So who is Ron Bloom
"Former SEIU principal Ron Bloom becomes the Obama 'Manufacturing Czar.'
Jake Tapper reported this on Sunday:
In Cincinnati tomorrow, President Obama will announce that he's appointing Ron Bloom his Senior Counselor for Manufacturing Policy, White House sources tell ABC News.
Bloom is currently Senior Advisor to Secretary of the Treasury Tim Geithner as a member of the President’s Task Force on the Automotive Industry, named to that position in February. He will remain in that position even while he takes on his new task.
So who is Ron Bloom?
Jammie Wearing Fool has this:
The name Ron Bloom is one that we need to start paying attention to. He has a long history of being the negotiating face of unions in a suit. He is a Harvard Business School graduate who has worked for the unions beginning with SEIU for decades. The most recent union he represented was the United Steel Workers (USW) before becoming a part of the automotive team that Obama put together. You know the one that had the head Steven Rattner having to resign over some questions about his personal finances mixed in with a little fraudulent money gifts.Rattner was replaced by Ron Bloom, and voila the United Auto Workers (UAW), got a sweetheart deal backed up by the power of the federal government to try and stave off bankruptcy.
This is just further proof that Barack Obama knows nothing about economics but is an expert on radicalism."
Monday, September 07, 2009
EU warns on proposed US travel fees - Yahoo! News
EU warns on proposed US travel fees
The European Union is strongly criticizing a congressional proposal to charge a $10 fee to some visitors to the United States and suggesting it may carry a price for U.S. travelers.
If it passes, the EU says, some U.S. travelers to Europe could face retaliation.
The fee now under consideration in Congress would finance a new U.S. program to promote travel, a burden that the EU believes Americans should bear."
The European Union is strongly criticizing a congressional proposal to charge a $10 fee to some visitors to the United States and suggesting it may carry a price for U.S. travelers.
If it passes, the EU says, some U.S. travelers to Europe could face retaliation.
The fee now under consideration in Congress would finance a new U.S. program to promote travel, a burden that the EU believes Americans should bear."
Porker of the month
Porker of the month
"Rep. Abercrombie’s latest outrage is to slip a provision (Sec. 2833) into the House version of the 2010 Defense Authorization Act that would double the construction costs of relocating 11,600 U.S. troops from Japan to Guam.
The original cost estimate was $15 billion, $10 billion of which is associated with construction of living quarters for military personnel and their families.
However, Sec. 2833 requires that the wages paid to construction workers match the “prevailing” wages in Hawaii, which are 250 percent higher than those on Guam. The Congressional Budget Office estimates this “would increase the need for discretionary appropriations by about $10 billion over the 2010-2014 period.”"
"Rep. Abercrombie’s latest outrage is to slip a provision (Sec. 2833) into the House version of the 2010 Defense Authorization Act that would double the construction costs of relocating 11,600 U.S. troops from Japan to Guam.
The original cost estimate was $15 billion, $10 billion of which is associated with construction of living quarters for military personnel and their families.
However, Sec. 2833 requires that the wages paid to construction workers match the “prevailing” wages in Hawaii, which are 250 percent higher than those on Guam. The Congressional Budget Office estimates this “would increase the need for discretionary appropriations by about $10 billion over the 2010-2014 period.”"
French healthcare is 'badly run'
French healthcare is 'badly run'
"France must make big changes to its health system in order to cut waste and increase efficiency, a government-commissioned report is warning."
"France must make big changes to its health system in order to cut waste and increase efficiency, a government-commissioned report is warning."
A day—and a death—to remember
A day—and a death—to remember
"On June 25, Michael Jackson’s death dominated the headlines.
It was a sad day for his family, friends and fans.
But another death went nearly unnoticed.
Lt. Brian Bradshaw was killed by an explosive device in Afghanistan.
Bradshaw didn’t make headlines around the world.
But nearly everyone in his hometown came out to mourn.
Martha Gillis is Bradshaw’s aunt.
She’s worried that a soldier’s death is often invisible to the public.
She hopes his nation will remember him."
"On June 25, Michael Jackson’s death dominated the headlines.
It was a sad day for his family, friends and fans.
But another death went nearly unnoticed.
Lt. Brian Bradshaw was killed by an explosive device in Afghanistan.
Bradshaw didn’t make headlines around the world.
But nearly everyone in his hometown came out to mourn.
Martha Gillis is Bradshaw’s aunt.
She’s worried that a soldier’s death is often invisible to the public.
She hopes his nation will remember him."
The Founding Fathers Could Never Have Foreseen Obama
The Founding Fathers Could Never Have Foreseen Obama
"Now that the majority of Americans are finally realizing what kind of a Dufus they’ve elected to the Presidency, and those who know it but will NEVER admit they know it, what happens in the next three and a half years?
How can the world deal with a LAME DUCK Presidency just six months into office?
Everything this President has touched has turned into crap.
In less than 6 months he’s spent more money than ALL PREVIOUS PRESIDENTS COMBINED from the time of George W Washington, indebting the USA to the tune of TRILLIONS of dollars and still counting."
"Now that the majority of Americans are finally realizing what kind of a Dufus they’ve elected to the Presidency, and those who know it but will NEVER admit they know it, what happens in the next three and a half years?
How can the world deal with a LAME DUCK Presidency just six months into office?
Everything this President has touched has turned into crap.
In less than 6 months he’s spent more money than ALL PREVIOUS PRESIDENTS COMBINED from the time of George W Washington, indebting the USA to the tune of TRILLIONS of dollars and still counting."
David Sirota: Glenn Beck Is A 'Right-Wing Political Terrorist'; Van Jones Is 'A National Hero' | NewsBusters.org
David Sirota: Glenn Beck Is A 'Right-Wing Political Terrorist'; Van Jones Is 'A National Hero'
"what I think what's going on here is that the White House is listening to the right-wing's political terrorists, people like Glenn Beck, people like conservative activists who have targeted Van Jones because Van Jones is an African-American"
"what I think what's going on here is that the White House is listening to the right-wing's political terrorists, people like Glenn Beck, people like conservative activists who have targeted Van Jones because Van Jones is an African-American"
Whitehall wants $22 million bond issue
White Lake Beacon
"Whitehall District Schools is once again investigating the possibility of going to voters with a bond vote for facility improvements.
Last May voters decidedly defeated a $22 million bond issue. "
Be afraid...very afraid!
"Whitehall District Schools is once again investigating the possibility of going to voters with a bond vote for facility improvements.
Last May voters decidedly defeated a $22 million bond issue. "
Be afraid...very afraid!
Largest U.S. brewers say beer prices will take a hop up
Largest U.S. brewers say beer prices will take a hop up
"Drink up! Beer prices are going up.
The two largest U.S. beer sellers say they plan to raise prices,"
"Drink up! Beer prices are going up.
The two largest U.S. beer sellers say they plan to raise prices,"
Jobless press benefit extension
Jobless press benefit extension
"Since June 2008, Congress has extended jobless benefits three times.
Unemployed workers initially qualify for up to 26 weeks.
But with the extensions, Michiganians are eligible for 79 weeks of benefits -- or 1 1/2 years.
The proposed extension would boost the number of weeks to 92 -- a year and nine months."
Because of high unemployment, Michigan's unemployment insurance trust fund -- which is paid for by a tax on employers laying off workers -- is depleted, forcing the state to borrow $2 billion from the federal government
"Since June 2008, Congress has extended jobless benefits three times.
Unemployed workers initially qualify for up to 26 weeks.
But with the extensions, Michiganians are eligible for 79 weeks of benefits -- or 1 1/2 years.
The proposed extension would boost the number of weeks to 92 -- a year and nine months."
Because of high unemployment, Michigan's unemployment insurance trust fund -- which is paid for by a tax on employers laying off workers -- is depleted, forcing the state to borrow $2 billion from the federal government
Detroit takeover viewed as last resort
Detroit takeover viewed as last resort
"With increasing frequency, Mayor Dave Bing has raised the threat of receivership and warned the appointment of an emergency financial manager and even bankruptcy are possible for Detroit as he struggles to control the city's finances"
"With increasing frequency, Mayor Dave Bing has raised the threat of receivership and warned the appointment of an emergency financial manager and even bankruptcy are possible for Detroit as he struggles to control the city's finances"
Union bigs get the best deals: A sour Labor Day lesson on pensions
Union bigs get the best deals: A sour Labor Day lesson on pensions
"unions are once again seeking to recruit new members with promises of higher wages and generous pension benefits.
These promises are made despite pension funds' reports to the U.S. Labor Department showing that collectively bargained pension funds are underfunded when compared with other pensions.
In contrast, pension funds for unions' own staff and officers have been doing just fine."
"unions are once again seeking to recruit new members with promises of higher wages and generous pension benefits.
These promises are made despite pension funds' reports to the U.S. Labor Department showing that collectively bargained pension funds are underfunded when compared with other pensions.
In contrast, pension funds for unions' own staff and officers have been doing just fine."
Sunday, September 06, 2009
The hunt is on for more ammunition in Nevada, U.S.
The hunt is on for more ammunition in Nevada, U.S.
"The scarcity of ammunition is part of a trend that began immediately after the presidential election, retailers say."
"The scarcity of ammunition is part of a trend that began immediately after the presidential election, retailers say."
No.10 turns on Obama and Clinton for criticising decision to release Lockerbie bomber
No.10 turns on Obama and Clinton for criticising decision to release Lockerbie bomber
"The US was kept fully in touch about everything that was going on with regard to Britain’s discussions with Libya in recent years and about Megrahi,’ said the Whitehall aide.
‘We would never do anything about Lockerbie without discussing it with the US. It is disingenuous of them to act as though Megrahi’s return was out of the blue."
"The US was kept fully in touch about everything that was going on with regard to Britain’s discussions with Libya in recent years and about Megrahi,’ said the Whitehall aide.
‘We would never do anything about Lockerbie without discussing it with the US. It is disingenuous of them to act as though Megrahi’s return was out of the blue."
DARN THAT YOUTUBE
DARN THAT YOUTUBE
"Rep. Baron Hill, D-Indiana, cannot possibly be this big a jerk all the time.
At a recent town hall, a young woman raised her hand and identified herself as a journalism student working on a school project who was told she could not videotape the event.
Student: Why can't I film this, isn't this my right?
Baron Hill: This is my town hall meeting, and I set the rules, and I've had these rules... (jeering) Let me repeat that one more time.
This is my town hall meeting for you.
And you're not going to tell me how to run my Congressional office.
Now, the reason why I don't allow filming is that usually the films that are done end up on YouTube in a compromising position.
Hey, guess what? He ended up on YouTube anyway:"
"Rep. Baron Hill, D-Indiana, cannot possibly be this big a jerk all the time.
At a recent town hall, a young woman raised her hand and identified herself as a journalism student working on a school project who was told she could not videotape the event.
Student: Why can't I film this, isn't this my right?
Baron Hill: This is my town hall meeting, and I set the rules, and I've had these rules... (jeering) Let me repeat that one more time.
This is my town hall meeting for you.
And you're not going to tell me how to run my Congressional office.
Now, the reason why I don't allow filming is that usually the films that are done end up on YouTube in a compromising position.
Hey, guess what? He ended up on YouTube anyway:"
How to Insure Every American
Congressmen John Shadegg and Pete Hoekstra: How to Insure Every American
"•Costs and Control. The health-care reform debate centers on how to lower the cost of care, and who should ultimately control health-care decisions.
Under the current system, nobody is focused on controlling costs."
"•Costs and Control. The health-care reform debate centers on how to lower the cost of care, and who should ultimately control health-care decisions.
Under the current system, nobody is focused on controlling costs."
Rep. Rangel pushes the envelope of arrogance.
Rep. Rangel pushes the envelope of arrogance.
"Beyond that, it turns out Rep. Rangel failed to report assets totaling more than $1 million on legally required financial-disclosure forms going back to at least 2001.
The news comes on top of revelations last year that Rep. Rangel didn’t report — and didn’t pay taxes on — income from a villa in the Caribbean. In that matter, the IRS gave him a sweetheart deal; the congressman paid about $10,000 in back taxes but was not assessed any penalty or interest.
Can we have the guy who audited him?"
"Beyond that, it turns out Rep. Rangel failed to report assets totaling more than $1 million on legally required financial-disclosure forms going back to at least 2001.
The news comes on top of revelations last year that Rep. Rangel didn’t report — and didn’t pay taxes on — income from a villa in the Caribbean. In that matter, the IRS gave him a sweetheart deal; the congressman paid about $10,000 in back taxes but was not assessed any penalty or interest.
Can we have the guy who audited him?"
Despite rip current safeguards, drownings have not diminished along Lake Michigan shore
Despite rip current safeguards, drownings have not diminished along Lake Michigan shore
"at least 46 others caught in rip currents have drowned in Lake Michigan since 2002,"
"at least 46 others caught in rip currents have drowned in Lake Michigan since 2002,"
Airlines rachet up prevention to target swine flu
Airlines rachet up prevention to target swine flu
"Airlines are stowing pillows and blankets, and rolling out the disinfectant wipes to discourage transmission of the swine flu virus, all the while stressing planes are as 'safe' as trains or schools."
"Airlines are stowing pillows and blankets, and rolling out the disinfectant wipes to discourage transmission of the swine flu virus, all the while stressing planes are as 'safe' as trains or schools."
Saturday, September 05, 2009
The Deficits Are Coming!
The Deficits Are Coming!
'Our off balance sheet obligations associated with Social Security and Medicare put us in a $56 trillion financial hole—and that's before the recession was officially declared last year.
America now owes more than Americans are worth—and the gap is growing!'"
'Our off balance sheet obligations associated with Social Security and Medicare put us in a $56 trillion financial hole—and that's before the recession was officially declared last year.
America now owes more than Americans are worth—and the gap is growing!'"
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Questions and Answers to All Things Digital - The Kim Komando Radio Show
Questions and Answers to All Things Digital - The Kim Komando Radio Show
"I use multiple browsers, but each for a different reason:
1. IE8 - General web browsing. Very secure compared to previous versions. The only browser able to access Microsoft Update manually. Most web based add-ons work with IE (HP Smart Web Printing, RoboForm, TrendProtect, Google Toolbar, Adobe Acroboat, Skype, etc.). Easy to add custom search engines to the search bar. Works great with bookmarklets. Includes great features like Accelerators and InPrivate Filtering. Great zoom function (entire web page, not just text). Use it to test web sites under different resolution settings (around 90% of the market share in browsers). Many sites still rely on Active X Controls and will only work with IE.
2. Firefox - Extensions/Add-Ons, enough said. From tab and bookmark organization and navigation to download management, custom themes, FTP integration, capturing streaming media and more, there's an add-on or plug-in for just about anything you need. However, be selective in what you add as the browser's performance in hindered after a while. Faster than IE. Portable version available for running it off my thumb drive. Use it to test web sites under different resolution settings on both the Windows and Mac platforms (second highest market share in browsers).
3. Safari - Primary for RSS. When I want to browse a single source of news feeds, the clean presentation of an RSS feed in Safari is much more pleasant to the eyes than any other browser. For perusing through all my prefered feeds though, Google Reader or Thunderbird are still my primary choices. Use it to test web sites under different resolution settings on both the Windows and Mac platforms.
4. Opera - Mostly speed. Fast browser, on par with Firefox. M"
"I use multiple browsers, but each for a different reason:
1. IE8 - General web browsing. Very secure compared to previous versions. The only browser able to access Microsoft Update manually. Most web based add-ons work with IE (HP Smart Web Printing, RoboForm, TrendProtect, Google Toolbar, Adobe Acroboat, Skype, etc.). Easy to add custom search engines to the search bar. Works great with bookmarklets. Includes great features like Accelerators and InPrivate Filtering. Great zoom function (entire web page, not just text). Use it to test web sites under different resolution settings (around 90% of the market share in browsers). Many sites still rely on Active X Controls and will only work with IE.
2. Firefox - Extensions/Add-Ons, enough said. From tab and bookmark organization and navigation to download management, custom themes, FTP integration, capturing streaming media and more, there's an add-on or plug-in for just about anything you need. However, be selective in what you add as the browser's performance in hindered after a while. Faster than IE. Portable version available for running it off my thumb drive. Use it to test web sites under different resolution settings on both the Windows and Mac platforms (second highest market share in browsers).
3. Safari - Primary for RSS. When I want to browse a single source of news feeds, the clean presentation of an RSS feed in Safari is much more pleasant to the eyes than any other browser. For perusing through all my prefered feeds though, Google Reader or Thunderbird are still my primary choices. Use it to test web sites under different resolution settings on both the Windows and Mac platforms.
4. Opera - Mostly speed. Fast browser, on par with Firefox. M"
Flu Vaccinations
Flu Vaccinations
"At the health department, the cost for a flu shot is $27, a flu nasal spray is $35, and a pneumonia shot is $52. Payment by cash or check is due at the time of service.
Anyone can receive a flu vaccination at the health department, however, the health department is unable to bill Medicare or health insurance programs other than Medicaid.
Hours of service are Monday through Friday from Noon until 4:30 pm."
"At the health department, the cost for a flu shot is $27, a flu nasal spray is $35, and a pneumonia shot is $52. Payment by cash or check is due at the time of service.
Anyone can receive a flu vaccination at the health department, however, the health department is unable to bill Medicare or health insurance programs other than Medicaid.
Hours of service are Monday through Friday from Noon until 4:30 pm."
Music from '50s through '70s returns to the airways with WGVU-AM move to oldies format
Music from '50s through '70s returns to the airways with WGVU-AM move to oldies format
WGVU AM is answering more than a few West Michigan prayers with newly announced radio station, Real Oldies 1480/850.
The all-oldies NPR radio station, playing local to national hits from the mid-'50s to early '70s, will be hosted by former WFGR-FM (98.7) personality Len O'Kelly and Bill Bailey, formerly of WLHT.
......The format was abandoned in 2004 with WODJ and again recently with WFGR.
"Our hope is third time's a charm," O'Kelly said.
........."We want people to say, 'Wow, I haven't heard that in 40 years,'" O'Kelly said.
Also, the station will be the first NPR station in the country to adopt the oldies format, "which is kind of cool," O'Kelly said.
Find the fool that authorized this move and fire him/her/it NOW!
WGVU AM is answering more than a few West Michigan prayers with newly announced radio station, Real Oldies 1480/850.
The all-oldies NPR radio station, playing local to national hits from the mid-'50s to early '70s, will be hosted by former WFGR-FM (98.7) personality Len O'Kelly and Bill Bailey, formerly of WLHT.
......The format was abandoned in 2004 with WODJ and again recently with WFGR.
"Our hope is third time's a charm," O'Kelly said.
........."We want people to say, 'Wow, I haven't heard that in 40 years,'" O'Kelly said.
Also, the station will be the first NPR station in the country to adopt the oldies format, "which is kind of cool," O'Kelly said.
Find the fool that authorized this move and fire him/her/it NOW!
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
SETTING UP THE NEXT STRIKE - New York Post
SETTING UP THE NEXT STRIKE
"For the evidence is clear: They work.
The use of such techniques against Khalid Sheik Mohammed not only elicited significant information, it may well also have saved thousands of lives.
As Cheney pointedly noted, those who applied them -- and even those who exceeded their authority -- 'were directly responsible for the fact that for eight years we had no further mass-casualty attacks against the United States.'
Which raises the obvious question: How do those who decry such techniques as immoral propose to break other KSMs and obtain information from them -- by playing tapes of President Obama's 'outreach to the Muslim world' speech?
That may make the ACLU and Capitol Hill Democrats ecstatic.
But it's not likely to stop the next 9/11."
"For the evidence is clear: They work.
The use of such techniques against Khalid Sheik Mohammed not only elicited significant information, it may well also have saved thousands of lives.
As Cheney pointedly noted, those who applied them -- and even those who exceeded their authority -- 'were directly responsible for the fact that for eight years we had no further mass-casualty attacks against the United States.'
Which raises the obvious question: How do those who decry such techniques as immoral propose to break other KSMs and obtain information from them -- by playing tapes of President Obama's 'outreach to the Muslim world' speech?
That may make the ACLU and Capitol Hill Democrats ecstatic.
But it's not likely to stop the next 9/11."
Rock the Boat with red-hot fest band
Rock the Boat with red-hot fest band
"Named one of the top five up-and-coming festival jam bands by Billboard Magazine, Muskegon's own Four Finger Five will return to the deck of the LST-393 for an evening of music benefiting four groups.
IF YOU GO
• What: Rock the Boat featuring Four Finger Five and special guests Ultraviolet Hippopotamus, Garganta and DJ Eminent.
• Why: Proceeds benefit the LST-393, Muskegon Film Festival, Michigan Film Corps and The Harbor Theater.
• When: 7-11 p.m. Saturday.
• Where: Deck of the LST-393, at Mart Dock in downtown Muskegon.
• Cover: $10 at the door. Cash only. Ages 21 and up. Coolers and snacks allowed, beverages not furnished. Fricanos pizza will be for sale. Limited seating, so bring lawn chairs.
• Information: 727-0805 or e-mail sarahr@watermarkcenter.com
"Named one of the top five up-and-coming festival jam bands by Billboard Magazine, Muskegon's own Four Finger Five will return to the deck of the LST-393 for an evening of music benefiting four groups.
IF YOU GO
• What: Rock the Boat featuring Four Finger Five and special guests Ultraviolet Hippopotamus, Garganta and DJ Eminent.
• Why: Proceeds benefit the LST-393, Muskegon Film Festival, Michigan Film Corps and The Harbor Theater.
• When: 7-11 p.m. Saturday.
• Where: Deck of the LST-393, at Mart Dock in downtown Muskegon.
• Cover: $10 at the door. Cash only. Ages 21 and up. Coolers and snacks allowed, beverages not furnished. Fricanos pizza will be for sale. Limited seating, so bring lawn chairs.
• Information: 727-0805 or e-mail sarahr@watermarkcenter.com
Kirk Cousins named MSU starter, but Keith Nichol will play
Kirk Cousins named MSU starter, but Keith Nichol will play
Michigan State has a starting quarterback. Spartans coach Mark Dantonio on Tuesday named Kirk Cousins his starter for Saturday's season opener against Montana State at Spartan Stadium.
'We'll allow him to get into a rhythm,' said Dantonio of Cousins.
Keith Nichol, an Oklahoma transfer, is expected to see his first game experience in the first half, Dantonio added.
Dantonio said he will allow both players to grow into the MSU quarterback position during the season.
MSU's top three running backs for Saturday's game -- in no particular order -- are redshirt freshman Caulton Ray and true freshmen Larry Caper and Edwin Baker, Dantonio said."
Sounds like Muskegon's Leggett ain't in that group.
All frosh.
Michigan State has a starting quarterback. Spartans coach Mark Dantonio on Tuesday named Kirk Cousins his starter for Saturday's season opener against Montana State at Spartan Stadium.
'We'll allow him to get into a rhythm,' said Dantonio of Cousins.
Keith Nichol, an Oklahoma transfer, is expected to see his first game experience in the first half, Dantonio added.
Dantonio said he will allow both players to grow into the MSU quarterback position during the season.
MSU's top three running backs for Saturday's game -- in no particular order -- are redshirt freshman Caulton Ray and true freshmen Larry Caper and Edwin Baker, Dantonio said."
Sounds like Muskegon's Leggett ain't in that group.
All frosh.
Nothing new here, except the source of U-M allegations
Nothing new here, except the source of U-M allegations
"The bigger long-term problem for Rodriguez, and the clearest sign so far that his time in Ann Arbor could be limited, is that many of his recent players ratted him out about it."
"The bigger long-term problem for Rodriguez, and the clearest sign so far that his time in Ann Arbor could be limited, is that many of his recent players ratted him out about it."
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