Pension Tsunami
"That approaching wave of pension debt is bigger than it looks. The purpose of this site is to provide an overview of the multiple pension crises that are about to drown America's taxpayers."
If you need more worries, read this.
Yikes!
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Muskegon ranks highest in nation for unemployment
"Muskegon's jobless rate averaged 22.1% in the latest period. That's more than twice the rate from 2000.
Detroit ranked second with a 21.6% jobless rate. Pontiac was ninth at 19%.
Detroit ranked second with a 21.6% jobless rate. Pontiac was ninth at 19%.
Muskegon Mayor Steve Warmington says the census information is flawed. He says the study is based on all people in the city. He says people 16 and up, including students, senior citizens and people who aren't actively looking for work are included in the census survey.
Warmington said he understands the number is very high and is disappointed but also says 'The number doesn't accurately reflect everyone in Muskegon.'"
Warmington said he understands the number is very high and is disappointed but also says 'The number doesn't accurately reflect everyone in Muskegon.'"
The unemployment numbers would have been WAAAY lower if they'd have included only employed persons.....
We're #16!
Report: Local schools' air quality among the worst
"Children playing outside Lincoln Park Elementary School in Norton Shores are possibly breathing the worst air in the state.
That's according to an investigative report published in Monday's USA TODAY.
Over the span of eight months, reporters identified and ranked 127,800 public, private and parochial schools based on the concentrations and health hazards of chemicals likely to be in the air outside.
Only 15 schools nationwide were identified as having worse air quality than Mona Shores' Lincoln Park, according to the newspaper.
Other schools in the Mona Shores, Muskegon and Muskegon Heights public school districts were identified as having some of the worst air in the nation.
However, the report may not be current. The findings were based on emissions reports from 20,000 industrial sites that were filed in 2005.
Junk science RULES!
"Children playing outside Lincoln Park Elementary School in Norton Shores are possibly breathing the worst air in the state.
That's according to an investigative report published in Monday's USA TODAY.
Over the span of eight months, reporters identified and ranked 127,800 public, private and parochial schools based on the concentrations and health hazards of chemicals likely to be in the air outside.
Only 15 schools nationwide were identified as having worse air quality than Mona Shores' Lincoln Park, according to the newspaper.
Other schools in the Mona Shores, Muskegon and Muskegon Heights public school districts were identified as having some of the worst air in the nation.
However, the report may not be current. The findings were based on emissions reports from 20,000 industrial sites that were filed in 2005.
Junk science RULES!
We're #1
Muskegon, Detroit lead nation's cities in unemployment
"Census Bureau report on U.S. communities with at least 20,000 people says Muskegon and Detroit are first and second in unemployment.
The report compares the jobless rate in 2000 with the average for 2005 through 2007 and says unemployment increased in 71% of the cities and towns.
It says Muskegon's unemployment averaged 22.1% in the latest period, more than twice its rate in 2000.
Detroit's rate was 21.6%, while Pontiac was ninth at 19%."
Everything I hear is that it's Engler/Bush's fault.
Let's see... worst state.... worst city.... re-elected most everyone..... anyone see a pattern here?
"Census Bureau report on U.S. communities with at least 20,000 people says Muskegon and Detroit are first and second in unemployment.
The report compares the jobless rate in 2000 with the average for 2005 through 2007 and says unemployment increased in 71% of the cities and towns.
It says Muskegon's unemployment averaged 22.1% in the latest period, more than twice its rate in 2000.
Detroit's rate was 21.6%, while Pontiac was ninth at 19%."
Everything I hear is that it's Engler/Bush's fault.
Let's see... worst state.... worst city.... re-elected most everyone..... anyone see a pattern here?
Monday, December 08, 2008
The Palm Pistol
The Palm Pistol: "The Palm Pistol is an ergonomically innovative single shot double action only defensive firearm chambered in 9mm that may be fired using either hand without regard to orientation of the stock. Suited for home defense, concealed carry or as a backup gun. It is also ideal for seniors, disabled or others who may have limited strength or manual dexterity."
Gimp gun!
Ain't ergonomics great!
Locally made wind turbines to create jobs
Locally made wind turbines to create jobs
"Energy savings improves to 30 percent when combined with the 30 CFL low-energy light bulbs included in the package, which will retail for $2,899 plus about $500 for professional installation.
Governmental rebates and tax credits could save buyers hundreds of dollars more."
This is lunacy!
30 light bulbs will reduce home electricity use by 15%!!!!!
How much did that "study" cost?
And it all make sense because "government rebates and tax credits".
The junk science dark ages have descended upon us.
"Energy savings improves to 30 percent when combined with the 30 CFL low-energy light bulbs included in the package, which will retail for $2,899 plus about $500 for professional installation.
Governmental rebates and tax credits could save buyers hundreds of dollars more."
This is lunacy!
30 light bulbs will reduce home electricity use by 15%!!!!!
How much did that "study" cost?
And it all make sense because "government rebates and tax credits".
The junk science dark ages have descended upon us.
No more "corporate welfare"?
My Way News - White House says auto deal is 'very likely'
"The size of the package hasn't been finalized, but it is expected to be between $14 billion and $17 billion."
The MSM has sort of forgotten one of their favorite terms of old, "corporate welfare".
Tax cuts to businesses used to be "corporate welfare" but enormous checks to the same companies are now simply a "bailout".
Gotta love the MSM. So much gravitas!
"The size of the package hasn't been finalized, but it is expected to be between $14 billion and $17 billion."
The MSM has sort of forgotten one of their favorite terms of old, "corporate welfare".
Tax cuts to businesses used to be "corporate welfare" but enormous checks to the same companies are now simply a "bailout".
Gotta love the MSM. So much gravitas!
harrassing an intern is OK!
The Volokh Conspiracy
"this case also reflects that it is not a violation of the federal Title VII to sexually harass interns in D.C. or elsewhere."
Ummmm... interns... immune from Title VII..... ummmmm...... interns.....
"this case also reflects that it is not a violation of the federal Title VII to sexually harass interns in D.C. or elsewhere."
Ummmm... interns... immune from Title VII..... ummmmm...... interns.....
Saturday, December 06, 2008
New graduation requirements offer flexibility
New graduation requirements offer flexibility
"The 2006 law that established the graduation requirements allows students to ask for a 'personal curriculum' that would allow them to waive some of the required courses. They can waive part of the dreaded algebra II requirement as well as some of the other required courses in social studies, physical education, health or arts.
Schools can develop a customized personal curriculum for transfer students, students who have disabilities, or whose career paths would be better served by taking more of a different core class."
Huh?
"The 2006 law that established the graduation requirements allows students to ask for a 'personal curriculum' that would allow them to waive some of the required courses. They can waive part of the dreaded algebra II requirement as well as some of the other required courses in social studies, physical education, health or arts.
Schools can develop a customized personal curriculum for transfer students, students who have disabilities, or whose career paths would be better served by taking more of a different core class."
Huh?
Free discount prescription drug card offered to Michigan residents
Free discount prescription drug card offered to Michigan residents
"In an effort to reduce health care costs, the Michigan Retailers Association is offering a discount prescription drug card program that can save an average of 30 percent on many prescription drugs.
Free to all Michigan residents, the Michigan Retailers Free Rx Card has no income restrictions, age limits or applications to fill out. The card is accepted at more than 50,000 national and regional pharmacies in Michigan and around the country.
Members can download a card by visiting http://retailers.com"
"In an effort to reduce health care costs, the Michigan Retailers Association is offering a discount prescription drug card program that can save an average of 30 percent on many prescription drugs.
Free to all Michigan residents, the Michigan Retailers Free Rx Card has no income restrictions, age limits or applications to fill out. The card is accepted at more than 50,000 national and regional pharmacies in Michigan and around the country.
Members can download a card by visiting http://retailers.com"
Michigan News
Michigan News
Bankrupt ethanol maker VeraSun Energy Corp. will mothball its ethanol plant here until it finds permanent financing to fund its operations."
Bankrupt ethanol maker VeraSun Energy Corp. will mothball its ethanol plant here until it finds permanent financing to fund its operations."
Michigan gets more federal home heating aid
Michigan gets more federal home heating aid
"The federal government earlier this year released $5.1 billion in fuel assistance to states, nearly doubling federal money to help poor people cope with high home heating bills expected this winter."
A "double" here, a "double" there and pretty soon we're talkin' some real money, eh?
"The federal government earlier this year released $5.1 billion in fuel assistance to states, nearly doubling federal money to help poor people cope with high home heating bills expected this winter."
A "double" here, a "double" there and pretty soon we're talkin' some real money, eh?
Friday, December 05, 2008
Army cadets take trash-talking to new heights - wtop.com
Army cadets take trash-talking to new heights - wtop.com: "Perhaps bothered by losing the last six Army-Navy football games, a few Army cadets took trash-talking to a whole new level this week. College football's most storied rivalry just got a bit more personal."
UNC libraries to forgo Christmas trees
UNC libraries to forgo Christmas trees
"The trees, which have stood in the lobby areas of Wilson and Davis libraries each December, were kept in storage this year at the behest of Sarah Michalak, the associate provost for university libraries.
Michalak's decision followed several years of queries and complaints from library employees and patrons bothered by the Christian display, Michalak said this week.
Michalak said that banishing the Christmas displays was not an easy decision but that she asked around to library colleagues at Duke, N.C. State and elsewhere and found no other one where Christmas trees were displayed."
"The trees, which have stood in the lobby areas of Wilson and Davis libraries each December, were kept in storage this year at the behest of Sarah Michalak, the associate provost for university libraries.
Michalak's decision followed several years of queries and complaints from library employees and patrons bothered by the Christian display, Michalak said this week.
Michalak said that banishing the Christmas displays was not an easy decision but that she asked around to library colleagues at Duke, N.C. State and elsewhere and found no other one where Christmas trees were displayed."
Proposed fee on smelly cows, hogs angers farmers
Proposed fee on smelly cows, hogs angers farmers
"For farmers, this stinks: Belching and gaseous cows and hogs could start costing them money if a federal proposal to charge fees for air-polluting animals becomes law.
Farmers so far are turning their noses up at the notion, which is one of several put forward by the Environmental Protection Agency after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2007 that greenhouse gases emitted by belching and flatulence amounts to air pollution."
And just who will ultimately pay these fines?
It looks like we'll all soon be tithing to "The Church of Global Warming/Cooling/Climate Change...whatever...".
"For farmers, this stinks: Belching and gaseous cows and hogs could start costing them money if a federal proposal to charge fees for air-polluting animals becomes law.
Farmers so far are turning their noses up at the notion, which is one of several put forward by the Environmental Protection Agency after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2007 that greenhouse gases emitted by belching and flatulence amounts to air pollution."
And just who will ultimately pay these fines?
It looks like we'll all soon be tithing to "The Church of Global Warming/Cooling/Climate Change...whatever...".
To repair Rhode Island roads, report calls for new tolls, taxes and higher fees | Rhode Island news | projo.com | The Providence Journal
To repair Rhode Island roads, report calls for new tolls, taxes and higher fees
"To fix its crumbling roads and bridges and rescue the state’s financially challenged public transit system, a draft report made public yesterday says the state should consider charging tolls at the state line on every interstate highway and creating a new tax for each mile a vehicle is driven."
"To fix its crumbling roads and bridges and rescue the state’s financially challenged public transit system, a draft report made public yesterday says the state should consider charging tolls at the state line on every interstate highway and creating a new tax for each mile a vehicle is driven."
Gwinnett residents could face $500 fine for not recycling
Gwinnett residents could face $500 fine for not recycling
"We don’t intend for this to be the garbage gestapo, running around, looking in people’s garbage about what’s there and what’s not there,” said Connie Wiggins, executive director of Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful, which is administering Gwinnett’s waste disposal program. “I believe the fine applies to all categories, and certainly, if we saw excessive abuses of materials being thrown in the garbage.”"
Maybe not a "gestapo" but certainly a police state.
I imagine Christmas giving to your local Sturmabteilung ... I mean garbage man, will increase this year.... massively.
"We don’t intend for this to be the garbage gestapo, running around, looking in people’s garbage about what’s there and what’s not there,” said Connie Wiggins, executive director of Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful, which is administering Gwinnett’s waste disposal program. “I believe the fine applies to all categories, and certainly, if we saw excessive abuses of materials being thrown in the garbage.”"
Maybe not a "gestapo" but certainly a police state.
I imagine Christmas giving to your local Sturmabteilung ... I mean garbage man, will increase this year.... massively.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
The Harbor Theater
The Harbor Theater:
"Muskegon's Only Source of Independent and Foreign Cinema"
I've been critical of The Harbor's marketing in the past but I somehow got signed up for their excellent e-mails of movies and events at The Harbor.
Well worth your visit.
Plus they have a blog!
"Muskegon's Only Source of Independent and Foreign Cinema"
I've been critical of The Harbor's marketing in the past but I somehow got signed up for their excellent e-mails of movies and events at The Harbor.
Well worth your visit.
Plus they have a blog!
Do it!
The Volokh Conspiracy - -
The Volokh Conspiracy - -: "Why Isn't Ohio's Indoor Smoking Ban Reducing Smoking? In 2006, Ohio voters approved a ban on smoking indoors, including bars and restaurants. The ban took effects in December 2006. One would think that the prohibition would reduce smoking rates, right? After all, the prohibition increases the costs of smoking quite significantly for many smokers (particularly in the winter). Yet according to this story, the smoking rate in Ohio has increased by three percent since 2007. What gives?
48 Comments"
48 Comments"
Jobless rate up less than feared
Jobless rate up less than feared
"Muskegon community leaders and economic developers were bracing for the worst with the release of the local October unemployment figures from the state.
But despite the meltdown in the national economy and continued woes in the state's automotive industry, Muskegon County's unemployment rose to only 9.8 percent in October, from 9.3 percent in September."
WOW!
"Experts" had "feared" for worst.
And were wrong AGAIN!
Can anyone tell me why anyone listens to "experts" who are so consistently wrong in their expectations, fears, prognostications, bla,bla,bla?
"Muskegon community leaders and economic developers were bracing for the worst with the release of the local October unemployment figures from the state.
But despite the meltdown in the national economy and continued woes in the state's automotive industry, Muskegon County's unemployment rose to only 9.8 percent in October, from 9.3 percent in September."
WOW!
"Experts" had "feared" for worst.
And were wrong AGAIN!
Can anyone tell me why anyone listens to "experts" who are so consistently wrong in their expectations, fears, prognostications, bla,bla,bla?
And isn't it interesting that the focus of this story is on the "experts" and not the awful 9.8% unemployment!
City manager warns of possible layoffs
City manager warns of possible layoffs
"City Manager Natasha Henderson recently notified city employees of the pending financial crisis by memo.
'I am sure that you are aware that the City of Muskegon Heights is facing severe economic challenges,' Henderson wrote in the Nov. 19 memo. 'As a result, we may be forced to make some difficult decisions relative to reductions in our work force.'
Her memo indicates that no decisions have been made on which employees might be affected. But the 'possibility of layoffs' presumably includes police and fire officers."
Why not?
The old "if you don't give us more money we'll fire police, cops, road crews" threat ALWAYS works.
"There's a sucker born every minute" has been the backbone of support for big government.
Ain't gonna change soon.
"City Manager Natasha Henderson recently notified city employees of the pending financial crisis by memo.
'I am sure that you are aware that the City of Muskegon Heights is facing severe economic challenges,' Henderson wrote in the Nov. 19 memo. 'As a result, we may be forced to make some difficult decisions relative to reductions in our work force.'
Her memo indicates that no decisions have been made on which employees might be affected. But the 'possibility of layoffs' presumably includes police and fire officers."
Why not?
The old "if you don't give us more money we'll fire police, cops, road crews" threat ALWAYS works.
"There's a sucker born every minute" has been the backbone of support for big government.
Ain't gonna change soon.
New jobless claims drop unexpectedly:
New jobless claims drop unexpectedly
"New claims for jobless benefits fell unexpectedly last week but the number of people continuing to receive government aid reached a 26-year high and large companies announced more job cuts Thursday."
Good golly!
This is really getting OLD!!!
EVERY piece of good economic news is "unexpected" and accompanied by a negative economic sound bite contrived to appear as "new" news.
And the MSM wonders why we turn them off?
"New claims for jobless benefits fell unexpectedly last week but the number of people continuing to receive government aid reached a 26-year high and large companies announced more job cuts Thursday."
Good golly!
This is really getting OLD!!!
EVERY piece of good economic news is "unexpected" and accompanied by a negative economic sound bite contrived to appear as "new" news.
And the MSM wonders why we turn them off?
Clueless Amazon?
Nothing says "city-in-decline" like a major sign with lighted letters out.
Our Amazon Building (in the "NEW downtown!") has 1/3 of its rooftop lights out.
How many thousands of Shoreline Dr. motorists drive by each day?
And what message are they getting about Muskegon from The Amazon?
Obama "holiday mug"
Barack Obama and Joe Biden: Change We Need
Barack Obama Donate Contribute:
"This holiday season, celebrate our historic victory with a limited edition Obama coffee mug."
How festive!
And that warm glow of Christmas cheer just radiates without even having to mention Christmas!
Ummmm, Christmas warmth without the need to mention Christmas... ummmmmm.......
Barack Obama Donate Contribute:
"This holiday season, celebrate our historic victory with a limited edition Obama coffee mug."
How festive!
And that warm glow of Christmas cheer just radiates without even having to mention Christmas!
Ummmm, Christmas warmth without the need to mention Christmas... ummmmmm.......
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Hoekstra will announce he's not running for Congress before he commits to governor's race
Hoekstra will announce he's not running for Congress before he commits to governor's race
"U.S. Rep. Peter Hoekstra will not seek re-election in 2010, according to a Lansing news service.
MIRS, an online Capitol newsletter, reports Hoekstra will soon form an exploratory committee for a gubernatorial campaign, the result of a trial balloon floating for months."
"U.S. Rep. Peter Hoekstra will not seek re-election in 2010, according to a Lansing news service.
MIRS, an online Capitol newsletter, reports Hoekstra will soon form an exploratory committee for a gubernatorial campaign, the result of a trial balloon floating for months."
Governor Pete?
Sounds pretty good to me.
And GREAT for Michigan!
Metal prices fall further than during Great Depression - Telegraph
Metal prices fall further than during Great Depression
"Kevin Norrish, the bank's commodities strategist, said the average fall in the price of copper, lead, and zinc has been roughly 60pc since the peak in July this year"
The massive building for the China Olympics were the reason for the jump.
The 8-8-08 Olympics started on ...... 8-8-08..... and the prices fell when?
Right after the Olympic spending binge ended.
Who'd of guessed!
(much like the Y2K tech binge ended on..... Y2K.)
"Kevin Norrish, the bank's commodities strategist, said the average fall in the price of copper, lead, and zinc has been roughly 60pc since the peak in July this year"
The massive building for the China Olympics were the reason for the jump.
The 8-8-08 Olympics started on ...... 8-8-08..... and the prices fell when?
Right after the Olympic spending binge ended.
Who'd of guessed!
(much like the Y2K tech binge ended on..... Y2K.)
Karzai Agrees to Cluster Bomb Treaty
Karzai Agrees to Cluster Bomb Treaty
"In a surprising last-minute change of policy, the government of President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan agreed on Wednesday to join about 100 nations in signing a treaty banning the use of cluster munitions, a senior Afghan official said.
.....Representatives of about 100 nations began signing the ambitious treaty formally renouncing the use of the bombs, typically anti-personnel weapons that eject dozens of explosive bomblets when detonated. But some of the world’s biggest military powers, including the United States, China and Russia, reject the pact and many of the signatories expressed concern that the treaty they were signing fails to bind the countries most prone to military conflict. ...
Disarmament activists are already looking beyond the Bush administration and are calling on President-elect Barack Obama to sign the cluster munitions treaty and send it for ratification soon after he takes office. For good measure, they want Mr. Obama to sign a 1997 treaty banning the use and sale of anti-personnel landmines.
"In a surprising last-minute change of policy, the government of President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan agreed on Wednesday to join about 100 nations in signing a treaty banning the use of cluster munitions, a senior Afghan official said.
.....Representatives of about 100 nations began signing the ambitious treaty formally renouncing the use of the bombs, typically anti-personnel weapons that eject dozens of explosive bomblets when detonated. But some of the world’s biggest military powers, including the United States, China and Russia, reject the pact and many of the signatories expressed concern that the treaty they were signing fails to bind the countries most prone to military conflict. ...
Disarmament activists are already looking beyond the Bush administration and are calling on President-elect Barack Obama to sign the cluster munitions treaty and send it for ratification soon after he takes office. For good measure, they want Mr. Obama to sign a 1997 treaty banning the use and sale of anti-personnel landmines.
S.C. gun tax holiday: Shops see sales boom
S.C. gun tax holiday: Shops see sales boom
"Business was — you might say — booming this past weekend, as the state’s first sales tax-free weekend attracted throngs to gun shops.
“It was a tremendous incentive,” said Ronnie Thrailkill, manager of Shooter’s Choice, a West Columbia gun shop."
"Business was — you might say — booming this past weekend, as the state’s first sales tax-free weekend attracted throngs to gun shops.
“It was a tremendous incentive,” said Ronnie Thrailkill, manager of Shooter’s Choice, a West Columbia gun shop."
Jeeze, reduce taxes and increase revenue!
Who'd of guessed?
Study: Algae blooms do billions in damage
Study: Algae blooms do billions in damage
"Nutrient pollution that causes noxious algae blooms to blanket lakes is more than an environmental nightmare -- the problem also reduces lakefront property values and causes billions of dollars in other economic losses, according to a new study.
Scientists at the University of Kansas concluded that algae blooms fueled by excessive concentrations of phosphorus and nitrogen in surface waters across the U.S. cause at least $4 billion damage annually. Most of the damage comes in the form of reduced lakefront property values, degraded fisheries and other recreational activities and the loss of biological diversity."
"Nutrient pollution that causes noxious algae blooms to blanket lakes is more than an environmental nightmare -- the problem also reduces lakefront property values and causes billions of dollars in other economic losses, according to a new study.
Scientists at the University of Kansas concluded that algae blooms fueled by excessive concentrations of phosphorus and nitrogen in surface waters across the U.S. cause at least $4 billion damage annually. Most of the damage comes in the form of reduced lakefront property values, degraded fisheries and other recreational activities and the loss of biological diversity."
Grand Rapids high school students cannot get failing grade under new policy
Grand Rapids high school students cannot get failing grade under new policy
"No Grand Rapids high school students will find failing grades on their report cards when they arrive this week.
Instead, students who performed poorly will see an 'H' for 'held' and an opportunity to make up the work and earn a passing grade by the end of the next trimester.
Teachers union leaders argue the change is another late-marking period scramble to boost sagging scores and undermines their ability to get students to show up and work hard all trimester.
Superintendent Bernard Taylor said the plan gives students a second chance to overcome problems and be successful.
'We are not watering down standards or lowering standards,' Taylor said. 'We're giving people the opportunity to meet standards when they go astray.'"
Very cool, dude!
An "F" is now an "H" and we all feel better about ourselves!
Why not make an "F" a "B" and we'll all feel even better!
"No Grand Rapids high school students will find failing grades on their report cards when they arrive this week.
Instead, students who performed poorly will see an 'H' for 'held' and an opportunity to make up the work and earn a passing grade by the end of the next trimester.
Teachers union leaders argue the change is another late-marking period scramble to boost sagging scores and undermines their ability to get students to show up and work hard all trimester.
Superintendent Bernard Taylor said the plan gives students a second chance to overcome problems and be successful.
'We are not watering down standards or lowering standards,' Taylor said. 'We're giving people the opportunity to meet standards when they go astray.'"
Very cool, dude!
An "F" is now an "H" and we all feel better about ourselves!
Why not make an "F" a "B" and we'll all feel even better!
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Governing: Vallejo bankruptcy/November 2008
Governing: Vallejo bankruptcy/November 2008: "Are other cities with budget trouble on the verge of asking the courts for relief?
When the town of Vallejo, California, declared bankruptcy this spring, Mayor Osby Davis predicted — and rightly so — that he'd get an earful from his constituents, employees and retirees. What he didn't anticipate was the chorus of phone calls from mayors outside the city, both close by and clear across the country. They told him they were watching Vallejo's bankruptcy proceedings closely, and some of them, he says, indicated that 'they find themselves not too far behind us.'
Vallejo, a city of 120,000 about 35 miles northeast of San Francisco, flat-out went broke this year through a combination of generous public-safety salaries, declining property values and fiscal mismanagement. The city is estimating a $17 million deficit for the current fiscal year.
Previous municipal bankruptcies generally arose from adverse legal rulings or poor investment decisions. But Vallejo's predicament stems largely from economic conditions felt by cities across the nation, namely declining revenues and rising employee costs. And that scares the dickens out of cities, unions and municipal bondholders.
'Vallejo was sort of the canary in the coal mine — the sickest patient goes first,' says Dean Gloster, an attorney representing Vallejo's unions. 'Even better-run cities are going to be facing similar issues as health care costs rise and the baby boomer generation reaches retirement age.'"
When the town of Vallejo, California, declared bankruptcy this spring, Mayor Osby Davis predicted — and rightly so — that he'd get an earful from his constituents, employees and retirees. What he didn't anticipate was the chorus of phone calls from mayors outside the city, both close by and clear across the country. They told him they were watching Vallejo's bankruptcy proceedings closely, and some of them, he says, indicated that 'they find themselves not too far behind us.'
Vallejo, a city of 120,000 about 35 miles northeast of San Francisco, flat-out went broke this year through a combination of generous public-safety salaries, declining property values and fiscal mismanagement. The city is estimating a $17 million deficit for the current fiscal year.
Previous municipal bankruptcies generally arose from adverse legal rulings or poor investment decisions. But Vallejo's predicament stems largely from economic conditions felt by cities across the nation, namely declining revenues and rising employee costs. And that scares the dickens out of cities, unions and municipal bondholders.
'Vallejo was sort of the canary in the coal mine — the sickest patient goes first,' says Dean Gloster, an attorney representing Vallejo's unions. 'Even better-run cities are going to be facing similar issues as health care costs rise and the baby boomer generation reaches retirement age.'"
My Way News - Rastafarian can sue over Jiffy Lube hair policy
My Way News - Rastafarian can sue over Jiffy Lube hair policy: "A Rastafarian man who refused to shave off his beard or cut his hair to comply with a Jiffy Lube employee grooming policy can take his religious discrimination case to trial, Massachusetts' highest court ruled Tuesday.
The Supreme Judicial Court reversed a decision by a Superior Court judge who had dismissed Bobby T. Brown's lawsuit against a Jiffy Lube franchisee before a trial."
The Supreme Judicial Court reversed a decision by a Superior Court judge who had dismissed Bobby T. Brown's lawsuit against a Jiffy Lube franchisee before a trial."
We won't smell the tourists anymore
We_wont_smell_the_tourists_anymore
"The Capitol Visitors Center, which opened this morning, may have tripled its original budget and fallen years behind schedule, but Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid found a silver lining for members of Congress: tourists won't offend them with their B.O. anymore.
'My staff tells me not to say this, but I'm going to say it anyway,' said Reid in his remarks. 'In the summer because of the heat and high humidity, you could literally smell the tourists coming into the Capitol. It may be descriptive but it's true.'
But it's no longer going to be true, noted Reid, thanks to the air conditioned, indoor space.
And that's not all. 'We have many bathrooms here, as you can see,' Reid continued. 'Souvenirs are available.'
$621 million well spent."
"The Capitol Visitors Center, which opened this morning, may have tripled its original budget and fallen years behind schedule, but Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid found a silver lining for members of Congress: tourists won't offend them with their B.O. anymore.
'My staff tells me not to say this, but I'm going to say it anyway,' said Reid in his remarks. 'In the summer because of the heat and high humidity, you could literally smell the tourists coming into the Capitol. It may be descriptive but it's true.'
But it's no longer going to be true, noted Reid, thanks to the air conditioned, indoor space.
And that's not all. 'We have many bathrooms here, as you can see,' Reid continued. 'Souvenirs are available.'
$621 million well spent."
Sunday, November 30, 2008
NBC Exec: Obama's Skin Color Gives Him More Legitimacy Than Any American Leader In History | NewsBusters.org
NBC Exec: Obama's Skin Color Gives Him More Legitimacy Than Any American Leader In History NewsBusters.org: "Imagine that. Because Obama is black, before he even steps into the White House and accomplishes one darned thing he already has more legitimacy around the world than possibly every American president that came before him."
Sex invariably spells trouble, says Dalai Lama
Sex invariably spells trouble, says Dalai Lama
"The Dalai Lama, the exiled Tibetan spiritual and temporal leader, on Friday said sex spelt fleeting satisfaction and trouble later"
Well......duh!
"The Dalai Lama, the exiled Tibetan spiritual and temporal leader, on Friday said sex spelt fleeting satisfaction and trouble later"
Well......duh!
Doctors shocked at hostages's torture
Doctors shocked at hostages's torture: "But the bodies of the victims in this attack bore such signs about the kind of violence of urban warfare that I am still unable to put my thoughts to words,' he said.
Asked specifically if he was talking of torture marks, he said: 'It was apparent that most of the dead were tortured. What shocked me were the telltale signs showing clearly how the hostages were executed in cold blood,' one doctor said.
The other doctor, who had also conducted the post-mortem of the victims, said: 'Of all the bodies, the Israeli victims bore the maximum torture marks. It was clear that they were killed on the 26th itself. It was obvious that they were tied up and tortured before they were killed. It was so bad that I do not want to go over the details even in my head again,' he said."
Asked specifically if he was talking of torture marks, he said: 'It was apparent that most of the dead were tortured. What shocked me were the telltale signs showing clearly how the hostages were executed in cold blood,' one doctor said.
The other doctor, who had also conducted the post-mortem of the victims, said: 'Of all the bodies, the Israeli victims bore the maximum torture marks. It was clear that they were killed on the 26th itself. It was obvious that they were tied up and tortured before they were killed. It was so bad that I do not want to go over the details even in my head again,' he said."
And the sun rises in the east.....will we never learn?
Lawyers call for international court for the environment
Lawyers call for international court for the environment
"Stephen Hockman QC is proposing a body similar to the International Court of Justice in The Hague to be the supreme legal authority on issues regarding the environment.
The first role of the new body would be to enforce international agreements on cutting greenhouse gas emissions set to be agreed next year.
But the court would also fine countries or companies that fail to protect endangered species or degrade the natural environment and enforce the 'right to a healthy environment'."
"Stephen Hockman QC is proposing a body similar to the International Court of Justice in The Hague to be the supreme legal authority on issues regarding the environment.
The first role of the new body would be to enforce international agreements on cutting greenhouse gas emissions set to be agreed next year.
But the court would also fine countries or companies that fail to protect endangered species or degrade the natural environment and enforce the 'right to a healthy environment'."
Did anyone expect less from the enviro-legal-America-hating-world?
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Four for four in state championships
It's four for four in state championships
"It will go down as the greatest day in Muskegon-area football history."
And perhaps in Muskegon sports, period.
The event formerly known as the high school football finals became the "Muskegon Invitational" on Friday as Muskegon Catholic at breakfasttime, Muskegon High just after lunch and finally Montague at suppertime won back-to-back-to-back state title's at Ford Field in downtown Detroit.
"It will go down as the greatest day in Muskegon-area football history."
And perhaps in Muskegon sports, period.
The event formerly known as the high school football finals became the "Muskegon Invitational" on Friday as Muskegon Catholic at breakfasttime, Muskegon High just after lunch and finally Montague at suppertime won back-to-back-to-back state title's at Ford Field in downtown Detroit.
Mumbai just another front
Mumbai just another front
"There was a photograph that appeared in many of the British papers, taken by a Reuters man and captioned by the news agency as follows: 'A suspected gunman walks outside the premises of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus or Victoria Terminus railway station.' The photo of the 'suspected gunman' showed a man holding a gun. We don't know much about him – he might be Muslim or Episcopalian, he might be an impoverished uneducated victim of Western colonialist economic oppression or a former vice-president of Lehman Brothers embarking on an exciting midlife career change – but one thing we ought to be able to say for certain is that a man pointing a gun is not a 'suspected gunman' but a gunman. 'This kind of silly political correctness infects reporters and news services worldwide,' wrote John Hinderaker of Powerline. 'They think they're being scrupulous – the man hasn't been convicted of being a gunman yet! – when, in fact, they're just being foolish. But the irrational conviction that nothing can be known unless it has been determined by a court and jury isn't just silly, it's dangerous.'"
Remember the liberal media isn't simply a myth.
"There was a photograph that appeared in many of the British papers, taken by a Reuters man and captioned by the news agency as follows: 'A suspected gunman walks outside the premises of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus or Victoria Terminus railway station.' The photo of the 'suspected gunman' showed a man holding a gun. We don't know much about him – he might be Muslim or Episcopalian, he might be an impoverished uneducated victim of Western colonialist economic oppression or a former vice-president of Lehman Brothers embarking on an exciting midlife career change – but one thing we ought to be able to say for certain is that a man pointing a gun is not a 'suspected gunman' but a gunman. 'This kind of silly political correctness infects reporters and news services worldwide,' wrote John Hinderaker of Powerline. 'They think they're being scrupulous – the man hasn't been convicted of being a gunman yet! – when, in fact, they're just being foolish. But the irrational conviction that nothing can be known unless it has been determined by a court and jury isn't just silly, it's dangerous.'"
Remember the liberal media isn't simply a myth.
It's back-to-back-to-back state champs
It's back-to-back-to-back state champs
"It will go down as the greatest day in Muskegon-area football history."
Muskegon, the winningest team in Michigan high school football history with more than 700 wins and 17 state titles, parlayed the excitement of last week's miraculous comeback victory over Davison into a quick start against Warren De La Salle in a 34-14 victory in the Division 2 championship game. It was the Big Reds' fifth state title since 1986 and third in the past five years under head coach Tony Annese.
"It will go down as the greatest day in Muskegon-area football history."
Muskegon, the winningest team in Michigan high school football history with more than 700 wins and 17 state titles, parlayed the excitement of last week's miraculous comeback victory over Davison into a quick start against Warren De La Salle in a 34-14 victory in the Division 2 championship game. It was the Big Reds' fifth state title since 1986 and third in the past five years under head coach Tony Annese.
Friday, November 28, 2008
DC'S ROTTEN SCHOOLS
DC'S ROTTEN SCHOOLS
"But most DC public schools are hellholes. So DC parents - including the first family - find hypocrisy a small price to pay for fulfilling their parental obligations.
Data compiled by The Washington Post in 2007 of the 100 largest school districts in the country ranked DC third in spending for each student, around $13,000 a pupil, but last in spending on instruction. More than half of every dollar of education spending goes to the salaries of administrators. Test scores are abysmal; the campuses are often unsafe."
"But most DC public schools are hellholes. So DC parents - including the first family - find hypocrisy a small price to pay for fulfilling their parental obligations.
Data compiled by The Washington Post in 2007 of the 100 largest school districts in the country ranked DC third in spending for each student, around $13,000 a pupil, but last in spending on instruction. More than half of every dollar of education spending goes to the salaries of administrators. Test scores are abysmal; the campuses are often unsafe."
Thank "god" the Obama girls won't be subject to the schools Mr Obama enforces on Chicago and American children.
Making the World Safe for Marxism
Making the World Safe for Marxism
"In fact, the interesting question is no longer whether our politics in the US and Europe (not to mention Latin America) are leading to Marxism. The interesting question now is whether voters care. My guess is that almost half the people in the US, and probably more elsewhere, think Marxism is no worse or even better than 'capitalism.'"
"In fact, the interesting question is no longer whether our politics in the US and Europe (not to mention Latin America) are leading to Marxism. The interesting question now is whether voters care. My guess is that almost half the people in the US, and probably more elsewhere, think Marxism is no worse or even better than 'capitalism.'"
Pension Tsunami
Pension Tsunami: "That approaching wave of pension debt is bigger than it looks. The purpose of this site is to provide an overview of the multiple pension crises that are about to drown America's taxpayers."
Secret sex life of red squirrel uncovered by scientist
Secret sex life of red squirrel uncovered by scientist: "Female red squirrels are giving rabbits a run for their money.
New research by former University of Alberta researcher Jeffrey Lane shows the species is among the most promiscuous of animals, mating with sometimes as many as eight or nine different male squirrels in one day."
New research by former University of Alberta researcher Jeffrey Lane shows the species is among the most promiscuous of animals, mating with sometimes as many as eight or nine different male squirrels in one day."
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Roads, skies less full as Thanksgiving rush starts
Roads, skies less full as Thanksgiving rush starts: "We have to pay the money to change and we don't have the money,' said Kathy Boyd, 54.
Cutbacks didn't deter Donita Hill of Estero, Fla., who was traveling with her husband, Bob to spend Thanksgiving with their son, a resident at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. The couple waited Wednesday to take a train to Worcester, Mass.
'I think sometimes when money is tight, you re-evaluate what's really important to you, and you realize that it's really family and friends,' said Donita Hill.
'Maybe you cut back on the (holiday) gifts a little bit, or maybe you don't have as extravagant a Thanksgiving as you used to,' she said. 'Maybe you don't have a free-range bird as you've had in the past; maybe you go to a Butterball.'"
Cutbacks didn't deter Donita Hill of Estero, Fla., who was traveling with her husband, Bob to spend Thanksgiving with their son, a resident at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. The couple waited Wednesday to take a train to Worcester, Mass.
'I think sometimes when money is tight, you re-evaluate what's really important to you, and you realize that it's really family and friends,' said Donita Hill.
'Maybe you cut back on the (holiday) gifts a little bit, or maybe you don't have as extravagant a Thanksgiving as you used to,' she said. 'Maybe you don't have a free-range bird as you've had in the past; maybe you go to a Butterball.'"
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Muskegon County Commission Chair says bye bye!
Chairman of the Muskegon County Commissioners, Jim Derezinski announced he will not run for reelection as chairman next year!
This is BAD news for Muskegon.
Jim was a fine chairman and said he made his choice because he wanted to be a "pioneer" but he found that pioneers get all the arrows.
Big loss for our county at a critical time
This is BAD news for Muskegon.
Jim was a fine chairman and said he made his choice because he wanted to be a "pioneer" but he found that pioneers get all the arrows.
Big loss for our county at a critical time
France 24 | Icelanders demand PM resign during violent protests | France 24
France 24 Icelanders demand PM resign during violent protests
"Thousands of Icelanders demonstrated in Reykjavik on Saturday demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Geir Haarde and Central Bank Governor David Oddsson for failing to stop a financial meltdown in the country."
"Thousands of Icelanders demonstrated in Reykjavik on Saturday demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Geir Haarde and Central Bank Governor David Oddsson for failing to stop a financial meltdown in the country."
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Moderates: 'Immigrants should sign Swedish contract' - The Local
Moderates: 'Immigrants should sign Swedish contract'
"A working committee from within the Moderate has developed the proposal and the party will consider the idea at its future convention, reports Sveriges Radio's Ekot news program.
'It is important that when people from different cultures congregate in the same country, that we are very clear over how things are done in Sweden,' said Moderate party secretary Per Schlingmann to Ekot.
'The purpose is ensure that we pass on core Swedish values about equality and so on.'"
"A working committee from within the Moderate has developed the proposal and the party will consider the idea at its future convention, reports Sveriges Radio's Ekot news program.
'It is important that when people from different cultures congregate in the same country, that we are very clear over how things are done in Sweden,' said Moderate party secretary Per Schlingmann to Ekot.
'The purpose is ensure that we pass on core Swedish values about equality and so on.'"
Problems Plague U.S. Flex-Fuel Fleet - washingtonpost.com
Problems Plague U.S. Flex-Fuel Fleet - washingtonpost.com: "The EPAct program offers a cautionary tale as President-elect Barack Obama promises to kill dependence on foreign oil and revive the economy by retooling for the green revolution, experts say.
'This is an example of a law that has had a perversely different effect than what was originally intended,'' said Jim Kliesch, a senior engineer with the Union of Concerned Scientists, an nonprofit environmental organization based in Washington."
'This is an example of a law that has had a perversely different effect than what was originally intended,'' said Jim Kliesch, a senior engineer with the Union of Concerned Scientists, an nonprofit environmental organization based in Washington."
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Amazon.com: 2008 Pricing - turbotax Discussion Forum
Amazon.com: 2008 Pricing - turbotax Discussion Forum: "Before you buy this product be sure to read the fine print this year....you will now be limited to preparing just ONE return with this software without paying an additional $10 per return to Intuit to prepare any additional returns. Not $10 to e-file but $10 to even prepare and print a return that you could mail in.
No more reasonable 5 return limits anymore, one and done is it. Do a return for your spouse filing separately, pay more. Do a return for your kids...pay more. Do a return for your parents, pay more.
This is now disclosed in very fine print. Don't get caught before you buy with knowledge of exactly what you are getting."
No more reasonable 5 return limits anymore, one and done is it. Do a return for your spouse filing separately, pay more. Do a return for your kids...pay more. Do a return for your parents, pay more.
This is now disclosed in very fine print. Don't get caught before you buy with knowledge of exactly what you are getting."
State to take no action against Drain Commissioner Martin Hulka
State to take no action against Drain Commissioner Martin Hulka
"The Michigan Secretary of State's office says 'there may be reason to believe' that Muskegon County Drain Commissioner Martin Hulka violated state campaign finance law by sending letters of political advice to several local candidates, and forcing an employee to type those letters on county time, using county materials.
But the department has decided not to take action against Hulka, or refer the case to law enforcement officials for possible prosecution, because Hulka is leaving office in January after failing in his bid at re-election."
"The Michigan Secretary of State's office says 'there may be reason to believe' that Muskegon County Drain Commissioner Martin Hulka violated state campaign finance law by sending letters of political advice to several local candidates, and forcing an employee to type those letters on county time, using county materials.
But the department has decided not to take action against Hulka, or refer the case to law enforcement officials for possible prosecution, because Hulka is leaving office in January after failing in his bid at re-election."
Obama economic plan aims for 2.5M new jobs by 2011
Obama economic plan aims for 2.5M new jobs by 2011
"President-elect Barack Obama promoted an economic plan Saturday he said would create 2.5 million jobs by rebuilding roads and bridges and modernizing schools while developing alternative energy sources and more efficient cars."
These are ALL government funded jobs that will produce a net tax LOSS!
Jobs/unemployment is not the problem. A bankrupt federal government is.
It didn't work for the Soviets.
It won't work for America.
"President-elect Barack Obama promoted an economic plan Saturday he said would create 2.5 million jobs by rebuilding roads and bridges and modernizing schools while developing alternative energy sources and more efficient cars."
These are ALL government funded jobs that will produce a net tax LOSS!
Jobs/unemployment is not the problem. A bankrupt federal government is.
It didn't work for the Soviets.
It won't work for America.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Republicans in 2004!
Oh, the humanity.....
http://www.usatoday.com/money/perfi/housing/2004-01-20-fha_x.htm
In a bid to boost minority homeownership, President Bush will ask Congress for authority to eliminate the down-payment requirement for Federal Housing Administration loans.
In announcing the plan Monday at a home builders show in Las Vegas, Federal Housing Commissioner John Weicher called the proposal the "most significant FHA initiative in more than a decade." It would lead to 150,000 first-time owners annually, he said.
Nothing-down options are available on the private mortgage market, but, in general, they require the borrower to have pristine credit. Bush's proposed change would extend the nothing-down option to borrowers with blemished credit.
The FHA isn't a direct lender, but guarantees loan payments for mortgages on moderately priced owner-occupied property. The FHA guarantee now permits private lenders to finance as much as 97% of the purchase price of a home for millions of low- and middle-income borrowers.
In the proposal soon to be delivered to Congress, Bush would allow the FHA to guarantee loans for the full purchase price of the home, plus down-payment costs. As a practical matter, the FHA would guarantee mortgages as high as 103% of the value of the underlying property.
The Vegas Decade And The Bipartisan Mortgage Meltdown
"It’s not the particular government program that’s of major interest, it’s the message the Bush Administration was sending.
Federal regulators are supposed to take away the punchbowl when the party gets interesting, but announcing that the President hates down payments, that the Chief Executive feels that requiring people with bad credit to put money down on a house is UnAmerican and probably racist, at a homebuilder’s convention in Las Vegas, well, I’ve exhausted all the punchbowl similes … This is liking filling all the nasal decongestant inhalers at the Betty Ford Clinic with pure pharmaceutical cocaine."
In a bid to boost minority homeownership, President Bush will ask Congress for authority to eliminate the down-payment requirement for Federal Housing Administration loans.
In announcing the plan Monday at a home builders show in Las Vegas, Federal Housing Commissioner John Weicher called the proposal the "most significant FHA initiative in more than a decade." It would lead to 150,000 first-time owners annually, he said.
Nothing-down options are available on the private mortgage market, but, in general, they require the borrower to have pristine credit. Bush's proposed change would extend the nothing-down option to borrowers with blemished credit.
The FHA isn't a direct lender, but guarantees loan payments for mortgages on moderately priced owner-occupied property. The FHA guarantee now permits private lenders to finance as much as 97% of the purchase price of a home for millions of low- and middle-income borrowers.
In the proposal soon to be delivered to Congress, Bush would allow the FHA to guarantee loans for the full purchase price of the home, plus down-payment costs. As a practical matter, the FHA would guarantee mortgages as high as 103% of the value of the underlying property.
The Vegas Decade And The Bipartisan Mortgage Meltdown
"It’s not the particular government program that’s of major interest, it’s the message the Bush Administration was sending.
Federal regulators are supposed to take away the punchbowl when the party gets interesting, but announcing that the President hates down payments, that the Chief Executive feels that requiring people with bad credit to put money down on a house is UnAmerican and probably racist, at a homebuilder’s convention in Las Vegas, well, I’ve exhausted all the punchbowl similes … This is liking filling all the nasal decongestant inhalers at the Betty Ford Clinic with pure pharmaceutical cocaine."
Arianna Huffington expands web-power
Business big shot: Arianna Huffington, online entrepreneur
"The money will finance the expansion of HuffPo, as it is known, into the provision of local news across the United States and into more investigative journalism. And it will ensure that Ms Huffington's influence continues to spread across the US political scene."
"The money will finance the expansion of HuffPo, as it is known, into the provision of local news across the United States and into more investigative journalism. And it will ensure that Ms Huffington's influence continues to spread across the US political scene."
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Air hostess helped land passenger jet after co-pilot had 'breakdown'
Air hostess helped land passenger jet after co-pilot had 'breakdown'
"The captain of the Boeing 767 from Toronto to Heathrow asked staff to seek out any trained pilots onboard.
One of the female cabin crew came forward saying she had a commercial pilot’s licence and was asked to take over in the co-pilot’s seat.
The captain praised the attendant to investigators for helping him safely land the plane at Shannon, where the ill flight officer was removed and admitted to the acute psychiatric unit of Ennis Regional Hospital for 11 days."
Yikes!
Loonies and heroines in the cockpit!
"The captain of the Boeing 767 from Toronto to Heathrow asked staff to seek out any trained pilots onboard.
One of the female cabin crew came forward saying she had a commercial pilot’s licence and was asked to take over in the co-pilot’s seat.
The captain praised the attendant to investigators for helping him safely land the plane at Shannon, where the ill flight officer was removed and admitted to the acute psychiatric unit of Ennis Regional Hospital for 11 days."
Yikes!
Loonies and heroines in the cockpit!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Rochester Hills OKs snipers to reduce deer herd
Rochester Hills OKs snipers to reduce deer herd
"Proponents say it will be safe to city residents. But some fear the shootings will be too close to neighborhoods in the Detroit suburb."
"Snipers"?
But this too funny on another level.
Imagine how awful if there were "shootings" in a Detroit suburb!
"Proponents say it will be safe to city residents. But some fear the shootings will be too close to neighborhoods in the Detroit suburb."
"Snipers"?
But this too funny on another level.
Imagine how awful if there were "shootings" in a Detroit suburb!
Road builders' group: Michigan drivers should pay $12 more a month
Road builders' group: Michigan drivers should pay $12 more a month
"A road builders' group wants Michigan drivers to pay $12 more a month in gas taxes and vehicle registration fees to improve the transportation system.
Motorists now spend $30 per month on roads and other infrastructure.
The Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association unveiled a plan Wednesday with hopes of the Legislature passing it during the lame-duck session in December.
One proposal would eliminate the 19-cents-a-gallon gasoline tax and instead tax the wholesale price of gas. Another proposal would raise vehicle registration fees by 50 percent"
Drip, drip, drip.....
"A road builders' group wants Michigan drivers to pay $12 more a month in gas taxes and vehicle registration fees to improve the transportation system.
Motorists now spend $30 per month on roads and other infrastructure.
The Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association unveiled a plan Wednesday with hopes of the Legislature passing it during the lame-duck session in December.
One proposal would eliminate the 19-cents-a-gallon gasoline tax and instead tax the wholesale price of gas. Another proposal would raise vehicle registration fees by 50 percent"
Drip, drip, drip.....
As bailouts add up, a generation wonders who will pay up
As bailouts add up, a generation wonders who will pay up
"Walker resident Matt Franko said there is no doubt his future looks less bright.
'I don't know who to be angry at,' said Franko, 27, who works in the corporate offices of Spartan Stores Inc.
'I think there are a lot of people in my generation who are unhappy with how things are panning out,' he said."
Maybe the "who" to be angry at are the legislators who voted to take his money away from him and give it to someone else.
And how dumb are they if an entire generation "wonders who will pay up"?
"Walker resident Matt Franko said there is no doubt his future looks less bright.
'I don't know who to be angry at,' said Franko, 27, who works in the corporate offices of Spartan Stores Inc.
'I think there are a lot of people in my generation who are unhappy with how things are panning out,' he said."
Maybe the "who" to be angry at are the legislators who voted to take his money away from him and give it to someone else.
And how dumb are they if an entire generation "wonders who will pay up"?
Reeths-Puffer voters to face bond election
Reeths-Puffer voters to face bond election
"Voters in the Reeths-Puffer school district will be asked to approve a $23.6 million, two-year bond extension that would pay for district-wide building improvements, including synthetic turf at Rocket Stadium and upgrading technology.
The bond request was unanimously approved by the school board Monday. A public vote on the bond extension is tentatively scheduled for May 12."
Jeeper, it's not like they just got a giant millage extention recently...... or is it?
Where is the money going!
"Voters in the Reeths-Puffer school district will be asked to approve a $23.6 million, two-year bond extension that would pay for district-wide building improvements, including synthetic turf at Rocket Stadium and upgrading technology.
The bond request was unanimously approved by the school board Monday. A public vote on the bond extension is tentatively scheduled for May 12."
Jeeper, it's not like they just got a giant millage extention recently...... or is it?
Where is the money going!
Michigan AG Mike Cox says Blue Cross trying to raise rates
Michigan AG Mike Cox says Blue Cross trying to raise rates
"Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is attempting to use the current lame duck session in the state Legislature to pass a package of bills that also would take away oversight of the nonprofit from his office and the governor's office."
Another small wave in the tsunami of increases from Mom Granholm and Daddy Barry.
"Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is attempting to use the current lame duck session in the state Legislature to pass a package of bills that also would take away oversight of the nonprofit from his office and the governor's office."
Another small wave in the tsunami of increases from Mom Granholm and Daddy Barry.
National Ammo Day
National Ammo Day
"It’s National Ammo Day!
Yes, it is today, but don’t let your inability to get to your friendly neighborhood ammo dealer today discourage you from participating. All the ammo you buy this week “counts.”
"It’s National Ammo Day!
Yes, it is today, but don’t let your inability to get to your friendly neighborhood ammo dealer today discourage you from participating. All the ammo you buy this week “counts.”
Good golly, it's really "National Ammo WEEK"!
Get up out of that chair, trot on down to Walmart, buy some bullets, help the economy!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
A nice Walmart story
I just got back from Walmart (Henry St) tonight and had a nice bunch of pleasants.
Walking down the aisle, I noticed a grizzled older white guy stocking shelves. I remembered him from last summer when he assembled my grill (free assembly from walmart!).
I said "hi" and "thanks for doing such a great job on my grill.... I remember that you're the guy who put it together, nice job, I really like my grill... thanks and Merry Christmas".
I was just being nice but he BEAMED, REALLY beamed, and said "thanks.. we don't get too many compliments here....thanks"
I waved and pushed my cart on..... and saw a 40ish black guy pushing a broom... with a UofM hat on.
This affront need to be addressed so I said "Merry Christmas but I hate your hat"....
We had a 5 fun minute chat (while he broomed!)about MSU, UM, Muskegon Big Reds and how he wanted to wear his MSU hat but it didn't match his sweatshirt and ...what a nice and friendly guy.
I'm on my way out and I pass this (above) rack with Santa kid suits:
I don't have kids but how cool are these outfits!
A large, black 30ish gal is near me and I ask her what she thinks "they'd sure look good on my kids".
I said "Merry Christmas" she said, big smile on her face "Merry Christmas to you".
What a nice experience.
I'm tired of "experts and community organizers" telling us about "the 2 Americas" or "hate", "anger".
My town, Muskegon, Michigan isn't perfect but it's a pretty nice place to meet my neighbors and say "Merry Christmas".
Walking down the aisle, I noticed a grizzled older white guy stocking shelves. I remembered him from last summer when he assembled my grill (free assembly from walmart!).
I said "hi" and "thanks for doing such a great job on my grill.... I remember that you're the guy who put it together, nice job, I really like my grill... thanks and Merry Christmas".
I was just being nice but he BEAMED, REALLY beamed, and said "thanks.. we don't get too many compliments here....thanks"
I waved and pushed my cart on..... and saw a 40ish black guy pushing a broom... with a UofM hat on.
This affront need to be addressed so I said "Merry Christmas but I hate your hat"....
We had a 5 fun minute chat (while he broomed!)about MSU, UM, Muskegon Big Reds and how he wanted to wear his MSU hat but it didn't match his sweatshirt and ...what a nice and friendly guy.
I'm on my way out and I pass this (above) rack with Santa kid suits:
I don't have kids but how cool are these outfits!
A large, black 30ish gal is near me and I ask her what she thinks "they'd sure look good on my kids".
I said "Merry Christmas" she said, big smile on her face "Merry Christmas to you".
What a nice experience.
I'm tired of "experts and community organizers" telling us about "the 2 Americas" or "hate", "anger".
My town, Muskegon, Michigan isn't perfect but it's a pretty nice place to meet my neighbors and say "Merry Christmas".
Tradition, Family and Property - Farewell to a Legend
Tradition, Family and Property - Farewell to a Legend: "While we all mourn the passing of such a legend we are consoled by the thought that his example will inspire generations to come."
"Where do we get such men"
"Where do we get such men"
Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens loses re-election bid
Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens loses re-election bid
"Sen. Ted Stevens, the longest serving Republican in Senate history, narrowly lost his re-election bid Tuesday, marking the downfall of a Washington political power and Alaska icon"
I think this is good.
The man is/was a crook and a disgrace to America.
Alaska is a conservative state and the new demo-senator ought to realize he must be a "blue-dog" if he wants reelection.
Same with Georgia.... assuming that demo-sens have any sense...... weak assumption?
"Sen. Ted Stevens, the longest serving Republican in Senate history, narrowly lost his re-election bid Tuesday, marking the downfall of a Washington political power and Alaska icon"
I think this is good.
The man is/was a crook and a disgrace to America.
Alaska is a conservative state and the new demo-senator ought to realize he must be a "blue-dog" if he wants reelection.
Same with Georgia.... assuming that demo-sens have any sense...... weak assumption?
Florida pension fund loses a quarter its value
Florida pension fund loses a quarter its value
"Florida's public employee pension plan has lost more than a quarter of its peak value, but Gov. Charlie Crist and other officials Monday said the fund is built for the long haul and there's no need to panic"
When are those folks who have public employee pensions gonna read the writing on the wall?
NEVER????
"Florida's public employee pension plan has lost more than a quarter of its peak value, but Gov. Charlie Crist and other officials Monday said the fund is built for the long haul and there's no need to panic"
When are those folks who have public employee pensions gonna read the writing on the wall?
NEVER????
BlackFridayAds.com - The site retailers don't want you to see!
BlackFridayAds.com - The site retailers don't want you to see!
"A number of sites post advertising circulars early. The circulars are leaked by company insiders. Not all Black Friday sites will have the same circulars. Three sites to check out are BlackFridayAds.com, BlackFriday.info and BFAds.net."
from Kim Komando
"A number of sites post advertising circulars early. The circulars are leaked by company insiders. Not all Black Friday sites will have the same circulars. Three sites to check out are BlackFridayAds.com, BlackFriday.info and BFAds.net."
from Kim Komando
Monday, November 17, 2008
Macleans.ca - A long cold winter ahead
Macleans.ca - A long cold winter ahead: "Oddly enough, though, fewer skiers may not be the industry’s biggest problem. That’s because the ski industry doesn’t make much money from skiing anymore"
Sunday, November 16, 2008
The world has never seen such freezing heat - Telegraph
The world has never seen such freezing heat - Telegraph
: "A surreal scientific blunder last week raised a huge question mark about the temperature records that underpin the worldwide alarm over global warming. On Monday, Nasa's Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS), which is run by Al Gore's chief scientific ally, Dr James Hansen, and is one of four bodies responsible for monitoring global temperatures, announced that last month was the hottest October on record."
But when expert readers of the two leading warming-sceptic blogs, Watts Up With That and Climate Audit, began detailed analysis of the GISS data they made an astonishing discovery. The reason for the freak figures was that scores of temperature records from Russia and elsewhere were not based on October readings at all. Figures from the previous month had simply been carried over and repeated two months running.
: "A surreal scientific blunder last week raised a huge question mark about the temperature records that underpin the worldwide alarm over global warming. On Monday, Nasa's Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS), which is run by Al Gore's chief scientific ally, Dr James Hansen, and is one of four bodies responsible for monitoring global temperatures, announced that last month was the hottest October on record."
But when expert readers of the two leading warming-sceptic blogs, Watts Up With That and Climate Audit, began detailed analysis of the GISS data they made an astonishing discovery. The reason for the freak figures was that scores of temperature records from Russia and elsewhere were not based on October readings at all. Figures from the previous month had simply been carried over and repeated two months running.
Friday, November 14, 2008
The Corner on National Review Online
The Corner on National Review Online: "At the other end of the spectrum, IRS data show that in 2006 the top 10% of all filers ( $109,000 and above in taxable income) paid 71% of all income taxes. The top 25% ( $65,000 and above) paid 86% of all income taxes."
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Tolerance fails T-shirt test
Tolerance fails T-shirt test
"In one class, I had one teacher say she will not judge me for my choice, but that she was surprised that I supported McCain,' Catherine said.
If Catherine was shocked by such passive-aggressive threats from instructors, just wait until she goes to college.
'Later, that teacher found out about the experiment and said she was embarrassed because she knew I was writing down what she said,' Catherine said."
"In one class, I had one teacher say she will not judge me for my choice, but that she was surprised that I supported McCain,' Catherine said.
If Catherine was shocked by such passive-aggressive threats from instructors, just wait until she goes to college.
'Later, that teacher found out about the experiment and said she was embarrassed because she knew I was writing down what she said,' Catherine said."
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
RightMichigan.com || Breaking and Exclusive: Dick DeVos announces intentions for 2010
RightMichigan.com Breaking and Exclusive: Dick DeVos announces intentions for 2010
"This morning I had an opportunity to speak with Dick DeVos about the question on the mind of everyone in and around the state Capitol... his plans for the governor's race and the 2010 campaign cycle. Dick wanted to make an announcement and he specifically wanted Michigan's Right Roots to be the first to know."
This is BIG and good for our future!
"This morning I had an opportunity to speak with Dick DeVos about the question on the mind of everyone in and around the state Capitol... his plans for the governor's race and the 2010 campaign cycle. Dick wanted to make an announcement and he specifically wanted Michigan's Right Roots to be the first to know."
This is BIG and good for our future!
Quality move by a quality man, Dick DeVos to announce early.
Likely candidates will be Pete or Terri.
We have hope for our state's future!
And... AND...Kudos to RightMichigan on this blogger exclusive!
And... AND...Kudos to RightMichigan on this blogger exclusive!
Bloggers will bring the truth to the people!
Smile and plan for the good times!
Best name in football! Shavodrick Beaver
Dual-threat quarterbackWichita Falls (TX) Rider
Shavodrick Beaver?
Nickname..... anyone?
Michigan gov. readies for possible auto job losses
Michigan gov. readies for possible auto job losses
"Gov. Jennifer Granholm and her administration are preparing to retrain laid-off workers and take other steps if General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC merge."
Has anyone given any thought to the jobs these "retrained" workers will be retraining for?
The"PLAN" as I read it, is to pour a tsunami of Michigan taxpayer's money into the our state's woefully inefficient BigEducation lobby.
All the while increasing the costs for businesses in Michigan.
These retrained workers will have no jobs available in our state, no matter how retrained they might be.
We need more EMPLOYERS not more employees.
Once again, a boneheaded, upsidedown move that will produce the exact reverse owhat we need.
"Gov. Jennifer Granholm and her administration are preparing to retrain laid-off workers and take other steps if General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC merge."
Has anyone given any thought to the jobs these "retrained" workers will be retraining for?
The"PLAN" as I read it, is to pour a tsunami of Michigan taxpayer's money into the our state's woefully inefficient BigEducation lobby.
All the while increasing the costs for businesses in Michigan.
These retrained workers will have no jobs available in our state, no matter how retrained they might be.
We need more EMPLOYERS not more employees.
Once again, a boneheaded, upsidedown move that will produce the exact reverse owhat we need.
Javon Ringer-Creating a legacy
The State News: Creating a legacy
"Staying behind was senior running back Javon Ringer, who, aside from being the best back in the nation with his 1,548 yards and 20 touchdowns, also has proven himself to be a stand-up individual throughout his four-year stay in East Lansing.
Ringer, who ran for 121 yards and two touchdowns against the Boilermakers, went up and slapped the hands of the students in the first row of the section. Then he went to the next section and then the next, completing a loop around the stadium before running out of the Spartan Stadium tunnel for the last time."
"Staying behind was senior running back Javon Ringer, who, aside from being the best back in the nation with his 1,548 yards and 20 touchdowns, also has proven himself to be a stand-up individual throughout his four-year stay in East Lansing.
Ringer, who ran for 121 yards and two touchdowns against the Boilermakers, went up and slapped the hands of the students in the first row of the section. Then he went to the next section and then the next, completing a loop around the stadium before running out of the Spartan Stadium tunnel for the last time."
What a great young American!
Task force on roads pushing legislators for funds
Task force on roads pushing legislators for funds
"Advocates of spending more on Michigan roads said Monday the Legislature has enough time before year's end to raise vehicle registration fees and possibly reconfigure the 19-cents-a-gallon gasoline tax."
Watch out folks, their coming at us with everything they've got!
"Advocates of spending more on Michigan roads said Monday the Legislature has enough time before year's end to raise vehicle registration fees and possibly reconfigure the 19-cents-a-gallon gasoline tax."
Watch out folks, their coming at us with everything they've got!
Clayton Cramer's BLOG
Clayton Cramer's BLOG
If you knew Barack Obama supported a plan to place a 75% excise tax on the sale of firearms - where a $500 rifle would now cost $875 with tax, would that have made you...
More likely to vote for Obama
Less likely to vote for Obama
No difference
Not sure
If you knew about Barack Obama's support for national legislation that would overturn concealed carry handgun laws in 40 states, would that have made you...
More likely to vote for Obama
Less likely to vote for Obama
No difference
Not sure"
Read the rest of this poll.
Very scary!!!!!!!
If you knew Barack Obama supported a plan to place a 75% excise tax on the sale of firearms - where a $500 rifle would now cost $875 with tax, would that have made you...
More likely to vote for Obama
Less likely to vote for Obama
No difference
Not sure
If you knew about Barack Obama's support for national legislation that would overturn concealed carry handgun laws in 40 states, would that have made you...
More likely to vote for Obama
Less likely to vote for Obama
No difference
Not sure"
Read the rest of this poll.
Very scary!!!!!!!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Obama likely to escape campaign audit
Obama likely to escape campaign audit
"The Federal Election Commission is unlikely to conduct a potentially embarrassing audit of how Barack Obama raised and spent his presidential campaign’s record-shattering windfall, despite allegations of questionable donations and accounting that had the McCain campaign crying foul."
Why do we have a FEC if they only investigate GOPers?
Oh...... I understand............
"The Federal Election Commission is unlikely to conduct a potentially embarrassing audit of how Barack Obama raised and spent his presidential campaign’s record-shattering windfall, despite allegations of questionable donations and accounting that had the McCain campaign crying foul."
Why do we have a FEC if they only investigate GOPers?
Oh...... I understand............
Betrayed!
DRUDGE REPORT FLASH 2008®: "BUSH ANGER: OBAMA AIDES LEAK CHAT DETAILS
Tue Nov 11 2008 09:28:10 ET
Just hours after President Bush and President-elect Obama met in the Oval Office of the White House, details of their confidential conversation began leaking out to the press, igniting anger from the president, sources claim.
'Senator Obama would be wise to keep close counsel,' a top Bush source warned.
'BUSH AND OBAMA AT ODDS OVER AID FOR AUTO INDUSTRY,' splashed the NEW YORK TIMES in an exclusive Monday evening, quoting 'people familiar with the discussion.'
The two met at the White House in private, without staff.
'Bush indicated at the meeting that he might support some aid and a broader economic stimulus package if Obama and congressional Democrats dropped their opposition to a free-trade agreement with Colombia,' claimed the TIMES.
MORE
The ASSOCIATED PRESS quickly followed with details of the conversation, citing 'aides who described the discussion on grounds of anonymity, citing the private nature of the meeting.'
Bush advisers view the leaks as an effort to undermine the president's remaining days in office.
'Senator Obama may not be familiar with a long-standing tradition of presidents holding their private conversations, private,' a senior adviser explained to the DRUDGE REPORT.
Developing..."
Is Bush that naive or is he simply a coward, preening for the press?
Tue Nov 11 2008 09:28:10 ET
Just hours after President Bush and President-elect Obama met in the Oval Office of the White House, details of their confidential conversation began leaking out to the press, igniting anger from the president, sources claim.
'Senator Obama would be wise to keep close counsel,' a top Bush source warned.
'BUSH AND OBAMA AT ODDS OVER AID FOR AUTO INDUSTRY,' splashed the NEW YORK TIMES in an exclusive Monday evening, quoting 'people familiar with the discussion.'
The two met at the White House in private, without staff.
'Bush indicated at the meeting that he might support some aid and a broader economic stimulus package if Obama and congressional Democrats dropped their opposition to a free-trade agreement with Colombia,' claimed the TIMES.
MORE
The ASSOCIATED PRESS quickly followed with details of the conversation, citing 'aides who described the discussion on grounds of anonymity, citing the private nature of the meeting.'
Bush advisers view the leaks as an effort to undermine the president's remaining days in office.
'Senator Obama may not be familiar with a long-standing tradition of presidents holding their private conversations, private,' a senior adviser explained to the DRUDGE REPORT.
Developing..."
Is Bush that naive or is he simply a coward, preening for the press?
A BANNER ELECTION FOR GOOFINESS
A BANNER ELECTION FOR GOOFINESS
"change has no moral content. Winning the lottery is change, and so is catching a hammer to the bridge of your nose. The desire for change for change's sake is the stuff of children and attention-deficit disorder."
"change has no moral content. Winning the lottery is change, and so is catching a hammer to the bridge of your nose. The desire for change for change's sake is the stuff of children and attention-deficit disorder."
Voter turnout
The Volokh Conspiracy - -
"This article reports on studies by political scientist Curtis Gans that show that voter turnout this year increased only modestly, at most. As Gans points out, there was a significant increase in the raw total of votes from about 122.3 million in 2004 to as many as 128.5 million this year. However, he calculates that there was only a slight increase in percentage turnout of those eligible. As I pointed out in this post, there was a 4.7% increase in the number of people eligible to vote between 2004 and 2008"
"This article reports on studies by political scientist Curtis Gans that show that voter turnout this year increased only modestly, at most. As Gans points out, there was a significant increase in the raw total of votes from about 122.3 million in 2004 to as many as 128.5 million this year. However, he calculates that there was only a slight increase in percentage turnout of those eligible. As I pointed out in this post, there was a 4.7% increase in the number of people eligible to vote between 2004 and 2008"
Monday, November 10, 2008
Planning under way for Obama holiday
The Topeka Capital-Journal - Planning under way for Obama holiday
"Plans are being made to promote a national holiday for Barack Obama, who will become the nation's 44th president when he takes the oath of office Jan. 20.
'Yes We Can' planning rallies will be at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. every Tuesday at the downtown McDonald's restaurant, 1100 Kansas Ave., until Jan. 13. The goals are to secure a national holiday in Obama's honor, to organize celebrations around his inauguration and to celebrate the 200th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln, who was born on Feb. 12 1809.Plans are being made to promote a national holiday for Barack Obama, who will become the nation's 44th president when he takes the oath of office Jan. 20.
'Yes We Can' planning rallies will be at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. every Tuesday at the downtown McDonald's restaurant, 1100 Kansas Ave., until Jan. 13. The goals are to secure a national holiday in Obama's honor, to organize celebrations around his inauguration and to celebrate the 200th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln, who was born on Feb. 12 1809."
"Plans are being made to promote a national holiday for Barack Obama, who will become the nation's 44th president when he takes the oath of office Jan. 20.
'Yes We Can' planning rallies will be at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. every Tuesday at the downtown McDonald's restaurant, 1100 Kansas Ave., until Jan. 13. The goals are to secure a national holiday in Obama's honor, to organize celebrations around his inauguration and to celebrate the 200th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln, who was born on Feb. 12 1809.Plans are being made to promote a national holiday for Barack Obama, who will become the nation's 44th president when he takes the oath of office Jan. 20.
'Yes We Can' planning rallies will be at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. every Tuesday at the downtown McDonald's restaurant, 1100 Kansas Ave., until Jan. 13. The goals are to secure a national holiday in Obama's honor, to organize celebrations around his inauguration and to celebrate the 200th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln, who was born on Feb. 12 1809."
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Instapundit.com -
Instapundit.com -:
"November 09, 2008
'WHEN GOOD MEN DID NOTHING:' It's the seventieth anniversary of Kristallnacht.
UPDATE: It's also the anniversary of the Berlin wall's fall, which was brought about when good men didn't just do nothing."
"November 09, 2008
'WHEN GOOD MEN DID NOTHING:' It's the seventieth anniversary of Kristallnacht.
UPDATE: It's also the anniversary of the Berlin wall's fall, which was brought about when good men didn't just do nothing."
French Say 'Au Revoir' to Dining Out
French Say 'Au Revoir' to Dining Out
"But while the worsening financial situation is viewed as a major factor in the declining business for restaurants, others point to the recently implemented ban on smoking in restaurants and other tough regulations for driving away business.
Bernard Cartier of the Hotel Industry Union claims that the government needs to step in and help dining establishments cope with the various restrictions they face.But while the worsening financial situation is viewed as a major factor in the declining business for restaurants, others point to the recently implemented ban on smoking in restaurants and other tough regulations for driving away business.
Bernard Cartier of the Hotel Industry Union claims that the government needs to step in and help dining establishments cope with the various restrictions they face."
"But while the worsening financial situation is viewed as a major factor in the declining business for restaurants, others point to the recently implemented ban on smoking in restaurants and other tough regulations for driving away business.
Bernard Cartier of the Hotel Industry Union claims that the government needs to step in and help dining establishments cope with the various restrictions they face.But while the worsening financial situation is viewed as a major factor in the declining business for restaurants, others point to the recently implemented ban on smoking in restaurants and other tough regulations for driving away business.
Bernard Cartier of the Hotel Industry Union claims that the government needs to step in and help dining establishments cope with the various restrictions they face."
Venezuela to build military bases near Colombian border
Venezuela to build military bases near Colombian border: "Venezuela will build five military bases close to its border with Colombia to fight drug trafficking, paramilitary intrusions, kidnappings and other criminal acts, Caracas announced Sunday."
Maybe a nice hug from President Barry would help?
Maybe a nice hug from President Barry would help?
French say 'Yes, we can!' too, to ending racism
French say 'Yes, we can!' too, to ending racism
"A manifesto published Sunday — subtitled 'Oui, nous pouvons!', the French translation of Obama's campaign slogan 'Yes, we can!' — urges affirmative action-like policies and other steps to turn French ideals of equality into reality for millions of blacks, Arabs and other alienated minorities.
'Our prejudices are insidious,' Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, a singer and wife of President Nicolas Sarkozy, said"
Singers are wonderful healers!
"A manifesto published Sunday — subtitled 'Oui, nous pouvons!', the French translation of Obama's campaign slogan 'Yes, we can!' — urges affirmative action-like policies and other steps to turn French ideals of equality into reality for millions of blacks, Arabs and other alienated minorities.
'Our prejudices are insidious,' Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, a singer and wife of President Nicolas Sarkozy, said"
Singers are wonderful healers!
Councilman Arrested for Peeing on Crowd
Councilman Arrested for Peeing on Crowd
NBC New York: "That's after club staffers saw him relieve himself onto the crowd from a second floor balcony during a concert by a Grateful Dead tribute band."
No mention of the "peester's" political party affiliation...... anyonegottaguess?
NBC New York: "That's after club staffers saw him relieve himself onto the crowd from a second floor balcony during a concert by a Grateful Dead tribute band."
No mention of the "peester's" political party affiliation...... anyonegottaguess?
He is a god!
Hong Kong's First FREE English Newspaper
"For months, I have been intrigued by the list of stunning achievements attributed to Barack Obama.
When he walks into a stadium, people faint. When he speaks, they burst into tears. When he stumbles, thousands of people throw themselves on the ground.
White people feel he is white enough to have a job that had always been reserved for white people. Black people feel he is black, Asians feel he is Asian, and women feel that under his gray suit he is, possibly, a woman.
What's the explanation for this? After weeks of puzzling, I have finally worked out what it is. Obama is not human - he is a god."
"For months, I have been intrigued by the list of stunning achievements attributed to Barack Obama.
When he walks into a stadium, people faint. When he speaks, they burst into tears. When he stumbles, thousands of people throw themselves on the ground.
White people feel he is white enough to have a job that had always been reserved for white people. Black people feel he is black, Asians feel he is Asian, and women feel that under his gray suit he is, possibly, a woman.
What's the explanation for this? After weeks of puzzling, I have finally worked out what it is. Obama is not human - he is a god."
Friday, November 07, 2008
States drain unemployment trust funds
States drain unemployment trust funds
"Michigan is hurting
Michigan, hit hard by the collapse of the auto industry, has essentially nothing left in its trust fund, said Norman Isotalo, spokesman for state's Department of Labor & Economic Growth. New initial claims are up 21% over a year ago, while the unemployment rate hit 8.7% in September, up from 7.3% a year earlier.
Though it has borrowed money from the feds to cover claims since 2006, Michigan has avoided paying interest on the loan by repaying it quickly. The state, however, no longer has the funds to repay the loan, which currently totals nearly $473 million. The debt will starting accruing interest in January, and the state will pass along the additional fees to employers."
"Michigan is hurting
Michigan, hit hard by the collapse of the auto industry, has essentially nothing left in its trust fund, said Norman Isotalo, spokesman for state's Department of Labor & Economic Growth. New initial claims are up 21% over a year ago, while the unemployment rate hit 8.7% in September, up from 7.3% a year earlier.
Though it has borrowed money from the feds to cover claims since 2006, Michigan has avoided paying interest on the loan by repaying it quickly. The state, however, no longer has the funds to repay the loan, which currently totals nearly $473 million. The debt will starting accruing interest in January, and the state will pass along the additional fees to employers."
Study: Black coach numbers lowest in 15 years
Study: Black coach numbers lowest in 15 years: "Days after the election of the country's first black president, a study shows the number of African-American coaches in major college football is the lowest in 15 years."
Granholm to advise Obama on economy in transition
Granholm to advise Obama on economy in transition
"Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm is one of 17 people appointed to help advise President-elect Barack Obama on the economy during his transition period."
"Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm is one of 17 people appointed to help advise President-elect Barack Obama on the economy during his transition period."
Truly inconvenient truths about climate change being ignored - Michael Duffy
Truly inconvenient truths about climate change being ignored - Michael Duffy: "Later that night, on ABC TV's Lateline program, Pachauri claimed that those who disagree with his own views on global warming are 'flat-earthers' who deny 'the overwhelming weight of scientific evidence'. But what evidence could be more important than the temperature record, which Pachauri himself had fudged only a few hours earlier?"
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Barney Bites White House Reporter | NBC Chicago
Barney Bites White House Reporter NBC Chicago: "Apparently, the first dog is not happy about the impending changes at the White House."
Multiple Voting, Insecure Machines
Multiple Voting, Insecure Machines
"Obama won, and he won big enough that nobody can claim that the--undeniable--irregularities in this election were enough to make a difference. His win was beyond the margin of fraud.
But that doesn't mean that there wasn't fraud and there weren't irregularities.
In fact, there were a lot"
"Obama won, and he won big enough that nobody can claim that the--undeniable--irregularities in this election were enough to make a difference. His win was beyond the margin of fraud.
But that doesn't mean that there wasn't fraud and there weren't irregularities.
In fact, there were a lot"
Modest Proposal for a Real Fairness Doctrine
Modest_Proposal_for_a_Real_Fairness_Doctrine
"My proposal:
Let's have the FCC require that the networks designate their news people with either a 'D' or a little 'R'. Some examples: 'Katie Couric (D-CBS)', Wolf Blitzer 'D-CNN', 'Keith Olbermann (D-MSNBC), 'Chris Mathhews (D-MSNBC), Bill Moyers and Gwen Ifful (D-PBS) and yes, Joe Scarborough (R-MSNBC). Get the idea?"
"My proposal:
Let's have the FCC require that the networks designate their news people with either a 'D' or a little 'R'. Some examples: 'Katie Couric (D-CBS)', Wolf Blitzer 'D-CNN', 'Keith Olbermann (D-MSNBC), 'Chris Mathhews (D-MSNBC), Bill Moyers and Gwen Ifful (D-PBS) and yes, Joe Scarborough (R-MSNBC). Get the idea?"
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Republicans deserved to lose
Republicans deserved to lose
"The problem is a movement that plays small-ball and cedes responsibility for infrastructure to business interests, leadership that rewards those who make friends rather than waves, an entrenched Party and Movement support system that mostly supports itself, an echo chamber that has rotted our intellect, a grassroots that is ill-equipped to shape the Republican Party, and a Republican Party that has replaced strategy with tactics, substance with marketing.
These problems can be fixed, but the fix is not cosmetic. The rot is deep. We do not need reformation of the Republican Party; we need transformation of the Republican Party. That is going to require fresh blood, new ideas, new infrastructure...and perhaps more than a little time in the wilderness."
"The problem is a movement that plays small-ball and cedes responsibility for infrastructure to business interests, leadership that rewards those who make friends rather than waves, an entrenched Party and Movement support system that mostly supports itself, an echo chamber that has rotted our intellect, a grassroots that is ill-equipped to shape the Republican Party, and a Republican Party that has replaced strategy with tactics, substance with marketing.
These problems can be fixed, but the fix is not cosmetic. The rot is deep. We do not need reformation of the Republican Party; we need transformation of the Republican Party. That is going to require fresh blood, new ideas, new infrastructure...and perhaps more than a little time in the wilderness."
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Global Pensions
Global Pensions: "The funded status of the Illinois Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) dropped to 56% in the last fiscal year, down from 64% the previous year."
Sunday, November 02, 2008
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