Bread and circuses - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Bread and Circuses" (or bread and games) (from Latin: panem et circenses) is a metaphor for a superficial means of appeasement.
In the case of politics, the phrase is used to describe the creation of public approval, not through exemplary or excellent public service or public policy, but through diversion, distraction, and/or the mere satisfaction of the immediate, shallow requirements of a populace.[1] as an offered "palliative."
Juvenal decried it as a simplistic motivation of common people.
The phrase also implies the erosion or ignorance of civic duty amongst the concerns of the common man.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Manchester United makes disappointing public debut
Manchester United makes disappointing public debut - ESPN
Earlier this month it announced a $559 million, seven-year shirt sponsorship agreement with Chevrolet.
Earlier this month it announced a $559 million, seven-year shirt sponsorship agreement with Chevrolet.
Obama the great disabler
Mark Steyn: Obama the great disabler
Right now, combined total debt in the United States is just shy of $700,000 per family.
Add in the so-called "unfunded liabilities" that a normal American business would have to include in its SEC filings but from which U.S. Government accounting conveniently absolves itself, and you're talking about a debt burden per family of about a million bucks.
Right now, combined total debt in the United States is just shy of $700,000 per family.
Add in the so-called "unfunded liabilities" that a normal American business would have to include in its SEC filings but from which U.S. Government accounting conveniently absolves itself, and you're talking about a debt burden per family of about a million bucks.
Boy Whose Hot Dog Cart Was Shut Down by the City of Holland Now Homeless
Boy Whose Hot Dog Cart Was Shut Down by the City of Holland Now Homeless [Mackinac Center]
“Nate and I are now in a shelter,” Lynette said. “Doug can’t stay with us because he takes prescription narcotics to deal with his pain and the shelter does not allow him with those kinds of drugs.”
“Nate and I are now in a shelter,” Lynette said. “Doug can’t stay with us because he takes prescription narcotics to deal with his pain and the shelter does not allow him with those kinds of drugs.”
Meteor-shower party complete with s'mores planned for Muskegon and Oceana county state parks
Meteor-shower party complete with s'mores planned for Muskegon and Oceana county state parks
MLive.com: Muskegon State Park, 3560 Memorial, is hosting a meteor watching party at 9 p.m. on Sunday.
MLive.com: Muskegon State Park, 3560 Memorial, is hosting a meteor watching party at 9 p.m. on Sunday.
Thursday, August 09, 2012
Next from the EPA: Four-Gallon-Minimum Gas Purchases
The PJ Tatler » Next from the EPA: Four-Gallon-Minimum Gas Purchases
Next from the EPA: Four-Gallon-Minimum Gas Purchases
The Environmental Protection Agency is going to require all consumers to buy at least four gallons of gasoline from certain gas pumps after the new E15 ethanol-gasoline blend is introduced into the market.
Next from the EPA: Four-Gallon-Minimum Gas Purchases
The Environmental Protection Agency is going to require all consumers to buy at least four gallons of gasoline from certain gas pumps after the new E15 ethanol-gasoline blend is introduced into the market.
What is tax fairness? The mayor explains
Charlie Leonard: Inalienable Rights | AspenTimes.com
Recently, Aspen Mayor Mick Ireland made a number of public statements about Gov. Mitt Romney's tax returns.
In short, the mayor said the former Massachusetts governor has not released enough of them and based on what he has released, Romney is clearly not paying his fair share of taxes.
To support his point, the mayor said that he paid a higher tax rate than Romney and that was wrong.
Recently, Aspen Mayor Mick Ireland made a number of public statements about Gov. Mitt Romney's tax returns.
In short, the mayor said the former Massachusetts governor has not released enough of them and based on what he has released, Romney is clearly not paying his fair share of taxes.
To support his point, the mayor said that he paid a higher tax rate than Romney and that was wrong.
Wednesday, August 08, 2012
Over 100 Million Now Receiving Federal Welfare
Over 100 Million Now Receiving Federal Welfare | The Weekly Standard
"The federal government administers nearly 80 different overlapping federal means-tested welfare programs," the Senate Budget Committee notes.
However, the committee states, the figures used in the chart do not include those who are only benefiting from Social Security and/or Medicare.
"The federal government administers nearly 80 different overlapping federal means-tested welfare programs," the Senate Budget Committee notes.
However, the committee states, the figures used in the chart do not include those who are only benefiting from Social Security and/or Medicare.
Olympics 2012: U.S. gymnast Aly Raisman reveals her gold medal-winning routine was tribute to 1972 Munch Games massacre
Olympics 2012: U.S. gymnast Aly Raisman reveals her gold medal-winning routine was tribute to 1972 Munch Games massacre | Mail Online
Duringcoverage of this Olympics, U.S. broadcaster NBC has sparked anger in the host countryafter cutting away from the Opening Ceremony when a tribute to the victims of the London 7/7 bombings was shown.
The station said the tribute to the devastating attack - which killed 52 people and left many with life-changing injuries - 'wasn't tailored to a U.S. audience'. It showed an interview with swimmer Michael Phelps instead.
Duringcoverage of this Olympics, U.S. broadcaster NBC has sparked anger in the host countryafter cutting away from the Opening Ceremony when a tribute to the victims of the London 7/7 bombings was shown.
The station said the tribute to the devastating attack - which killed 52 people and left many with life-changing injuries - 'wasn't tailored to a U.S. audience'. It showed an interview with swimmer Michael Phelps instead.
Monday, August 06, 2012
RileyForCommissioner
RileyForCommissioner
· What sets you apart from your opponent?
Almost everything.
Except we both love Muskegon county.
I will demand that every spending item be publicly presented with full cost (including off-book) and plan to fund that spending.
I will not be complicit with illegally covering up debacles like Brookhaven.
I believe the taxpayers, citizens, residents and the media should be fully informed partners in major decisions.
I believe that state and federal money isn't "free money".
We must treat every dollar spent as if it was our own money.
· What sets you apart from your opponent?
Almost everything.
Except we both love Muskegon county.
I will demand that every spending item be publicly presented with full cost (including off-book) and plan to fund that spending.
I will not be complicit with illegally covering up debacles like Brookhaven.
I believe the taxpayers, citizens, residents and the media should be fully informed partners in major decisions.
I believe that state and federal money isn't "free money".
We must treat every dollar spent as if it was our own money.
Relatively low voter turnout expected for primary in Muskegon County
Relatively low voter turnout expected for primary in Muskegon County | MLive.com
Waters estimated that voter turnout could be higher in Norton Shores, Muskegon Township and Egelston Township due to “spirited” local races.
In addition, more than 2,000 absentee ballots have been returned in Norton Shores.
That bodes well for Robert-the-RINO....bummer!
Waters estimated that voter turnout could be higher in Norton Shores, Muskegon Township and Egelston Township due to “spirited” local races.
In addition, more than 2,000 absentee ballots have been returned in Norton Shores.
That bodes well for Robert-the-RINO....bummer!
Sunday, August 05, 2012
The Jobs Report Bad News
The Jobs Report Bad News | RealClearPolitics
By the way, the labor force shrunk by 150,000.
The participation rate slipped to 63.7 percent.
And the overall U-6 discouraged-workers unemployment rate increased to 15 percent.
By the way, the labor force shrunk by 150,000.
The participation rate slipped to 63.7 percent.
And the overall U-6 discouraged-workers unemployment rate increased to 15 percent.
Muskegon County Clerk-ID "required" to vote? NOT!
Muskegon County Clerk
"Voters without picture identification: Michigan election law anticipates that not all voters will have picture identification.
Voters who do not bring picture identification to the polls or do not possess picture identification can vote like any other voter by signing an affidavit."
"Voters without picture identification: Michigan election law anticipates that not all voters will have picture identification.
Voters who do not bring picture identification to the polls or do not possess picture identification can vote like any other voter by signing an affidavit."
TV ad about changing Social Security benefits adds to bickering in Thomas-Pestka Congressional race
TV ad about changing Social Security benefits adds to bickering in Thomas-Pestka Congressional race | MLive.com
Trevor Thomas claims Steve Pestka’s new commercial fabricates his position on Social Security and the Congressional candidate said his attorney has sent a letter to television stations asking them to pull it off the air.
Thomas says the ad is an attack that is grounded on distorting his belief that the retirement program needs to be overhauled for people 40 and under.
He has never advocated for benefit changes for people nearing retirement as the commercial says, Thomas said.
The 30-second spot that began airing Friday is Pestka’s second courting of the senior vote, and the former state legislator’s campaign spokesman says they stand behind the commercial.
“They paid into Social Security their whole lives with the promise it would be there for them,” the voiceover in the commercial states.
“But now Trevor Thomas wants to break that promise. He supports raising the Social Security retirement age, forcing seniors to work for years more.
“Steve Pestka knows Social Security is a promise to seniors we can’t break.”
Thomas said the negativity shows a sense of desperation by Pestka, who is presumed to be the favorite in the Aug. 7 Democratic primary with winner advancing to face U.S. Rep. Justin Amash.
“It’s not factual,” Thomas said. “I have been very clear that I would not cut Social Security for seniors and those nearing retirement.
Trevor Thomas claims Steve Pestka’s new commercial fabricates his position on Social Security and the Congressional candidate said his attorney has sent a letter to television stations asking them to pull it off the air.
Thomas says the ad is an attack that is grounded on distorting his belief that the retirement program needs to be overhauled for people 40 and under.
He has never advocated for benefit changes for people nearing retirement as the commercial says, Thomas said.
The 30-second spot that began airing Friday is Pestka’s second courting of the senior vote, and the former state legislator’s campaign spokesman says they stand behind the commercial.
“They paid into Social Security their whole lives with the promise it would be there for them,” the voiceover in the commercial states.
“But now Trevor Thomas wants to break that promise. He supports raising the Social Security retirement age, forcing seniors to work for years more.
“Steve Pestka knows Social Security is a promise to seniors we can’t break.”
Thomas said the negativity shows a sense of desperation by Pestka, who is presumed to be the favorite in the Aug. 7 Democratic primary with winner advancing to face U.S. Rep. Justin Amash.
“It’s not factual,” Thomas said. “I have been very clear that I would not cut Social Security for seniors and those nearing retirement.
Viewpoint: Want to empty the jail? Change how we handle drug offenses
Viewpoint: Want to empty the jail? Change how we handle drug offenses | MLive.com
According to the March 2012 issue of the Michigan Bar Journal, the No. 1 felony in this state is possession of a controlled substance.
The No. 2 felony is possession with intent to deliver. Drugs-related offenses dominate arrests.
More than assaults, more than shoplifting, more even than drunk driving.
The impact of these arrests is severe, especially for young people of color.
It creates serious barriers to college and future employment.
Such a person’s future may begin to spiral downward.
What may be worse is that the damage to the police and community relations cannot be overstated.
It’s ironic that what these people are arrested for is increasingly socially accepted behavior among the more privileged.
The connected and powerful, including lawmakers and even presidents, have often admitted to smoking marijuana.
But hypocritically they have not become the criminals that we have turned our young and underprivileged into.
According to the March 2012 issue of the Michigan Bar Journal, the No. 1 felony in this state is possession of a controlled substance.
The No. 2 felony is possession with intent to deliver. Drugs-related offenses dominate arrests.
More than assaults, more than shoplifting, more even than drunk driving.
The impact of these arrests is severe, especially for young people of color.
It creates serious barriers to college and future employment.
Such a person’s future may begin to spiral downward.
What may be worse is that the damage to the police and community relations cannot be overstated.
It’s ironic that what these people are arrested for is increasingly socially accepted behavior among the more privileged.
The connected and powerful, including lawmakers and even presidents, have often admitted to smoking marijuana.
But hypocritically they have not become the criminals that we have turned our young and underprivileged into.
Saturday, August 04, 2012
UPDATE 1-New Jersey pension system earns 2.26 percent in 2012
UPDATE 1-New Jersey pension system earns 2.26 percent in 2012 | Reuters
Aug 2 (Reuters) - New Jersey's $69.9 billion public pension system returned 2.26 percent in fiscal year 2012, falling short of its 7.95 percent assumed rate of return, the state said on Thursday.
Aug 2 (Reuters) - New Jersey's $69.9 billion public pension system returned 2.26 percent in fiscal year 2012, falling short of its 7.95 percent assumed rate of return, the state said on Thursday.
Blue Marlin: The Giant Ship That Ships Other Ships
Blue Marlin: The Giant Ship That Ships Other ShipsWhen one needs to transport a large number of ships (perhaps they aren’t ocean-ready), move a gigantic oil rig (like BP’s Thunder Horse PDQ) or perhaps carry a damaged warship home (The USS Cole), the MV Blue Marlin heeds the call.
Rob Bliss explains why a cargo container volleyball court was built in Pere Marquette
Rob Bliss explains why a cargo container volleyball court was built in Pere Marquette | MLive.com
Bliss said he was inspired to try and give Meghan Haan, a15-year-old sophomore and volleyball player at Wellspring Preparatory HighSchool, "the best day of volleyball ever" after hearing how she dealt with osteosarcoma, atype of bone cancer.
Bliss said he was inspired to try and give Meghan Haan, a15-year-old sophomore and volleyball player at Wellspring Preparatory HighSchool, "the best day of volleyball ever" after hearing how she dealt with osteosarcoma, atype of bone cancer.
Be Thankful And Fearful And Know Your Place, Citizen
Be Thankful And Fearful And Know Your Place, Citizen | Popehat
There's a few problematical trends going on here.
The first is the sick culture of fear, encouraged by the media (because fear is lucrative, and accurate contextual reporting is hard) and by law enforcement and politicians (because fear leads to more power for them).
That culture has led us to accept, uncritically, the existence of an ever-growing level of danger to ourselves and our children, even if actual evidence supports the opposite.
There's a few problematical trends going on here.
The first is the sick culture of fear, encouraged by the media (because fear is lucrative, and accurate contextual reporting is hard) and by law enforcement and politicians (because fear leads to more power for them).
That culture has led us to accept, uncritically, the existence of an ever-growing level of danger to ourselves and our children, even if actual evidence supports the opposite.
"I Am Pledging To Cut The Deficit We Inherited By Half By The End Of My First Term In Office"
Friday Humor: "I Am Pledging To Cut The Deficit We Inherited By Half By The End Of My First Term In Office" | ZeroHedge
President Obama, February 2009
"We can not and will not sustain deficits like these without end. Contrary to the prevailing wisdom in Washington these past few years, we can not simply spend as we please and defer the consequences to the next budget, the next administration or the next generation.
We are paying the price for these deficits right now.
In 2008 alone we paid $250 billion in interest on our debt, that is more than three times what we spent on education that year, more than seven times what we spent on VA healthcare.
So if we confront this crisis without also confronting the deficits that helped cause it, we risk sinking into another crisis down the road as our interest payments rise, our obligations come due, confidence in our economy erodes and our children and grandchildren are unable to pursue their dreams because they are saddled with our debts.
That's why today I am pledging to cut the deficit we inherited by half by the end of my first term in office.
This will not be easy - it will require us to make difficult decisions and face challenges we have long neglected but i refuse to leave our children with a debt they can not repay.
And that means taking responsibility right now in this administration
President Obama, February 2009
"We can not and will not sustain deficits like these without end. Contrary to the prevailing wisdom in Washington these past few years, we can not simply spend as we please and defer the consequences to the next budget, the next administration or the next generation.
We are paying the price for these deficits right now.
In 2008 alone we paid $250 billion in interest on our debt, that is more than three times what we spent on education that year, more than seven times what we spent on VA healthcare.
So if we confront this crisis without also confronting the deficits that helped cause it, we risk sinking into another crisis down the road as our interest payments rise, our obligations come due, confidence in our economy erodes and our children and grandchildren are unable to pursue their dreams because they are saddled with our debts.
That's why today I am pledging to cut the deficit we inherited by half by the end of my first term in office.
This will not be easy - it will require us to make difficult decisions and face challenges we have long neglected but i refuse to leave our children with a debt they can not repay.
And that means taking responsibility right now in this administration
List of Muskegon County's countywide races, proposals in Aug. 7 Primary
List of Muskegon County's countywide races, proposals in Aug. 7 Primary | MLive.com
Grant Public Schools
Bond proposal for technology improvement -- $3.7 million(1.3 mills)
Ravenna Public Schools
Operating millage proposal -- 1 mill
Grant Public Schools
Bond proposal for technology improvement -- $3.7 million(1.3 mills)
Ravenna Public Schools
Operating millage proposal -- 1 mill
Salon writer finds Gabrielle Douglas’ faith ‘unnerving’
Salon writer finds Gabrielle Douglas’ faith ‘unnerving’; followers find her inspiring | Twitchy: Brow@GovKaineBrow
#SALON: Did God help Gabrielle Douglas win? Gold medalist is a teenager of deep faith and gratitude -- and that can be a little unnerving
"The cynics out there already suspected that the Gabrielle Douglas love fest couldn’t last forever.
A gold medalist at 16, she’s amazingly talented, positive, self-confident, All-American and charismatic — the perfect fit for the Corn Flakes box. It’s all too good to be true, though, isn’t it?
There must be some flaw.
Is it her hair?
No, that’s just silly.
Her “outspoken” faith?
Bingo."
#SALON: Did God help Gabrielle Douglas win? Gold medalist is a teenager of deep faith and gratitude -- and that can be a little unnerving
"The cynics out there already suspected that the Gabrielle Douglas love fest couldn’t last forever.
A gold medalist at 16, she’s amazingly talented, positive, self-confident, All-American and charismatic — the perfect fit for the Corn Flakes box. It’s all too good to be true, though, isn’t it?
There must be some flaw.
Is it her hair?
No, that’s just silly.
Her “outspoken” faith?
Bingo."
Economist Richard Duncan: Civilization May Not Survive 'Death Spiral' -
Economist Richard Duncan: Civilization May Not Survive 'Death Spiral' - Money Morning
Richard Duncan, formerly of the World Bank and chief economist at Blackhorse Asset Mgmt., says America's $16 trillion federal debt has escalated into a "death spiral, "as he told CNBC.
And it could result in a depression so severe that he doesn't "think our civilization could survive it."
And Duncan is not alone in warning that the U.S. economy may go into a "death spiral."
Richard Duncan, formerly of the World Bank and chief economist at Blackhorse Asset Mgmt., says America's $16 trillion federal debt has escalated into a "death spiral, "as he told CNBC.
And it could result in a depression so severe that he doesn't "think our civilization could survive it."
And Duncan is not alone in warning that the U.S. economy may go into a "death spiral."
Friday, August 03, 2012
Attorney General Bill Schuette says Protect Our Jobs' pro-union proposal is too sweeping for ballot
Attorney General Bill Schuette says Protect Our Jobs' pro-union proposal is too sweeping for ballot | MLive.com
The union-backed Protect Our Jobs ballot proposal would “eviscerate” Civil Service Commission rules and is too sweeping for a 100-word ballot summary, Attorney General Bill Schuette said in a letter to Gov. Rick Snyder.
Schuette recommended that the state Board of Canvassers not approve the ballot language or place the proposal on the November ballot.
The union-backed Protect Our Jobs ballot proposal would “eviscerate” Civil Service Commission rules and is too sweeping for a 100-word ballot summary, Attorney General Bill Schuette said in a letter to Gov. Rick Snyder.
Schuette recommended that the state Board of Canvassers not approve the ballot language or place the proposal on the November ballot.
Pension debt overwhelms bankrupt San Bernardino, California
Pension debt overwhelms bankrupt San Bernardino, California | Reuters:
Patrick J. Morris, San Bernardino's mayor, said in a telephone interview that the bulk of the city's debt was due to "unfunded liabilities related to pension and benefits" for the city's employees, and "obligations to employee groups in labor contracts."
Patrick J. Morris, San Bernardino's mayor, said in a telephone interview that the bulk of the city's debt was due to "unfunded liabilities related to pension and benefits" for the city's employees, and "obligations to employee groups in labor contracts."
MEDC Programs Consistently Fall Short of Initial Claims
MEDC Programs Consistently Fall Short of Initial Claims [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
The MEDC oversees the 21st Century Jobs Fund. In a 2008 press release, then-Gov. Jennifer Granholm said, “The 21st Century Jobs Fund is the cornerstone of the most comprehensive and aggressive strategy in the nation to transform our economy, grow new high-tech companies and create good-paying jobs for our citizens.”
Programs of the 21st Century Jobs Fund have not lived up to this description.
The MEDC oversees the 21st Century Jobs Fund. In a 2008 press release, then-Gov. Jennifer Granholm said, “The 21st Century Jobs Fund is the cornerstone of the most comprehensive and aggressive strategy in the nation to transform our economy, grow new high-tech companies and create good-paying jobs for our citizens.”
Programs of the 21st Century Jobs Fund have not lived up to this description.
Bentivolio Battling GOP Establishment
Bentivolio Battling GOP Establishment [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
The 11th Congressional District was redrawn in 2010 and covers portions of Western Wayne County and Oakland County.
Thaddeus McCotter would have been the incumbent running for re-election but he botched the required signature gathering requirement and then later resigned from office in early July.
The 11th Congressional District was redrawn in 2010 and covers portions of Western Wayne County and Oakland County.
Thaddeus McCotter would have been the incumbent running for re-election but he botched the required signature gathering requirement and then later resigned from office in early July.
WinFall: Report details how a Michigan retiree legally beat the Massachusetts State Lottery
WinFall: Report details how a Michigan retiree legally beat the Massachusetts State Lottery | MLive.com
By buying in bulk for his G S Invstement Strategies group, Selbee could tap into favorable favorable margins, which he calculated to be between 17 and 21 percent before taxes.
By buying in bulk for his G S Invstement Strategies group, Selbee could tap into favorable favorable margins, which he calculated to be between 17 and 21 percent before taxes.
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