"We're #1!
......and #2!
......and #3!
......and more!
Friday, August 02, 2013
Top 25 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in America – 2013
Top 25 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in America – 2013 – Neighborhood Scout:
"We're #1!
"We're #1!
Dozens of CIA operatives on the ground during Benghazi attack
Exclusive: Dozens of CIA operatives on the ground during Benghazi attack – The Lead with Jake Tapper - CNN.com Blogs:
U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf, whose district includes CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia........
Wolf has repeatedly gone to the House floor, asking for a select committee to be set-up, a Watergate-style probe involving several intelligence committee investigators assigned to get to the bottom of the failures that took place in Benghazi, and find out just what the State Department and CIA were doing there.
More than 150 fellow Republican members of Congress have signed his request, and just this week eight Republicans sent a letter to the new head of the FBI, James Comey, asking that he brief Congress within 30 days.
In the aftermath of the attack, Wolf said he was contacted by people closely tied with CIA operatives and contractors who wanted to talk.
Then suddenly, there was silence.
No democrats!
Zero democrats have signed on to this simple request!
Shameful!
U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf, whose district includes CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia........
Wolf has repeatedly gone to the House floor, asking for a select committee to be set-up, a Watergate-style probe involving several intelligence committee investigators assigned to get to the bottom of the failures that took place in Benghazi, and find out just what the State Department and CIA were doing there.
More than 150 fellow Republican members of Congress have signed his request, and just this week eight Republicans sent a letter to the new head of the FBI, James Comey, asking that he brief Congress within 30 days.
In the aftermath of the attack, Wolf said he was contacted by people closely tied with CIA operatives and contractors who wanted to talk.
Then suddenly, there was silence.
No democrats!
Zero democrats have signed on to this simple request!
Shameful!
Harbor Theater under new ownership, set to open in September with renovations
Harbor Theater under new ownership, set to open in September with renovations | MLive.com:
"Ticket prices will be $7 to $7.25 and concessions will be sold at affordable prices, they said."
"Ticket prices will be $7 to $7.25 and concessions will be sold at affordable prices, they said."
Lawmakers to Subsidize Own Obamacare Premiums with Tax Dollars
Report: Lawmakers to Subsidize Own Obamacare Premiums with Tax Dollars:
"Members of Congress and their aides will essentially be exempt from Obamacare, as the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) will issue a ruling that says the federal government can subsidize the health insurance premiums of members of Congress and their aides even though the law does not say so."
"Members of Congress and their aides will essentially be exempt from Obamacare, as the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) will issue a ruling that says the federal government can subsidize the health insurance premiums of members of Congress and their aides even though the law does not say so."
From my "friend" Mary......
A Letter From Mary
Trayvon
Martin’s death revealed, once again, the deep racial fissure that divides our
country.
This time, though, there is a movement afoot to use this event as a catalyst to address some of the challenges facing us. To further discuss those challenges – and identify solutions – NAACP and Community Members are hosting a rally at Hackley Park on Wednesday, Aug. 7 at 5:00 p.m. Whenever we come together to learn about our challenges and discuss solutions, everyone wins. Too often, our African American Brothers and Sisters have faced these challenges alone. I noticed that rallies across the country have been whites and blacks standing side by side. I am hopeful that we can achieve that same inter-racial statement right here in Muskegon. We are still lining up the speakers, but I think you will be pleased with the program.
Please join us
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7
HACKLEY PARK 5:00 NO JUSTICE – NO JOBS – NO PEACE PRESENTED BY NAACP AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS
I hope you will be there to join this movement that is
sweeping the land – a movement to further equality and peace among all of us.
Copyright © 2013 Mary Valentine, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you have shown interest in getting on my list. Our mailing address is:
Mary Valentine
301 Aue Rd.
Muskegon, MI
49441
|
Rise in violence 'linked to climate change'
BBC News - Rise in violence 'linked to climate change':
"Marshall Burke, from the University of California, Berkeley, said: "This is a relationship we observe across time and across all major continents around the world.
The relationship we find between these climate variables and conflict outcomes are often very large."
The researchers looked at 60 studies from around the world, with data spanning hundreds of years.
They report a "substantial" correlation between climate and conflict.
Their examples include an increase in domestic violence in India during recent droughts, and a spike in assaults, rapes and murders during heatwaves in the US.
The report also suggests rising temperatures correlated with larger conflicts, including ethnic clashes in Europe and civil wars in Africa."
"Marshall Burke, from the University of California, Berkeley, said: "This is a relationship we observe across time and across all major continents around the world.
The relationship we find between these climate variables and conflict outcomes are often very large."
The researchers looked at 60 studies from around the world, with data spanning hundreds of years.
They report a "substantial" correlation between climate and conflict.
Their examples include an increase in domestic violence in India during recent droughts, and a spike in assaults, rapes and murders during heatwaves in the US.
The report also suggests rising temperatures correlated with larger conflicts, including ethnic clashes in Europe and civil wars in Africa."
Orr cuts some Detroit police, fire pay 10 percent
Orr cuts some Detroit police, fire pay 10 percent | Crain's Detroit Business:
"Accrued sick time also has been capped.
Changes also were made to how police will be paid for time spent in court."
"Accrued sick time also has been capped.
Changes also were made to how police will be paid for time spent in court."
Flint restaurant re-opens after air conditioning theft forced closure during heat wave
Flint restaurant re-opens after air conditioning theft forced closure during heat wave | MLive.com:
"FLINT, MI – Chef Nate’s Wings & Things is back up and running at its East Court Street location.
Nate Brown, the owner of the restaurant, was forced to close temporarily following the theft of an air conditioning unit in the midst of the mid-July heat wave."
"FLINT, MI – Chef Nate’s Wings & Things is back up and running at its East Court Street location.
Nate Brown, the owner of the restaurant, was forced to close temporarily following the theft of an air conditioning unit in the midst of the mid-July heat wave."
Michigan Democrats pushing for Detroit to get fair treatment for federal funds
Michigan Democrats pushing for Detroit to get fair treatment for federal funds | Detroit Free Press | freep.com: "
"Dingell, of Dearborn, said once the city comes up with a detailed plan for exiting bankruptcy, the delegation “will be there to provide every available assistance.”
But everyone was careful to note that did not suggest support for a bailout, especially since one hasn’t been requested.
Republican members of the state’s congressional delegation were not at the meeting and have remained largely mum on the subject since Orr filed for the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history — a restriction of $18 billion or more in debts — two weeks ago."
"Dingell, of Dearborn, said once the city comes up with a detailed plan for exiting bankruptcy, the delegation “will be there to provide every available assistance.”
But everyone was careful to note that did not suggest support for a bailout, especially since one hasn’t been requested.
Republican members of the state’s congressional delegation were not at the meeting and have remained largely mum on the subject since Orr filed for the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history — a restriction of $18 billion or more in debts — two weeks ago."
Final tally in Detroit mayoral race could take up to two weeks, clerk's office says
Final tally in Detroit mayoral race could take up to two weeks, clerk's office says | Detroit Free Press | freep.com:
"Detroit’s top elections officials on Thursday predicted a smooth but slightly later than usual tabulation of votes on Tuesday for the primary election for mayor and City Council.
But final election results, factoring in what’s expected to include a huge number of write-in votes, may not be clear for as long as two weeks."
"Detroit’s top elections officials on Thursday predicted a smooth but slightly later than usual tabulation of votes on Tuesday for the primary election for mayor and City Council.
But final election results, factoring in what’s expected to include a huge number of write-in votes, may not be clear for as long as two weeks."
Detroit gets less in aid from the U.S. govt. than Colombia does
Detroit gets less in aid from the U.S. govt. than Colombia does | Crain's Detroit Business:
"President Barack Obama proposed giving Colombia about $323 million in aid next year, mostly to combat drug trafficking and violence.
Detroit, with an 81 percent higher homicide rate, will get $108.2 million."
"President Barack Obama proposed giving Colombia about $323 million in aid next year, mostly to combat drug trafficking and violence.
Detroit, with an 81 percent higher homicide rate, will get $108.2 million."
Senate panel OKs Medicaid bill, 2 alternatives
Senate panel OKs Medicaid bill, 2 alternatives | Crain's Detroit Business:
"Medicaid covers roughly one in five Michigan residents, mainly low-income children, pregnant women and disabled people but also some poorer working adults.
The legislation, if the federal government signs off on it, would provide Medicaid to nearly a half-million more adults by 2022, cutting the state's uninsured nearly in half."
"Medicaid covers roughly one in five Michigan residents, mainly low-income children, pregnant women and disabled people but also some poorer working adults.
The legislation, if the federal government signs off on it, would provide Medicaid to nearly a half-million more adults by 2022, cutting the state's uninsured nearly in half."
Detroit moves quickly to outsource trash collection, recycling, Orr says
Detroit moves quickly to outsource trash collection, recycling, Orr says | Crain's Detroit Business:
"The city currently spends about $50 million per year on those services, Orr said Thursday morning during an interview with Crain's.
He said private sector companies told him they could provide better trash collection and recycling services to city residents and businesses for about $35 million, saving Detroit about $15 million per year. "
"The city currently spends about $50 million per year on those services, Orr said Thursday morning during an interview with Crain's.
He said private sector companies told him they could provide better trash collection and recycling services to city residents and businesses for about $35 million, saving Detroit about $15 million per year. "
Thursday, August 01, 2013
Detroit’s death by democracy
George F. Will: Detroit’s death by democracy - The Washington Post:
"What appalled him had fascinated entomologist William Kirby (1759-1850):
The ichneumon fly inserts an egg in a caterpillar, and the larva hatched from the egg, he said, “gnaws the inside of the caterpillar, and though at last it has devoured almost every part of it except the skin and intestines, carefully all this time avoids injuring the vital organs, as if aware that its own existence depends on that of the insect on which it preys!”
Government employees’ unions living parasitically on Detroit have been less aware than ichneumon larvae. "
"What appalled him had fascinated entomologist William Kirby (1759-1850):
The ichneumon fly inserts an egg in a caterpillar, and the larva hatched from the egg, he said, “gnaws the inside of the caterpillar, and though at last it has devoured almost every part of it except the skin and intestines, carefully all this time avoids injuring the vital organs, as if aware that its own existence depends on that of the insect on which it preys!”
Government employees’ unions living parasitically on Detroit have been less aware than ichneumon larvae. "
Photo: Marine Helps Young Boy Separated from Group Finish Race
Photo: Marine Helps Young Boy Separated from Group Finish Race | Washington Free Beacon:
"For the 5k at the Venetian Festival in Charlevoix"
"For the 5k at the Venetian Festival in Charlevoix"
Armed agents raid animal shelter for baby deer
Armed agents raid animal shelter for baby deer | News - WISN Home:
"It was like a SWAT team," shelter employee Ray Schulze said.
Two weeks ago, Schulze was working in the barn at the Society of St. Francis on the Kenosha-Illinois border when a swarm of squad cars arrived and officers unloaded with a search warrant.
"(There were) nine DNR agents and four deputy sheriffs, and they were all armed to the teeth," Schulze said.
The focus of their search was a baby fawn brought there by an Illinois family worried she had been abandoned by her mother."
"It was like a SWAT team," shelter employee Ray Schulze said.
Two weeks ago, Schulze was working in the barn at the Society of St. Francis on the Kenosha-Illinois border when a swarm of squad cars arrived and officers unloaded with a search warrant.
"(There were) nine DNR agents and four deputy sheriffs, and they were all armed to the teeth," Schulze said.
The focus of their search was a baby fawn brought there by an Illinois family worried she had been abandoned by her mother."
A new Obamacare flaw: Many could face a precipitous ‘subsidy cliff’ as income approaches certain limits
A new Obamacare flaw: Many could face a precipitous ‘subsidy cliff’ as income approaches certain limits | AEIdeas:
A new Obamacare flaw: Many could face a precipitous ‘subsidy cliff’ as income approaches certain limits
Although this won’t affect everybody, many individuals and households whose income is near 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) will fall off a precipitous Obamacare “subsidy cliff” as soon as their income exceeds the 400% FPL limit by one dollar. The 400% FPL is currently about $46,000 for individuals, $62,000 for a married couple, and $78,120 for a family of three. As income approaches those limits, there may be some perverse incentives to work less, refuse overtime, etc., to avoid falling off the “Obamacare cliff.”
ValuePenguin does the math and finds this serious flaw in the Unaffordable Care Act:
If your income is at or below the above 400% FPL figure for your household size, the government will subsidize your healthcare so that you spend no more than 9.5% of your income. But earn one dollar above the 400% FPL threshold and the subsidies disappear completely. This obviously creates a problem! If insurance costs substantially more than the capped premium for your family, that extra dollar may actually cost your household a huge amount in actual dollars.Here’s an example for a family of three in New York:Using insurance premium data released by New York state, lets calculate the pre and post 400% FPL impact on health insurance expenses for a family of three in New York, NY. From the premium data we can see that the second lowest silver plan (this is the plan used to determine subsidies) available on the exchange costs $394.58 for an individual and will cost $1,065 for a family monthly.On an annual basis, this plan would cost $12,784 before subsidies. As long as the family above earns less than $78,120 they will only be required to spend $7,421, with the government subsidizing the rest. That’s a total savings of $5,363.$78,120 – $7,421 = $70,699 of take-home income after health insurance.What happens if the family earns one extra dollar and has income of $78,121? Suddenly they lose the entire amount of the savings and are actually worse off than they were before.$78,121 – $12,784 = $65,337 of take-home income after health insurance.Since the subsidies come in the form of tax credits, any dollar amount a household receives is essentially after taxes. Therefore to regain the $5,363 dollars in post tax dollars, the family’s income would actually have to rise greater than that amount once you account for state, federal and payroll taxes.To illustrate: For a family in this income bracket, they would be responsible for 25% in federal taxes, 6.2% in FICA and 1.45% for Medicare. This family would need to earn $7,962 additional dollars or $86,083 to end up where they were before. For the self-employed because who contribute double to FICA and Medicare they would need to earn $8,983 additional dollars.Conclusion: Americans benefiting most from subsidies, generally those facing higher insurance costs due to state regulations or age ratings, will find themselves facing peculiar economic incentives as they reach 400% of the FPL. Extra hours, a raise, or even investment income, may end up pushing a household into having less disposable income than they did when they were earning less.While this will not effect most Americans, for those that this does effect the monetary impact could be significant. The magnitude of the impact will depend on how expensive pre-subsidized insurance costs are for the household. The higher these costs, the more of a subsidy cliff the household will face. Since all Americans will be required to purchase insurance of some form, it is especially important for those people earning at or around the 400% of the FPL mark to be aware of how their income and potential subsidies may impact their actual take-home pay.
MP: Maybe this an example of what Nancy Pelosi meant when she said that “We have to pass the bill [Obamacare] so that you can find out what is in it, away from the fog of the controversy.”
Genesee County can't find buyers for large bond sale
Genesee County can't find buyers for large bond sale | Detroit Free Press | freep.com:
"Two weeks after Detroit filed for municipal bankruptcy, Genesee County, the area that includes Flint, has postponed a large bondissue for lack of investor interest, a Wall Street publication reports.
The Bond Buyer reported that Genesee County pulled a $54-million water and sewer bond issue Thursday after investors showed little interest in the deal."
"Two weeks after Detroit filed for municipal bankruptcy, Genesee County, the area that includes Flint, has postponed a large bondissue for lack of investor interest, a Wall Street publication reports.
The Bond Buyer reported that Genesee County pulled a $54-million water and sewer bond issue Thursday after investors showed little interest in the deal."
In Newtown, Gun Permits Surge After Shooting
In Newtown, Gun Permits Surge After Shooting - WSJ.com:
"NEWTOWN, Conn.—The number of people seeking permits to buy guns has surged in this town following the December massacre of schoolchildren by a local man, even as the parents of some victims had urged stricter weapons laws nationwide."
"NEWTOWN, Conn.—The number of people seeking permits to buy guns has surged in this town following the December massacre of schoolchildren by a local man, even as the parents of some victims had urged stricter weapons laws nationwide."
M1 awards Calif.-based firm major contract for streetcar project
M1 awards Calif.-based firm major contract for streetcar project | Crain's Detroit Business:
"Because engineering is still underway, a maximum contract price hasn't been determined. M1 believes construction of the grade-level streetcar loop itself between Hart Plaza and New Center will cost $135 million to $145 million, which could drive the total project cost closer to $187 million from a previously estimated $137 million."
"Because engineering is still underway, a maximum contract price hasn't been determined. M1 believes construction of the grade-level streetcar loop itself between Hart Plaza and New Center will cost $135 million to $145 million, which could drive the total project cost closer to $187 million from a previously estimated $137 million."
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
11 Things We No Longer See on Airplanes
11 Things We No Longer See on Airplanes | Mental Floss:
"11. A SEAT ASSIGNMENT IN 22I
Or any row with an “I” designation.
Watch the seat numbers the next time you’re tripping down the aisle on a wide-bodied plane—they usually run “HJK”. Why no "I"?
Blame computers.
When airlines started installing computer equipment to handle their reservations and other records, problems were often created when a letter too closely resembled a numeral.
Digital Equipment Corporation was the first company to eliminate confusing letters (in automobile VIN numbers, for example, not only the I but also O, Q, and S were nixed) and as a result such an alphanumeric system is now referred to as the DEC Alphabet. "
"11. A SEAT ASSIGNMENT IN 22I
Or any row with an “I” designation.
Watch the seat numbers the next time you’re tripping down the aisle on a wide-bodied plane—they usually run “HJK”. Why no "I"?
Blame computers.
When airlines started installing computer equipment to handle their reservations and other records, problems were often created when a letter too closely resembled a numeral.
Digital Equipment Corporation was the first company to eliminate confusing letters (in automobile VIN numbers, for example, not only the I but also O, Q, and S were nixed) and as a result such an alphanumeric system is now referred to as the DEC Alphabet. "
What Happens Next?
What Happens Next? | Zero Hedge:
"As the world waits breathless for tomorrow's preliminary (only to be revised again and again) GDP estimate for Q2 2013 (having seen expectations collapse in recent months), there remains the ever-present faith that Q3, Q4, and on and on will see the mean-reverting growth lift the US economy from its current 'Better-Bargain'-less dystopia.
So what happens next?
Well, let's look at the trajectory of GDP expectations in 2007..."
"As the world waits breathless for tomorrow's preliminary (only to be revised again and again) GDP estimate for Q2 2013 (having seen expectations collapse in recent months), there remains the ever-present faith that Q3, Q4, and on and on will see the mean-reverting growth lift the US economy from its current 'Better-Bargain'-less dystopia.
So what happens next?
Well, let's look at the trajectory of GDP expectations in 2007..."
More than 100 elections being held across Michigan next Tuesday
More than 100 elections being held across Michigan next Tuesday | MLive.com:
"City primaries. Township boards. Millage renewals. There will be more than 100 elections held in 56 Michigan counties next week.
On Tuesday, Aug. 6, polls will be open between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Below is a full list from the Secretary of State's office of all the elections happening in Michigan. To make sure there is an election where you live, go to the SOS' election page and enter you address."
"City primaries. Township boards. Millage renewals. There will be more than 100 elections held in 56 Michigan counties next week.
On Tuesday, Aug. 6, polls will be open between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Below is a full list from the Secretary of State's office of all the elections happening in Michigan. To make sure there is an election where you live, go to the SOS' election page and enter you address."
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