DHS grants 'like winning the lottery' for state, local officials | WashingtonExaminer.com
"Political factors created upward pressure on the program as more and more cities wanted to receive funding," the report said.
Local governments are not required to put up any money of their own.
They also are not required to demonstrate how the money would make them safer from terrorism.
So explanations like using 13 Sno-Cone machines to generate ice packs in a medical disaster was enough for Montcalm County, Mich., officials to justify the cost, pegged at $6,200 in the Coburn report but $11,700 in local news accounts......
The zombie skit provided training on how to deal with "extreme medical situations where people become crazed and violent, creating widespread fear and disorder," according to the justification cited in the report.
Getting a DHS grant is like "winning the lottery" one local official told Coburn's researchers.
Sunday, December 09, 2012
Saturday, December 08, 2012
Number Of Workers Aged 25-54 Back To April 1997 Levels
Number Of Workers Aged 25-54 Back To April 1997 Levels | ZeroHedge
When people think of the conventional battery of options the BLS applies to fudge the monthly payrolls number, the labor force participation is the first thing that comes mind: after all the thesis is that old workers are increasingly dropping out of the labor force and retiring.
Nothing could be further from the truth as can be seen in this chart of workers aged 55-69, i.e. the prime retirement age.
But perhaps a far more important secular issue is the complete lack of pickup in the prime worker demographic, those aged 25-54, which in November dropped by 400k to 94 MM.
This is a level first breached in April 1997, in other words in the past 15 years not a single incremental job has been gained in this most productive and lucrative of age groups!
When people think of the conventional battery of options the BLS applies to fudge the monthly payrolls number, the labor force participation is the first thing that comes mind: after all the thesis is that old workers are increasingly dropping out of the labor force and retiring.
Nothing could be further from the truth as can be seen in this chart of workers aged 55-69, i.e. the prime retirement age.
But perhaps a far more important secular issue is the complete lack of pickup in the prime worker demographic, those aged 25-54, which in November dropped by 400k to 94 MM.
Unions Lose Big in Michigan
Unions Lose Big in Michigan | Via Meadia
Although Lansing passed right-to-work bills covering both types of unions, the bill covering public-sector unions only managed four votes against—a small minority of even the Democrats.
The vote for the bill protecting private-sector unions was much closer.
There could not be a more telling illustration of the deep trouble facing the public union movement.
Although Lansing passed right-to-work bills covering both types of unions, the bill covering public-sector unions only managed four votes against—a small minority of even the Democrats.
The vote for the bill protecting private-sector unions was much closer.
There could not be a more telling illustration of the deep trouble facing the public union movement.
'Bullish' November Data Mask The Ugly Truth About Employment
'Bullish' November Data Mask The Ugly Truth About Employment - Investors.com
OK, but we still have private-sector job growth, right?
Not really.
In the last six months, 621,000 of the 847,000 new jobs created have been in government, not the private sector, according to CNSNews.com.
That's 73% of all jobs — not a healthy labor market.
OK, but we still have private-sector job growth, right?
Not really.
In the last six months, 621,000 of the 847,000 new jobs created have been in government, not the private sector, according to CNSNews.com.
That's 73% of all jobs — not a healthy labor market.
Navy's Battle Plan: Don't Let Them Get Your Goat
Navy's Battle Plan: Don't Let Them Get Your Goat - WSJ.com
The measures are understandable.
The Navy animals have already gone missing twice in the past two weeks, in the run-up to Saturday's Army-Navy football game, the 113th meeting of one of college football's oldest rivalries.
Enlarge Image
So who's been getting the Navy's goats?
The measures are understandable.
The Navy animals have already gone missing twice in the past two weeks, in the run-up to Saturday's Army-Navy football game, the 113th meeting of one of college football's oldest rivalries.
Enlarge Image
So who's been getting the Navy's goats?
Friday, December 07, 2012
Eaton County Dumps Prevailing Wage Law
Eaton County Dumps Prevailing Wage Law [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
On Wednesday night, Eaton County repealed its prevailing wage law, opening up the local market to more competitive wages for construction jobs.
The 12-3 vote by the Board of Commissioners was along party lines with Republicans voting to repeal the restrictive wage law; Democrats voted to keep it in place.
Prevailing wage laws mandate that union-scale wages be paid on construction work funded by taxpayer dollars regardless of whether the company's workers belong to a union.
Local governments can do nothing about federal and state prevailing wage laws, but they do have control over their own.
On Wednesday night, Eaton County repealed its prevailing wage law, opening up the local market to more competitive wages for construction jobs.
The 12-3 vote by the Board of Commissioners was along party lines with Republicans voting to repeal the restrictive wage law; Democrats voted to keep it in place.
Prevailing wage laws mandate that union-scale wages be paid on construction work funded by taxpayer dollars regardless of whether the company's workers belong to a union.
Local governments can do nothing about federal and state prevailing wage laws, but they do have control over their own.
The End Of The Free Internet?
Dickmorris.com
Until now, the work of the UN negotiators who are pondering how to regulate the Internet has been shrouded in secrecy. But as 1,950 delegates from 193 countries gather this week in Dubai to consider 900 proposals to regulate the Internet, their game is becoming clear.
The Russian-educated head of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the UN body seeking to control the Internet, Dr. Hamadoun Toure says: “The brutal truth is that the internet remains largely [the] rich world’s privilege.” He adds that “the ITU wants to change that.”
Here’s how:
The ITU wants to force companies — and eventually their users (us) — to pay for streaming video. The proposal is called “pay to stream” or “a quality based model.” According to the BBC, “This would see firms face charges if they wanted to ensure streamed video and other quality-critical content download without the risk of problems such as jerky images.” Presumably the revenues from this Internet Tax would go to building up Net infrastructure in the less developed world. And, undoubtedly, the cost will be passed onto the users throughout the world — including you!
But building up the Net’s third world infrastructure is not the real agenda here. It’s a facade.
Russia and China want firms like Google to have to pay to send streaming video into other countries, creating a charge that can be passed on to the users. The idea is to make it so expensive that nobody in their totalitarian countries downloads anything they shouldn’t which might open their eyes to the truth Moscow and Beijing want to keep out.
Until now, the work of the UN negotiators who are pondering how to regulate the Internet has been shrouded in secrecy. But as 1,950 delegates from 193 countries gather this week in Dubai to consider 900 proposals to regulate the Internet, their game is becoming clear.
The Russian-educated head of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the UN body seeking to control the Internet, Dr. Hamadoun Toure says: “The brutal truth is that the internet remains largely [the] rich world’s privilege.” He adds that “the ITU wants to change that.”
Here’s how:
The ITU wants to force companies — and eventually their users (us) — to pay for streaming video. The proposal is called “pay to stream” or “a quality based model.” According to the BBC, “This would see firms face charges if they wanted to ensure streamed video and other quality-critical content download without the risk of problems such as jerky images.” Presumably the revenues from this Internet Tax would go to building up Net infrastructure in the less developed world. And, undoubtedly, the cost will be passed onto the users throughout the world — including you!
But building up the Net’s third world infrastructure is not the real agenda here. It’s a facade.
Russia and China want firms like Google to have to pay to send streaming video into other countries, creating a charge that can be passed on to the users. The idea is to make it so expensive that nobody in their totalitarian countries downloads anything they shouldn’t which might open their eyes to the truth Moscow and Beijing want to keep out.
Catcher in the Rye dropped from US school curriculum
Catcher in the Rye dropped from US school curriculum - Telegraph
Books such as JD Salinger's Catcher in the Rye and Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird will be replaced by "informational texts" approved by the Common Core State Standards.
Suggested non-fiction texts include Recommended Levels of Insulation by the the US Environmental Protection Agency, and the Invasive Plant Inventory, by California's Invasive Plant Council.
Books such as JD Salinger's Catcher in the Rye and Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird will be replaced by "informational texts" approved by the Common Core State Standards.
Suggested non-fiction texts include Recommended Levels of Insulation by the the US Environmental Protection Agency, and the Invasive Plant Inventory, by California's Invasive Plant Council.
SHOCKER: Businesses Fleeing Greece For Greener Pastures.
Instapundit » Blog Archive » SHOCKER: Businesses Fleeing Greece For Greener Pastures.
“Greece is entering the latest stage of its long decline, as businesses flee the country and move their headquarters away from the collapsing country.
Those businesses that choose to remain not only face rising taxes and increased regulations; they are also risking credit downgrades for the simple fact that they are located in Greece.”
A glimpse of our future?
“Greece is entering the latest stage of its long decline, as businesses flee the country and move their headquarters away from the collapsing country.
Those businesses that choose to remain not only face rising taxes and increased regulations; they are also risking credit downgrades for the simple fact that they are located in Greece.”
A glimpse of our future?
73% of New Jobs Created in Last 5 Months Are in Government
73% of New Jobs Created in Last 5 Months Are in Government | CNS News
Seventy-three percent of the new civilian jobs created in the United States over the last five months are in government, according to official data published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Seventy-three percent of the new civilian jobs created in the United States over the last five months are in government, according to official data published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
'Claim that there has been any statistically significant warming for past 16 years is therefore unsustainable' -- Reaffirms 'a 16-year 'pause' in rising temps'
UK Daily Mail: 'Claim that there has been any statistically significant warming for past 16 years is therefore unsustainable' -- Reaffirms 'a 16-year 'pause' in rising temps'
Climate Depot Note: Monckton was referring to the latest temperature data showing a 16 year stall in global warming.
Related links on 16 year global warming pause:
'The new data, compiled from more than 3,000 measuring points on land & sea, was issued quietly on internet, without any media fanfare, & , until today, it has not been reported.
This stands in sharp contrast to release of previous figures 6 months ago, which went only to end of 2010 – a very warm year...From beginning of 1997 until August 2012 there was no discernible rise in aggregate global temps.'
New Muskegon County jail cost savings would cover potential bonds for the project, committee told
New Muskegon County jail cost savings would cover potential bonds for the project, committee told | MLive.com
The basic recommendation is to build a new, much larger jail adjacent to its current facility at 990 Terrace St. and to redevelop the vacant Craig School in Muskegon for a new juvenile center.
The beds would be increased to a range of 480 to 582 depending upon which options would be selected compared to a current rating of 370 beds and an average daily population of 403.
The basic recommendation is to build a new, much larger jail adjacent to its current facility at 990 Terrace St. and to redevelop the vacant Craig School in Muskegon for a new juvenile center.
The beds would be increased to a range of 480 to 582 depending upon which options would be selected compared to a current rating of 370 beds and an average daily population of 403.
Muskegon vice mayor to county jail committee: Keep Pine Street open and juvenile center out of Craig School
Muskegon vice mayor to county jail committee: Keep Pine Street open and juvenile center out of Craig School | MLive.com
“We will not agree to vacate another downtown street and we have the final authority on that,” Spataro said during the county jail committee’s Thursday meeting to hear a financial plan for the proposed new jail and juvenile center.
“We will not agree to vacate another downtown street and we have the final authority on that,” Spataro said during the county jail committee’s Thursday meeting to hear a financial plan for the proposed new jail and juvenile center.
Wednesday, December 05, 2012
Muskegon County bond or millage: How should we pay for jail, juvenile center project?
Muskegon County bond or millage: How should we pay for jail, juvenile center project? | MLive.com: How are we going to pay for it?
That is the main question left unanswered regarding the replacement of the Muskegon County Jail and Juvenile Transition Center.
Muskegon County administration is scheduled to provide a presentation Dec. 6 at a county committee meeting on its proposal to finance the proposed project.
Jail/Juvenile Transition Center Committee
When: Thursday, December 6th - 1:30 PM
Location: Hall of Justice - Board Room, 4th Floor, 990 Terrace, Muskegon, MI 49442
I'll be at Carmen's at noon.
All invited.
We will leave at 1:15 for the "Jail" meeting.
Be there!
That is the main question left unanswered regarding the replacement of the Muskegon County Jail and Juvenile Transition Center.
Muskegon County administration is scheduled to provide a presentation Dec. 6 at a county committee meeting on its proposal to finance the proposed project.
Jail/Juvenile Transition Center Committee
When: Thursday, December 6th - 1:30 PM
Location: Hall of Justice - Board Room, 4th Floor, 990 Terrace, Muskegon, MI 49442
I'll be at Carmen's at noon.
All invited.
We will leave at 1:15 for the "Jail" meeting.
Be there!
'Everyone in US under virtual surveillance' - NSA whistleblower
'Everyone in US under virtual surveillance' - NSA whistleblower — RT
The FBI records the emails of nearly all US citizens, including members of congress, according to NSA whistleblower William Binney.
In an interview with RT, he warned that the government can use this information against anyone.
Binney, one of the best mathematicians and code breakers in the history of the National Security Agency, resigned in 2001.
He claimed he no longer wanted to be associated with alleged violations of the Constitution, such as how the FBI engages in widespread and pervasive surveillance through powerful devices called 'Naris.'
The FBI records the emails of nearly all US citizens, including members of congress, according to NSA whistleblower William Binney.
In an interview with RT, he warned that the government can use this information against anyone.
Binney, one of the best mathematicians and code breakers in the history of the National Security Agency, resigned in 2001.
He claimed he no longer wanted to be associated with alleged violations of the Constitution, such as how the FBI engages in widespread and pervasive surveillance through powerful devices called 'Naris.'
Russell Block Market to usher in new era of downtown Muskegon retailing this spring
Russell Block Market to usher in new era of downtown Muskegon retailing this spring | MLive.com
The MRI has secured at least three tenants for the Russell Block Market at 360 W. Western Ave. which is scheduled to open now in the middle of April.
The Unruly Brewing Co., Kickin Kitchen and the coffee shop Drip, Drop, Drink will be three of the first tenants in the building, those attending the Tuesday community event were told.
Consumers Energy Foundation awarded 10 communities $125,000 grants to celebrate the Jackson-based public utility’s 125th anniversary.
Each community project was to raise an additional $125,000 to create an overall state economic boost of $2.5 million, according to foundation President David Mengebier.
The MRI has secured at least three tenants for the Russell Block Market at 360 W. Western Ave. which is scheduled to open now in the middle of April.
The Unruly Brewing Co., Kickin Kitchen and the coffee shop Drip, Drop, Drink will be three of the first tenants in the building, those attending the Tuesday community event were told.
Consumers Energy Foundation awarded 10 communities $125,000 grants to celebrate the Jackson-based public utility’s 125th anniversary.
Each community project was to raise an additional $125,000 to create an overall state economic boost of $2.5 million, according to foundation President David Mengebier.
They Can Hear You Now: Verizon Patent Could Listen In On Customers
They Can Hear You Now: Verizon Patent Could Listen In On Customers « CBS DC
Verizon has filed a patent for targeting ads that collect information from infrared cameras and microphones that can detect the amount of people and types of conversations happening in customers’ living rooms.
Verizon has filed a patent for targeting ads that collect information from infrared cameras and microphones that can detect the amount of people and types of conversations happening in customers’ living rooms.
Justin Amash, booted from key House panel, defiant and critical of GOP leaders in MLive interview
Justin Amash, booted from key House panel, defiant and critical of GOP leaders in MLive interview | MLive.com:
Amash said he has received an outpouring of support following news of his removal.
“The calls in our office have been positive, positive toward me, that is, and angry over leadership’s decision,” Amash said.
“But we would expect that,” he added. “I’m independent, that’s why I’m elected, and I’m doing what I promised to do, which is work with both parties to deal with our debt crisis.”
Here is video of Amash's remarks at the Heritage Foundation, which begin around the 23-minute mark:
Amash said he has received an outpouring of support following news of his removal.
“The calls in our office have been positive, positive toward me, that is, and angry over leadership’s decision,” Amash said.
“But we would expect that,” he added. “I’m independent, that’s why I’m elected, and I’m doing what I promised to do, which is work with both parties to deal with our debt crisis.”
Here is video of Amash's remarks at the Heritage Foundation, which begin around the 23-minute mark:
Worker Freedom Advocates Lobby Legislators in Lansing
Worker Freedom Advocates Lobby Legislators in Lansing [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
Employees in right-to-work states are not forced to pay union dues or fees as a condition of employment. Unions still exist but workers have the freedom to choose if they want to pay dues to be represented by the union.
Employees in right-to-work states are not forced to pay union dues or fees as a condition of employment. Unions still exist but workers have the freedom to choose if they want to pay dues to be represented by the union.
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