Forrest For the Trees
"I learned above all that politics is hard work. Let me just say that in politics as in everything else you get what you pay for.
The currency in which you pay the price for results in politics is personal effort."
Thursday, November 26, 2009
"Six Charged In Town Hall Disturbance"
"Six Charged In Town Hall Disturbance"
"It occurs to me that if these union thugs had been Navy SEALS apprehending a terrorist mass murderer of Americans, rather than agents of the Democratic Party trying to suppress expression of a political view with which the Democratic Party disagrees, they would have been treated far more harshly.
Why do you think that is?"
"It occurs to me that if these union thugs had been Navy SEALS apprehending a terrorist mass murderer of Americans, rather than agents of the Democratic Party trying to suppress expression of a political view with which the Democratic Party disagrees, they would have been treated far more harshly.
Why do you think that is?"
THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CLIMATEGATE
THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CLIMATEGATE
As the scandal over bogus climate data explodes, here's a handy rundown of what you need to know about the scandal now officially known as "Climategate."
The scandal that the suffix –gate implies is the state of climate science over the past decade or so revealed by a thousand or so emails, documents, and computer code sets between various prominent scientists released following a leak from the Climate Research Unit (CRU) at the University of East Anglia in the UK.
This may seem obscure, but the science involved is being used to justify the diversion of literally trillions of dollars of the world’s wealth in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by phasing out fossil fuels. The CRU is the Pentagon of global warming science, and these documents are its Pentagon Papers.
Here are three things everyone should know about the Climategate Papers. Links are provided so that the full context of every quote can be seen by anyone interested.
First, the scientists discuss manipulating data to get their preferred results....
Secondly, scientists on several occasions discussed methods of subverting the scientific peer review process to ensure that skeptical papers had no access to publication....
Finally, the scientists worked to circumvent the Freedom of Information process of the United Kingdom....
So what does this all mean?
It does not mean that there is no warming trend or that mankind has not been responsible for at least some of the warming.
To claim that as result of these documents is clearly a step too far.
However, it is clear that at least one branch of climate science — paleoclimatology — has become hopelessly politicized to the point of engaging in unethical and possibly illegal behavior.
To the extent that paleoclimatology is an important part of the scientific case for action regarding global warming, urgent reassessments need to be made.
In the meantime, all those responsible for political action on global warming should stop the process pending the results of inquiries, investigations, and any criminal proceedings.
What cannot happen is the process carrying on as if nothing has happened.
This could prove to be climate science’s Vietnam.
As the scandal over bogus climate data explodes, here's a handy rundown of what you need to know about the scandal now officially known as "Climategate."
The scandal that the suffix –gate implies is the state of climate science over the past decade or so revealed by a thousand or so emails, documents, and computer code sets between various prominent scientists released following a leak from the Climate Research Unit (CRU) at the University of East Anglia in the UK.
This may seem obscure, but the science involved is being used to justify the diversion of literally trillions of dollars of the world’s wealth in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by phasing out fossil fuels. The CRU is the Pentagon of global warming science, and these documents are its Pentagon Papers.
Here are three things everyone should know about the Climategate Papers. Links are provided so that the full context of every quote can be seen by anyone interested.
First, the scientists discuss manipulating data to get their preferred results....
Secondly, scientists on several occasions discussed methods of subverting the scientific peer review process to ensure that skeptical papers had no access to publication....
Finally, the scientists worked to circumvent the Freedom of Information process of the United Kingdom....
So what does this all mean?
It does not mean that there is no warming trend or that mankind has not been responsible for at least some of the warming.
To claim that as result of these documents is clearly a step too far.
However, it is clear that at least one branch of climate science — paleoclimatology — has become hopelessly politicized to the point of engaging in unethical and possibly illegal behavior.
To the extent that paleoclimatology is an important part of the scientific case for action regarding global warming, urgent reassessments need to be made.
In the meantime, all those responsible for political action on global warming should stop the process pending the results of inquiries, investigations, and any criminal proceedings.
What cannot happen is the process carrying on as if nothing has happened.
This could prove to be climate science’s Vietnam.
PRE-THANKSGIVING READ: TURKEYS OF THE YEAR
PRE-THANKSGIVING READ: TURKEYS OF THE YEAR
"As we gather ‘round the Thanksgiving table, bow our heads in prayer, and feast on the holiday bird, it is only fitting to take a moment to fete the unforgettable turkeys of 2009."
"As we gather ‘round the Thanksgiving table, bow our heads in prayer, and feast on the holiday bird, it is only fitting to take a moment to fete the unforgettable turkeys of 2009."
Congress May Probe Leaked Global Warming E-Mails
Congress May Probe Leaked Global Warming E-Mails
"A few days after leaked e-mail messages appeared on the Internet, the U.S. Congress may probe whether prominent scientists who are advocates of global warming theories misrepresented the truth about climate change."
"A few days after leaked e-mail messages appeared on the Internet, the U.S. Congress may probe whether prominent scientists who are advocates of global warming theories misrepresented the truth about climate change."
Ed Begley Jr. Loses It On Fox News
Ed Begley Jr. Loses It On Fox News
"Yikes. Someone got the talking points.
Can you say, “Peer reviewed studies?”
Methinks those leaked emails that pretty much show Global Warming is … what’s the best way to put it?… the big fat freakin’ lie we all knew it was, has stirred our friend Ed up some.
You know what he sounds like? Someone who believes the Earth is 6,000 years old trying to explain away a dinosaur fossil.
Oh, that old time religion…"
"Yikes. Someone got the talking points.
Can you say, “Peer reviewed studies?”
Methinks those leaked emails that pretty much show Global Warming is … what’s the best way to put it?… the big fat freakin’ lie we all knew it was, has stirred our friend Ed up some.
You know what he sounds like? Someone who believes the Earth is 6,000 years old trying to explain away a dinosaur fossil.
Oh, that old time religion…"
Climategate: the final nail in the coffin of ‘Anthropogenic Global Warming’?
Climategate: the final nail in the coffin of ‘Anthropogenic Global Warming’?
"If you own any shares in alternative energy companies I should start dumping them NOW."
"If you own any shares in alternative energy companies I should start dumping them NOW."
Ottawa County tells Michigan officials it plans to launch health insure program for low-income residents
Ottawa County tells Michigan officials it plans to launch health insure program for low-income residents
"Whether the offering gets off the ground will depend on if it can secure state funding.
If the state approves, the nonprofit plan would qualify for state funding based on its membership.
The funding would range from $132 per member if Ottawa is designated urban to $157 if designated rural, Knol said.
'It would be cost neutral to the county,' she said."
"Whether the offering gets off the ground will depend on if it can secure state funding.
If the state approves, the nonprofit plan would qualify for state funding based on its membership.
The funding would range from $132 per member if Ottawa is designated urban to $157 if designated rural, Knol said.
'It would be cost neutral to the county,' she said."
Muskegon Heights' garbage pickup rate increasing $5 a month
Muskegon Heights' garbage pickup rate increasing $5 a month
"The city’s 16.85 operating millage includes 3 mills for sanitation, which — at least during the past two decades — has not been enough to cover the city’s costs of paying a private contractor to collect its residents’ garbage, Paige said.
Sanitation charges are based on weight.
The issue has surfaced repeatedly in recent years, but previous administrators and council have either refused to raise rates or been unable to agree on a solution.
Paige said the new $5 fee still will not cover the deficit, but will help alleviate the problem."
"The city’s 16.85 operating millage includes 3 mills for sanitation, which — at least during the past two decades — has not been enough to cover the city’s costs of paying a private contractor to collect its residents’ garbage, Paige said.
Sanitation charges are based on weight.
The issue has surfaced repeatedly in recent years, but previous administrators and council have either refused to raise rates or been unable to agree on a solution.
Paige said the new $5 fee still will not cover the deficit, but will help alleviate the problem."
Norton Shores joins study of water alternatives
Norton Shores joins study of water alternatives
The two communities that have been at odds for years with Muskegon Heights concerning service provided by the water system owned by that city are now partnering on a plan that eventually may lead to the two pulling out of the Muskegon Heights system."
The two communities that have been at odds for years with Muskegon Heights concerning service provided by the water system owned by that city are now partnering on a plan that eventually may lead to the two pulling out of the Muskegon Heights system."
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Another 10 Bizarre World Records - Oddee.com
Another 10 Bizarre World Records - Oddee.com
"Most Books Typed Backwards"
Using a computer and four blank keyboards, and without looking at the screen, Michele Santelia (Italy) typed backwards 67 books (3,503,013 words, 19,760,936 characters , 23.198 pages, 263,931 paragraphs, 499,554 lines) in their original languages including The Odyssey, Macbeth, The Vulgate Bible, the Guinness World Records Book 2002, and the Dead Sea Scrolls in Ancient Hebrew. Michele put together a 4,05 mt (13 ft 12 in) high tower of the books typed. He completed typing backwards Etruscan scripts in Etruscan Language and The Million in Ancient Chinese on 16 November 2008
"Most Books Typed Backwards"
Using a computer and four blank keyboards, and without looking at the screen, Michele Santelia (Italy) typed backwards 67 books (3,503,013 words, 19,760,936 characters , 23.198 pages, 263,931 paragraphs, 499,554 lines) in their original languages including The Odyssey, Macbeth, The Vulgate Bible, the Guinness World Records Book 2002, and the Dead Sea Scrolls in Ancient Hebrew. Michele put together a 4,05 mt (13 ft 12 in) high tower of the books typed. He completed typing backwards Etruscan scripts in Etruscan Language and The Million in Ancient Chinese on 16 November 2008
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Life Is Getting Measurably Better for Many People Here and Abroad; There's A Lot to Be Thankful For
There's A Lot to Be Thankful For
"1. Life expectancy in the U.S. reached an all-time high of 77.9 years in 2007, the latest year for which statistics are available, continuing a long upward trend (see chart above, data here).
(That's 75.3 years for men and 80.4 years for women.)"
"1. Life expectancy in the U.S. reached an all-time high of 77.9 years in 2007, the latest year for which statistics are available, continuing a long upward trend (see chart above, data here).
(That's 75.3 years for men and 80.4 years for women.)"
Power Line
Power Line: "Navy SEALs have secretly captured one of the most wanted terrorists in Iraq -- the alleged mastermind of the murder and mutilation of four Blackwater USA security guards in Fallujah in 2004. And three of the SEALs who captured him are now facing criminal charges, sources told FoxNews.com. ..."
Tribune, Scripps Use Thanksgiving to Increase Prices
Tribune, Scripps Use Thanksgiving to Increase Prices
"U.S. Thanksgiving falls on Nov. 26 this year. Newspapers from Washington to San Bernardino, California, will be charging Sunday prices for Thursday editions stuffed with ads for the retail bargains on offer on “Black Friday,”
Interesting.
They're increasing prices on the product they make the most money on.
So, if the cost of a newspaper matters to a customer (it does), there will be fewer customers buying that day's paper.
And less advertising money to the newspapers down the pike...and so on and so forth....
"U.S. Thanksgiving falls on Nov. 26 this year. Newspapers from Washington to San Bernardino, California, will be charging Sunday prices for Thursday editions stuffed with ads for the retail bargains on offer on “Black Friday,”
Interesting.
They're increasing prices on the product they make the most money on.
So, if the cost of a newspaper matters to a customer (it does), there will be fewer customers buying that day's paper.
And less advertising money to the newspapers down the pike...and so on and so forth....
At U, future teachers may be reeducated
At U, future teachers may be reeducated
"Do you believe in the American dream -- the idea that in this country, hardworking people of every race, color and creed can get ahead on their own merits?
If so, that belief may soon bar you from getting a license to teach in Minnesota public schools -- at least if you plan to get your teaching degree at the University of Minnesota's Twin Cities campus.
In a report compiled last summer, the Race, Culture, Class and Gender Task Group at the U's College of Education and Human Development recommended that aspiring teachers there must repudiate the notion of 'the American Dream' in order to obtain the recommendation for licensure required by the Minnesota Board of Teaching"
"Do you believe in the American dream -- the idea that in this country, hardworking people of every race, color and creed can get ahead on their own merits?
If so, that belief may soon bar you from getting a license to teach in Minnesota public schools -- at least if you plan to get your teaching degree at the University of Minnesota's Twin Cities campus.
In a report compiled last summer, the Race, Culture, Class and Gender Task Group at the U's College of Education and Human Development recommended that aspiring teachers there must repudiate the notion of 'the American Dream' in order to obtain the recommendation for licensure required by the Minnesota Board of Teaching"
AP: Economy's rebound not as strong as first thought. 3.5% Q3 GDP revised down to 2.8%
AP: Economy's rebound not as strong as first thought. 3.5% Q3 GDP revised down to 2.8%
"So if the consumer spending is down, one way to artificially inflate the GDP number is to increase government spending with money that the government doesn't, by the way, have. \
In essence, the GDP number is positive due to increased debt!
It's purchased on a government card that has no credit limit.
Yet, the MSM has trumpeted the end of the recession after 4 straight quarters of negative GDP:"
"So if the consumer spending is down, one way to artificially inflate the GDP number is to increase government spending with money that the government doesn't, by the way, have. \
In essence, the GDP number is positive due to increased debt!
It's purchased on a government card that has no credit limit.
Yet, the MSM has trumpeted the end of the recession after 4 straight quarters of negative GDP:"
The Wilding of Sarah Palin
The Wilding of Sarah Palin
"When I was in college, I read a book that changed my life.
It was Susan Brownmiller's tome, Against Our Will: Men, Women, and Rape, which explained rape as an act of power, not just lust.
What I found particularly chilling was the chapter on war -- how rape is used to terrorize a population and destroy the enemy's spirit."
"When I was in college, I read a book that changed my life.
It was Susan Brownmiller's tome, Against Our Will: Men, Women, and Rape, which explained rape as an act of power, not just lust.
What I found particularly chilling was the chapter on war -- how rape is used to terrorize a population and destroy the enemy's spirit."
Monday, November 23, 2009
MSU gets federal funding to help study wind speeds
MSU gets federal funding to help study wind speeds
"Michigan State University will receive $83,806 to measure wind speeds in five areas around the state.
The state says in a release Thursday that the project is designed to assess Michigan's wind energy potential and encourage job growth in that industry.
Michigan State will install anemometers on public safety communications towers in Gratiot, Delta, Antrim, Mason and Hillsdale counties. The new information will help create a wind power map for Michigan, identifying and promoting areas best suited for wind power development.
Data collected in other Midwest states indicates current measurements may underestimate Michigan's wind energy potential.
The project is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act."
"Michigan State University will receive $83,806 to measure wind speeds in five areas around the state.
The state says in a release Thursday that the project is designed to assess Michigan's wind energy potential and encourage job growth in that industry.
Michigan State will install anemometers on public safety communications towers in Gratiot, Delta, Antrim, Mason and Hillsdale counties. The new information will help create a wind power map for Michigan, identifying and promoting areas best suited for wind power development.
Data collected in other Midwest states indicates current measurements may underestimate Michigan's wind energy potential.
The project is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act."
Report: Michigan housing chief defaults on loans, faces more than $100 million in lawsuits | Detroit News - - MLive.com
Report: Michigan housing chief defaults on loans, faces more than $100 million in lawsuits
"A local homebuilder who chairs the state housing authority has been the target of lawsuits seeking more than $100 million in judgments."
Our state government is simply a shell to cover for their big money cronies....despicable!
"A local homebuilder who chairs the state housing authority has been the target of lawsuits seeking more than $100 million in judgments."
Our state government is simply a shell to cover for their big money cronies....despicable!
ABC advertising on Glen Beck TV show!
I just saw two ads from ABC's GMA show and the local Grand Rapids affiliate on Glen Beck's FoxNews TV show.
Sup wit dat?
Sup wit dat?
‘Climate change pushes poor women to prostitution, dangerous work’
‘Climate change pushes poor women to prostitution, dangerous work’
"Suneeta Mukherjee, country representative of the United Nations Food Population Fund (UNFPA), said women in the Philippines are the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change in the country."
Read this and remember it when some UN spokesman pronounces more drivel on your TV.
"Suneeta Mukherjee, country representative of the United Nations Food Population Fund (UNFPA), said women in the Philippines are the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change in the country."
Read this and remember it when some UN spokesman pronounces more drivel on your TV.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Spartans drill Valparaiso, Tom Izzo ties Jud Heathcote for Michigan State win mark
Spartans drill Valparaiso, Tom Izzo ties Jud Heathcote for Michigan State win mark
"With No. 2 Michigan State's 90-60 victory over Valparaiso in the second round of the Legends Classic, Tom Izzo tied his predecessor and mentor Jud Heathcote for the most wins in school history with 340.
Immediately after the game, Izzo was headed to Kansas City to present Heathcote for the latter's induction into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.
'I swear I didn't know exactly what number until (former MSU coach and MSU radio analyst Gus Ganakas) brought it to my attention this morning,' Izzo said. 'It means I'll probably go down there and get chewed out for it (by Heathcote)."
"With No. 2 Michigan State's 90-60 victory over Valparaiso in the second round of the Legends Classic, Tom Izzo tied his predecessor and mentor Jud Heathcote for the most wins in school history with 340.
Immediately after the game, Izzo was headed to Kansas City to present Heathcote for the latter's induction into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.
'I swear I didn't know exactly what number until (former MSU coach and MSU radio analyst Gus Ganakas) brought it to my attention this morning,' Izzo said. 'It means I'll probably go down there and get chewed out for it (by Heathcote)."
The Killers Within
The Killers Within
"Upon examination, it was discovered -- but not reported by a compliant mass media -- that over 80% of the homeless were actually newly released mental patients, not dispossessed victims of the economic system."
"Upon examination, it was discovered -- but not reported by a compliant mass media -- that over 80% of the homeless were actually newly released mental patients, not dispossessed victims of the economic system."
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Bill: State superintendent can force school districts to cut
"Public school employees’ pay and benefits could be subject to unilateral reduction in a financial emergency by the state schools superintendent under legislation introduced Wednesday in the state House."
Palinophobes Hate First, Ask Questions Later
Palinophobes Hate First, Ask Questions Later
"Slate magazine is just one of the countless media outlets convulsing with St. Vitus’ Dance over that demonic succubus Sarah Palin.
In its reader forum, The Fray, one supposed Palinophobe took dead aim at the former Alaska governor’s writing chops, excerpting the following sentence from her book:
“The apartment was small, with slanting floors and irregular heat and a buzzer downstairs that didn’t work, so that visitors had to call ahead from a pay phone at the corner gas station, where a black Doberman the size of a wolf paced through the night in vigilant patrol, its jaws clamped around an empty beer bottle.”
Other readers pounced like wolf-sized Dobermans on an intruder.
One guffawed, “That sentence by Sarah Palin could be entered into the annual Bulwer-Lytton bad writing contest. It could have a chance at winning a (sic) honorable mention, at any rate.
But soon, the original contributor confessed: “I probably should have mentioned that the sentence quoted above was not written by Sarah Palin. It’s taken from the first paragraph of ‘Dreams From My Father,’ written by Barack Obama.”
The ruse should have been allowed to fester longer, but the point was made nonetheless: Some people hate Palin first and ask questions later.”
"Slate magazine is just one of the countless media outlets convulsing with St. Vitus’ Dance over that demonic succubus Sarah Palin.
In its reader forum, The Fray, one supposed Palinophobe took dead aim at the former Alaska governor’s writing chops, excerpting the following sentence from her book:
“The apartment was small, with slanting floors and irregular heat and a buzzer downstairs that didn’t work, so that visitors had to call ahead from a pay phone at the corner gas station, where a black Doberman the size of a wolf paced through the night in vigilant patrol, its jaws clamped around an empty beer bottle.”
Other readers pounced like wolf-sized Dobermans on an intruder.
One guffawed, “That sentence by Sarah Palin could be entered into the annual Bulwer-Lytton bad writing contest. It could have a chance at winning a (sic) honorable mention, at any rate.
But soon, the original contributor confessed: “I probably should have mentioned that the sentence quoted above was not written by Sarah Palin. It’s taken from the first paragraph of ‘Dreams From My Father,’ written by Barack Obama.”
The ruse should have been allowed to fester longer, but the point was made nonetheless: Some people hate Palin first and ask questions later.”
CNBC’s Regan Worries 'Freshman Congressmen from Timbuktu' to Have Too Much Policy Influence if Fed Audit Bill Passed
CNBC’s Regan Worries 'Freshman Congressmen from Timbuktu' to Have Too Much Policy Influence if Fed Audit Bill Passed
"'Do you really want one of these freshman congressmen from Timbuktu having a big say in Fed monetary policy?'
Regan asked.
'Do you think that's the right thing?'"
"'Do you really want one of these freshman congressmen from Timbuktu having a big say in Fed monetary policy?'
Regan asked.
'Do you think that's the right thing?'"
Red, White & Conservative
Red, White & Conservative
"Where on earth do I begin? This all started as me, a young 17 year old American going to see a woman I admire and turned into this crazy event hah I’ll start at the very beginning"
This is REALLY GREAT!
A sharp young American and a sad insight into the liberal media.
Read it all.
"Where on earth do I begin? This all started as me, a young 17 year old American going to see a woman I admire and turned into this crazy event hah I’ll start at the very beginning"
This is REALLY GREAT!
A sharp young American and a sad insight into the liberal media.
Read it all.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)