Black Flight is the New Worry for Detroit - WSJ.com
"DETROIT—This shrinking city needs to hang on to people like Johnette Barham: taxpaying, middle-class professionals who invest in local real estate, work and play downtown, and make their home here.
Ms. Barham just left.
And she's not coming back.
In seven years as a homeowner in Detroit, she endured more than 10 burglaries and break-ins at her house and a nearby rental property she owned.
Still, she defied friends' pleas to leave as she fortified her home with locks, bars, alarms and a dog."
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Replace Offshore Oil With Wind?
Replace Offshore Oil With Wind?
Chris Nelder looks at what it would take to replace US offshore Gulf of Mexico oil with a comparable amount of energy from wind power."
Europe's $1.6 trillion hangover
Europe's $1.6 trillion hangover - Street Sweep: Fortune's Wall Street Blog
"Banks in France and Germany alone have nearly $1 trillion in exposure to the staggering economies of southern Europe,"
"Banks in France and Germany alone have nearly $1 trillion in exposure to the staggering economies of southern Europe,"
Petraeus passes out briefly at hearing
44 - Petraeus passes out briefly at hearing
"Gen. David H. Petraeus, the commander of U.S. forces in the Middle East, fell ill at the witness table during a Senate hearing Tuesday and had to be escorted from the room."
Did McCain call him "My friend" one time too many?
"Gen. David H. Petraeus, the commander of U.S. forces in the Middle East, fell ill at the witness table during a Senate hearing Tuesday and had to be escorted from the room."
Did McCain call him "My friend" one time too many?
Etheridge the Unready -- and his enablers
Power Line - Etheridge the Unready -- and his enablers
"Whoever the young interrogators of Rep. Etheridge, and whatever their motives, Etheridge unmistakably revealed that he is a bully and a nut."
"Whoever the young interrogators of Rep. Etheridge, and whatever their motives, Etheridge unmistakably revealed that he is a bully and a nut."
Do laws even matter today?
Do laws even matter today? - USATODAY.com
"there seems to be a growing sense among many citizens that they are expected to play by the rules while others are exempt."
"there seems to be a growing sense among many citizens that they are expected to play by the rules while others are exempt."
Monday, June 14, 2010
America's Municipal Debt Racket
Steven Malanga: America's Municipal Debt Racket - WSJ.com
"New Jersey officials recently celebrated the selection of the new stadium in the Meadowlands sports complex as the site of the 2014 Super Bowl.
Absent from the festivities was any sense of the burden the complex has become for taxpayers.
Nearly 40 years ago the Garden State borrowed $302 million to begin constructing the Meadowlands.
The goal was to pay off the bonds in 25 years.
Although the project initially went according to plan, politicians couldn't resist continually refinancing the bonds, siphoning revenues from the complex into the state budget, and using the good credit rating of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition authority to borrow for other, unsuccessful building schemes.
Today, the authority that runs the Meadowlands is in hock for $830 million, which it can't pay back.
The state, facing its own cavernous budget deficits, has had to assume interest payments—about $100 million this year on bonds that still stretch for decades."
"New Jersey officials recently celebrated the selection of the new stadium in the Meadowlands sports complex as the site of the 2014 Super Bowl.
Absent from the festivities was any sense of the burden the complex has become for taxpayers.
Nearly 40 years ago the Garden State borrowed $302 million to begin constructing the Meadowlands.
The goal was to pay off the bonds in 25 years.
Although the project initially went according to plan, politicians couldn't resist continually refinancing the bonds, siphoning revenues from the complex into the state budget, and using the good credit rating of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition authority to borrow for other, unsuccessful building schemes.
Today, the authority that runs the Meadowlands is in hock for $830 million, which it can't pay back.
The state, facing its own cavernous budget deficits, has had to assume interest payments—about $100 million this year on bonds that still stretch for decades."
Ace of Spades HQ
Ace of Spades HQ
"President Obama is asking for $50 Billion to distribute to state and local governments to avoid public-sector employee layoffs. (And for 'public-sector employees', you can read 'SEIU and Teacher's Unions'.)
The GOP is sure to oppose it, but may not be able to stop a concerted Democratic push.
Bailing out the states (especially California) is going to take a lot more than a piddling $50 billion, of course.
The first tranche is simply to establish precedent."
"President Obama is asking for $50 Billion to distribute to state and local governments to avoid public-sector employee layoffs. (And for 'public-sector employees', you can read 'SEIU and Teacher's Unions'.)
The GOP is sure to oppose it, but may not be able to stop a concerted Democratic push.
Bailing out the states (especially California) is going to take a lot more than a piddling $50 billion, of course.
The first tranche is simply to establish precedent."
Tell Izzo how you feel in HAIKU...
Tell Izzo how you feel in HAIKU...
If Izzo Returns
My Girlfriend Will Be Tired
Cuz of My Boner
Hey, it's college dudes...dude....
If Izzo Returns
My Girlfriend Will Be Tired
Cuz of My Boner
Hey, it's college dudes...dude....
'Tea partyers' pushing to get new line on November ballot
'Tea partyers' pushing to get new line on November ballot Buffalo News
"Organizers of the 'tea party' movement are poised to mount a statewide petition drive in hopes of creating a new line on the November election ballot.
The goal is to give 'disaffected, aggravated, frustrated voters' an alternative to choosing from among the 'lesser of two evils,' Rus Thompson, leader of the local tea party, said Sunday in referring primarily to the major party nominees for governor, Democrat Andrew M. Cuomo and Republican Rick Lazio."
Political suicide!
"Organizers of the 'tea party' movement are poised to mount a statewide petition drive in hopes of creating a new line on the November election ballot.
The goal is to give 'disaffected, aggravated, frustrated voters' an alternative to choosing from among the 'lesser of two evils,' Rus Thompson, leader of the local tea party, said Sunday in referring primarily to the major party nominees for governor, Democrat Andrew M. Cuomo and Republican Rick Lazio."
Political suicide!
Clear signal: Boaters can operate U.S. Coast Guard's new foghorn system
Clear signal: Boaters can operate U.S. Coast Guard's new foghorn system MLive.com
"Sensors in the lighthouse used to detect the presence of fog and would activate the signal automatically to guide ships into port.
However, the sensors began malfunctioning as they grew older and continually became covered in spider webs, Salzmann said.
To activate the fog signal, boaters must tune their marine radio to channel 79A and depress the microphone five times."
OK, this system is better than nothing at all.
But why can't the USCG clean off the spider webs?
Sup wit dat?
"Sensors in the lighthouse used to detect the presence of fog and would activate the signal automatically to guide ships into port.
However, the sensors began malfunctioning as they grew older and continually became covered in spider webs, Salzmann said.
To activate the fog signal, boaters must tune their marine radio to channel 79A and depress the microphone five times."
OK, this system is better than nothing at all.
But why can't the USCG clean off the spider webs?
Sup wit dat?
Muskegon County board changes policy on public comment
Muskegon County board changes policy on public comment MLive.com
"The public will now be able to make comments to the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners during meetings at two separate parts of the agenda, including an opportunity to weigh in on items before commissioners vote on them."
A small, but important, victory for the little guys.
We can speak.
Will they listen?
"The public will now be able to make comments to the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners during meetings at two separate parts of the agenda, including an opportunity to weigh in on items before commissioners vote on them."
A small, but important, victory for the little guys.
We can speak.
Will they listen?
EPA classifies milk as oil, forcing costly rules on farmers
EPA classifies milk as oil, forcing costly rules on farmers MLive.com
"But the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is classifying milk as oil because it contains a percentage of animal fat, which is a non-petroleum oil."
"But the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is classifying milk as oil because it contains a percentage of animal fat, which is a non-petroleum oil."
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Rectifier 5K Run-Winner!
Rectifier 5K Run:
"Overall Female Great Grand Masters Winner
Place Name City Bib No Age Overall TimePace Time Back
1 Francine Lessard Muskegon MI 642 60 212 36:11 11:40/M"
http://www.runnersedgeracetiming.com/data/uploadedfiles/rectifieragegroup2010.htm
Honeybunch rules!
"Overall Female Great Grand Masters Winner
1 Francine Lessard Muskegon MI 642 60 212 36:11 11:40/M"
http://www.runnersedgeracetiming.com/data/uploadedfiles/rectifieragegroup2010.htm
Honeybunch rules!
Black leaders urge swift federal action on poverty
Black leaders urge swift federal action on poverty :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
"'Hot shoes make presidents dance,' Jackson said.
'We're bringing some hot shoes [to Washington].'"
"'Hot shoes make presidents dance,' Jackson said.
'We're bringing some hot shoes [to Washington].'"
Congress Mulls Bill to Revise 14th Amendment Birthright Citizenship
Congress Mulls Bill to Revise 14th Amendment Birthright Citizenship - ABC News
"In 1983, for example, England amended its jus soli policy so that children born in the United Kingdom were only granted citizenship if one of their parents was either a citizen or could prove some sort of permanent residency in the country."
"In 1983, for example, England amended its jus soli policy so that children born in the United Kingdom were only granted citizenship if one of their parents was either a citizen or could prove some sort of permanent residency in the country."
Pension Plans Go Broke as Public Payrolls Expand
Pension Plans Go Broke as Public Payrolls Expand: Joe Mysak - Bloomberg.com
ven states will run out of money to pay public pensions by 2020.
That hasn’t stopped them from hiring new employees."
That's because the politicians think we will simply accept more tax increases.
Will we?
ven states will run out of money to pay public pensions by 2020.
That hasn’t stopped them from hiring new employees."
That's because the politicians think we will simply accept more tax increases.
Will we?
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Friday night news dump: White House says 51 percent of company health plans won't meet Obamacare guidelines
Friday night news dump: White House says 51 percent of company health plans won't meet Obamacare guidelines Washington Examiner
"Internal White House documents reveal that 51% of employers may have to relinquish their current health care coverage by 2013 due to ObamaCare.
That numbers soars to 66% for small-business employers."
"Internal White House documents reveal that 51% of employers may have to relinquish their current health care coverage by 2013 due to ObamaCare.
That numbers soars to 66% for small-business employers."
Cash-poor NY state may issue IOUs like California
Cash-poor NY state may issue IOUs like California Reuters
"Cash-poor New York state might have to pay its bills with IOUs next week to avoid the 'anarchy in the streets' that could result from a government shutdown, Governor David Paterson said on Thursday."
"Cash-poor New York state might have to pay its bills with IOUs next week to avoid the 'anarchy in the streets' that could result from a government shutdown, Governor David Paterson said on Thursday."
Friday, June 11, 2010
Why Is Dick Cheney Silent on the Oil Spill?
Why Is Dick Cheney Silent on the Oil Spill? - Newsweek
"When the Obama administration, or the media, or just about anybody contradicts Dick Cheney's views on national security, he is far from shy about responding.
But facing a firestorm of criticism over the oil spill, he's been notably silent."
Oh please!
No wonder this rag is broke and soon to be gone for good.
"When the Obama administration, or the media, or just about anybody contradicts Dick Cheney's views on national security, he is far from shy about responding.
But facing a firestorm of criticism over the oil spill, he's been notably silent."
Oh please!
No wonder this rag is broke and soon to be gone for good.
This is the age of war between the generationsine
This is the age of war between the generations Anatole Kaletsky - Times Online
"This is the age of war between the generations
Never mind the credit crunch, it’s all those retiring baby-boomers who threaten us with national bankruptcy"
Jeepers, the boomers are doing the spending?
I thought it was congress/senate/Obama.
Who'd of guessed?
"This is the age of war between the generations
Never mind the credit crunch, it’s all those retiring baby-boomers who threaten us with national bankruptcy"
Jeepers, the boomers are doing the spending?
I thought it was congress/senate/Obama.
Who'd of guessed?
Director of Michigan Film Office retiring as criticism grows over movie incentives
Director of Michigan Film Office retiring as criticism grows over movie incentives MLive.com
"More recently, questions were raised over film infrastructure tax credits, including a proposed $10 million credit tied to Walker's Hangar42 Studios project inside the former Lear auto-parts plant, 2150 Alpine Ave. NW.
Lockwood's office gave initial approval to the $10 million rebate based on a claim of a $40 million investment in the studio.
Critics point out the site was listed for sale for less than $10 million just weeks before that application, with little proof of major renovations or other investment since.
Efforts by The Press, The Mackinac Center for Public Policy and other media outlets to find out more about that deal -- including whether the $10 million check was cut -- were turned away by the film office and Michigan Department of Treasury.
They said it was illegal for them to share taxpayer information with the public."
More gangster government from the Granholm gangsters.
I wonder what the pension is for our disgraced, departed, doyenne of drama disbursements?
"More recently, questions were raised over film infrastructure tax credits, including a proposed $10 million credit tied to Walker's Hangar42 Studios project inside the former Lear auto-parts plant, 2150 Alpine Ave. NW.
Lockwood's office gave initial approval to the $10 million rebate based on a claim of a $40 million investment in the studio.
Critics point out the site was listed for sale for less than $10 million just weeks before that application, with little proof of major renovations or other investment since.
Efforts by The Press, The Mackinac Center for Public Policy and other media outlets to find out more about that deal -- including whether the $10 million check was cut -- were turned away by the film office and Michigan Department of Treasury.
They said it was illegal for them to share taxpayer information with the public."
More gangster government from the Granholm gangsters.
I wonder what the pension is for our disgraced, departed, doyenne of drama disbursements?
How'd you like a six-figure pension? Work for the government
How'd you like a six-figure pension? Work for the government
"'In Yonkers, more than 100 retired police officers and firefighters are collecting pensions greater than their pay when they were working.
One of the youngest, Hugo Tassone, retired at 44 with a base pay of about $74,000 a year.
His pension is now $101,333 a year...."
"'In Yonkers, more than 100 retired police officers and firefighters are collecting pensions greater than their pay when they were working.
One of the youngest, Hugo Tassone, retired at 44 with a base pay of about $74,000 a year.
His pension is now $101,333 a year...."
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