebration.
Why, we just found out about the super-secret star-studded bash he held after his inauguration.
Maybe it’s because the IER divided the $26 billion spent on “green jobs” by the Energy Department since 2009, divided it by the 2,298 permanent jobs created, and came up with a cost of $11.45 million per job."

Education Dept. eliminates 'father,' 'mother' from student aid forms

Education Dept. eliminates 'father,' 'mother' from student aid forms - Washington Times:
"The new FAFSA form will use terms like “Parent 1” and “Parent 2” instead of gender-specific terms like “mother” and “father.”"

Latino student group says eating tacos is offensive to Mexicans

Latino student group says eating tacos is offensive to Mexicans | The Daily Caller:
"Northwestern University continued to stumble over diversity issues this week as Mexican students voiced disagreement with a campuswide letter that advised students not to celebrate Cinco de Mayo by engaging in racially-offensive activities, such as eating tacos and drinking tequila."

Student Suspended For Insulting His School In Tweet

HARDOCP - Student Suspended For Insulting His School In Tweet:
Raise your hand if you knew you could be suspended for the rest of the year for insulting your school on Twitter.
The senior class president at Heights High School has been suspended for the rest of the school year and barred from most graduation activities for posting a tweet that school officials say insulted athletes at the school.

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray to Pace the 2013 Indy 500 Race

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray to Pace the 2013 Indy 500 Race - Carscoops:
"The Corvette Stingray Pace Car sports a Laguna Blue Tintcoat with official Indianapolis 500 graphics on the doors.
Fitted with track-mandated safety features and strobe lights, the pace-car has no powertrain upgrades, with its 6.2-liter LT1 engine supplying 450 horsepower, enough for running in front of the IndyCar pack.

However, it does feature the track-capable Z51 package that includes an electronic limited-slip differential, dry-sump oiling system, integral brake, differential and transmission cooling plus a unique aero package aimed at improving high-speed stability."

Angry Michigan bus drivers call in sick, forcing school to close for a day

Angry Michigan bus drivers call in sick, forcing school to close for a day - EAGnews.org :: Education Research, Reporting, Analysis and Commentary:
"Many of the district’s 120 drivers reacted to the decision by calling in sick Wednesday, forcing the cancellation of school.
The district advised parents to drive their children to school today because it wasn’t clear if enough bus drivers would report to get the job done"

Welfare is Rotten in State of Denmark

Welfare is Rotten in State of Denmark - Lessons for AmericaJob Creators Network:
"He found “Carinia,” a 36-year old single mom who had been on the system since age 16.
Her annual income from welfare was $32,400 – more than many of the nation’s dwindling number of full-time workers.
The American welfare state is not yet at the point of Denmark’s, but the trends are ominous.

Academic warmists celebrate book burning at San Jose State University

Blog: Academic warmists celebrate book burning at San Jose State University:
"Alison Bridger, on the left, is Department Chair of Meteorology at SJSU, while Craig Clements is an Associate Professor.
These are persons of standing, not crazy grad students pulling a prank.
No, they are making a profound statement about their intellectual methods. "

Get Ready for the War on Data

Get Ready for the War on Data - The Daily Beast:
But for voters, in the end the only thing that mattered in yesterday's special elections was the (R) after Sanford's name.  
And that's not limited to South Carolina.  Michael Barone recently noted that .  Political preferences are hardening; folks in a given district are consistently voting the party, not the candidate.  This suggests that for the foreseeable future, all the political action will lie in the presidency, and the Senate.  The next big movement in the House will probably be the 2020 census.  
But the implications don't stop there.  If the Census is the key to political control, then you can expect parties to put more energy into gaming the census.  Arguably, you're already seeing this: Republicans are now making their second attempt to defund the American Community Survey, which uses sampling to generate data between censuses.  The American Community Survey is not used for districting, but it is used for all manner of other policy purposes.  
As the political fault lines harden in Congress, the battlegrounds are moving back to more hidden levers of policymaking.  There are the courts, of course: we're now in the third decade of a mostly undeclared war to gain control of the Supreme Court and do some unelected legislating.  Data gathering and research funding are coming under fierce scrutiny.  And on the national security front, secrecy and executive orders seem to be the order of the day for whoever is in the White House. 

Bill Gives DHS Sec. 'Virtually Unlimited Discretion to Waive Any Manner of Crimes,' ICE Council Warns Congress

Bill Gives DHS Sec. 'Virtually Unlimited Discretion to Waive Any Manner of Crimes,' ICE Council Warns Congress | CNS News:
"They warn that the Senate immigration bill gives DHS Sec. Janet Napolitano “virtually unlimited discretion to waiver” prohibitions on obtaining legal status, such as criminal activity or previous deportation:"

HHS rolls out $150M to help Americans find coverage under 'Obamacare'

HHS rolls out $150M to help Americans find coverage under 'Obamacare' - Washington Times:
 "The Obama administration announced Thursday a plan to helpuninsured Americans find coverage under the new health care law by offering $150 million to community health centers."

Michigan school district that can't pay teachers shuts another day

Michigan school district that can't pay teachers shuts another day | Detroit Free Press | freep.com:
"BUENA VISTA TOWNSHIP — A Michigan school district that says it can’t afford to pay its teachers is closed for another day as officials plan to declare a financial emergency."

Wednesday, May 08, 2013

Coast Guard, hazmat crews clean up diesel fuel spill at Harbour Towne Marina on Muskegon Lake

Coast Guard, hazmat crews clean up diesel fuel spill at Harbour Towne Marina on Muskegon Lake | MLive.com:
"The Muskegon County Hazardous Materials Team and Muskegon firefighters contained the spill to the marina area around 6:30 p.m. May 8, about an hour and a half after an oily sheen was reported in the water."

In Defense of Carbon Dioxide

Harrison H. Schmitt and William Happer: In Defense of Carbon Dioxide - WSJ.com:
"We know that carbon dioxide has been a much larger fraction of the earth's atmosphere than it is today, and the geological record shows that life flourished on land and in the oceans during those times.
The incredible list of supposed horrors that increasing carbon dioxide will bring the world is pure belief disguised as science.
Mr. Schmitt, an adjunct professor of engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, was an Apollo 17 astronaut and a former U.S. senator from New Mexico.
Mr. Happer is a professor of physics at Princeton University and a former director of the office of energy research at the U.S. Department of Energy."

The Price Of Copper And 11 Other Recession Indicators That Are Flashing Red

The Price Of Copper And 11 Other Recession Indicators That Are Flashing Red | Zero Hedge:
"So why do U.S. stocks continue to skyrocket? 
Will U.S. financial markets be able to continue to be divorced from reality? 
Unfortunately, as we have seen so many times in the past, when stocks do catch up with reality they tend to do so very rapidly. 
So you better put on your seatbelts because a crash is coming at some point."

Top 10 Snowfall Averages in North America

Top 10 Snowfall Averages in North America | SnowBrains.com:
#3 - Alta, UT = 563″

Michigan's teen birth rate plummets

Michigan's teen birth rate plummets | Lansing State Journal | lansingstatejournal.com:
"But the number of babies born to unmarried moms has increased by 18 percent.
More moms are uninsured, and too many babies are being born early, which can create lasting challenges for children and their families."

Putting Final Four games on cable saved college hoops from 96-team mess

Putting Final Four games on cable saved college hoops from 96-team mess - NCAA Basketball - Sporting News:
"In the history of college basketball, most of the unsung heroes are role players such A.J. Granger of the 2000 Michigan State Spartans or A.J. Bramlett of the 1997 Arizona Wildcats.
Those players quietly helped their teams win championships. 
TBS rescued the future of the NCAA Tournament."

The Disgraceful Episode Of Lysenkoism Brings Us Global Warming Theory | Somewhat Reasonable

The Disgraceful Episode Of Lysenkoism Brings Us Global Warming Theory | Somewhat Reasonable:
"Trofim Lysenko became the Director of the Soviet Lenin All-Union Academy of Agricultural Sciences in the 1930s under Josef Stalin. 
He was an advocate of the theory that characteristics acquired by plants during their lives could be inherited by later generations stemming from the changed plants, which sharply contradicted Mendelian genetics. 
As a result, Lysenko became a fierce critic of theories of the then rising modern genetics."

Wal-Mart film to be shown May 8 and 14 as debate continues on retailer's plans for Whitehall Township

Wal-Mart film to be shown May 8 and 14 as debate continues on retailer's plans for Whitehall Township | MLive.com:
"The anti-Wal-Mart documentary from 2005 was directed by Robert Greenwald. The 90-minute film looks at the impact of Wal-Mart in small communities across the country.
It was publicly shown by opponents in early April and, at the time, Wal-Mart officials refuted the film’s premise."
(click link to see Walmart response)

Thomas Sowell Discusses The Words That Stop People From Thinking

Thomas Sowell Discusses The Words That Stop People From Thinking - Investors.com:
"If there is ever a contest for words that substitute for thought, "diversity" should be recognized as the undisputed world champion.
You don't need a speck of evidence, or a single step of logic, when you rhapsodize about the supposed benefits of diversity.
The very idea of testing this wonderful, magical word against something as ugly as reality seems almost sordid.
To ask whether institutions that promote diversity 24/7 end up with better or worse relations between the races than institutions that pay no attention to it is only to get yourself regarded as a bad person."

Dubiously Disabled

Dubiously Disabled | National Review Online:
"With regularity, the Wall Street Journal recently reported, airport employees witness people who falsely claim to be handicapped when they arrive at the airport.
Having successfully cut to the front of the long security lines, these parasites jump out of their chairs the moment they’re through the screening process and race to their gates, bags in tow.
Airport security sardonically calls these occurrences “airport miracles,” because the body scanners seem to possess mysterious healing powers.
How big is the problem?
One airport investigated the matter and concluded that at least 15 percent of wheelchair requests are phonies designed to game the system. 
Some think that estimate is low."

How Obama Betrayed America

How Obama Betrayed America | National Review Online

West Michigan school elections: Why Wyoming was only Grand Rapids-area district to reject tax request

West Michigan school elections: Why Wyoming was only Grand Rapids-area district to reject tax request | MLive.com:
"Voters in the Wyoming Public Schools district defeated a 25-year, $53.1 million tax request Tuesday, making it the only West Michigan community to not support school funding questions.
Seven other districts in Kent, Ottawa, Allegan and Barry counties emerged with convincing wins that will send much-needed revenue to improve the learning environments and safety of children, area district leaders said."

Tuesday, May 07, 2013

2 Va. Boys Suspended For Using Pencils As Guns

2 Va. Boys Suspended For Using Pencils As Guns « CBS DC:
"SUFFOLK, Va. — Two Suffolk second graders have been suspended for making shooting noises while pointing pencils at each other.
Media outlets report the 7-year-old boys were suspended for two days for a violation of the Suffolk school system’s zero-tolerance policy on weapons.
They were playing with one another in class Friday at Driver Elementary.
“When I asked him about it, he said, ‘Well I was being a Marine and the other guy was being a bad guy,’” said Paul Marshall, one of the boys’ fathers.
“It’s as simple as that.”

Muskegon's Coast West Music Festival concert ticket, pass prices reduced

Muskegon's Coast West Music Festival concert ticket, pass prices reduced | MLive.com:
"Dockrdude
Normally I would say lowering prices is a good thing. But I think we all know the reason for this."

Why Expand Care with No Proven Benefits?

Why Expand Care with No Proven Benefits? | Cato Institute:
"ObamaCare aims to cover 16 million poor uninsured adults through Medicaid, plus 16 million higher-income uninsured Americans through government-subsidized “private” insurance. Supporters portrayed these “reforms” as a matter of life and death, particularly for the poor.
Yet a monumental new study finds that “Medicaid coverage generated no significant improvements in measured physical health outcomes” for poor adults. 
These findings strengthen the case that states should stop implementing ObamaCare, and Congress should swiftly repeal it."

Where to Watch Free Movies Online

Where to Watch Free Movies Online | Digital Trends:

City Hit by SEC Fraud Charges: Harrisburg’s Public Statements Faulted.

Instapundit » Blog Archive » GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTING: 
"GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTING: City Hit by SEC Fraud Charges: Harrisburg’s Public Statements Faulted. “The Securities and Exchange Commission has put local government officials on notice that it is closely monitoring the way they describe their cities’ fiscal health, charging Harrisburg, Pa., with securities fraud for allegedly failing to disclose information on its financial troubles.
Posted by Glenn Reynolds at 11:53 pm"

Job creation in Muskegon and Michigan is the goal of new energy center partnership, members say

Job creation in Muskegon and Michigan is the goal of new energy center partnership, members say | MLive.com:
"The long-term goal is to create manufacturing facilities on the east end of the lake that can take advantage of lake-based transportation of their products and raw materials, Garner said.
There is more than one potential manufacturer contemplating operations in the zone the city of Muskegon has created for port operations, which has been expanded to include certain types of manufacturing, local economic developers said.
“On the government level, our focus is about creating jobs,” Sabo said.
“We want to promote economic development and good use of our port facilities.
METC is another step in the right direction.”

Monday, May 06, 2013

10 must-have smartphone apps

10 must-have smartphone apps - Kim's Columns – Reviews and Advice on All Things Digital - The Kim Komando Radio Show

Justice Department to monitor South Carolina congressional election

Justice Department to monitor South Carolina congressional election | Reuters:
"The department did not give a reason for the monitoring.
Tuesday's vote will take place under South Carolina's new law mandating photo identification for voters, and Justice Department monitors observed primary elections."

U.S. Senate: Legislation & Records Home > Votes > Roll Call Vote

U.S. Senate: Legislation- Roll Call Vote
Measure Number:S. 743 (Marketplace Fairness Act of 2013 )
Measure Title:A bill to restore States' sovereign rights to enforce State and local sales and use tax laws, and for other purposes.

Pure Michigan's regional campaign to spotlight Binder Park Zoo, Pictured Rocks and more

Pure Michigan's regional campaign to spotlight Binder Park Zoo, Pictured Rocks and more | MLive.com:
"Pure Michigan on Monday kicked off its spring and summer advertising campaign for the Great Lakes region.
Television and radio ads will air in Michigan and several regional markets through June.
The $4.8 million campaign includes more than $1.5 million from 34 local partners including several cities, regions and attractions."

New Michigan Energy + Technology Center to focus on developing Muskegon's port and B.C. Cobb site

New Michigan Energy + Technology Center to focus on developing Muskegon's port and B.C. Cobb site | MLive.com:
"METC will begin working on port development in Muskegon by branding the state’s only deep-water port on Lake Michigan “43 Degrees North@Muskegon.
Muskegon’s port will be developed for alternative energy logistics and manufacturing – especially with the wind turbine industry, METC members said.
Jump starting Muskegon port development is Consumers Energy’s commitment to allow METC and its members access to the coal dock facility at the B.C. Cobb Generating Plant on the east end of Muskegon Lake. The Jackson-based public utility’s 1,800-foot dock, which can handle the largest Great Lake freighters, now serves a coal-fired power plant the company plans to “mothball” beginning in 2015.
The other project METC will begin to develop is a “virtual” technology center called METC@MSU.
This pilot program brings MSU into the alternative energy consortium for the first time."

The Benghazi Talking Points

The Benghazi Talking Points | The Weekly Standard:
"The Benghazi Talking Points
And how they were changed to obscure the truth"

From my "friends" at Barry's E-brown shirts

James --
This is your last chance to sign our petition to Congress demanding action on gun violence.
We're sending our list of names to the printers at midnight tonight --
and our records show you're not on there.
    -- Petition status: Unsigned
    -- Suggested action: Add your name here
Make sure you're on it before midnight tonight:
http://my.barackobama.com/Sign-the-Petition
Thanks,
Organizing for Action
----------------
A movement of millions elected President Obama. Let's keep fighting for change. Chip in $5 or more to support Organizing for Action today.



Study pegs cost of immigration bill’s mass legalization at $6.3 trillion

Study pegs cost of immigration bill’s mass legalization at $6.3 trillion | Fox News:
"The comprehensive immigration overhaul being taken up in the Senate this week could cost taxpayers $6.3 trillion if 11 million illegal immigrants are granted legal status, according to a long-awaited estimate by the conservative Heritage Foundation."

Muskegon Area District Library continues plans for $2 million Storyville childhood development project in Norton Shores

Muskegon Area District Library continues plans for $2 million Storyville childhood development project in Norton Shores | MLive.com:
"When Muskegon Area District Library first proposed the development to the city council in May 2012, planners thought the project would cost between $700,000 and $1 million but that number has changed to $2 million.
Muskegon Area District Library would eventually launch a capital campaign to build the addition and any new staff members would be paid from the existing millage, Schneider said.
Schneider hopes Muskegon Area District Library will raise enough money so that construction would begin next year."

Detroit's new slogan: 'America's Great Comeback City;'

Detroit's new slogan: 'America's Great Comeback City;' let MLive.com know if it fits | MLive.com:
"A new slogan has reportedly been created by the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau and Troy-based advertising firm SMZ that's aimed to bring more business activity and excitement to the region.
The slogan, according a Sunday Detroit Free Press story: "Detroit, America's Great Comeback City."

Obama To Grads: Reject Voices That Warn About Government Tyranny

Obama To Grads: Reject Voices That Warn About Government Tyranny | RealClearPolitics:
"PRESIDENT OBAMA: Unfortunately, you've grown up hearing voices that incessantly warn of government as nothing more than some separate, sinister entity that's at the root of all our problems.
Some of these same voices also do their best to gum up the works. 
They'll warn that tyranny always lurking just around the corner. 
You should reject these voices.
Because what they suggest is that our brave, and creative, and unique experiment in self-rule is somehow just a sham with which we can't be trusted."

Sunday, May 05, 2013

Bill allows for $150M in grants to sign up illegal immigrants to become citizens

Bill allows for $150M in grants to sign up illegal immigrants to become citizens | Fox News:
"A Washington group is criticizing the Senate immigration bill because it allows for up to $150 million for organizations to advertise citizenship opportunities and to help illegal immigrants sign up to become citizens.
The nonpartisan Center for Immigration Services calls the money “slush funds” and earlier this week cited several concerns -- particularly that the money can go to the same groups that helped craft the legislation and that the spending appears to have no cap or oversight.
“It’s virtually a blank check,”

The FDIC Illusion of Insured Bank Deposits

The FDIC Illusion of Insured Bank Deposits:

We can only save ourselves from kidnappers at the NRA

PERRY: We can only save ourselves from kidnappers at the NRA – Aurora Sentinel:
"I have seen the light.
After all these years, I now agree that it’s fruitless to give the benefit of the doubt to people who are so obviously corrupt, so clearly malevolent, so bent on hurting innocent people for their own sick gain.
No more due process in the clear-cut case of insidious terrorism.
When the facts are so clearly before all Americans, for the whole world to see, why bother with this country’s odious and cumbersome system of justice?
Send the guilty monsters directly to Guantanamo Bay for all eternity and let them rot in their own mental squalor.
No, no, no. 
Not the wannabe sick kid who blew up the Boston marathon or the freak that’s mailing ricin-laced letters to the president. 
I’m talking about the real terrorist threat here in America: the National Rifle Association."

Why the Left hates families:

Why the Left hates families: MELANIE PHIILLIPS reveals how the selfish sneers of Guardianistas made her see how the Left actively fosters - and revels in - family breakdown... | Mail Online
"To my colleagues, there was virtually no question that the poor were the victims of circumstances rather than being accountable for their own behaviour and that the state was a wholly benign actor in the lives of individuals.
It never occurred to us that there could be another way of looking at the world.
Above all, we knew we were on the side of the angels, while across the barricades hatchet-faced Right-wingers represented the dark forces of human nature and society that we were all so proud to be against. "

Saturday, May 04, 2013

Ram 2500 Power Wagon commercial shoot ends with truck spending night in ocean

Ram 2500 Power Wagon commercial shoot ends with truck spending night in ocean:
"In any case, the truck was eventually towed today and local environmental services and hazmat crews checked out the scene and, based on what Hesseltine was told, there was, "no environmental damage from liquids leaking out" and she was not aware of any damage to the rocks or ground. "

Palm Beach County sheriff gets $1 million for violence...

Palm Beach County sheriff gets $1 million for violence... | www.mypalmbeachpost.com

“We want people to call us if the guy down the street says he hates the government, hates the mayor and he’s gonna shoot him,” Bradshaw said.
“What does it hurt to have somebody knock on a door and ask, ‘Hey, is everything OK?’ ”

Court OKs Barring High IQs for Cops

Court OKs Barring High IQs for Cops - ABC News:
"Jordan, a 49-year-old college graduate, took the exam in 1996 and scored 33 points, the equivalent of an IQ of 125.
But New London police interviewed only candidates who scored 20 to 27, on the theory that those who scored too high could get bored with police work and leave soon after undergoing costly training.
Most Cops Just Above Normal The average score nationally for police officers is 21 to 22, the equivalent of an IQ of 104, or just a little above average."

Experts downplay Lake Michigan contamination fears despite 'dirty' water reports

Experts downplay Lake Michigan contamination fears despite 'dirty' water reports | MLive.com:
 "A recent Department of Natural Resources fishing report found boaters had to travel far into the lake near Grand Haven to find clean water, but experts said that should not be construed to mean filthy conditions prevail."

Friday, May 03, 2013

Suicides increase dramatically among Michigan's middle-aged population; 14 percent higher than national average

Suicides increase dramatically among Michigan's middle-aged population; 14 percent higher than national average | MLive.com

The old order is dying. We are living in the age of Farage

The old order is dying. We are living in the age of Farage – Telegraph Blogs:
 "the cheap shot smear techniques which have been used in this election campaign, are straight out of Saul Alinsky's Rules For Radicals.
I have seen members of UKIP isolated this way on Twitter.
The Attack Dogs cut off the support network by throwing standard accusations out, other members, frightened to be tarred with the non-existent brush remove themselves from debate. 
The attack dogs have then isolated their target.
The attackers go after people and not the party; people hurt faster than institutions. 
Direct, personalised criticism and ridicule works. 
It is cruel, but very effective.
The Big Three political parties are worried about UKIP. If they weren’t they wouldn’t set their attack dogs to savage the aspiring politicians and the yet to mature new boy on the party political scene."

New Rule Signals Kiss of Death for Pensions

New Rule Signals Kiss of Death for Pensions:
"A little known rule change that allows companies to contribute fewer dollars to pension funds is signaling just how meaningless the retirement vehicle has become.
"This proves that pensions are pretty much dead," said Greg McBride, chief economist at Bankrate.com. "

Bloomberg Refused Second Slice of Pizza at Local Restaurant

Bloomberg Refused Second Slice of Pizza at Local Restaurant - The Daily Currant
"I'm sorry sir.
We're serious," Benito insisted.
"We've decided that eating more than one piece isn't healthy for you, and so we're forbidding you from doing it."
"Look jackass," Bloomberg retorted, his anger boiling,
"I fucking skipped breakfast this morning just so I could eat four slices of your pizza.
Don't be a schmuck, just get back to the kitchen and bring out some fucking pizza, okay."
"I'm sorry sir, there's nothing I can do," the owner repeated. 
"Maybe you could go to several restaurants and get one slice at each. 
At least that way you're walking. 
You know, burning calories."
(Yes, it's a spoof)

EU economies to breach deficit limits as economic picture darkens

EU economies to breach deficit limits as economic picture darkens - FT.com:
"In addition to the anticipated breaches by France, Spain and the Netherlands, the currency union’s third-largest economy, Italy, will come within a hair’s breadth of missing the limit of 3 per cent of economic output, with a 2013 deficit forecasted at 2.9 per cent."

Muskegon Heights police chief: Gunshot victim, struck in genitalia by bullet, already in wheelchair from previous shooting

Muskegon Heights police chief: Gunshot victim, struck in genitalia by bullet, already in wheelchair from previous shooting | MLive.com:
"The chief said citizens have a right to be concerned, but he clarified it appears the shooters are targeting “each other” and not randomly shooting at innocent bystanders."

Thursday, May 02, 2013

Despite sequester, DOD signs contract for $59/gallon green jet fuel

Despite sequester, DOD signs contract for $59/gallon green jet fuel | WashingtonExaminer.com:
"Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel recently warned that sequestration would cause “suspension of important activities, curtailed training, and could result in furloughs of civilian personnel” but the spending cuts haven’t killed the green fuels program, as the Pentagon has continued purchasing renewable fuel at $59 per gallon.
“In March, Gevo entered into a contract with the Defense Logistics Agency to supply the U.S. Army with 3,650 gallons of renewable jet fuel to be delivered by the second quarter of 2013,” Gevo announced this week in its first quarter financial report.
“This initial order may be increased by 12,500 gallons.
All shipments will be at a fixed price of $59 per gallon during the initial testing phase."

Sins Of The Fourth Estate (Part II)

Irish Examiner USA: Sins Of The Fourth Estate (Part II):

Read what the ex-abortionist, Bernard Nathanson, one of the founders of NARAL said when he revealed the deceptions, dirty tricks, and other tactics that helped make abortion legal and socially acceptable in the United States:
How did we do this? It is important to understand the tactics involved because these tactics have been used throughout the western world with one permutation or another, in order to change abortion law.
"The First Key Tactic was to capture the media - with lies. The number of women dying from illegal abortions was around 200-250 annually. The figure constantly fed to the media was 10,000.
"The Second Key Tactic was to Play the Catholic Card - We systematically vilified the Catholic Church and its 'socially backward ideas' and picked on the Catholic hierarchy as the villain in opposing abortion.
"The Third Key Tactic was the Denigration and Suppression of all Scientific Evidence that Life Begins at Conception - A favorite pro-abortion tactic is to insist that the definition of when life begins is impossible; that the question is a theological or moral or philosophical one, anything but a scientific one."
President Obama claims to care about women but maybe all he really cares about are their votes. We know that he voted against the Born Alive bill while a State Senator in Illinois. When asked in 2008 at what point a baby gets "human rights," Obama flippantly answered, "... whether you're looking at it from a theological perspective or a scientific perspective, answering that question with specificity ... is above my pay grade."
There is nothing above his pay grade now yet no reporter will dare to ask him that question now.

'Hate Crime' Hoaxes

Best of the Web Today: 'Hate Crime' Hoaxes - WSJ.com:
"Why are phony "hate crimes" so common, especially on college campuses? 
...One obvious answer is that people do this sort of thing to get attention.
Multicultural identity politics, which is a dominant force on campus and a significant one off it, creates a perverse incentive structure by rewarding victims of purported hate and going easy on hoaxers. "

Miss Korea 2013 Contestants Spark Plastic Surgery Debate

Miss Korea 2013 Contestants Spark Plastic Surgery Debate:
"......what they say represents a growing trend in plastic surgery that makes the women look remarkably similar to one another."

Too Many Too-Big-to-Fail Banks

Too Many Too-Big-to-Fail Banks « Commentary Magazine:
"What’s scary is that the community banks, 98.5 percent of all American banks, have only 12 percent of the banking assets.
But the megabanks, only .21 percent of all banks, have 69 percent of all banking assets."

Ron Paul & Jim Rogers: "There's More Chaos To Come"

Ron Paul & Jim Rogers: "There's More Chaos To Come" | Zero Hedge:
"I would expect that there is going to be a lot more chaos still to come." - Ron Paul;
They won’t take our bank accounts…they will take our retirement accounts.” - Jim Rogers"

Duke OKs student health insurance coverage for sex reassignmen

Duke OKs student health insurance coverage for sex reassignment | The Chronicle:
The additional coverage will have a “minimal” impact on cost to students, Wasiolek said. 
The coverage will cause a 0.3 percent increase to student costs.
Overall, student health care premiums will increase by a total of 8 percent next year, Wasiolek said.

America's Suicide Rate Skyrockets Among Middle-Aged

America's Suicide Rate Skyrockets Among Middle-Aged:
"The biggest jump has occurred among white Americans, whose suicide rate per 100,000 population rose from 15.9 in 1999 to 22.3 in 2010."

Revealed: The Five Loopiest Guardian Articles of All Time

Revealed: The Five Loopiest Guardian Articles of All Time – Telegraph Blogs:
"2. Conservatives are morons.
According to George Monbiot, scientists have established as an “empirical fact” that “conservatism thrives on low intelligence and poor information”.
This is why conservatives are suckers for racism, homophobia, sexism, after all:
Prejudice tends not to arise directly from low intelligence but from the conservative ideologies to which people of low intelligence are drawn.
Conservative ideology is the "critical pathway" from low intelligence to racism.
By contrast, reading the Guardian is the “critical pathway” towards snobbery and intellectual bigotry.
Or so the experts say."

Vietnam ‘prisoner of war’ accused of fabricating claims

Vietnam ‘prisoner of war’ accused of fabricating claims - Telegraph:
"A man living in the Vietnamese jungle, whose claims to be a long-lost American prisoner of war are at the centre of a major new documentary, has been accused of fabricating his claims."

Jason Collins' Ex-Fiancee -- I Had NO IDEA He Was Gay

Jason Collins' Ex-Fiancee -- I Had NO IDEA He Was Gay | TMZ.com:
"The woman who was once engaged to NBA star Jason Collins tells TMZ, she had NO CLUE he was gay at the time of their relationship ... in fact, she only found out last weekend ... and she was floored.
Carolyn Moos (who played a few seasons in the WNBA) dated Collins for seven years and was engaged to him until they broke up in 2009 ... after Collins pulled the plug on their wedding.
Carolyn tells TMZ, she never once suspected he was gay, so the news is shocking. "

Student Expelled, Charged With a Felony After He ‘Tried to Do the Right Thing’ When He Forgot His Shotgun Was in His Truck

Student Expelled, Charged With a Felony After He ‘Tried to Do the Right Thing’ When He Forgot His Shotgun Was in His Truck | Video | TheBlaze.com

Pay Attention: CO Democrats Using Election Process To Enshrine Power

Rule of Law » Pay Attention: CO Democrats Using Election Process To Enshrine Power:
"Something is happening in Colorado, and you better pay attention. Colorado Democrats, with the active help of some Republican county election clerks interested in shirking work, have devised a revolutionary plan to remake future Colorado elections.
The plan is simple: ballots are automatically mailed out to every single person on the voter rolls. 
Ballots are even mailed to people listed as “inactive” voters at their last known address. Ballots are then voted and returned by mail.
No more polling places.
No more voters actually demonstrating an interest in participating in an election. 
The government will decide that for them, and scatter millions of paper ballots into the U.S. mail.
In 2016, this system will be an invitation to fraud. It will be unmanageable.
And it will be a model to pass in other states controlled by Democrats."

School Funding at All-Time High

School Funding at All-Time High [Michigan Capitol Confidential]:
"New data from the state (available in this online database) show that despite constant calls from school officials and government employee union bosses for more funding, public schools in Michigan received more money in 2011 than ever before — about $13,405 per pupil.
Total school spending, however, did drop from its all-time high in 2010 — by less than 1 percent.
Schools spent $12,778 per pupil last year overall, with $11,561 of that spent on day-to-day operating expenses."

After Boston, concern over another terror attack rises, poll shows - CBS News

After Boston, concern over another terror attack rises, poll shows - CBS News:
"As many as 68 percent of Americans approve of Mr. Obama's response to the bombings, and 56 percent approve of his handling of terrorism generally.
However, his overall job approval is lower, at 47 percent -- similar to last month.
Many Republicans give the president credit for his handling of the Boston attacks (47 percent approve), but just 12 percent approve of the overall job Mr. Obama is doing as president.
Mr. Obama said Tuesday that law enforcement did an "exemplary job responding to the bombings, and Americans seem to agree: 84 percent said they approve of the way federal and local law enforcement handled the attack.
On the other hand, some think more could have been done to prevent it: 41 percent of Americans think U.S. intelligence agencies had information that could have prevented the bombings at the Boston Marathon, but 45 percent do not."

Wednesday, May 01, 2013

DRUDGE REPORT 2013®

DRUDGE REPORT 2013®:
"CABLE NEWS RACE
TUES., APRIL 30, 2013

FOXNEWS O'REILLY 2,713,000
FOXNEWS THE FIVE 2,027,000
CMDY DAILY SHOW 1,867,000
FOXNEWS BAIER 1,814,000
CMDY COLBERT 1,752,000
FOXNEWS HANNITY 1,677,000
FOXNEWS GRETA 1,395,000
MSNBC MADDOW 673,000
MSNBC O'DONNELL 685,000
MSNBC HARDBALL 613,000
CNN BLITZER 551,000
MSNBC SHARPTON 549,000
CNNHN GRACE 510,000
CNN BURNETT 509,000
MSNBC HAYES 496,000
CNNHN DR DREW 482,000
CNN PIERS MORGAN 433,000"

'Catastrophic' cyberattack could hit utilities like PG&E

'Catastrophic' cyberattack could hit utilities like PG&E - Marin Independent Journal:
Hackers are increasingly targeting electric, natural gas and other vital utilities, threatening a disaster of epic proportions that experts say firms are doing too little to guard against.
"We will see catastrophic outages," PG&E Chief Information Security Officer James Sample warned state regulators at a recent forum, though not specifically referring to his company. 
"We are dealing with a very intelligent adversary."
The threat is regarded by U.S. officials and others as among the most worrisome the nation faces. 
A cyberattack could so severely damage a utility that millions of people might be left without power for months, experts say, shutting down water and transportation systems, threatening the sick and elderly, and causing billions of dollars in damage........
"The agency, which held the forum Sample attended, warned in a recent report that utilities are becoming increasingly vulnerable as their networks add smart meters and other computerized gear.
But while federal rules require certain facilities and power lines to be protected from hackers, most are not.
The CPUC's study said, 
"80-90 percent or more of the electric infrastructure currently does not fall under any required standards and cybersecurity practices of the utilities are not monitored."

Police say liberal student activist threatened herself with rape in Facebook hoax, framed conservatives

Police say liberal student activist threatened herself with rape in Facebook hoax, framed conservatives:
"A well-known female liberal blogger and radio host at the University of Wyoming (UW) is being accused by police of fabricating a rape threat against herself to appear as if it came from a conservative."

British families at risk from smart meters, campaigners tell MPs

British families at risk from smart meters, campaigners tell MPs - Telegraph:
"Dr Liz Evans, a campaigner, said there are hundreds of studies showing "evidence of harm could be acute", including possible "chronic effects from long term exposure such as cancer, infertility, dementia, genetic damage, immune system dysfunction and damage to foetuses".
"We are many of organisations calling for a precautionary approach, particularly for children," she said.
Mike Mitcham, another campaigner, said there is evidence that it could be 140 to 800 times more powerful than mobile phones.
He said the exposure to radiation from smart meters is "very short in the same way a a bullet from a rifle your exposure to that is very shortlived for that tiny fraction of a time that it enters the body".

Jessica Heeringa's alleged abduction prompts Michigan elected officials, law enforcement to consider safety law for clerks

Jessica Heeringa's alleged abduction prompts Michigan elected officials, law enforcement to consider safety law for clerks | MLive.com:
"State Rep. Marcia Hovey-Wright, D-Muskegon, Sen. Goeff Hansen, R-Hart, and State Rep. Collene Lamonte, D-Montague, each said Wednesday, May 1, they are going to explore ways to get a law in place in Michigan that would protect convenience store employees.
“I’m definitely planning to explore the possible legislation to protect people working in those convenience stores,” Hovey-Wright said."

Classic moronic government (redundancy alert!) response.
1. We don't know what happened.
2. Hundreds of thousands of small businesses are open late with only one employee and employee abductions are an absolute aberration. 
3. Let's pass a very expensive (to the small businesses we so pretend to love) law that will not prevent future abductions.
4. Have their "publicists" in the media tell everyone how wonderful the politicians are.
5. If the perp turns out to be a many-times-convicted, many-times-freed felon, move on to more important issues like T-Party members who use pressure cookers for cooking! 

MDOT to close lanes on Moses J. Jones Parkway in Muskegon for $650,000 resurfacing project

MDOT to close lanes on Moses J. Jones Parkway in Muskegon for $650,000 resurfacing project | MLive.com:
"The Michigan Department of Transportation will enact single and double lane closures on the Moses J. Jones Parkway, also known as Shoreline Drive, starting May 6 for a resurfacing project."

AKA "Shoreline Dr."?
Who'd of guessed?

50 Free Awesome Android Apps

50 Free Awesome Android Apps - Datamation:

BENGHAZIGATE: Obama’s Secret Gun-Running Program

BENGHAZIGATE: Obama’s Secret Gun-Running Program - Katie Kieffer - Page 1:
"We now know that President Obama, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and then-CIA Director David Petraeus were likely behind a mishandled gun-trafficking program that ended up arming the radical jihadist rebels who stormed the U.S. consulate and CIA annex in Benghazi, Libya on that fateful day."

The Freeman : Foundation for Economic Education

The Freeman : Foundation for Economic Education:

'via Blog this'

Obama Extols Organized Labor in ‘Workers Memorial Day’ Proclamation

Obama Extols Organized Labor in ‘Workers Memorial Day’ Proclamation | CNS News:
"With high praise for labor unions and criticism for the manufacturing industry’s history, President Barack Obama declared Sunday to be “Workers Memorial Day.”
In the proclamation, Obama cited deplorable work conditions in factories during the early 20th Century.
“A combination of shoddy equipment and fatigue from long shifts made serious injury and death all too common,” the president said.
“Career-ending injuries often led to poverty and starvation.
From mine shafts to railroads to factory floors, workers began to speak out.”
He then praised organized labor and government regulation stopping these injuries and deaths."

The politically incorrect truth about violence and fundamental Islam

The politically incorrect truth about violence and fundamental Islam | Washington Times Communities:
"The truth is that the Koran directly compels Muslims to commit violent acts against disbelievers.
While the ultimate goal of Judaism and Christianity, the most prominent Western religions, is individual salvation, the ultimate goal of Islam is collective domination and for the entire world to be under Islamic control and Sharia law.
Muslims are instructed to do all that they can to facilitate this goal, including to kill and subjugate disbelievers and America MUST understand this or watch as our culture crumbles and our citizens continue to die."

Pelosi: 'Unleash' Women With 'Affordable Quality Childcare for All'

Pelosi: 'Unleash' Women With 'Affordable Quality Childcare for All' | CNS News

Michigan 'brain drain' bill would give tax credits to college graduates who stay in state, pay loans

Michigan 'brain drain' bill would give tax credits to college graduates who stay in state, pay loans | MLive.com:
"Michigan is working to keep college graduates in the state, and new legislation seeks to slow the "brain drain" with an additional incentive:
A tax credit for student loan payments.
"For me, it's kind of a first step in talent retention," said sponsoring state Rep. Andy Schor, D-Lansing,
"We have some of the best colleges and universities in the world, but people get educated here and then leave for Chicago or San Francisco or some place else.
We need to keep them in Michigan, and we need to keep them in our cities."

NH Man Loses Life Savings On Carnival Game

NH Man Loses Life Savings On Carnival Game « CBS Boston:
"The 30-year-old from Epsom says he kept trying to win back his moneyby going double or nothing. He dropped $300 in just a few minutes, then says he went home to get $2,300 more and soon lost all of that as well.
“You just get caught up in the whole ‘I’ve got to win my money back.’
......Gribbohm says he is considering a lawsuit.
“For once in my life I happened to become that sucker,” said Gribbohm. 
“It was foolish for putting up my life savings.”

Crony Capitalism at Work

Crony Capitalism at Work - Scottie Hughes - Page 1:
"Ready for the next Solyndra? 
If you haven’t heard of GreenTech Automotive, that’s going to change. And fast.
The “green energy” company that boasts about building electric cars has recently been vaulted into the national spotlight because of its ties to top Clinton donors and Obama administration officials, and most disturbingly, because of its assault on freedom of speech by suing the Franklin Center and its independent journalism arm Watchdog.org."

Muskegon leaders contemplate branding project; What are outsiders saying about the community?

Muskegon leaders contemplate branding project; What are outsiders saying about the community? | MLive.com
"WMSRDC environmental planner Kathy Evans said Monday night’s discussions and feedback will be used to see if there is support for perception research and a full community branding project.
The Great Lakes Commission is offering a $12,000 grant for the initial research and the Muskegon Lake Watershed Partnership would contribute $1,000 to a $24,000 research effort.
Domine said that the research and its analysis that would lead to Muskegon’s “story” and the creative logos, slogans and advertising materials to support that would cost a total of about $80,000 and take a year to develop.
The community would have to find the financial resources to support the effort, Evans said."

Michigan road funding: House panel debates 20% registration fee increase, more for electric/hybrids

Michigan road funding: House panel debates 20% registration fee increase, more for electric/hybrids | MLive.com:
"Phil Lombard, a Ferndale resident who owns a Toyota Prius, told the panel that the proposed fees would create "a separate an unequal standard" for hybrid vehicles.
He pointed out that not all hybrids get great gas mileage while many traditional vehicles do, and he suggested that the proposed fee increase would generate more revenue than the state is currently losing as a result of hybrid technology.
"Hybrid owners aren't asking for thanks for leaving more gas at the tank for others, and we're not asking thanks for emitting less air pollution than other vehicles," he said.
"We're just looking for equitable, fair treatment. House Bill 4632 is unreasonable and punitive to hybrid vehicle owners."

Muskegon County, Michigan

Muskegon County, Michigan:
"Jail and Juvenile Transition Center Committee Meeting
When: Thursday, May 2, 2013, 2:00pm to 3:30pm
Location: 4th Floor Hall of Justice Board Room, 990 Terrace Street, Muskegon, MI 49442

Ways & Means Committee
When: Thursday, May 2, 2013, 4:00pm
Location: 4th Floor Hall of Justice Board Room, 990 Terrace Street, Muskegon, MI 49442
Click Here for Agenda

Jail and Juvenile Transition Center Citizens' Review Committee
When: May 7, 2013, 5:30pm
Location: South Campus Training Center Room #203, 133 East Apple Avenue, Muskegon, MI 49442

Port Advisory Committee Meeting
When: Tuesday, May 28, 2013, 1:30pm to 3:00pm
Location: GVSU MAREC, 200 Viridian Drive, Muskegon, MI 49440"