Friday, September 30, 2011

'Moderate' Meets Maker

'Moderate' Meets Maker - WSJ.com
The Yemeni Air Force has attacked America, or so you might have thought if you'd read the Associated Press's technically true but misleading headline this morning: "2 US Citizens Dead in Yemen Airstrike."
It was actually a CIA airstrike in Yemen, and the targets, Anwar al-Awlaki and Samir Khan, were unlawful enemy combatants who happened to be U.S. citizens by accident of birth.

Youth league institutes TD limit to hold back 11-year-old

Y! SPORTS
11-year-old Demias Jimerson has emerged as such a dominant running back that the Wilson Intermediate Football League he plays in has reinstated a bylaw called the "Madre Hill rule," which bars him from scoring a touchdown if he has already scored three times and his team has a lead of 14 points or more .

The rule is named after former University of Arkansas star and Oakland Raider Madre Hill , who, like Jimerson, played youth football in the Malvern, Ark., area. Hill proved so adept at getting the ball into the end zone whenever he touched it that the WIFL came up with the rule to try and keep scores from getting too out of hand.

Now it has brought the same statute back for Jimerson, saying that the rule isn't meant to punish him, but rather to ensure that the other 21 players on the field stay involved .

"The other players on both teams, 21 are just left sort of, this is all Demias," WIFL commissioner Terri Bryant, who is also Jimerson's Intermediate School principal, told Fox 16. "So that's why the Madre Hill Rule has been implemented.

This lame-brained loser is a school principal?
No wonder our kids are such wimps!

Under new federal program, all Muskegon Heights students get free meals

Under new federal program, all Muskegon Heights students get free meals MLive.com
Every student in the Muskegon Heights school district can now eat nutritious breakfasts and lunches for free under a new federal program that won't cost the district anything.
Michigan is one of three states chosen to pilot the Community Eligibility Option that eliminates the need for students' parents to apply for free or reduced-price lunches.

Employers hit by unemployment tax hikes

Employers hit by unemployment tax hikes
And this is only the first of two tax spikes employers are contending with, on both the state and federal level. Come January, companies in 24 states could have to shell out between $21 and $63 more per employee in federal unemployment taxes.

These hikes are the latest in a series of unemployment tax increases as states look to replenish their unemployment trust funds devastated by the Great Recession.
Last year, employers paid 27.8% more in state jobless taxes, said Doug Holmes, president, UWC Strategic Services on Unemployment & Workers' Compensation, a business trade association.
"Unemployment taxes, which were a relatively low bottom-line cost in 2008, are now becoming a significant cost," Holmes said.
 "It discourages companies from electing to hire new employees."

FINALLY: The One-Step Super Easy Facebook Privacy Fix

Joe Peacock: FINALLY: The One-Step Super Easy Facebook Privacy Fix

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Useless teacher “professional development” classes cost California taxpayers billions in increased salaries and pensions.

Gaming the Los Angeles Teachers’ Contract « Union Watch
Useless teacher “professional development” classes cost California taxpayers billions in increased salaries and pensions.

“With California reeling fiscally and education eating up about half of its budget, the state’s taxpayers are being hoodwinked to the tune of billions of dollars by an outrageous contractual perk that pays teachers to take useless classes, ostensibly with the aim of improving their classroom work.”

Ethically Challenged Funds Push Diversity!

Ethically Challenged Funds Push Diversity! CalWatchDog
The nation’s two largest pension funds, the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) and the California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS), have been plagued by problems and allegations of mismanagement and even corruption in the case of CalPERS, and yet these systems continue to lecture the private sector on ethical corporate governance.
The latest nonsense, released earlier this week, is a plan funded by the two systems to promote “diversity” in board rooms, by which they mean diverse ethnic and gender backgrounds rather than diverse viewpoints about the sanity of the current pension system.

Chevy Volt sales don't have expected spark

Chevy Volt sales don't have expected spark - chicagotribune.com
By the end of August, the last time GM publicly announced its sales, about 3,500 Volts had been sold.

Kindle e-Reader with Wi-Fi, 6" Display

Kindle e-Reader with Wi-Fi, 6" Display
Compare Kindles

Bill Buckner Strikes Again

Bill Buckner Strikes Again - NYTimes.com

Rancor Grows Over Planned Oil Pipeline From Canada

Rancor Grows Over Planned Oil Pipeline From Canada - NYTimes.com

What will happen when Michigan begins cutting off welfare next month?

What will happen when Michigan begins cutting off welfare next month? MLive.com
The tougher welfare rules come five years after then-Gov. Jennifer Granholm approved a 48-month time limit for cash welfare assistance.

Effort to recall Michigan governor fizzles

Report: Effort to recall Michigan governor fizzles MLive.com
The Detroit Free Press on Wednesday cited an e-mail from campaign spokesman Tom Bryant saying "the recall effort will be coming to an end."

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Progression

Read this 1st (remember the name of the letter writer):
http://www.mlive.com/opinion/muskegon/index.ssf/2011/06/letters_many_people_made_cance.html

Read this next!:
http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2011/09/ready_to_edit_holland_woman_fa.html

Odds Favor GOP Gaining Senate Control in 2012

RealClearPolitics - Odds Favor GOP Gaining Senate Control in 2012

Tossup: Bill Nelson (Florida), Debbie Stabenow (Mich.), Claire McCaskill (Mo.), Jon Tester (Mont.), Virginia (open; Jim Webb is retiring), Wisconsin (open; Herb Kohl is retiring).

.....In 2006, Michigan looked like it would be competitive until September or so.
Stabenow pulled away against fairly weak competition and won handily.
This time, the environment is much worse for Democrats. Her opposition isn’t top-notch, but her approval ratings have been well below 50 percent in a state that swung heavily toward Republicans in 2010.

A Short History of the Income Tax

John Steele Gordon: A Short History of the Income Tax - WSJ.com
The new president, Woodrow Wilson, and the strongly Democratic Congress promptly passed a personal income tax.
It kicked in at 1% on incomes above $3,000 (a comfortable upper middle-class income at the time) and reached 7% on incomes over $500,000.
But there were many deductions, bringing the effective tax rates down sharply from the marginal ones—a feature of the tax system ever since.

US Has More Serious Problems Than Europe

US Has More Serious Problems Than Europe: Jim Rogers - CNBC
"Europe has a few bad, bankrupt states, so does America.
We've got Illinois which is bigger than Greece, we've got California, we've got New York, you know those are pretty big states that have serious economic problems.
We have pension plans in America that are terribly under water," Rogers told CNBC on Tuesday.

According to Rogers, the U.S. has deeper structural problems than Europe as well as higher debt levels.

"Europe's got some bad problems but the entity as a whole is not nearly as deep in debt as the U.S.
They don't have a huge balance of trade deficit, like we do," Rogers said.

UC Berkeley Republicans hold 'Diversity Bake Sale'

UC Berkeley Republicans hold 'Diversity Bake Sale' - Forbes.com
A satirical bake sale at the University of California, Berkeley, that was designed to protest affirmative action drew several dozen sweet-toothed supporters along with hundreds of critics Tuesday.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Rhode Island – the Greece of the U.S.?

Public Pension Watch: Rhode Island – the Greece of the U.S.?

Tax hike not enough to solve state's fiscal woes | hike, woes, report

Tax hike not enough to solve state's fiscal woes hike, woes, report - Report - The Telegraph
"The entire 67 percent (personal) income tax hike went to fund the pensions and payroll here in Illinois,"

Too Much Of A Good Thing

Too Much Of A Good Thing The New Republic
To solve the serious problems facing our country, we need to minimize the harm from legislative inertia by relying more on automatic policies and depoliticized commissions for certain policy decisions.
In other words, radical as it sounds, we need to counter the gridlock of our political institutions by making them a bit less democratic.

The "free speech for me but not for thee" crowd has come up with another nifty idea from the Politburo.

Beat the Clock: Government Union ‘Cadillac’ Health Plans Preserved Before Tighter Controls Take Effect

Beat the Clock: Government Union ‘Cadillac’ Health Plans Preserved Before Tighter Controls Take Effect [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
Two days before a mandated 20 percent contribution for health insurance from all public employees would be imposed by the pending creation of a new state law, Muskegon County approved seven union contracts that require only a 15 percent employee contribution.

According to research from the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average employee in Michigan with an employer-sponsored health insurance plan paid 22 percent of the cost for their own health insurance premiums in 2010, and the figure nationally was 27 percent.

Public Schools Eat Too Much At Government Trough

Public Schools Eat Too Much At Government Trough Neal McCluskey Cato Institute: Commentary
Soon after his boss introduced the American Jobs Act, Vice President Joe Biden held a conference call to get teachers' unions behind it.
It was an easy task, with American Federation of Teachers honcho Randi Weingarten promising to "do whatever we can" to get the legislation passed. And why not?
It's teachers and other politically potent interests, not kids or the economy, that the Act is really about.
That teachers' unions are gung-ho about the proposal — which would furnish $30 billion for education jobs and another $25 billion for school buildings — doesn't necessarily mean it's a bad thing. Kids need teachers and classrooms, right?

Egypt: Assailants blow up Sinai gas pipeline

Egypt: Assailants blow up Sinai gas pipeli... JPost - Middle East
ISMAILIYA, Egypt - Unknown assailants blew up an Egyptian pipeline in Sinai on Tuesday that supplies Israel and Jordan with gas, security sources and witnesses said.

WW4 continues.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Coke chief criticises US tax rules

Coke chief criticises US tax rules - FT.com
Coca-Cola now sees the US becoming a less friendly business environment than China, its chief executive has revealed, citing political gridlock and an antiquated tax structure as reasons its home market has become less competitive

Last Chance to Avoid Global Catastrophe?

The PJ Tatler » Last Chance to Avoid Global Catastrophe?
Last Chance to Avoid Global Catastrophe?
Treasury Secretary Geithner thinks so: “The threat of cascading default, bank runs, and catastrophic risk must be taken off the table.
Sovereign and banking stresses in Europe are the most serious risk now confronting the world economy.
Decisions cannot wait until the crisis gets more severe.”

From the same Telegraph write up:
The International Monetary Fund warned last week that emerging markets face the risk of “sharp reversals” or even a “sudden stop” if there is further spill-over from Europe.
This comes at a time when Asia and parts of Latin America are already in the topping phase of a credit boom, one of epic proportions in China where loans have doubled to almost 200pc of GDP over the last five years.

Warning signs have been flashing red for the last three weeks.
Shares of China’s top property developer Greentown have crashed by a third this month.
The currencies of Indonesia, Brazil, Korea, South Africa, and Hungary have all buckled, and central banks have begun intervening to stop the slide.
“A continued flight from risk raises the growing possibility of investor capitulation in emerging markets,” said Neil Mellor from BNY Mellon.

Feeling better now?
UPDATE: And now the IMF is broke.

Why Saugatuck is losing S.S. Keewatin Steamship Museum to Canada

Why Saugatuck is losing S.S. Keewatin Steamship Museum to Canada MLive.com

I suspect the real reason is the value of the Keewatin's dock.

Coffee reduces depression risk?

Coffee reduces depression risk? JunkScience.com
Though we love caffeine as much as the next awake person, Willet and Ascherio’s reported correlations (e.g., a relative risk of 0.82 for 4 or more cups of coffee per day) are too small to be credible.
As is standard with Nurses Health Study junk science, exposures, disease and confounding risk factors are all self-reported and, hence, not reliable. Simply put, bad data do not make for a credible statistical analysis.

No doubt Willet and Ascherio are relying on the intuitive nature of their claim to carry the day with the unsuspecting public and the ever-gullible media.

Coffee keeps you awake, but not from being sad about it.

Obama gaffe: President says billionaires should pay ‘Jew’ tax rate

Obama gaffe: President says billionaires should pay ‘Jew’ tax rate The Daily Caller
If asking a billionaire to pay the same tax rate as a Jew — as a janitor — makes me a warrior for the working class, I wear that as a badge of honor.”

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Illinois taxpayers repeat, "Please sir, may I have another?

Kass: Illinois taxpayers repeat, "Please sir, may I have another? - chicagotribune.com
Then you must be in Illinois.

That's the state where Chicago machine politicians and their union muscle boys slap taxpayers in the mouth, year after year after year, and all voters do is repeat that line from "Animal House,"
"Thank you, sir, may I have another?"

Stabenow, White House official disagree over separation of waterways to prevent spread of Asian carp into the Great Lakes

Stabenow, White House official disagree over separation of waterways to prevent spread of Asian carp into the Great Lakes MLive.com
U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow renewed a call to close the Chicago shipping locks and create a permanent ecological separation of the Mississippi River basin and the Great Lakes to prevent an invasion of giant Asian carp.
But a White House official rebuffed the plea, saying more study must happen to prevent unintended consequences.

Debbie who?
She's been sittin' on the union bosses laps so long she doesn't even know where Michigan is.
It sure is great she's "on" the carp trail....right?

Federal Loans Fund Big-Ticket Energy Projects At Firms Outside Of U.S.

Federal Loans Fund Big-Ticket Energy Projects At Firms Outside Of U.S. Fox News
Among the biggest recipients on the Department of Energy's controversial list of loans to renewable energy companies like the failed Solyndra Inc. are a number of non-U.S. firms whose big-ticket energy projects will cost taxpayers billions of dollars -- but will generate no more than a few hundred permanent U.S. jobs.

The Latest Ugly Truth About Pakistan

The Latest Ugly Truth About Pakistan - NYTimes.com
Inter-Services Intelligence — played a direct role in supporting insurgents who attacked the American Embassy in Kabul last week, killing 16 people.
He also said that with ISI support, the Haqqani network of terrorists planned and conducted an earlier truck bombing on a NATO outpost that killed 5 people and wounded 77 coalition troops, and other recent attacks.

Top 10 Green Job Fiascoes

Top 10 Green Job Fiascoes - HUMAN EVENTS
Of course, when the government tries to intrude in the marketplace, bad things happen.
Such as these: the Top 10 Green Job Fiascoes.

Teachers unions, school groups give mixed reviews to Obama No Child Left behind waivers | MLive.com

Teachers unions, school groups give mixed reviews to Obama No Child Left behind waivers MLive.com: The union approves of offering more options to improve failing schools and the move to college- and career-ready standards.

Kollege redi!
That sure beats teechin' reedin ritin ritmatik.
Don't it?

How Cain won Florida

York: How Cain won Florida Campaign 2012
Once the delegates got over the can't-get-elected hurdle, a close contest became a landslide for Herman Cain.

Churchill, chance and the 'black dog'

BBC News - A Point of View: Churchill, chance and the 'black dog'
If Bracken hadn't left Australia to reinvent himself as an Englishman and appointed himself as Churchill's faithful protector;
if Beaverbrook and Bracken hadn't found Churchill brooding in his club;
if Bracken hadn't succeeded in persuading Churchill to remain silent;
and if Churchill hadn't been prepared for the desperate struggle that followed by the visits of the black dog, history would have been very different and the world darker than anything we can easily imagine.

Stephen Colbert: 'Let's pray satellite lands in Detroit'

Stephen Colbert: 'Let's pray satellite lands in Detroit' MLive.com
"As we speak a defunct satellite is hurtling toward the Earth where it will destroy everything in it's path. Let's just pray it lands somewhere where it can't do any damage -- like Detroit," Colbert said.
You know, you can't even get angry at these type of sentiments anymore.

Can you imagine what Al Sharpton and the Detroit extorters would demand from US taxpayers if a chunk of space junk flattened a hovel in Dead Town?

Renewable Energy Subsidies Are a Waste of Money

Renewable Energy Subsidies Are a Waste of Money
Last month solar companies Spectra Watt in New York, Evergreen Solar in Massachusetts, and Solyndra Solar in California went bankrupt.
All companies had extensive subsidies from state and federal governments.
Taxpayer losses most likely exceeded $1 billion.
All three states have high electricity costs due to banning coal use and mandating renewable energy sources for electricity production.

Meet Olga Stefou, a Perfect Symbol of Greece’s Downfall

Meet Olga Stefou, a Perfect Symbol of Greece’s Downfall « International Liberty
The Los Angeles Times has a story that provides an inside look at the attitudes that have contributed to Greece’s fiscal collapse.
Let’s start with Olga Stefou, who is a good (or bad) symbol for her nation’s downfall.
She protests in favor of bigger government, naively asserting that the budget shortfall can be solved by pulling 122 troops out of Afghanistan and taxing the Orthodox Church.
Olga’s entitlement mentality is not unusual.
The story also notes that young Greek women think a government job is the most desirable thing in a potential mate. At the risk of being politically incorrect, the people of Greece (at least the ones in the moocher class) deserve a miserable future.

Organizers raising money for 'Snurfer' statue expected to go in downtown Muskegon next spring

Organizers raising money for 'Snurfer' statue expected to go in downtown Muskegon next spring MLive.com: The piece has a price tag of about $50,000, with $35,000 already committed by local individuals, businesses and organizations.
Organizers hope to have the remaining $15,000 raised by mid-October.
That's enough to cover the cost of raw materials, contracting with the artist and mounting and shipping the sculpture.
Contributors giving $1,000 or more will get a commemorative plaque on the statue's platform.

Wow!
A nifty new statue from the deep pockets of our betters!
Waaay better for our city than ....say....a functioning school system.
Wait til the unwashed see the Snurfer........land rush to Muskegon!

EPA To Shut Down 20% of Coal Plants in 2012

EPA To Shut Down 20% of Coal Plants in 2012 - Helen Whalen Cohen
"Obama's EPA Cues 130 Billion Race to Cut Pollution By 2015", she reports that the EPA will shut down 20 percent of coal plants through the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule.

Problems For The President: Americans Give Him Lowest Approval Rating Ever

Problems For The President: Americans Give Him Lowest Approval Rating Ever YouGov US Opinion Center
57% believes most of what he says is what he wants people to hear, and not what he really believes.
That is one point short of the highest percentage recorded on this question in this poll.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

The Latest Ugly Truth About Pakistan

The Latest Ugly Truth About Pakistan - NYTimes.com
Pakistan’s spy agency — Inter-Services Intelligence — played a direct role in supporting insurgents who attacked the American Embassy in Kabul last week, killing 16 people.
He also said that with ISI support, the Haqqani network of terrorists planned and conducted an earlier truck bombing on a NATO outpost that killed 5 people and wounded 77 coalition troops, and other recent attacks.

Mrs. Warren’s profession, cont’d

Mrs. Warren’s profession, cont’d Power Line
President Obama operates on a different philosophy of government from that of the Founders.
His credo is reflected in the proposition: “I think at some point you have made enough money.”

The Founders thought that at some point the government had enough power.
Obama, however, is a devout believer in unlimited government.

Five Myths About Millionaires

Instapundit » Blog Archive »
WASHINGTON POST:
Five Myths About Millionaires.
Including this one: “In a speech on Monday, Obama said raising taxes on millionaires isn’t class warfare, but ‘math.’

His math may be off: According to the IRS, those with adjusted gross incomes of more than $1 million paid an average of 23.3 percent in federal income taxes in 2008; those earning between $100,000 and $200,000 paid 12.7 percent; and those earning between $50,000 and $100,000 paid 8.9 percent.
Half of American families don’t make enough money to pay income taxes at all.”
And that’s the real problem.
Everyone should have skin in the game.

UPDATE: A couple of readers suggest that payroll taxes provide the necessary skin.
Well, yes and no.
On the one hand, payroll taxes for Social Security, etc., are allegedly more like insurance premiums — and they’re not paid by those who aren’t working, or who are working under the table.
On the other hand, the fact that we’re currently enjoying a payroll-tax reduction that will be politically hard to eliminate suggests that where more people have a stake, there’s more pressure for lower taxes.

Want to bet that if everyone paid income taxes, and if, as I’ve suggested before, the amount always went up when federal spending went up, we’d see a lot more resistance to increased federal spending?

Why not pay back taxpayers first?

Why not pay back taxpayers first? « » Print The Daily Caller
The $15 billion aside, if GM is so profitable it can afford to give its new hires a raise and all its UAW workers plush health benefits and a big bonus, that’s great.
But why do I fear the economic assumptions underlying these numbers will prove to be unrealistic?
......Plus the whole new car market may be shrinking as the economy stalls.

Chart of the Day: 15-Yr. Fixed Rates at Record Low

CARPE DIEM: Chart of the Day: 15-Yr. Fixed Rates at Record Low
The 15-year fixed mortgage rate fell to a new all-time low this week of 3.29%, according to Freddie Mac.

Imagine what housing sales would be without these record setting low mortgage rates.
The situation is worse than it seems.

Global Warming: the Guilty Men

Global Warming: the Guilty Men – Telegraph Blogs
They foresaw with lucid, prophetic accuracy exactly how and why the euro would bring with it financial devastation and social collapse.

» The AFL-CIO Defends Union Violence As A ‘Legitimate’ Union Activity

» The AFL-CIO Defends Union Violence As A ‘Legitimate’ Union Activity… - Big Government
Forget for a moment that a man was stabbed in the throat, hot coffee thrown on non-union workers, sand put into gas tanks and a woman threatened with sexual assault.
Forget the fact that the judge presiding over the federal racketeering case against Operating Engineers, Local 22, in Buffalo, NY ultimately rejected the AFL-CIO’s attempt to file a amicus brief, the sheer fact that the national AFL-CIO even attempted to intervene speaks volumes:

“We’re not condoning the allegations or arguing that union officials are completely immune from prosecution,” said Jonathan D. Newman, a lawyer for the AFL-CIO.
Instead, we simply want to make sure that the [federal law] is not interpreted in a way that could have a chilling effect on legitimate union activity.”

Investing in a Downturn: A History Lesson

Investing in a Downturn: A History Lesson
If plans continue to anticipate a blended return of 7 or 8 percent but receive far less in the coming decade, their funding ratios will deteriorate even further, and employer costs will continue to skyrocket

A damn expensive skyrocket for the taxpayers, their kids and generations of unborn children.
Disgusting!

Government Loans to Nowhere

Michelle Malkin » Government Loans to Nowhere
Little noticed in the White House jobs-for-cronies proposal is a provision creating yet another corruption-friendly “government corporation” that would dole out public infrastructure loans and loan guarantees.
Because, you know, the government-chartered, political hack-stacked Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac “public-private partnerships” — which have incurred an estimated $400 billion in losses while enriching bipartisan Beltway operatives — worked out so well for American taxpayers.

The new monstrosity, dubbed the “American Infrastructure Financing Authority” (AIFA), would “provide direct loans and loan guarantees to facilitate investment in economically viable infrastructure projects of regional or national significance,” according to the White House plan.

President Obama would have the power to appoint AIFA’s chief executive officer and a seven-member board of directors.
No doubt the nominees would include the likes of AFL-CIO Chief Richard Trumka on the left and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on the right — strange Obama bedfellows who have formed a Big Labor-Big Business-Big Government alliance supporting Obama’s infrastructure slush fund.

The Power of Flat Out Lie

The Power of Flat Out Lies Mother Jones
Not to put too fine a point on it, but this is a real problem for liberals.
Sure, we cherry-pick evidence, we spin world events, and we impose our worldview when we talk about policy.
Everyone does that.
But generally speaking, our opinion leaders don't go on national TV, look straight into the camera, and just outright lie about stuff.

A scary look into the mind of the madness of the left....

State Lawmakers Pump Up Pensions in ways YOU Can't

State Lawmakers Pump Up Pensions in ways YOU Can't
Most pensions for state legislators are based on three numbers

This is really sick.
And they get away with it because we don't seem to care enough to call them out on it.
Let's get moving folks!

Money for Nothing: Phoenix taxpayers foot the bill for union work

Money for Nothing: Phoenix taxpayers foot the bill for union work Goldwater Institute
Phoenix taxpayers spend millions of dollars to pay full salary and benefits for city employees to work exclusively for labor unions, a Goldwater Institute investigation found.
Collective bargaining agreements with seven labor organizations require the city to pay union officers and provide members with thousands of additional hours to conduct union business instead of doing their government jobs.
The total cost to Phoenix taxpayers is about $3.7 million per year, based on payroll records supplied by the city. In all, more than 73,000 hours of annual release time for city workers to conduct union business at taxpayers’ expense are permitted in the agreements.

This is incredible!

Hallmark unveils "layoff cards" for the unemployed

Hallmark unveils "layoff cards" for the unemployed - 13 WTHR

Now, there's "hope and change" you really can believe in!

'Canceling all liberty': Michigan LST Association says farewell aboard LST 393 in Muskegon

'Canceling all liberty': Michigan LST Association says farewell aboard LST 393 in Muskegon MLive.com
The organization - which once boasted 300 members, all of whom served aboard LSTs like the old warship, USS LST 393, docked in Muskegon - is preparing to disband.

Farewell and God speed you American heroes.

The Gaffe that Time Forgot: Lincoln’s Intercontinental Railroad

The Gaffe that Time Forgot: Lincoln’s Intercontinental Railroad Verum Serum
Is this a big deal?
Of course not.
It’s obvious the President stumbled, probably thinking of our modern interstate road system and transposed that onto the transcontinental railroad. But if Sarah Palin or Michele Bachmann had said this, you can bet there would be lots of people pointing out what an embarrassing historical gaffe it was.
Paul Revere’s ride and John Quincy Adams are the most recent examples of this trend.
Those gaffes were national news.
The intercontinental railroad was not.

People misspeak.
Sometimes they say things that are wrong.
The difference is, the right doesn’t capitalize on every one of these and try to form a narrative around them about the stupidity of, say Barack Obama.


The left can’t seem to help itself, especially when it comes to conservative women.
Addendum: Thanks to Instapundit for the link.
Just wanted to point out he’s made this same gaffe quite a few times http://www.verumserum.com/?p=26824 .

Elizabeth Warren's campaign revises pay from TARP panel

Elizabeth Warren's campaign revises pay from TARP panel - Scott Wong and John Bresnahan - POLITICO.com
The campaign for Democratic Senate hopeful Elizabeth Warren said Friday she had been paid $192,722 for serving as chairman of a congressional committee that monitored the 2008 federal bank bailout, three times as much as had originally been acknowledged.

Same gal who thinks no one gets rich on her own.
No liberals, that is.

Elizabeth Warren: "There Is Nobody In This Country Who Got Rich On His Own"

Elizabeth Warren: "There Is Nobody In This Country Who Got Rich On His Own" RealClearPolitics
“I hear all this, you know, ‘Well, this is class warfare, this is whatever.
No.
There is nobody in this country who got rich on his own — nobody," Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) said.
Warren is running for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Massachusetts.
Warren hopes to face off with Sen. Scott Brown (R-MA) in the general election.

This is exactly what most liberal believe.
Sad.
Frightening!

Complacency Despite End Of World As We Know It

Complacency Despite End Of World As We Know It - Investors.com
Headline from CNBC: "Global Meltdown: Investors Are Dumping Nearly Everything."

I assumed "Nearly Everything" was the cute name of a bankrupt, worthless, planet-saving green-jobs start-up backed by Obama bundlers and funded with a gazillion dollars of stimulus payback.
But apparently it's "Nearly Everything" in the sense of the entire global economy.

Reforms Generate massive Savings

Reforms Generate massive Savings - 620 WTMJ - Milwaukee's Source for Local News and Weather
A detailed study by the MacIver Institute suggests potentially huge savings from Governor Walker's budget reform bill, perhaps as much as $622 million.
So, if you take the 494.95 per student savings from increased health insurance and pension payments, add in the $211.45 per student savings from school districts that shopped around for their health insurance, you come out to a potential savings of $706.40 per student.
$706.40 in potential savings per student x 881,886 students in Wisconsin = $622,964,270.40 in savings statewide.
.....Bottom line - the savings from increased contributions from teachers to pay for their own health insurance (12% required by Act 10) and pension (5.8% required by Act 10) benefits so far based on media reports around the state, 74 out of the 400 plus school districts in the state, is $162 million or $494.95 per student.
If you project out that average savings over the entire student population in Wisconsin (881,886 students statewide), you come to a potential savings of $448 million.
Just from health insurance and pension contributions.
With the added flexibility given in Act 10, school districts will be able to find other ways to save money.

Sea Level: Another Thing The IPCC Got Wrong

Sea Level: Another Thing The IPCC Got Wrong JunkScience Sidebar
In its influential report the IPCC assumed that global sea level change during the past two thousand years up to the middle of the nineteenth century, was zero.

To my mind this is a puzzling statement.
Few parameters of our complex, changing world are actually zero.
If it is zero then it is in stark contrast to today’s rising seas, and if one was cynical one could deduce a political motive behind the IPCC’s sweeping statement.
Whatever the motivation it is obvious that looking at sea level change over the past two thousand years is essential to put today’s changes into context.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Chris Christie Reconsidering 2012 Run, Will Decide in Days

Chris Christie Reconsidering 2012 Run, Will Decide in Days
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is reconsidering his decision not to enter the 2012 presidential race — and he says he will let top Republican donors know within days about his plans, Newsmax has learned.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Meanwhile Things Are About To Get A Whole Lot Worse In Spain

Meanwhile Things Are About To Get A Whole Lot Worse In Spain
For example, the Bank of Spain took over (and operates) Caja del Mediterraneo (CAM) that has a delinquency rate greater than 40%.
The BoS wants to auction it off, but there does not seem to be any interested parties.

The President’s New Spending Plan, By the Numbers

The President’s New Spending Plan, By the Numbers Power Line

BarryO is a very poor liar.
And it seems everyone gets it by BarryO.

New gaffe: Obama hails America's historic building of 'the Intercontinental Railroad'

New gaffe: Obama hails America's historic building of 'the Intercontinental Railroad' - latimes.com
"We’re the country that built the Intercontinental Railroad," Barack Obama.

That's what the president of the United States flat-out said Thursday during what was supposed to be a photo op to sell his jobs plan next to an allegedly deteriorating highway bridge.

A railroad between continents?
A railroad from, say, New York City all the way across the Atlantic to France?
Now, THAT would be a bridge!

It's yet another humorous gaffe by the Harvard graduate, overlooked by most media for whatever reason. Like Obama saying Abraham-Come-Lately Lincoln was the founder of the Republican Party.
Or Navy corpseman.
Or the Austrian language.
Fifty-seven states.
The president of Canada. Etc.

Return of the real Obama

Return of the real Obama - The Washington Post
In a 2008 debate, Charlie Gibson asked Barack Obama about his support for raising capital gains taxes, given the historical record of government losing net revenue as a result.
Obama persevered: “Well, Charlie, what I’ve said is that I would look at raising the capital gains tax for purposes of fairness.”

A most revealing window into our president’s political core:
To impose a tax that actually impoverishes our communal bank account (the U.S. Treasury) is ridiculous. It is nothing but punitive.
It benefits no one — not the rich, not the poor, not the government.
For Obama, however, it brings fairness, which is priceless.

Banks may face bigger Greek bond hit

Banks may face bigger Greek bond hit -Deutsche Bank Reuters
European banks may face a bigger-than-expected hit from an internationally agreed swap arrangement on Greek government debt, Deutsche Bank (DBKGn.DE) said on Friday.
Private sector creditors agreed in July to take a 21 percent loss on Greek bonds maturing before 2020, but the loss is more likely to be 25 percent or more, said Charlotte Jones, in charge of group controlling at Germany's biggest lender.

Drill, Cuba, Drill

Drill, Cuba, Drill - Investors.com
Deep-water drilling will resume in the Florida Strait when a giant, semi-submersible oil rig en route from Singapore arrives later this fall.
The bad news is it will not be American.

While U.S. oil and energy prices "necessarily skyrocket," as President Obama once said they would under energy policies that have imposed a de facto ban on offshore drilling, a massive Chinese-built semi-submersible oil rig is on its way from Singapore to a drilling position off northwest Cuba perhaps as little as 50 miles from Key West, Fla.

Minnesota High School Runner Josh Ripley Called Hero After Helping Competitor

Minnesota High School Runner Josh Ripley Called Hero After Helping Competitor - ABC News
"After I got cut, I just kind of fell," Mark said.
"It was around a 90-degree corner, and I was just trying to get out of the way of all the other runners.
I huddled against a fence, yelling, 'Can I get a transport over here?'"
That's when Josh stopped.
"He just picked me up without saying anything and started carrying me and trying to calm me down.
He said, 'It's going to be OK.
I'm going to get you to your coaches,'"
Mark said, estimating that he was carried about a quarter mile.
"I'm just incredibly grateful for what he did."

OBAMA'S GONE COUNTRY: "I Blame Everyone" by Lars Larson is hilarious



"Obama Goes Country With 'I Blame Everyone, Man'

Recently, I kept hearing the president on the radio blaming hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes, the price of gas, tea party members and everything under the sun for the failure of his ridiculous policies for America.
 I thought, “This sounds like one of those country western songs I love so much.
There has to be a way to put this to music.”

By co-incidence, a listener had just sent me a YouTube video of “I’ve Been Everywhere” (written by Geoff Mack in ‘59 and first put on the charts by Lucky Starr back in ‘62).
I contacted Kurt Van Meter, a bright young country/western singer/songwriter (his day job is police officer), and we teamed up for a parody cover of the tune.

It occurred to me that the president was trying to tell America, “The tsunami ate my homework,” so I sent Kurt a chorus line and a lot of ideas about the things I wanted to include in the lyrics.

We tried to work in everything the president has blamed (and a bunch of his other lame excuses), along with the names of folks who represent the right solutions for America (Ann Coulter, Sean Hannity, Glenn Beck, the Tea Party, etc.), I regret he couldn’t work in my friend Mark Levin, as he is probably the best thinker in the business.

In two weeks, we had a scratch recording, which Kurt then fine tuned with help from producer Ron “Chicabowwow” Chick.

Here’s what we came up with."

Unemployment rates down in Muskegon County, West Michigan

Unemployment rates down in Muskegon County, West Michigan MLive.com
Muskegon County's labor force dropped by 1.4 percent, or 1,170 workers.

Why have 165 people gone missing from cruise ships in recent years?

Why have 165 people gone missing from cruise ships in recent years? Mail Online
According to the U.S.-based International Cruise Victims Association, 165 people have gone missing at sea since 1995, with at least 13 this year alone

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Republicans Grill Officials Over 'Offensive' Definition Of Green Jobs

Republicans Grill Officials Over 'Offensive' Definition Of Green Jobs Fox News
In a series of tense exchanges, Republicans on a House oversight panel sharply questioned whether the Obama administration was looking to inflate the number of "green" jobs by using a broad definition -- which, as it turns out, counts virtually anybody working in mass transit.

Recession's second act would be worse than the first

Bottom Line - Recession's second act would be worse than the first
Fresh evidence of a global economic slowdown has raised fears that governments around the world may be powerless to reverse it.
If the world does fall into back into recession, it could be much harder to escape than the contraction that ended in 2009.

One-day rehiring nets former Chicago labor leader a $158,000 city pension

One-day rehiring nets former Chicago labor leader a $158,000 city pension - chicagotribune.com

Fact-Checking Buffett: His Math Doesn't Add Up

CARPE DIEM: Fact-Checking Buffett: His Math Doesn't Add Up
This year, households making more than $1 million will pay an average of 29.1 percent of their income in federal taxes, including income taxes, payroll taxes and other taxes, according to the Tax Policy Center, a Washington think tank.

Households making between $50,000 and $75,000 will pay an average of 15 percent of their income in federal taxes.
Lower-income households will pay less.
For example, households making between $40,000 and $50,000 will pay an average of 12.5 percent of their income in federal taxes. Households making between $20,000 and $30,000 will pay 5.7 percent."

Poll: Fox News Is the “Best” TV News Network

Poll: Fox News Is the “Best” TV News Network
A new poll released by Poll Position, a nonpartisan polling firm run by former CNN chief news executive Eason Jordan, shows that a plurality of Americans surveyed think that Fox News is the “best TV news network,” beating rivals CNN and MSNBC.

Obama might pull out

Obama might pull out - TheHill.com
As bad news piles up for the Democrats, I asked a top Democratic strategist if it were possible that President Obama might “pull a Lyndon Johnson” and soberly face the cameras, telling America that he has decided that the demands of partisan politics are interfering with his efforts to right our economy and that he has decided to withdraw to devote full time to our recovery.
His answer: “Yes. It’s possible.
If things continue as they are and have not turned around by January, it is certainly possible.”

Just looking at Michelle Obama’s unsmiling face during her husband’s recent speech to Congress triggered an insight:
These folks aren’t having fun anymore.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Hudson city manager acquitted of indecent exposure charge

Hudson city manager acquitted of indecent exposure charge - Adrian, MI - The Daily Telegram
“She knows the difference between red onions on a sandwich and a penis,” Castleberry said.

Weird Vintage Ads (Outrageous!)

Dark Roasted Blend: Weird Vintage Ads (Outrageous!)
You are a bigoted, chauvinist pig!.. oh wait, this ad is from 1950

The Shame of College Sports

The Shame of College Sports - Magazine - The Atlantic
The Shame of College Sports
A litany of scandals in recent years have made the corruption of college sports constant front-page news.
We profess outrage each time we learn that yet another student-athlete has been taking money under the table.
But the real scandal is the very structure of college sports, wherein student-athletes generate billions of dollars for universities and private companies while earning nothing for themselves.
Here, a leading civil-rights historian makes the case for paying college athletes—and reveals how a spate of lawsuits working their way through the courts could destroy the NCAA

Gary Shapiro | Obama Administration | Anti-Business

Gary Shapiro Obama Administration Anti-Business The Daily Caller

“You have investigations and breakdowns of companies like Gibson.
You have monopoly investigations of great American companies like Google. You have an attack on American business which is unprecedented by this administration at different levels.
This is the most anti-business administration in my lifetime,” he said.

Safety Unions Exempt Their Members from San Francisco’s Pension Reform Proposals

Safety Unions Exempt Their Members from San Francisco’s Pension Reform Proposals « Union Watch:

The same thing is happening here in Muskegon.

Public Employee Unions Losing Pension Battle

GoLocalProv Politics Rob Horowitz: Public Employee Unions Losing Pension Battle
Publicly threatening Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee (I) with a loss of union support is the kind of move that the astute and politically sophisticated Walsh would not make if he thought the public employee unions were playing a winning hand.

Public employee unions OWN Muskegon.
Will we wake up?
Before it is too late?

Create a website in a snap

Create a website in a snap - Cool Sites from The Kim Komando Radio Show® & Web site
Fortunately, there are plenty of website creation services available.
These do all the heavy lifting.
All you have to do is sign up and make your site.

MEA, Recalls and the ‘Grassroots’: Who is the Tail and Who is the Dog?

MEA, Recalls and the ‘Grassroots’: Who is the Tail and Who is the Dog? [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
Union boss claims limited involvement in recalls, but union magazine tells another story

CEO to Congress: I Was Fined Because I Hired Too Many People

CEO to Congress: I Was Fined Because I Hired Too Many People MRCTV
During his recent testimony before congress Peter Schiff, CEO of Euro Pacific Capital, revealed that he has been fined by regulators for hiring too many people.
He also said that the regulators have required him to stop hiring all together.

Should the Reno Races Continue?

AVwebBiz Complete Issue#205391#205391
AVweb Insider Blog: Should the Reno Races Continue?
For as much as we, aviation enthusiasts, might hope so, it's not up to us.
It's up to the community of Reno.

U.S. 31 corridor project construction to begin in 'about a month', M-DOT tells local residents

U.S. 31 corridor project construction to begin in 'about a month', M-DOT tells local residents MLive.com
The $70 million project, in the official making for nearly two decades - and in discussion for years before that - received environmental approval from the Federal Highway Administration last year and is on its way to reality.

Another one of BarryO's "shovel ready" jobs...........if you're patient.
And enviro-sensitive.

We Are The People set to host two Muskegon meetings

We Are The People set to host two Muskegon meetings MLive.com
MUSKEGON — A self-described group of seniors, students and working people, called We Are The People, is set to host a pitch meeting and workshop over the next two weeks.
Based on its website, the group is opposed to the actions taken by Gov. Rick Snyder and the Republican-led legislature.
The pitch meeting, designed to explain the upcoming workshop's focus and intention, is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Muskegon Community College's Stevenson Center, Room 1218.
The workshop is set for 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 1 at the Stevenson Center.


Very interesting that this "self-described" group is really a front for big unionism.
Why do they need to hide that fact?
And why is The Chronicle complicit in the coverup?
https://contribute.saveworkers.org/o/8689/donate_page/donate?track=watpm

What I Learned At Dartmouth

Gonzalo Lira: What I Learned At Dartmouth
What I didn’t realize at the time—because I was too young—and which I would slowly come to realize over the years, was what the episode taught me, about America’s elite.
About the cowardice of the American elite.
A moral cowardice that, I understand now, is far more significant than practically anything else that I learned at Dartmouth College

Unsustainable UC tuition

As We See It: Unsustainable UC tuition - Santa Cruz Sentinel
UC President Mark Yudof spoke about "reality" -- a $650 million budget cut this year that could grow -- and asked for yet another tuition increase, from 8-16 percent annually to cover an anticipated $2.5 billion shortfall over the next four years because of rising pension, health care and other costs.

Bombardier Cuts CRJ Line, Appoints Travolta

AVwebBizBombardier Cuts CRJ Line, Appoints TravoltaComplete Issue#205401#205401
said John Travolta. "On top of that, I'm a pilot -- I love to fly.
Bombardier designs aircraft as much for the person flying them as for the passenger.
I'm proud to represent their aircraft."

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Right-to-work correspondence rebuffed again by Muskegon County board

Right-to-work correspondence rebuffed again by Muskegon County board MLive.com
Plummer called the other county's resolution “garbage” and asked when the board would quit receiving some items?
What especially drew Plummer's ire was the resolution's mention of words attributed to President John F. Kennedy.
Both resolutions state, “Whereas, we agree with President John F. Kennedy's executive order regarding federal employees, that all persons 'should have the right, freely and without fear of penalty, to form, join, or assist a labor organization,' and of equal importance, 'or to refrain from any such activity.'”
Plummer said the resolutions twisted JFK's words and the remainder of the resolutions were “a pack of lies” in order to support that cause.

West Michigan senators' partial-birth abortion ban bills set for vote Wednesday

West Michigan senators' partial-birth abortion ban bills set for vote Wednesday MLive.com
A state partial-birth abortion ban, based on two companion pieces of legislation sponsored by two West Michigan state senators, is expected to be put to a vote this week by the state Senate.
State Sens. Goeff Hansen, R-Hart, and Arlan Meekhof, R-West Olive, introduced their bills earlier this year that essentially would outlaw physicians from performing partial-birth abortions in Michigan, except to save the mother's life, and establish sentencing guidelines making it a two-year felony.

10 Outrageous Facts About the Income Tax

10 Outrageous Facts About the Income Tax Chris Edwards Cato Institute: Daily Commentary

Michigan proposal expected to target Internet sales

Michigan proposal expected to target Internet sales - theoaklandpress.com
The Michigan Retailers Association is making a renewed push to require more businesses selling items over the Internet to collect the state’s 6 percent sales tax.

Hitler Discovers ATTACKWATCH is a Joke!

Lt. Gen. Kelly On The Two That Stood Their Ground

BLACKFIVE: Lt. Gen. Kelly On The Two That Stood Their Ground
On Nov 13, 2010 Lt General John Kelly, USMC, gave a speech to the Semper Fi Society of St. Louis, MO.
This was only 4 days after his son, Lt Robert Kelly, USMC was killed by an IED while on his 3rd Combat tour.
During his speech, General Kelly spoke about the dedication and valor of the young men and women who step forward each and every day to protect us.
During the speech, he never mentioned the loss of his own son.
He closed the speech with the moving account of the last 6 seconds in the lives of 2 young Marines who died with rifles blazing to protect their brother Marines.

Read it all.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Heinz Creates New Ketchup Packet, 'Dip and Squeeze'

Heinz Creates New Ketchup Packet, 'Dip and Squeeze' - WSJ.com
As the name promises, "Dip and Squeeze" ketchup can be squeezed out through one end or the lid can be peeled back for dipping.
The red, bottle-shaped packets hold three times the ketchup as traditional packets.
The new containers are more expensive than the old sleeves, but Heinz hopes customers learn not to grab more than one or two.

New poll: More than 60% of Michigan voters support new Detroit-Windsor bridge

New poll: More than 60% of Michigan voters support new Detroit-Windsor bridge MLive.com
A new poll says 61.5% of state voters support the New International Trade Crossing plan for a publicly-owned bridge between Detroit and Windsor.
That includes the 40.7% of voters who say they strongly support the NITC bridge.
Just 32.5% oppose the project

FLASHBACK: Obama Says You Don't Raise Taxes In A Recession



My, how times fly by....

Michigan Red Cross blood workers rescind strike notice, continue negotiations

Michigan Red Cross blood workers rescind strike notice, continue negotiations MLive.com
The unions rescinded their strike notice Sunday morning, Stoneking said.
It was the third strike notice in 15 months, and the work stoppage would have begun Wednesday.

The Best Aircraft of Oshkosh Air Show 2011 - AirVenture Oshkosh

The Best Aircraft of Oshkosh Air Show 2011 - AirVenture Oshkosh - Popular Mechanics
The annual extravaganza of all things aviation came to Wisconsin last week, as aircraft enthusiasts flocked to the AirVenture Oshkosh.
We found the new (Boeing's 787 Dreamliner), the old (the last flying B-29) and the record setters (Sikorsky's 290-mph chopper demo).

T-53AThe U.S. Air Force Academy has decided that the Cirrus SR20 is the best plane for finding out whether a cadet has the right stuff to go on to full-fledged pilot training.
So it is taking delivery of 25 of them, and the aircraft will be designated the T-53A.
......The T-53s replace a fleet of leased Diamond DA-40s that were made in Canada.
Cirrus was recently acquired by China's state-owned CAIGA aircraft company.

The U.S. Bails Out A Profligate EU

Editorial: The U.S. Bails Out A Profligate EU - Investors.com
Bailouts: Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner was dispensing advice in Europe Friday as the Fed began printing massive amounts of money to bail out the EU. Our government seems more worried about Europe than the U.S.

Retiree Benefits for the Military Could Face Cuts

Retiree Benefits for the Military Could Face Cuts - NYTimes.com
As Washington looks to squeeze savings from once-sacrosanct entitlements like Social Security and Medicare, another big social welfare system is growing as rapidly, but with far less scrutiny: the health and pension benefits of military retirees.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

House Votes to Ban Automatic Dues Deductions For School Unions

House Votes to Ban Automatic Dues Deductions For School Unions [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
Eight Republicans vote to continue using school resources for government union funding.

GOP Representatives Ben Glardon (Owosso), Kenneth Horn (Frankenmuth), Earl Poleski (Jackson), Holly Hughes (Montague), Sharon Tyler (Niles), Deb Shaughnessy (Charlotte) Kenneth Kurtz (Coldwater) and Paul Muxlow (Brown City) all voted against the bill.

Ponzi! Ponzi! Ponzi!

Ponzi! Ponzi! Ponzi! - Reason Magazine
Ponzi! Ponzi! Ponzi!
There, I said it.
To the extent people believe there are trust funds with their names on them, Social Security is absolutely a Ponzi scheme.
So is Medicare.
People need to hear it.

Two men injured in fiery Norton Shores single-vehicle crash

Two men injured in fiery Norton Shores single-vehicle crash MLive.com
Norton Shores Fire Chief David Purchase said the vehicle involved was a Ford GT, a high-performance car with a rear engine.

UBS CEO not resigning, loss mounts to $2.3 billion

My Way News - UBS CEO not resigning, loss mounts to $2.3 billion
The fact that the fraud took place over three years raises serious questions about the bank's ability to manage its risk.

And meebee the fact that he lost/stole $2.3 BILLION!!!!!!!!!!!!

Behold, The Circle of Government Life

CARPE DIEM: Behold, The Circle of Government Life
"So to recap:
massive government subsidies created 1,100 "green jobs" that never would've existed but for those massive government subsidies.

And when those fake jobs disappeared because the subsidized employer company couldn't compete in the market, the workers blamed China (instead of what's easily one of the worst business plans ever drafted) in order to receive... wait for it... more government subsidies.

Behold, the Circle of Government Life."

Friday, September 16, 2011

The EPA’s Most-Wanted List

The EPA’s Most-Wanted List - By Hans A. von Spakovsky - The Corner - National Review Online
But did you know that the Environmental Protection Agency also has its own FBI-type list of 18 most-wanted environmental fugitives?

Their menacing violations include “multiple counts for the blending of motor fuel” (oh my!), selling “R-12 Freon, an ozone depleting substance” (gadzooks!), importing “automobiles that did not meet” U.S. emissions standards (horrors!), giving “indications that the oil-content monitor downstream of the [freighter] vessel’s oily-water separator had been bypassed” (heavens to Betsy!) and aiding and abetting “false entries into an Oil Record Book” (bring out the guillotine!).

LightSquared: Another Solyndra?

Pajamas Media » LightSquared: Another Solyndra?
A pattern of providing White House support to favored companies — at taxpayer risk — is emerging.

THE LETTER. Chrysler Chairman Letter To UAW President Has Detroit Talking

THE LETTER. Chrysler Chairman Letter To UAW President Has Detroit Talking - GM Inside News Forum
Instead, Marchionne's pointed pen has painted King in the worst possible light for a union leader: as unreliable.

The Letter:
http://www.autonews.com/assets/PDF/CA75571915.PDF

Slight of Chrysler CEO leaves UAW's organizing drive in tatter

COMMENT: Slight of Chrysler CEO leaves UAW's organizing drive in tatters Crain's Detroit Business: Chrysler Group LLC CEO Sergio Marchionne punctured it at 10 p.m. Detroit time last night in a letter he sent to the UAW president, questioning whether King and the UAW had really changed.

MoveOn.org | Federal Student Loan Forgiveness | The Daily Caller

MoveOn.org Federal Student Loan Forgiveness The Daily Caller
The calls to forgive students loans are not alone in the wilderness. Democratic Michigan Rep. Hansen Clarke has introduced legislation to end all student loan debt as a way to stimulate the economy.

Talkin’ Sh*t

iOwnTheWorld.com » Blog Archive » Talkin’ Sh*t
Talkin’ Sh*t

Click the link and read it.
Hard to argue with that sh*t.

Michigan House votes to ban domestic partner benefits

Michigan House votes to ban domestic partner benefits MLive.com
Democrats who opposed the legislation....

Sandwich-in-lap defense results in non-guilty verdict for Hudson city manager charged with indecent exposure

Sandwich-in-lap defense results in non-guilty verdict for Hudson city manager charged with indecent exposure MLive.com
Hartsel testified that he had an Arby’s submarine sandwich in his lap and was pulling red onions from it, the Telegram reported, and that a police officer who said the city manager had admitted to the offense was mistaken.

According to a police report, Hartsel initially told police that the woman must have seen the sandwich and thought he was exposing himself, but later admitted that he was fondling himself.

"Arby's, It's good mood food"......

Muskegon-area committee recommends another double-digit increase to wholesale sewer rate

Muskegon-area committee recommends another double-digit increase to wholesale sewer rate MLive.com
Utility Financial Systems, the consulting firm that conducted the system's rate study, proposed a five-year rate track, calling for a 22-percent hike for 2012 and 6.4-percent increases each of the next four years.
County Wastewater staff recommended a 21.5-percent increase this year.

NATO chief urges Kosovo, Serbia for restraint

NATO chief urges Kosovo, Serbia for restraint - seattlepi.com
NATO will not allow the Balkan region to slip back into violence amid simmering tensions between Kosovo and Serbia over a border dispute

AGAIN?!!

Michigan House passes school union dues proposal

Michigan House passes school union dues proposal MLive.com
The Republican-led Michigan House on Thursday narrowly approved a proposal that would prohibit public schools from automatically deducting union dues from the paychecks of teachers and other employees.

Houston, We Have a Solution

Houston, We Have a Solution - Mario Loyola - National Review Online
Detroit, conversely, is proof of concept for the liberal vision of government, which seeks to solve every problem through government, to shape economic development through government, to redress grievances through government, to attain social justice through government, and, finally, to insinuate government into every aspect of our lives.

The problems Detroit faced in the latter half of the 20th century would have been enormously challenging no matter what policies it embraced.
But it embraced the worst ones and so plunged recklessly down the slope of decline.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

NFL wants pat downs from ankles up at all stadiums

NFL wants pat downs from ankles up at all stadiums
The NFL wants all fans patted down from the ankles up this season to improve fan safety.

Obama sticker led cops to shooting suspect

Obama sticker led cops to shooting suspect - BostonHerald.com
He’s a guy from Somerville, so I was surprised he was supporting Obama,” Devlin said.

Sounds like Somerville is a pretty smart town!

Michigan farmers on front line of Gov. Rick Snyder's war on obesity, poor health

Michigan farmers on front line of Gov. Rick Snyder's war on obesity, poor health MLive.com
The MDARD is also investigating ways to expand on the “Double Up Food Bucks” program provided to Bridge card food assistance program users this summer that allowed them to get twice as much food for the dollar at participating farmer's markets, thanks to support from foundations and the Fair Food Network, who matched every dollar spent.

Lots of free food from lots of free money!
What a country!

Howard Stern Exposes Anti-Semitism at Ny Fashion Week.

The Obama Jobs Plan Is a Blue-State Bailout in Disguise

Peterson and Nadler: The Obama Jobs Plan Is a Blue-State Bailout in Disguise - WSJ.com
Last Thursday, the president urged Congress to pony up roughly $200 billion in taxpayer money to "provide more jobs for teachers [and] more jobs for construction workers" and more money to carry out other state and local activities.
He urges Congress to spend this money even after handing out hundreds of billions of dollars for similar purposes as part of the 2009 stimulus package, as well as a score and more billion dollars again in 2010.

"More $$ for state workers and teachers simlpy puts off the time when their spendthrift greed bankrupts the system.

Huntington Bank forecloses on Baker Lofts, saying Holland developer Scott Bosgraaf owes millions on projects around the state

Huntington Bank forecloses on Baker Lofts, saying Holland developer Scott Bosgraaf owes millions on projects around the state MLive.com
But now court documents show his real estate entities and other businesses owe millions to Huntington Bank.
To recover more than $6 million in unpaid real estate loans, the bank foreclosed on Baker Lofts and Woodard Station and has filed a lawsuit for loan default for Central Lofts

Ah yes, the watermelon greens: green on the outside, red, red, red on the inside.
Who'd of guessed?

Great news: Green-jobs subsidies created 1 job for every $5.44 million spent

Great news: Green-jobs subsidies created 1 job for every $5.44 million spent « Hot Air
When Barack Obama loaded his 2009 Porkulus with nearly $40 billion in subsidies to the green-tech industry, he promised that it would produce an explosion of jobs in a new, green US economy, starting with 65,000 directly created from his largesse.
With half of the money gone, how many jobs has Obama’s investment created?

Gov. Rick Snyder unveils plan to make Michigan residents healthier

Gov. Rick Snyder unveils plan to make Michigan residents healthier MLive.com
Noting that Michigan ranks 10th in the nation for obesity, said changes are needed.
"We have a broken system," he said.
At a news conference announcing his initiatives, he weighed himself -- 194 pounds -- and had his blood pressure measured -- 142 over 80.
Snyder said he plans to post his health statistics on a website, so the public can track his attempts to live a healthier lifestyle.
He also said he wants doctors to monitor the body weight of young patients and to report their body mass index to a state registry.
The children's identity would remain anonymous, and the data would be used to monitor pediatric obesity.

Nobel Prize-Winning Physicist Resigns Over Global Warming

Nobel Prize-Winning Physicist Resigns Over Global Warming Fox News
"In the APS it is ok to discuss whether the mass of the proton changes over time and how a multi-universe behaves, but the evidence of global warming is incontrovertible?" he wrote in an email to Kate Kirby, executive officer of the physics society.

Obama Even Loses the Name of His Jobs Bill

» Incompetence: Obama Even Loses the Name of His Jobs Bill - Big Government
But Obama did no such thing. Not only was there no bill when he delivered the speech, even this many days after the speech the bill has never been introduced in the House of Representatives where such bills might begin the legislative process.
That means that there was no bill called the “American Jobs Act of 2011″ in the House, so Rep. Gohmert was under no compulsion not to use it as a name for his own bill.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Ex-drain commissioner crashes motorcycle again

Ex-drain commissioner crashes motorcycle again
White Lake Beacon - Whitehall and Montague, Michigan
Thursday, at 4:50 p.m., Hepler was attempting to pass a car which turned into his motorcycle when pulling into a private drive on Whitehall Road, just south of Tyler Road in Dalton Township.

Muskegon County Deputy John Yax said Hepler, 47, of Muskegon, was traveling behind the southbound car on Whitehall Road when the car stopped to turn left into the drive. Hepler, he said, attempted to pass the vehicle on the left of the centerline into oncoming traffic, when the vehicle turned into his motorcycle, pushing it off the road and into a double-post sign.

See full story in Beacon print edition or e-edition

Government Spending Doesn't Create Jobs

Perry gets it right on Social Security

Gary Galles: Perry gets it right on Social Security social, security, benefits - Opinion - The Orange County Register
Texas Gov. Rick Perry is being attacked by some people, including some of his rivals for the GOP presidential nomination, for calling Social Security a Ponzi scheme that is unfair to the young.
The critics are partly correct in that Social Security is only partly a Ponzi scheme.
And it has actually been a series of Ponzi schemes.

Coast Guard closes area’s air stations for season

Coast Guard closes area’s air stations for season Grand Haven Tribune
The Coast Guard’s Great Lakes air stations closed their seasonal air facilities in Muskegon, Mich., and Waukegan, Ill., on Sept. 6.

Japan Earthquake: Six Months Later

Japan Earthquake: Six Months Later - Alan Taylor - In Focus - The Atlantic
Gathered here are some recent images from the region, including 12 before-and-after photo pairs (starting with photo number two) that you can click on each photo to see the difference six months can make

Michelle Obama: “All This Just For a Flag”

TRR: Michelle Obama: “All This Just For a Flag” - Washington Times
As police and firefighters fold the flag to the sound of marching bagpipers, a skeptical looking Mrs. Obama leans to her husband and appears to say, “all this just for a flag.”
She then purses her lips and shakes her head slightly as Mr. Obama nods

Wayne County | Owners escape tax debt by rebuying foreclosed homes

Wayne County Owners escape tax debt by rebuying foreclosed homes The Detroit News
Landlord Jeffrey Cusimano didn't pay property taxes on seven of his east-side rentals for three years, owing the city of Detroit more than $131,800.
Typically, that would mean losing the properties.
But Cusimano not only got to keep them — his debt, including interest, fees and unpaid water bills, was virtually wiped free.

Republican Last Won N.Y.'s Ninth District in 1920

Republican Last Won N.Y.'s Ninth District in 1920 - NYTimes.com
But in Tuesday’s election, the Republican candidate, Bob Turner, may very well pull off an upset, if recent polls are any guide.
He would become the first Republican to carry the district since 1920, when Andrew N. Petersen, a Danish-born manufacturer of ornamental iron products, toppled freshman Representative David J. O’Connell.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

10 Things Pension Plans Won't Tell You

10 Things Pension Plans Won't Tell You - SmartMoney.com

Muskegon County offers Saturday hours for marriage licenses, passports, other items

Muskegon County offers Saturday hours for marriage licenses, passports, other items MLive.com: MUSKEGON COUNTY — Some services provided by the Muskegon County Clerk's Office and the Muskegon County Equalization Department will be available to residents during a special event Saturday.
Called Full Service Saturday, the event allows residents to complete applications for marriage licenses, passports and becoming a registered notary, along with registering a business name.
Residents can access specific information about the services offered by the clerk's office at www.co.muskegon.mi.us/clerk and for passports at www.co.muskegon.mi.us/equalization.

Full Service Saturday is scheduled for 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at the county clerk's office, 141 E. Apple. Equalization department staff are set to process passport applications across the hall.

This is a great idea from county clerk Nancy Waters.
Pass the word on to everyone who can't make it to the county building during the week!

Mich. GOP Lawmakers More Intimidated by Government Unions?

Mich. GOP Lawmakers More Intimidated by Government Unions? [Michigan Capitol Confidential]:
The relatively small number of non-government workers in unions may explain an interesting legislative voting pattern that may be at work here:
Republican lawmakers appear less united in challenging the powers and privileges of government employee unions than those which organize workers in the private sector.

Here's why:
Michigan’s most powerful government employee union, the MEA teachers union, is currently bankrolling recall campaigns against Republicans who voted for these and some other reforms.
The outcome of those recalls may well determine whether there will be any further votes on legislation trimming the perks and power of government employees and their unions.

Do we really want the MEA running our state?

Teacher Right-to-Work Looking Like a Done Deal

Teacher Right-to-Work Looking Like a Done Deal [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
Chances look good for passage and enactment of legislation to provide right-to-work status for Michigan public school teachers.
Under the measure, called the “Freedom to Teach Act,” teachers would no longer be required to join or support a union as a condition of employment...

Lawmakers and political observers are often reluctant to predict the chances of passage for any specific piece of legislation, but in this case the stars seem to be aligning in a very favorable fashion.
By all indications, the measure is likely to be passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Rick Snyder.

Wow!
Choice for teachers!
Who could possibly be against choice?

U.S. rallies opposition to Palestinian statehood bid

U.S. rallies opposition to Palestinian statehood bid - Washington Times

And it does add another murderous rogue state to the voting rolls of the UN.

Why the new Detroit bridge matters to West Michigan

Viewpoint: Why the new Detroit bridge matters to West Michigan MLive.com

Public workers paid better than private workers

Feds: Public workers paid better than private workers - OC Watchdog - The Orange County Register
Here’s the latest on who makes what from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (whose workers, we’ll point out here, happen to be public employees):
Workers in the private sector made an average of $28.13 per hour in total compensation in June (wages contributed $19.81 to that, and benefits added $8.32)
While state and local government workers made an average of $40.40 per hour (wages were $26.41, and benefits, $13.99).

What Job 'Training' Teaches? Bad Work Habits

James Bovard: What Job 'Training' Teaches? Bad Work Habits - WSJ.com

Last Thursday, President Obama proposed new federal jobs and job-training programs for youth and the long-term unemployed.
The federal government has experimented with these programs for almost a half century.
The record is one of failure and scandal......


After CETA became a laughingstock, Congress replaced it in 1982 with the Job Training Partnership Act. JTPA spent lavishly—to expand an Indiana circus museum, teach Washington taxi drivers to smile, provide foreign junkets for state and local politicians, and bankroll business relocations.
According to the Labor Department's inspector general, young trainees were twice as likely to rely on food stamps after JTPA involvement than before since the "training" often included instructions on applying for an array of government benefits.

For years the Labor Department scorned the mandate in the 1982 legislation to speedily and thoroughly evaluate whether the programs actually benefitted trainees.
Finally, in 1993, it released a study that showed participation in JTPA "actually reduced the earnings of male out-of-school youths."
Young males enrolled in JTPA programs had 10% lower earnings than a control group that never participated......
Earlier this year, the Government Accountability Office reported that there were 47 different federal employment and training programs, costing taxpayers $18 billion a year.
There is massive overlap and duplication, and few programs seriously evaluate their impact on trainees.

If federal job training efforts worked, Congress would not have thrown out the programs it has created every decade or so and enacted new ones.
In reality, government training has always been driven by bureaucratic convenience, or politicians' re-election considerations.
There is no reason to believe the latest round of proposals will be any different.

This is, or should be, a national scandal!

Techniques for Untruth

Techniques for Untruth
Two recent NPR stories display some techniques available to journalist-activists, allowing them to misrepresent truth while at the same time maintaining an appearance of objectivity.
One of these stories, ironically enough, presented itself as a fact check of the recent Republican presidential candidate debate;

Tea Party Bringing The Sunset to Public Sector Labor Unions?

Tea Party Bringing The Sunset to Public Sector Labor Unions? - West Palm Beach Republican Examiner.com
There is however a more far reaching change that will be likely occurring in Wisonsin, and across the nation.
As unions can no longer automatically deduct union dues from teachers paychecks, according to a recent article in The Economist, when this has happened in the past, the percentage of union members paying their dues collapses quickly.
The first such case was in 1992, when such a law was passed in Washington State, and as a result, the percentage of members paying dues dropped from 82% to just 11%.
When Utah enacted such a ban on collections in 2001, a year later there were 90% fewer dues paying members.
By 2011, Indiana has observed a 90% decline in union membership since automatic deductions were ceased in 2005.
And, finally, in 2001, when Colorado passed a law requiring an annual vote to "re-authorize" automatic deductions of union dues, union membership fell by 70% [in that first year].

Greece imposes new property tax to meet deficit targets

Greece imposes new property tax to meet deficit targets - Monsters and Critics
According to reports, foreign auditors have pressed Greece to speed up privatizations and focus on structural reforms and spending cuts, namely cutting down on the large number of civil servants.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Pure Michigan: MSU

Red Cross blood workers' agreement includes 'union security,' pay for strike days, union says

Red Cross blood workers' agreement includes 'union security,' pay for strike days, union says MLive.com: The Red Cross also restored the “union security” clause of the blood workers' contract, which had expired in 2009 with the rest of the contract, Marutiak said.
The clause requires new hires to join a union.

Security for the employees or security for the union leaders?

'Timebomb' fear as 'rationing by stealth' of operations hits NHS

'Timebomb' fear as 'rationing by stealth' of operations hits NHS - Telegraph
"Rationing by stealth" is hitting the NHS, the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) has claimed, after official figures were released showing a steep fall in the number of people referred to hospital by GPs.

Unions on the warpath

PATTERSON: Unions on the warpath - Washington Times
In the wild, a wounded animal is the most dangerous kind.
Right now, the labor movement in the United States is such an animal, reeling from a string of devastating injuries that have eroded its ability to raise money, organize and influence elections.
Consider, just this past year:

Sharia Lobby Shifts into 5th Gear

Sharia Lobby Shifts into 5th Gear
He insisted, though, that western Muslims don’t “favor” these aspects of Islam and none seek to impose them.
Evidence that they do abounds (here, here, here, here, here) but Reza said his broad web search found none.