EPA May Reverse Bush, Limit Carbon Emissions From Coal-Fired Plants
"The industry has vigorously opposed efforts to regulate those emissions, asserting that the policy should be set by Congress. Moreover, technology for capturing carbon dioxide emissions is currently expensive and virtually untested."
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Muskegon to be featured in BBC documentary on climate change
Muskegon to be featured in BBC documentary on climate change
"Muskegon as an area that has had some difficulty going green,' Howard said. 'My family isn't very green, we're more like fuscia ... but we're trying.'
Reporter Justin Rowlatt, the BBC's so-called 'Ethical Man,' will be the face of the documentary. The BBC last year had Rowlatt's family live a green lifestyle to see how much they could reduce their carbon emissions by not driving or flying on airplanes and reducing their consumption of meat.
Rowlatt's family gave up their car for a year and ate only vegan foods for a month but were only able to reduce their carbon emissions, or carbon footprint, by 20 percent. Some scientists and policymakers have said greenhouse gas emissions worldwide must be slashed by 80 percent to avoid a global climate catastrophe.
Carbon dioxide emissions generated by burning fossil fuels -- coal, oil and gasoline -- is one of the primary causes of global warming. There is now scientific consensus that the planet is warming and that human activities are contributing to the problem.
Readers can track the BBC project on Rowlatt's blog, www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/ethicalman."
"Muskegon as an area that has had some difficulty going green,' Howard said. 'My family isn't very green, we're more like fuscia ... but we're trying.'
Reporter Justin Rowlatt, the BBC's so-called 'Ethical Man,' will be the face of the documentary. The BBC last year had Rowlatt's family live a green lifestyle to see how much they could reduce their carbon emissions by not driving or flying on airplanes and reducing their consumption of meat.
Rowlatt's family gave up their car for a year and ate only vegan foods for a month but were only able to reduce their carbon emissions, or carbon footprint, by 20 percent. Some scientists and policymakers have said greenhouse gas emissions worldwide must be slashed by 80 percent to avoid a global climate catastrophe.
Carbon dioxide emissions generated by burning fossil fuels -- coal, oil and gasoline -- is one of the primary causes of global warming. There is now scientific consensus that the planet is warming and that human activities are contributing to the problem.
Readers can track the BBC project on Rowlatt's blog, www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/ethicalman."
Triumph for human rights and psycho jihadists
Triumph for human rights and psycho jihadists
"This has been an excellent week for Muslim psychopaths. First, Abu Qatada - “Osama Bin Laden’s right-hand man in Europe” - has been given leave to stay in Britain by the European Court of Human Rights"
"This has been an excellent week for Muslim psychopaths. First, Abu Qatada - “Osama Bin Laden’s right-hand man in Europe” - has been given leave to stay in Britain by the European Court of Human Rights"
Matthew Kaminski Says Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's California Is Verging on Fiscal Insolvency
Matthew Kaminski Says Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's California Is Verging on Fiscal Insolvency
"As California goes, says an old cliché, so goes the nation.
Oh my.
These days, the Golden State leads the nation on economic and fiscal dysfunction, from the empty homes spread across the Central Valley to the highest state budget shortfall in the nation's history.
Meanwhile, its political class pioneers denial in the face of catastrophe"
"As California goes, says an old cliché, so goes the nation.
Oh my.
These days, the Golden State leads the nation on economic and fiscal dysfunction, from the empty homes spread across the Central Valley to the highest state budget shortfall in the nation's history.
Meanwhile, its political class pioneers denial in the face of catastrophe"
Saturday, February 21, 2009
CARPE DIEM: Julian Simon vs. President Obama's Science Man
In 1980 Paul Ehrlich, a Stanford scientist and environmental Cassandra who predicted calamitous food shortages by 1990, accepted a bet with economist Julian Simon.
When Ehrlich predicted the imminent exhaustion of many nonrenewable natural resources,
Simon challenged him: Pick a "basket" of any five such commodities, and I will wager that in a decade the price of the basket will decline, indicating decreased scarcity.
Ehrlich picked five metals -- chrome, copper, nickel, tin and tungsten -- that he predicted would become more expensive.
Not only did the price of the basket decline, the price of all five declined (see chart above, all prices are in 2000 dollars, data from Global Financial Data).
An expert Ehrlich consulted in picking the five was John Holdren, who today is President Obama's science adviser.
Gov wants bars to stay open till 4 a.m. | detnews.com | The Detroit News
Gov wants bars to stay open till 4 a.m. detnews.com The Detroit News: "Gov. Jennifer Granholm is betting that liquor sales and longer bar hours will bring in more money for Michigan's cash-starved budget.
The plan involves liquor stores and restaurants selling spirits on Sunday mornings and bar owners buying permits for their establishments to stay open until 4 a.m. The expanded hours for liquor sales would generate an estimated $13.7 million for the state's general fund, the pot over which the governor and lawmakers have spending discretion. Additional revenue would come from the sale of the special permits priced at $1,500 each.
'Clearly, this is an opportunity for revenue enhancement in difficult economic times,' said Megan Brown, spokeswoman for the governor. 'It's also an opportunity for communities to enhance entertainment districts and for businesses to expand profits."
The plan involves liquor stores and restaurants selling spirits on Sunday mornings and bar owners buying permits for their establishments to stay open until 4 a.m. The expanded hours for liquor sales would generate an estimated $13.7 million for the state's general fund, the pot over which the governor and lawmakers have spending discretion. Additional revenue would come from the sale of the special permits priced at $1,500 each.
'Clearly, this is an opportunity for revenue enhancement in difficult economic times,' said Megan Brown, spokeswoman for the governor. 'It's also an opportunity for communities to enhance entertainment districts and for businesses to expand profits."
Bottom Up Politics: "Small Steps"
Bottom Up Politics: "Small Steps"
"David Farhat our own newly elected Muskegon County Republican Chairman owns a building in the downtown and he stood up and explained how he only had 3 tenants and his rent was the cheapest in town. He couldn’t attract any more. He couldn’t understand how adding a couple of thousand to his tax bill forcing him out of business or to raise rents would remedy that situation. He also brought up a good point when he wondered why the huge Renovated Amazon building which is mainly made up of condos wasn’t going to be taxed in the plan at least for the condos.
He did give the best line of the night which went something like this at the end of his remarks. “I haven’t heard of a saying that says. Tax it and they will come”. Great line, had everyone snickering if not outright laughing."
"David Farhat our own newly elected Muskegon County Republican Chairman owns a building in the downtown and he stood up and explained how he only had 3 tenants and his rent was the cheapest in town. He couldn’t attract any more. He couldn’t understand how adding a couple of thousand to his tax bill forcing him out of business or to raise rents would remedy that situation. He also brought up a good point when he wondered why the huge Renovated Amazon building which is mainly made up of condos wasn’t going to be taxed in the plan at least for the condos.
He did give the best line of the night which went something like this at the end of his remarks. “I haven’t heard of a saying that says. Tax it and they will come”. Great line, had everyone snickering if not outright laughing."
'Winter' phrase could box Obama in
'Winter' phrase could box Obama in
"'This winter of our hardship.'
The phrase caught the attention of speechwriting scholars and headline writers alike when President Obama unveiled it in the conclusion of his inaugural speech, then dusted it off this week during his inaugural prime-time press conference."
Spoken with such power by our "Jimma Carter of 2009"
"'This winter of our hardship.'
The phrase caught the attention of speechwriting scholars and headline writers alike when President Obama unveiled it in the conclusion of his inaugural speech, then dusted it off this week during his inaugural prime-time press conference."
Spoken with such power by our "Jimma Carter of 2009"
Couric: Nationalizing Banks Will Provide 'Big Dose of Confidence'
Couric: Nationalizing Banks Will Provide 'Big Dose of Confidence'
"Katie Couric concluded a Thursday night look at the pros and cons of nationalizing banks by seeing the federal government as a comforting security blanket: 'Nationalization may have a psychological impact as well, and Uncle Sam wrapping his arms around failing banks in this country might provide a big dose of confidence for the American consumer.'"
Another new low in our MSM's personal idiocy.
"Katie Couric concluded a Thursday night look at the pros and cons of nationalizing banks by seeing the federal government as a comforting security blanket: 'Nationalization may have a psychological impact as well, and Uncle Sam wrapping his arms around failing banks in this country might provide a big dose of confidence for the American consumer.'"
Another new low in our MSM's personal idiocy.
Accounting for (Congressional) Dummies
Accounting for (Congressional) Dummies
"All of this raises some fascinating questions, the timeliest of which is:
How does a CEO answer questions about financial accounting when they're asked by dimwits who don't know enough to understand the answers?
Honestly, I don't know what I would do if I were in the CEO punishment seat being thumb-screwed by Barney Frank, or mau-maued by Maxine Waters."
"All of this raises some fascinating questions, the timeliest of which is:
How does a CEO answer questions about financial accounting when they're asked by dimwits who don't know enough to understand the answers?
Honestly, I don't know what I would do if I were in the CEO punishment seat being thumb-screwed by Barney Frank, or mau-maued by Maxine Waters."
WHY THE MARKETS ARE TANKING
WHY THE MARKETS ARE TANKING
"Last Oct. 13, in trying to explain why the market had sold off 30% in six weeks, we acknowledged that the freeze-up of the financial system was a big concern.
But we cited three other factors as well:
The imminent election of 'the most anti-capitalist politician ever nominated by a major party.'
The possibility of 'a filibuster-proof Congress led by politicians who are almost as liberal.'
A 'media establishment dedicated to the implementation of a liberal agenda, and the smothering of dissent wherever it arises.'
No wonder, we said then, that panic had set in."
"Last Oct. 13, in trying to explain why the market had sold off 30% in six weeks, we acknowledged that the freeze-up of the financial system was a big concern.
But we cited three other factors as well:
The imminent election of 'the most anti-capitalist politician ever nominated by a major party.'
The possibility of 'a filibuster-proof Congress led by politicians who are almost as liberal.'
A 'media establishment dedicated to the implementation of a liberal agenda, and the smothering of dissent wherever it arises.'
No wonder, we said then, that panic had set in."
Tea Party U.S.A.: The movement grows
Tea Party U.S.A.: The movement grows
"Seattle on Monday. Denver on Tuesday. Mesa AZ on Wednesday. Overland Park, Kansas today. What a week, huh? We got the anti-stimulus, anti-entitlement protest ball rolling — and now the movement, spurred further by CNBC host Rick Santelli’s call for a “Chicago Tea Party,” is really taking off."
"Seattle on Monday. Denver on Tuesday. Mesa AZ on Wednesday. Overland Park, Kansas today. What a week, huh? We got the anti-stimulus, anti-entitlement protest ball rolling — and now the movement, spurred further by CNBC host Rick Santelli’s call for a “Chicago Tea Party,” is really taking off."
OBAMA'S 2000 POINT TUMBLE
OBAMA'S 2000 POINT TUMBLE
"Forbes' Rich Karlgaard says that it's clear that the markets hate Obamanomics and Obeynomics.
Stocks are down 27% since the Nov. 4th election. Stocks have plummeted more than 40% since Obama sewed up the Democratic nomination in June.
Capital is on strike. And why wouldn’t it be?
Private capital has no idea what future holds in terms of taxes, regulation, trade, deficits and the value of the dollar.
None whatsoever."
"Forbes' Rich Karlgaard says that it's clear that the markets hate Obamanomics and Obeynomics.
Stocks are down 27% since the Nov. 4th election. Stocks have plummeted more than 40% since Obama sewed up the Democratic nomination in June.
Capital is on strike. And why wouldn’t it be?
Private capital has no idea what future holds in terms of taxes, regulation, trade, deficits and the value of the dollar.
None whatsoever."
Campus "free speech"?
More from the "free speech for me but not for thee" crowd
"Professor in Speech Class Refuses to Grade Student's Presentation, apparently because of the religious nature of the student's presentation, the student's expression of opposition for same-sex marriage in the presentation, or both.
On top of that, he apparently called the student a 'fascist bastard' in front of the class for having supported the anti-same-sex-marriage Prop. 8, and refused to allow the student to finish the presentation. Lovely."
"Professor in Speech Class Refuses to Grade Student's Presentation, apparently because of the religious nature of the student's presentation, the student's expression of opposition for same-sex marriage in the presentation, or both.
On top of that, he apparently called the student a 'fascist bastard' in front of the class for having supported the anti-same-sex-marriage Prop. 8, and refused to allow the student to finish the presentation. Lovely."
Friday, February 20, 2009
City could consider bankruptcy
City could consider bankruptcy
"The chairman of the City Council's budget and finance committee called Thursday for Stockton to at least consider filing for bankruptcy protection, the council flirting for the first time - though still nowhere near embracing - a drastic measure it once paid no mind."
"The chairman of the City Council's budget and finance committee called Thursday for Stockton to at least consider filing for bankruptcy protection, the council flirting for the first time - though still nowhere near embracing - a drastic measure it once paid no mind."
CARPE DIEM: Start at 18, Retire at 48, Spend More Yrs. Getting Pension, Free Health Care Than Yrs. Working
Start at 18, Retire at 48, Spend More Yrs. Getting Pension, Free Health Care Than Yrs. Working
"In the early 1970s, Detroit agreed to let auto workers retire with full pension and benefits after 30 years on the job, regardless of their age. In practice, that meant a worker could start at age 18, retire at 48, and spend more years collecting a pension and free health care than he or she actually spent working. It wasn't long before even union officials realized they had created a monster."
"In the early 1970s, Detroit agreed to let auto workers retire with full pension and benefits after 30 years on the job, regardless of their age. In practice, that meant a worker could start at age 18, retire at 48, and spend more years collecting a pension and free health care than he or she actually spent working. It wasn't long before even union officials realized they had created a monster."
MSU loses one of its legends
MSU loses one of its legends
"Brad Van Pelt, a former two-time All-America football player at Michigan State, was remembered Wednesday by former teammates and coaches as an outstanding person as well as a versatile and gifted athlete."
"Brad Van Pelt, a former two-time All-America football player at Michigan State, was remembered Wednesday by former teammates and coaches as an outstanding person as well as a versatile and gifted athlete."
Obama's Governing Style
Obama's Governing Style
"In the Middle Ages, when a young prince suddenly and prematurely became king, the royal court, the church leadership and other senior aristocrats would scrutinize his every word and habit for signs of what kind of mind would be deciding their country's fate and their personal prosperity and safety.
Today, around the world, President Barack Obama's every word, every action, every inaction is being likewise scrutinized for similar reasons."
"In the Middle Ages, when a young prince suddenly and prematurely became king, the royal court, the church leadership and other senior aristocrats would scrutinize his every word and habit for signs of what kind of mind would be deciding their country's fate and their personal prosperity and safety.
Today, around the world, President Barack Obama's every word, every action, every inaction is being likewise scrutinized for similar reasons."
City sweetens downtown condo deal
City sweetens downtown condo deal
"The city of Muskegon is trying to spur buyers' interest in downtown condominiums by offering to convert one of them into a 'dockominium.'
That's right -- the first person to buy a condo priced at $250,000 or more before Dec. 15 gets a boat slip on Muskegon Lake.
The slip is a 60-footer at Harbour Towne Marina, near the Muskegon Lake Channel. It was acquired by the city from the state of Michigan through tax reversion.
The offer is good for condominium units in WaterMark Place, Vida Nova, Heritage Square Townhomes now under construction, and Highpoint Flats, the eight-story former Comerica Bank building yet to undergo conversion into residences.
The buyer will be required to reimburse the city its $5,000 acquisition costs, and will be subject to all future fees, taxes and assessments on the slips."
I wonder how long this will be available.....
"The city of Muskegon is trying to spur buyers' interest in downtown condominiums by offering to convert one of them into a 'dockominium.'
That's right -- the first person to buy a condo priced at $250,000 or more before Dec. 15 gets a boat slip on Muskegon Lake.
The slip is a 60-footer at Harbour Towne Marina, near the Muskegon Lake Channel. It was acquired by the city from the state of Michigan through tax reversion.
The offer is good for condominium units in WaterMark Place, Vida Nova, Heritage Square Townhomes now under construction, and Highpoint Flats, the eight-story former Comerica Bank building yet to undergo conversion into residences.
The buyer will be required to reimburse the city its $5,000 acquisition costs, and will be subject to all future fees, taxes and assessments on the slips."
I wonder how long this will be available.....
Frozen Wave Phenomenon on Lake Huron
Frozen Wave Phenomenon on Lake Huron
"Michigan has had the coldest winter in decades. Water expands to freeze, and at Macinaw City the water in Lake Huron below the surface ice was supercooled. It expanded to break through the surface ice and froze into this incredible wave.
This wave phenomena is seen in Antarctica, but in Michigan? Yes, it's been quite a winter!"
"Michigan has had the coldest winter in decades. Water expands to freeze, and at Macinaw City the water in Lake Huron below the surface ice was supercooled. It expanded to break through the surface ice and froze into this incredible wave.
This wave phenomena is seen in Antarctica, but in Michigan? Yes, it's been quite a winter!"
click the link to see even more!
Dana Milbank - The Audacity of Audaciousness
Dana Milbank - The Audacity of Audaciousness
"It takes a certain amount of nerve to have an event at the National Press Club and then ban the press from covering it.
"It takes another level of chutzpah entirely to admit members of the general public to your event at the National Press Club, recruit a news organization as the co-sponsor and then tell the press they can't cover it.
And Milbank is a major libo-journalista.
Wow! When you piss off the lib journalists this fast, one wonders what the next 4 years will bring.
"It takes a certain amount of nerve to have an event at the National Press Club and then ban the press from covering it.
"It takes another level of chutzpah entirely to admit members of the general public to your event at the National Press Club, recruit a news organization as the co-sponsor and then tell the press they can't cover it.
And Milbank is a major libo-journalista.
Wow! When you piss off the lib journalists this fast, one wonders what the next 4 years will bring.
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