Monday, February 03, 2014

History for February 3

History for February 3 - On-This-Day.com

1690 - The first paper money in America was issued by the Massachusetts colony. The currency was used to pay soldiers that were fighting in the war against Quebec. 


1783 - Spain recognized the independence of the United States


1913 - The 16th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified. It authorized the power to impose and collect income tax. 


1969 - At the Palestinian National Congress in Cairo, Yasser Arafat was appointed leader of the PLO. 


1972 - The first Winter Olympics in Asia were held at Sapporo, Japan.
 

1988 - The U.S. House of Representatives handed rejected U.S. President Reagan's request for at least $36.25 million in aid to the Nicaraguan Contras. 


1998 - In Italy, a U.S. Military plane hit a cable causing the death of 20 skiers on a lift. 


2009 - Eric Holder was sworn in as attorney general. He was the first African-American to hold the post.
 

Sunday, February 02, 2014

33 Places In the World That You Won't Believe Are Real

33 Places In the World That You Won't Believe Are Real

Cost of Generic Drugs Soaring Due to Increased Demand from Obamacare

Cost of Generic Drugs Soaring Due to Increased Demand from Obamacare:
"The pervasive use of generic over brand-name medications was anticipated to be a money-saver, but recently prices are soaring, even up 6,000 percent for some common drugs that were once fairly low-cost.
As National Journal reports, pharmacists are perplexed about the huge price hikes in many drugs and are asking Congress to hold a hearing to look into the matter.
Generic drugs such as Pravastatin, which treats high cholesterol, and the antibiotic Doxycycline spiked upwards of 1,000 percent in 2013, according to a survey by the National Community Pharmacists Association.
According to the survey, 77 percent of pharmacists said they experienced 26 or more instances of a large increase in the acquisition price of a generic drug within the last six months of 2013."

State of the Union: 5 things president failed to tell Americans

State of the Union: 5 things president failed to tell Americans « Watchdog.org:

"2. IRS harassment isn’t a big issue for the Obama people.

 Jordan Sekulow of the American Center for Law and Justice, which is suing the government on behalf of 41 conservative and tea party groups after allegations of targeting by the Internal Revenue Service, said he wasn’t surprised that Obama did not mention the controversy.

 “They’re taking every step possible to minimize this scandal and the targeting that was done,” Sekulow said.

“This is your Department of Justice, your FBI, paid for with taxpayer dollars.

It’s not a place for partisan politics … To this date, no one’s been fired.

Some people have retired, some have resigned.

We’ve had one person take the Fifth —  Los Lerner — and those are key finds that there was more than just bureaucratic mistakes afoot here.”



 3. NSA spying will continue.

 Despite a major National Security Agency leak threatening to undermine America’s national and economic security, fueling domestic and international backlash over fears of a growing Orwellian electronic surveillance nightmare, President Obama gave the scandal a passing mention during his address."

America. This will grow unless we make SOME NOISE!!!!!!!--------Audit called over $1.37M spent on Obamacare exchange Richard Simmons video

Audit called over $1.37M spent on Obamacare exchange Richard Simmons video - BizPac Review:
"A California senator is seeking to audit the state’s Obamacare exchange after a Watchdog.org story revealed that $1.37 million was spent on a campaign featuring an eight-hour web stream starring a gyrating Richard Simmons."

Were home health care workers hoodwinked into Service Employees union?

Examiner Editorial: Were home health care workers hoodwinked into Service Employees union? | WashingtonExaminer.com:

"a group of Illinois home health care workers objected to that state’s decision to make them eligible for unionization.

A question related to the case that isn’t getting the attention it deserves is what prompted the state to do this in the first place.

Was this in genuine reaction to the workers’ interests? 

Or were there other, possibly corrupt, reasons involved? 

New evidence suggests the latter."

Don’t Know the Party of a Politician Caught in a Scandal? He’s Probably a Democrat...

Instapundit » Blog Archive » NEWS YOU CAN USE: Don’t Know the Party of a Politician Caught in a Scandal? He’s Probably a Democra…:
Don’t Know the Party of a Politician Caught in a Scandal?

He’s Probably a Democrat.

“Within the span of 40 seconds, NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams reported on two politicians caught in scandals, one a Republican the other a Democrat, but he gave the party affiliation of only one of the troubled politicians. 

Can you guess which one?”"

Expect more of this....much more--------------Pharmacy staff indicted on $60M health care fraud

Pharmacy staff indicted on $60M health care fraud | 2014-01-31 | Grand Rapids Business Journal:
"By allegedly submitting claims for drugs that were misbranded, adulterated and dispensed in violation of federal and state laws, the indictment charges that the defendants defrauded Medicare, Medicaid and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

The indictment alleges that Kentwood Pharmacy received in excess of $70,000,000 from these health care benefit programs, and the government is seeking to forfeit more than $60,000,000 as a result of the alleged health care fraud."

MSM hacks in full cover-up mode------Another Obamacare Horror Story Which Won't Get Further Than Local News

Another Obamacare Horror Story Which Won't Get Further Than Local News | NewsBusters

Small business employees react to life changes necessitated by Affordable Care Act
Outside Simonetta’s Collision and Car Care in McKeesport, it's a frigid 2 degrees.
Inside, Gary Simonetta's employees are getting ready for a meeting he’s been dreading for months.
“What I have here is the benefits sheet from last year. What you were on in 2013," said Charles Moore, co-owner of Triangle Benefits Service and the broker who has handled the company's group health insurance for 19 years. "Here is the new plan we had to switch to that takes into account the Obamacare regulations.”
For the first time, employees were finding out how the Affordable Care Act will affect their medical coverage and how much they'll pay for it.
Last year’s 6 percent premium increase has now exploded to an average 32 percent jump.
"That 32 percent increase includes increasing the deductible, as well to try and get something modestly priced,” Moore explained.
Jeff and Dave used to have a $1,250 deductible. Since Obamacare went into effect, it's now jumped 60 percent to $2,000.
That's nothing compared with Brian, Christy and Judy who have kids. They'll pay twice that at $4,000.
... Co-pays are up too.
... 42-year-old Jeff's in the same boat.
"Wake up, America. This isn't acceptable. It's not acceptable," he said.
Higher premiums and much higher deductibles. Wow.
Read and watch the whole thing, up to and including what's happening to the owner's own premium.
For every supposedly "good news" story about Obamacare the administration trots out — and, predictably, some of them are questionable — there are many times more stories like these which the nation's establishment press is consistently ignoring.

5 things to know heading into Super Bowl Sunday

My Way News - 5 things to know heading into Super Bowl Sunday:

"MEATY MATCHUP:

The Super Bowl features the classic pocket passer in Denver's Peyton Manning against Seattle's quick-footed, quick-witted scrambler in Russell Wilson, who represents the new guard at quarterback in the NFL along with the likes of Robert Griffin III, Colin Kaepernick and Cam Newton.

Seattle's defense will be looking to make Manning uncomfortable by forcing him outside the passing pocket.

Denver, meanwhile, will try to contain Wilson by keeping him in the pocket and prevent him from making plays by scrambling.

Both teams are 15-3 and have relied on their quarterbacks to get them here, despite their different styles."



Embattled Mich. conservative: 'If I don't stand ... then who?'

Embattled Mich. conservative: 'If I don't stand ... then who?':

"According to Agema, when fear and intimidation are applied, those would speak against the party's status quo "immediately shrink back and say Boy, I'm going to be quiet, because if I say anything I'm going to get the same ridicule."

Agema believes there is clearly a movement to silence conservative voices in the GOP, but maintains it is absolutely essential for conservatives to take a stand."

Ape Predicts Seahawks Will Win Super Bowl

Ape Predicts Seahawks Will Win Super Bowl « CBS Seattle:

"SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A Utah ape that has correctly picked the Super Bowl winner for six straight years predicted Thursday that the Seattle Seahawks will be the next NFL champion.

Eli the ape ran into an enclosure Thursday morning and swiftly knocked down a papier-mache helmet bearing the Seahawks logo, signaling his pick, said Erica Hansen of Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City.

“He made his pick without any hesitation,” Hansen said.

That could mean bad news for Broncos fans.

The 13-year-old primate hasn’t been wrong since 2006."

Jimmy Kimmel: "Liking" on Facebook Protected Under First Amendment

Jimmy Kimmel: "Liking" on Facebook Protected Under First Amendment - HILARIOUS! - The Federalist Papers:
"Watch this clip from Jimmy Kimmel Live – “Liking” on Facebook Protected Under First Amendment. Jimmy sends a cameraman out to interview average people on the street to ask two questions.

First, do you agree with the judge who decided that “liking” on Facebook is protected under the first Amendment? 

 Secondly, what is the First Amendment? 

Hilarity ensues, followed by sadness that comes from realizing that the average man and woman has no idea what the Bill of Rights are for or what our Constitution means."

Obama's Weaponization of Government

Obama's Weaponization of Government - Forbes:

"Everyone in the House Chamber knew something that the American people have yet to fully grasp and Republicans have yet to demonstrate an ability to combat – that their government has grown so large, so complex, so involved in virtually every aspect of their lives, that it is now being used as a weapon to by a small segment of the ruling political class.

The weaponization of government is happening and it’s time Americans took notice.

For all the folks – primarily on the left – who screamed and yelled that the Patriot Act was shredding the Constitution, far more intrusive tactics that have nothing to do with the NSA or Homeland Security are being deployed right under our noses during this Administration.
Those tactics reduce every Americans’ personal and economic freedom.

There is a dangerous arrogance of power among the President and senior-level Democrats that should concern every American.

Last week a senior United States Senator gave a speech stating that the IRS should be used to target and punish groups that disagree with the Democratic Party’s political agenda.  
Sen. Chuck Schumer stated...
 “…there are many things that can be done administratively by the IRS and other government agencies — we must redouble those efforts immediately."

History for January 2 - On-This-Day.com

Birth anniversaries of James Joyce (1882-1941) and Ayn Rand (1905-82).



Birth anniversary of George "Papa Bear" Halas (1895-1983).



In 1943, the Germans surrendered at Stalingrad.


Happy Birthday! Christie Brinkley, Bo Hopkins, Graham Nash

1848- The US-Mexico War formally ended with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.


1892 - Ellis Island opened as America's first federal immigration center. Annie Moore, at age 15, became the first person to pass through. 


1935 - Bruno Richard Hauptmann went on trial for the kidnap-murder of Charles Lindberghs baby. Hauptmann was found guilt and executed. 


1942 - The Philippine capital of Manila was captured by Japanese forces during World War II. 


1943- The Germans surrendered at Stalingrad.



1953 - "The Life of Riley" debuted on NBC-TV. 


1965 - "Broadway" Joe Namath signed the richest rookie contract ($400,000) in the history of pro football. 


1974 - U.S. President Richard M. Nixon signed a bill requiring all states to lower the maximum speed limit to 55 MPH. The law was intended to conserve gasoline supplies during an embargo imposed by Arab oil-producing countries. Federal speed limits were abolished in 1995. 


Saturday, February 01, 2014

“In Bad Faith”

“In Bad Faith” - EAGnews.org powered by Education Action Group Foundation, Inc.:

"In Bad Faith: The Milwaukee Public Schools Protection Racket – exposes how Milwaukee city and school leaders go to great lengths and great expense just to keep students and their per-pupil funding trapped inside the troubled school district."

Soooo, we need MORE laws..........Colorado's pot tax revenues could go up in smoke, says lawmaker

Colorado's pot tax revenues could go up in smoke, says lawmaker | Fox News:
"Much of the $40 million in sales tax revenue Colorado hopes to collect from legal pot sales could be going up in smoke because banks and credit card companies refuse to work with sellers, claims a state lawmaker.

Unless banks can get a clear signal from federal regulators that it is okay to work with pot dealers without running afoul of laws aimed at launderers of drug money, the marijuana trade will remain what it is in Colorado – an all-cash business.
State Sen. David Balmer says that makes it ripe for unreported – and untaxed - transactions.

“So far Colorado has not been able to come up with a solution to the banking problem,” Balmer said. “The vast majority of sales will not be accounted for.”"

Obama Won't Take Executive Action to Remove Pot from Narcotics List

Obama Won't Take Executive Action to Remove Pot from Narcotics List | CNS Newse Pot from Narcotics List
President Barack Obama in an exclusive interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, airing Friday said it is up to Congress to decide whether marijuana should continue to be classified as a Schedule I narcotic.
“What is and isn’t a Schedule I narcotic is a job for Congress,” Obama said when Tapper asked if he was “considering not making marijuana a Schedule I narcotic.”
“I think it’s the DEA that decides that,” Tapper interjected.
“It’s not something by ourselves that we start changing. 
No, there are laws undergirding those determinations,” the president responded.

Arrogant Worms - Carrot Juice is Murder

Denver Broncos Country • Telluride, Colorado • Super Bowl XLVIII




10 Awesome Examples Of Krony Power

For The Greater Good: 10 Awesome Examples Of Krony Power:

"A mysterious force fuels the greatest superheroes Washington has ever known. Get ready to get blown away by the power of konnections."
1. Taxpayers foot the bill for pro stadiums.

Taxpayers foot the bill for pro stadiums.

A Hero's Welcome: The Full Story (Video) - POWERFUL!!!

A Hero's Welcome: The Full Story (Video) - POWERFUL!!! - The Federalist Papers:
"On January 8, 2014, Budweiser and the town of Winter Park gave Lt. Chuck Nadd a hero’s welcome. This is the true behind-the-scenes story of the surprise homecoming that became a Super Bowl commercial. It’s also a thank you to all of our veterans and active duty troops."



‘That ain’t no Hank Williams song!’: Big stars threw those beer bottles at the Blues Brothers

‘That ain’t no Hank Williams song!’: Big stars threw those beer bottles at the Blues Brothers:

Curlers Are Way Sexier Than You Think. These Calendars Are Proof

ChelseaCareyWoCCurlers Are Way Sexier Than You Think. These Calendars Are Proof [SFW PHOTOS]:

 "The Curling News produced its first Women of Curling calendar for 2011. 

Subsequent editions followed for 2012 and 2013.

The three editions raised a total of about $25,000, according to Curling News owner George Karrys.

But the Men of Curling calendar has proved a true smash hit since its release in September, raising more than $100,000 since, Karrys tells Mashable.

There is no Women of Curling calendar for 2014, but you can order the men's edition for yourself right here."

ABC: We Hid Weapons With Your Kid's Toys to Show Danger of Firearms

ABC: We Hid Weapons With Your Kid's Toys to Show Danger of Firearms

Gun-Grabbing ABC: We Hid Weapons With Your Children’s Toys and Candy to Show Danger of Firearms

This has got to be one of the dumbest ideas I have heard of in a long time. Don’t these people have staffs who vet this stuff?
The journalists at ABC are again going after gun ownership in the most absurd manner possible. Diane Sawyer and David Muir want American parents to know that they shouldn’t leave unattended guns around toys, candy and in the backpacks of children. On the Monday and Thursday World News, as well as Friday’s Good Morning America, Sawyer and Muir previewed their hour-long Young Guns special and portrayed an epidemic of accidental shootings involving kids.
The ABC program, designed to show how Americans dangerously keep their guns, featured weapons stuffed in ridiculous, staged locations. On Monday, David Muir explained, “Those parents agreeing to take part at an elementary school in St. Petersburg, Florida.” As video showed guns being jammed in backpacks and in a box of plastic spiders, Muir narrated, “The teacher running the experiment, telling the children they’re there for a memory test and she has to go for a second. But there’s candy on the table.”
Watch the insanity at link

In Photos: Unbelievable Winter Weather Phenomena in Michigan

In Photos: Unbelievable Winter Weather Phenomena in Michigan | Pure Michigan Blog

History for February 1

History for February 1 - On-This-Day.com

National Black History Month begins. 2014 theme is “Civil Rights in America.” See www.asalh.org

Happy Birthday! Don Everly, Garrett Morris, Stuart Whitman

1884 - The first edition of the Oxford English Dictionary was published. 


1900 - Eastman Kodak Co. introduced the $1 Brownie box camera. 



1919 - The first Miss America was crowned in New York City. 



1920 - The first armored car was introduced. 




1958 - The United Arab Republic was formed by a union of Egypt and Syria. It was broken 1961.


1979 - Patty Hearst was released from prison after serving 22 months of a seven-year sentence for bank robbery. Her sentence had been commuted by U.S. President Carter. 



2003 - NASA's space shuttle Columbia exploded while re-entering the Earth's atmosphere. All seven astronauts on board were killed.