Santa don't do bonds-Don't buy mom Illinois bonds for Christmas

Merry Christmas!
Our towns, cities, counties and country are all broke.
Oh God, help us!

Don't buy mom Illinois bonds for Christmas:
"Would you invest your mother’s money in municipal bonds?
In a recent interview on Fox Business News, host Gerri Willis asked me that very question.
It didn’t take me long to say I’d certainly do my homework first.
Based on the growing number of city bankruptcies from Alabama to Rhode Island to California, it’s clear to me I’d keep my mother’s retirement money, and mine, far from those governments running the risk of bankruptcy.
Many cities are collapsing due to out-of-control pension costs, but it’s only the demise of Detroit that’s awoken retail investors like my mom to those risks."

Look out taxpayers, they're comin' again! National consultants sought to study feasibility of downtown Muskegon convention center

Soooo, the "search" will be for a consultant?
And the one they hire will get $25,000?
And what do they want the $25,000 "consultant" to report back to them?
Anyone wanna bet what the candidates for the consultant job will tell the guys with the extra $25,000?

National consultants sought to study feasibility of downtown Muskegon convention center | MLive.com

MUSKEGON, MI – The Muskegon County Accommodation Tax Committee is preparing to ask the county board of commissioners to support a study of a downtown convention center.

A special ATAC working group has helped county Community Development Director Bob Lukens prepare a “request for proposals” looking at the feasibility of a downtown Muskegon convention center and other issues related to a series of downtown facilities.

The nationwide search for consultants includes the county’s wish to look at the potential renovation or expansion of the L.C. Walker Arena, pedestrian connections to downtown facilities and the potential for using those facilities for expanded meetings and events.

The county outline for potential consultants points to the L.C. Walker Arena, Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts and the two downtown hotels – the Holiday Inn Muskegon Harbor and the Shoreline Inn and Conference Center.

As the potential for a downtown convention center is explored, the consultant will be asked to evaluate specific downtown sites, most likely in close proximity to the Holiday Inn, L.C. Walker Arena and Frauenthal Center which are all close enough to be easily linked by enclosed walkways.

They've been doing this for DECADES? ----Bill Would Prohibit Asset Forfeiture In Michigan Without Criminal Conviction

Our government at war with us!
And we're paying for THEIR army!
Bill Would Prohibit Asset Forfeiture In Michigan Without Criminal Conviction [Michigan Capitol Confidential]:
"Jacque Sutton didn’t commit any crime but police impounded his 1989 Mustang GT and charged him $900 to get it back.
His offense was attending a party in 2009 at an art gallery in Detroit which didn't have a permit to hold an event with dancing and DJs. 
Police raided the place and gave everyone tickets for illegal occupation, which were later waived.
But Sutton's car was seized and he couldn't get his property back until he paid the money as a result of Michigan's asset forfeiture law.

He's not alone.
Since 2001, Michigan agencies have seized at least $250 million worth of property and money from citizens. While much of what's seized comes from criminals, a significant amount of assets and a number of cases involve people like Sutton."

Pretty cool as they add some background on the video-WSJ's 2013 Photos of the Year

Video - WSJ's 2013 Photos of the Year - Usain Bolt Crosses Finish Line As Lightning Lights Up Moscow's Sky - WSJ.com:
"WSJ's 2013 Photos of the Year
From the floodwaters of the Ganges to the gravity defying bubbles inside the International Space Station, WSJ photo director Jack Van Antwerp looks back at some of the best images of 2013."

At some point, will we ever get it?

Wonderful news for the world that totally bums out the MSM------Seven global warming alarmist setbacks in 2013

Read 'em all.
As whiny, overpaid/underworked university professors prepare their lawsuits for "income insecurity".
Seven global warming alarmist setbacks in 2013 | The Daily Caller:
"Hold your champagne glasses high this holiday season, because the end of 2013 marks the 17th year without global warming."
...7) The Senate testimony of Dr. Roger Pielke of the University of Colorado completely undercut environmentalists and Democrats trying to claim that global warming was causing “extreme weather.”

“It is misleading and just plain incorrect to claim that disasters associated with hurricanes, tornadoes, floods or droughts have increased on climate timescales either in the United States or globally,” Pielke said. “It is further incorrect to associate the increasing costs of disasters with the emission of greenhouse gases.”

The other witnesses on the panel did not refute Pielke’s data.

We're selling gold. China is buying gold. Gulp..... "The Chinese Don't Want Dollars Anymore, They Want Gold"

"The Chinese Don't Want Dollars Anymore, They Want Gold" - London's Gold Vaults Are Empty: This Is Why | Zero Hedge:
"Today gold slid under $1200 per ounce, dropping to a level not seen in three years.
Judging by the price action one would think that gold is not only overflowing from precious metal vaults everywhere, but can be found thrown away on the street, where nobody even bothers to pick it up.
One would be wrong.
In fact, as Bloomberg's Ken Goldman reports, "you could walk into a vault in London and they were packed to the rafter with gold, and the gold would trade from me to you to somebody else.
You could walk into these vaults today and they are virtually empty. 
All that gold has been transferred out of London, 26 million ounces...."
To find out where it has gone and why it is never coming back, watch the clip below 
(spoiler alert: listen for the line: "the Chinese don't want US dollars anymore, they want gold")."

Caption This-Yes, it is a contest!

PJ Media » Caption This:
"As Nancy Pelosi would say, embrace the suck; click to enlarge to full size.

Obamacare’s Footie Pajamas Boy is self-mocking even without additional Photoshopping, but that didn’t stop one of our in-house artists from PJM’s Millennials-oriented Next Generation TV from adding his own special touch to an already special, special image.


However, it’s up to you to provide the best caption, in the contest. (The one above is just temporary.) 
Some ideas that immediately come to mind beyond it are:
1. Obamacare: Babying our Millenials.
2. Do Millenials think that Obamacare sucks?
3. It sucks to be Obamacare Millenial Pajamas Boy.

But we’re sure you’ll think of something even better.
Have at it in the comments below."

More about "Pajama Boy":http://washingtonexaminer.com/how-pajama-boys-defenders-missed-the-point/article/2541058

History for December 21-Brrrr, Brits and Blast

Chase's Calendar of Events:
Winter begins in the Northern Hemisphere at 12:11 PM, EST.








In 1620, Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower reached what is now Plymouth, MA.








25 years ago, in 1988, Pam Am Flight 103 exploded in midair and crashed at Lockerbie, Scotland, as a result of a terrorist bombing. The death toll was 270 people.

▶ LES MISERABLES 10th Anniversary Dream Cast (with Lyrics) - YouTube

▶ LES MISERABLES 10th Anniversary Dream Cast (with Lyrics) - YouTube: "

More of the president's promised "smart diplomacy"....................Angry India Pulls Back US Embassy Security

Angry India Pulls Back US Embassy Security - The American Interest:
"Angry India Pulls Back US Embassy Security
In response to the alleged mistreatment of an Indian diplomat by American law enforcement officials, Indian authorities have taken a series of unprecedented steps to show their displeasure, including the removal of security barriers around the American embassy in New Delhi. The New York Times reports:

The diplomat, Devyani Khobragade, the deputy consul general in New York, was arrested last Thursday and accused of submitting false documents to obtain a work visa for her housekeeper and paying the housekeeper far less than the minimum legal wage. Indian officials said that Ms. Khobragade was arrested and handcuffed on the street as she was leaving her daughter at school, and that she was kept in a holding cell with drug addicts before she was released on $250,000 bail.

More infuriating for Indians was the allegation that Khobragade was strip-searched as well, later confirmed by American state officials."

Greetings from Chuck Norris (The epic Christmas split)

Greetings from Chuck Norris (The epic Christmas split) - YouTube: "

20 People Who Deserve a Darwin Award

20 People Who Deserve a Darwin Award

"jobs.ca"? The top 10 domain sales of 2013

How much "private" and how much "government" moolah?
The top 10 domain sales of 2013:
"Today, Sedo announces the top 10 domain sales of 2013.

jobs.ca -- $450,000 USD
body.com -- $380,000 USD
yinhang.com -- $300,000 USD
dji.com -- $300,000 USD
moms.com -- $252,000 USD
apuestas.com -- $165,000 EUR
moneta.com -- $150,000 USD
elend.com -- $140,000 USD
sandwich.com -- $137,500 USD
partners.com -- $125,000 USD"

Three versions of "Time To Say Goodbye"

Which one do you love most?
Tough call.

Click this link to see the 3 videos:
MuskegonPundit: Search results for time to say goodbye:

Wear body armor------Woodward Avenue to be scene of Detroit block party tonight

Woodward Avenue to be scene of Detroit block party tonight | Crain's Detroit Business:
"The Rock Ventures Family of Companies and retailers in the 1200 block of Woodward Avenue are hosting a holiday block party tonight.
Holiday DLight @nite will feature live musical performances by local artists such as Stereo Jane and the Rapt Collective, street performers and shopping, according to a news release.
Many of the 1200 block retailers will have free food and drinks including Faygo Beverages Inc. pop at The Detroit Shoppe, hot chocolate at Spielhaus Toys and crepes at the Somerset Collection’s CityLoft, according to the release.
Rachel Lachover, retail development manager for Bedrock Real Estate Services, said the first-time event is designed to “activate the streets of Detroit.”

I'm thinkin' she be lyin'. And she be caught.......Rep. Phil Gingrey to Sebelius: Prove You Met with President About Obamacare

Exclusive–Rep. Phil Gingrey to Sebelius: Prove You Met with President About Obamacare
In a move sure to spark consternation inside the White House, Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA) sent a letter Tuesday to embattled Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius requesting she produce a list of the one-on-one meetings she and President Barack Obama allege to have held in the over three-and-a-half years leading up to Obamacare’s calamitous rollout—meetings that do not appear on the White House's own official calendar.

....Last week during a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing, Gingrey, a medical doctor, asked a flustered Sebelius how many one-on-one meetings she had with Obama. 
“A lot,” replied Sebelius. Gingrey then asked whether she could verify her statement. “I, I…,” Sebelius uttered while flailing her hands. 
The committee chair then announced that Gingrey’s time for questioning had expired.

WH Won't Say Whether Anyone Will Have to Pay Obamacare Penalty in 2014

WH Won't Say Whether Anyone Will Have to Pay Obamacare Penalty in 2014 | The Weekly Standard:
""Is there going to be a single person in 2014 that's going to pay the penalty?
A single uninsured American that is going to end up paying the penalty in 2014 at this point?," asked MSNBC host Chuck Todd.

"Chuck, I can't talk to you about how many people are going to be subject to the penalty," said White House deputy senior advisor David Simas, sidestepping the question."

"Big mystery"...yeah, right.........Questionable actions cost 2 Huron Valley teachers their jobs

But, thanks to their union clout, they got paid whilst on "administrative leave".
The district " would not say if they were fired or resigned".
I guess they didn't say anything about gays, homosexual marriage or God..... we'd see it on the TV news.
Questionable actions cost 2 Huron Valley teachers their jobs | The Detroit News:
"Two middle school teachers are no longer employed by Huron Valley Schools after being accused of engaging in inappropriate behavior in an empty classroom, the district announced Thursday.

The male and a female teachers, both whom worked at White Lake Middle School were reported to administrators Dec. 13 and were immediately placed on administrative leave while the district launched an internal investigation into the allegations, said Kim Root, school district spokeswoman.

Root would not elaborate on what the teachers were doing in the room.

On Thursday, the district announced the two were no longer employed, but would not say if they were fired or resigned.

Parents have been informed via email and substitutes are filling in as replacements, Root said."

There's gotta be a way to wring some money out of this..........2013 Will Finish One Of The Ten Coldest Years In US History, With The Largest Drop In Temperature

2013 Will Finish One Of The Ten Coldest Years In US History, With The Largest Drop In Temperature | Real Science:
"2013 Will Finish One Of The Ten Coldest Years In US History, With The Largest Drop In Temperature
Posted on December 20, 2013 by stevengoddard
Before NASA and NOAA start tampering with the data, 2013 is one of the ten coldest years since 1895, and has had the largest year over year decline on record."

Muskegon's most gifted columnist--Listing and Sinking

LIBERTY REVIEW:
Listing and Sinking
"Our vessel will not survive this continuous assault from every direction.
Not only are the pirates launching wave after wave of unanswered attacks but the captain is drilling holes in the hull below deck.  
His crew runs around stuffing rags into the ruptures they’ve created.
They assure us that all is well.
We are told to go back to our sunbathing. 
As an extra bonus, free drinks are available at the bar, compliments of the captain."
Read it all and bookmark her blog!

Holy crapoli! What liberal's kid got this contract?......................Oregon blows one-third of Obamacare ad budget on 'acid trip' commercial

Oregon blows one-third of Obamacare ad budget on 'acid trip' commercial - Richmond Advertising | Examiner.com:

• At $3.2 million for air time and production, it cost just under a third of the state's $9.9 million Obamacare marketing budget.

"In an animation style that looks like a poor man's Yellow Submarine, a hippie with a guitar takes flight over the mountaintops and is joined by other 1970s-style Oregonians, who form up and magically transform into the shape of a huge bird.

The lyrics he's singing are:

We fly with our own wings,

Care 'bout the same things.

We stand strong together,

So let me hear you say:

We fly with our own wings,

Dreamin’ all the big dreams.

Long live Oregonians; we’re free to be heal-thy.

Long live Oregonians; we’re free to be heal-thy."

Don't forget. When the IRS is scheming to audit Tea Party groups (and finding NOTHING) it's not doing the job they promised us they were doing------Jane Fonda has a charitable foundation

Fire EVERYONE at the IRS!
NOW!

Jane Fonda has a charitable foundation » Joe For America:

Hanoi Jane is now Charity Jane. She has her own foundation, the Jane Fonda Foundation, and she spends her time – when she’s not elbowing John Kerry out of the way for Botox – running her foundation.

Though Jane Fonda’s private foundation has nearly $800,000 in assets, the group has not made a charitable contribution during the last five years for which it has filed federal tax returns, an apparent violation of Internal Revenue Service rules.

According to the Jane Fonda Foundation’s most recent tax return–filed last year and covering calendar year 2011–the organization’s cash, stock, and bond portfolio was valued at $798,133. The filing lists the 75-year-old actress as the foundation’s president and chairman of the board, and reports that she devotes 10 hours a week to the charitable group.

The foundation hasn’t made a charitable contribution since 2006, according to IRS public records, when they donated $1,000 to the Atlanta Obstetric and Gynecology Society.

The interesting part of this is that while the IRS has plenty of time to harass conservative 501-c4 groups, and audit critics of ObamaCare, they are ignoring Hanoi Jane’s compliance problems with her foundation.

In the dark of night-----------Utter Chaos: White House Exempts Millions From Obamacare's Insurance Mandate, 'Unaffordable' Exchanges

Utter Chaos: White House Exempts Millions From Obamacare's Insurance Mandate, 'Unaffordable' Exchanges - Forbes:

It’s hard to come up with new ways to describe the Obama administration’s improvisational approach to the Affordable Care Act’s troubled health insurance exchanges. 

But last night, the White House made its most consequential announcement yet.

 The administration will grant a “hardship exemption” from the law’s individual mandate, requiring the purchase of health insurance, to anyone who has had their prior coverage canceled and who “believes” that Obamacare’s offerings “are unaffordable.” 

These exemptions will substantially alter the architecture of the law’s insurance marketplaces. 

Insurers are at their wits’ end, trying to make sense of what to do next.