Thursday, May 16, 2013

See how your hometown’s checkbook is holding up (searchable database)

See how your hometown’s checkbook is holding up (searchable database) | Bridge Michigan

17 years later, 'It Takes A Village' becomes a federal program

17 years later, 'It Takes A Village' becomes a federal program | WashingtonExaminer.com:

Snow days: Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder signs law allowing longer school days rather than makeups

Snow days: Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder signs law allowing longer school days rather than makeups | MLive.com:
"Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder on Thursday signed into law legislation allowing school districts that cancelled class multiple times this winter to meet state requirements by extending existing days rather than scheduling makeups."

American Indian mascots: Michigan bills would force civil rights department to fund school changes

American Indian mascots: Michigan bills would force civil rights department to fund school changes | MLive.com:
"Republican lawmakers are introducing legislation that would strip funding from the Michigan Department of Civil Rights and make the money available to local schools if they are forced to change their American Indian-related mascots as a result of a discrimination complaint filed by the department."

Venezuela hopes to wipe out toilet paper shortage by importing 50m rolls

Venezuela hopes to wipe out toilet paper shortage by importing 50m rolls | World news | guardian.co.uk: "Minister blames shortage on 'excessive demand caused by media campaign generated to disrupt the country'"

Men who are physically strong are more likely to have right wing political views

Men who are physically strong are more likely to have right wing political views | Mail Online:
"Men who are physically strong are more likely to have right wing political views
Weaker men more likely to support welfare state and wealth redistribution
Link may reflect psychological traits that evolved in our ancestors
Strength was a proxy for ability to defend or acquire resources"

Mark Hollis, Jim Delany speak on MSU, Big Ten issues: What they said and what I think | Couch on fire

Mark Hollis, Jim Delany speak on MSU, Big Ten issues: What they said and what I think | Couch on fire:
"– Hollis spoke about the seriousness of this upcoming season for MSU football. It should be noted, he was prompted to do so by a question that afforded almost no other response.
What was he supposed to say?
“Well, guys, we’ll do our best and see how it goes.”
Still, they were strong words and I’m sure, by some media outlets, will be sensationalized.
Here’s some of what Hollis said, when asked at what point 6-6 becomes unacceptable:
“(If it happened again) there’d probably be a gathering of troops to ask why are we there two years in a row. … It is a very important season for Michigan State, no question.”

My take: Again, this was prompted and a probably unavoidable response.
But it is important that MSU’s AD is on record with such urgency.
It’s a starting point with him if this season were to play out poorly."

Not just Detroit: New report finds fiscal troubles for dozens of city halls across Michigan

Not just Detroit: New report finds fiscal troubles for dozens of city halls across Michigan | MLive.com:
"While the financial problems of Detroit have captured the headlines this spring, a new analysis released today on government finance finds that dozens of Michigan communities may be on a course for crisis.
According to Munetrix, a Web-based data consultant in Auburn Hills, dozens of local units of government were in a financial state that is “cause for concern” in their 2011 fiscal years.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

The Great Morel - Growing Tips and Theories

The Great Morel - Growing Tips and Theories

Miller Claims He’s Only Leaving the IRS Because His Term Ends In June

The PJ Tatler » Breaking: Miller Claims He’s Only Leaving the IRS Because His Term Ends In June:

HHS Doles Out 2nd Round of Billion Dollar Innovation Awards, But Can’t Say What Savings Seen Yet From 1st Round

HHS Doles Out 2nd Round of Billion Dollar Innovation Awards, But Can’t Say What Savings Seen Yet From 1st Round | CNS News

“Bringing down health care cost is our top priority,” Sebelius said.
But Richard Gilfillan, director of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, who took questions from reporters on the conference call, could not tell reporters how much the $900 million awards given out last year has saved taxpayers in health care costs.
A reporter asked Gilfillan about the $1.9 billion savings over three years that HHS officials had predicted from the first round of awards and whether he could report any savings over the first year.
“All of our round-one proposals, our applicants, have put in operating plans,” Gilfillan said. “They’ve begun operations, but we do not have any estimates to share with you at this time.”
Another reporter asked a more pointed question:
“Has CMS’s actuaries found or confirmed savings by any innovation center project at this point, and are you guys preparing yet to expand any of them to become a permanent nationwide program as you’re authorized under the health law?” the reporter asked.
“We are still in relatively early stages of the roll out of some of the models that we have,” Gilfillan said. “We’re working closely with our colleagues in our evaluations group and our colleagues in the actuarial group to monitor performance.
“We do not have any results that we would use to pursue the path you describe,” Gilfillan said.
“Do you know when you might?” the reporter asked.
“I’m not commenting on that today,” Gilfillan said.

No Warming in Antarctica, Satellite Data Show

No Warming in Antarctica, Satellite Data Show | Heartlander Magazine:
"Antarctic temperatures are not rising at all and have slightly declined during the past 33 years, satellite data show.
Steven Goddard provides a powerful chart on his Real Science website  of Antarctic temperatures as measured since 1979 by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) instruments aboard NASA satellites.
Global warming alarmists often claim the Antarctic continent is warming, but the satellite data confirm the ground-based temperature measurements showing Antarctica is cooling rather than warming."