Too Big To Fail Is Now Bigger Than Ever Before |:
" The six largest banks in the United States have gotten 37 percent larger over the past five years.
Meanwhile, 1,400 smaller banks have disappeared from the banking industry during that time.
What this means is that the health of JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citigroup, Wells Fargo, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley is more critical to the U.S. economy than ever before.
If they were “too big to fail” back in 2008, then now they must be “too colossal to collapse”.
Saturday, September 21, 2013
US nearly detonated atomic bomb over North Carolina
US nearly detonated atomic bomb over North Carolina – secret document | World news | The Guardian:
"Journalist uses Freedom of Information Act to disclose 1961 accident in which one switch averted catastrophe"
"Journalist uses Freedom of Information Act to disclose 1961 accident in which one switch averted catastrophe"
10 States That Said No To American Cars
10 States That Said No To American Cars | Bankrate.com:
"We've all heard the slogan "Buy American," but loyalty to American cars and trucks can vary widely from state to state.
The auto pricing website TrueCar.com recently looked at new-car sales data to rank the states, as well as the District of Columbia, that posted the lowest percentage of American-brand car purchases in 2012. Here are those states."
Take a look at #2
"We've all heard the slogan "Buy American," but loyalty to American cars and trucks can vary widely from state to state.
The auto pricing website TrueCar.com recently looked at new-car sales data to rank the states, as well as the District of Columbia, that posted the lowest percentage of American-brand car purchases in 2012. Here are those states."
Take a look at #2
House CR Forks Over $174,000 for Late Senator's Wife
House CR Forks Over $174,000 for Late Senator's Wife | 218:
"The death gratuity — a long-practiced, little-known, unofficial perk of office — has been a staple of congressional deaths. A Congressional Research Service report on members who die in office says:
“…it has been the typical practice of the House to provide a death gratuity equal to the member’s annual salary, payable to the deceased member’s widow or widower, or children either in the annual legislative branch appropriations act or a measure providing supplemental funds for the legislative branch. By statute, a death gratuity is considered a gift.”
Before Lautenberg’s death, he was No. 8 on Roll Call’s 50 Richest Members of Congress with a net worth of at least $56.8 million."
"The death gratuity — a long-practiced, little-known, unofficial perk of office — has been a staple of congressional deaths. A Congressional Research Service report on members who die in office says:
“…it has been the typical practice of the House to provide a death gratuity equal to the member’s annual salary, payable to the deceased member’s widow or widower, or children either in the annual legislative branch appropriations act or a measure providing supplemental funds for the legislative branch. By statute, a death gratuity is considered a gift.”
Before Lautenberg’s death, he was No. 8 on Roll Call’s 50 Richest Members of Congress with a net worth of at least $56.8 million."
10 'Poorest' Members of Congress Owe Big
10 'Poorest' Members of Congress Owe Big : Roll Call News:
"3. Debbie Wasserman Schultz: -$1.04 million
The chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, Wasserman Schultz has spent most of her career in political office, starting as a state legislator in her home state of Florida.
She has two mortgages with a combined worth of at least $750,000, plus $350,000 in home equity and personal loans.
She also carried more than $50,000 in credit card debt in 2012.
Her assets include a spouse-held $100,000 stock in the community bank where her husband works and several small bank accounts including college savings plans for her children.
......Democrat Debbie Stabenow of Michigan is the poorest member of the Senate, with a net worth of -$585,000. "
"3. Debbie Wasserman Schultz: -$1.04 million
The chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, Wasserman Schultz has spent most of her career in political office, starting as a state legislator in her home state of Florida.
She has two mortgages with a combined worth of at least $750,000, plus $350,000 in home equity and personal loans.
She also carried more than $50,000 in credit card debt in 2012.
Her assets include a spouse-held $100,000 stock in the community bank where her husband works and several small bank accounts including college savings plans for her children.
......Democrat Debbie Stabenow of Michigan is the poorest member of the Senate, with a net worth of -$585,000. "
CNN’s Don Lemon: You Have a Better Chance Of Getting Shot in a Black City Than Being Killed in a Mass Shooting
CNN’s Don Lemon: You Have a Better Chance Of Getting Robbed in a Black City Than Being Killed in a Mass Shooting | breakingbrown.com:
"He concluded: “You have a better chance of getting shot walking down your street, getting into an altercation, or getting robbed in cities like New Orleans, Detroit, Baltimore, Miami, D.C., Atlanta or Cleveland than you do getting shot or killed in a mass shooting.”
"He concluded: “You have a better chance of getting shot walking down your street, getting into an altercation, or getting robbed in cities like New Orleans, Detroit, Baltimore, Miami, D.C., Atlanta or Cleveland than you do getting shot or killed in a mass shooting.”
Obama struggles with debt talk at Ford plant: 'If we don't raise the debt ceiling, we're deadbeats'
Obama struggles with debt talk at Ford plant: 'If we don't raise the debt ceiling, we're deadbeats' - Washington Times:
"“This is important,” Mr. Obama said. “Raising the debt ceiling is not the same as approving more spending, any more than making your monthly payments adds to the total cost of your truck.”
Plowing ahead, Mr. Obama said, “I — you don’t say, well, I’m not going — I’m not going to pay my — my — my bill, my note for my truck because I’m going to save money. No, you’re not saving money. You already bought the truck, right? You have to pay the bills. You — you are not — you’re not saving money.”"
"“This is important,” Mr. Obama said. “Raising the debt ceiling is not the same as approving more spending, any more than making your monthly payments adds to the total cost of your truck.”
Plowing ahead, Mr. Obama said, “I — you don’t say, well, I’m not going — I’m not going to pay my — my — my bill, my note for my truck because I’m going to save money. No, you’re not saving money. You already bought the truck, right? You have to pay the bills. You — you are not — you’re not saving money.”"
Friday, September 20, 2013
More Flops in Electric Car Industry
More Flops in Electric Car Industry | Via Meadia:
"It looks as though the federal grant was the only thing keeping the company afloat for the past few years: the company cites the cancellation of government payments as the main reason for its bankruptcy."
"It looks as though the federal grant was the only thing keeping the company afloat for the past few years: the company cites the cancellation of government payments as the main reason for its bankruptcy."
Next stop, banana republic
Mark Steyn: Next stop, banana republic | banana, republic, government - Opinion - The Orange County Register:
"“This is the United States of America,” declared President Obama to the burghers of Liberty, Missouri, on Friday.
“We’re not some banana republic.”
He was talking about the Annual Raising of the Debt Ceiling, which glorious American tradition seems to come round earlier every year.
“This is not a deadbeat nation,” President Obama continued.
“We don’t run out on our tab.”
True.
But we don’t pay it off, either.
We just keep running it up, ever higher. "
"“This is the United States of America,” declared President Obama to the burghers of Liberty, Missouri, on Friday.
“We’re not some banana republic.”
He was talking about the Annual Raising of the Debt Ceiling, which glorious American tradition seems to come round earlier every year.
“This is not a deadbeat nation,” President Obama continued.
“We don’t run out on our tab.”
True.
But we don’t pay it off, either.
We just keep running it up, ever higher. "
KU Professor Placed On Administrative Leave After Tweet
KU Professor Placed On Administrative Leave After Tweet - KMBZ:
"MISSION - University of Kansas journalism professor David Guth has been placed on administrative leave following a tweet he made on Monday about the shooting at the Washington Navy Yard in reference to the National Rifle Association.
Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little announced the decision on Friday.
"In order to prevent disruptions to the learning environment for students, the School of Journalism and the university, I have directed Provost Jeffrey Vitter to place Associate Professor Guth on indefinite administrative leave pending a review of the entire situation. Professor Guth’s classes will be taught by other faculty members," Gray-Little said in a statement.
After the Navy Yard shootings Monday, David Guth tweeted out "#NavyYardShooting The blood is on the hands of the #NRA. Next time, let it be YOUR sons and daughters. Shame on you. May God damn you.""
"MISSION - University of Kansas journalism professor David Guth has been placed on administrative leave following a tweet he made on Monday about the shooting at the Washington Navy Yard in reference to the National Rifle Association.
Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little announced the decision on Friday.
"In order to prevent disruptions to the learning environment for students, the School of Journalism and the university, I have directed Provost Jeffrey Vitter to place Associate Professor Guth on indefinite administrative leave pending a review of the entire situation. Professor Guth’s classes will be taught by other faculty members," Gray-Little said in a statement.
After the Navy Yard shootings Monday, David Guth tweeted out "#NavyYardShooting The blood is on the hands of the #NRA. Next time, let it be YOUR sons and daughters. Shame on you. May God damn you.""
Obamacare Raising Health Care Spending by $621,000,000,000
Obamacare Raising Health Care Spending by $621,000,000,000:
"However, econometric and actuarial analysis by the CMS Office of the Actuary of the past fifty years of National Health Expenditure Accounts data…suggests that health spending growth is likely to accelerate once economic conditions improve significantly."
"However, econometric and actuarial analysis by the CMS Office of the Actuary of the past fifty years of National Health Expenditure Accounts data…suggests that health spending growth is likely to accelerate once economic conditions improve significantly."
Rescued Baby Hummingbird
from site:
"This is a baby hummingbird I rescued after it was attacked.
The song is "Better Together" by Jack Johnson.
UPDATE!!! when she thought she was ready to leave (and she was) she flew off to her favorite patch of the back yard, and her instincts instantly kicked in, and now she's just like all the other hummingbirds. for those that are concerned that she has imprinted on humans and wouldn't survive in the wild, don't worry, she is thriving. she has even successfully migrated and returned back to my yard. and for those who think i didn't know what i was doing, i did NOT feed her plain sugar water. i went outside 3 times a day and caught flies from my compost bin (be green people) in big bags, crushed them, and mixed them in as well. I also helped her learn to catch flies while flying (not in the video because the flies were too small). It was a pretty hectic but very rewarding experience and, in the end, i don't think it could have worked out any better :)"
Why does Obama's Justice Department want to send poor, black kids to failing schools?
Why does Obama's Justice Department want to send poor, black kids to failing schools? | Fox News:
"The Obama Justice Department filed a civil rights lawsuit last month to stop Louisiana from giving vouchers to poor students in failing schools.
The Justice Department claims that the vouchers disrupt racial balance in schools."
"The Obama Justice Department filed a civil rights lawsuit last month to stop Louisiana from giving vouchers to poor students in failing schools.
The Justice Department claims that the vouchers disrupt racial balance in schools."
Safe Passage Worker Hit Woman, Stole Benefits Card
Safe Passage Worker Hit Woman, Stole Benefits Card: Authorities « CBS Chicago:
"A Safe Passage worker for Chicago Public Schools allegedly struck a woman and stole her Link benefits card, authorities say.
Lashia Brown, 22, has been charged with misdemeanor battery and felony ID theft.
Police confirmed Brown has a prior criminal record that includes possessing a weapon without a Firearm Owners Identification Card, an offense for which she pleaded guilty.
Brown allegedly struck the victim in the face and used her Link card to withdraw money. "
"safe passage worker"?
"A Safe Passage worker for Chicago Public Schools allegedly struck a woman and stole her Link benefits card, authorities say.
Lashia Brown, 22, has been charged with misdemeanor battery and felony ID theft.
Police confirmed Brown has a prior criminal record that includes possessing a weapon without a Firearm Owners Identification Card, an offense for which she pleaded guilty.
Brown allegedly struck the victim in the face and used her Link card to withdraw money. "
"safe passage worker"?
5th-Generation Fighter, 1st-Generation Tires?
5th-Generation Fighter, 1st-Generation Tires? | Defense Tech:
"Air Force Lt. Gen. Christopher Bogdan, who oversees the Defense Department’s Joint Strike Fighter program, this week said some parts of the plane break down too frequently.
When a reporter asked for examples, Bogdan cited a seemingly mundane component: the tires"
"Air Force Lt. Gen. Christopher Bogdan, who oversees the Defense Department’s Joint Strike Fighter program, this week said some parts of the plane break down too frequently.
When a reporter asked for examples, Bogdan cited a seemingly mundane component: the tires"
City Sued Over FOIA Fees
City Sued Over FOIA Fees [Michigan Capitol Confidential]:
"Westland charges $1 per page, $45 per hour to gather public information"
Make no mistake, it's them against us!
"Westland charges $1 per page, $45 per hour to gather public information"
Make no mistake, it's them against us!
Ex-NFL star Brian Holloway may be sued by parents of teens who allegedly trashed his upstate NY home
Ex-NFL star Brian Holloway may be sued by parents of teens who allegedly trashed his upstate NY home - NY Daily News:
"If Brian Holloway thought the hundreds of teenagers who destroyed his home were ruthless, wait until their families are through with him.
Several parents are reportedly considering lawsuits against the former NFL star after he posted their children's names on a website created in the wake of the Labor Day weekend house party."
The website, www.helpmesave300.com, identifies over 100 of the estimated 300 house-crashers who trashed his upstate New York residence, and includes photos and tweets that documented the reckless destruction.
"If Brian Holloway thought the hundreds of teenagers who destroyed his home were ruthless, wait until their families are through with him.
Several parents are reportedly considering lawsuits against the former NFL star after he posted their children's names on a website created in the wake of the Labor Day weekend house party."
The website, www.helpmesave300.com, identifies over 100 of the estimated 300 house-crashers who trashed his upstate New York residence, and includes photos and tweets that documented the reckless destruction.
But rather than apologize to Holloway for their children's behavior, some parents have contacted their lawyers to see what legal action they can take against the former Patriots and Raiders offensive lineman, local affiliate ABC News 10 reported.
Going for broke: The multiple lost decades of US household income. Is it possible to have a recovery while the standard of living collapses?
Going for broke: The multiple lost decades of US household income. Is it possible to have a recovery while the standard of living collapses?:
"Adjusting for inflation, American families are making what they did in 1989.
How long ago was this?
The most popular shows on TV were The Cosby Show and Roseanne.
In other words, this was a generation ago.
The standard of living continues to decline for many but for others the bailouts are working out magnificently like rubbing on a central bank genie lamp.
The Fed is going for broke here but only a small portion of our population is really coming out ahead."
"Adjusting for inflation, American families are making what they did in 1989.
How long ago was this?
The most popular shows on TV were The Cosby Show and Roseanne.
In other words, this was a generation ago.
The standard of living continues to decline for many but for others the bailouts are working out magnificently like rubbing on a central bank genie lamp.
The Fed is going for broke here but only a small portion of our population is really coming out ahead."
Developers of new Detroit office tower seek $27M in tax incentives
Developers of new Detroit office tower seek $27M in tax incentives | Crain's Detroit Business:
"The Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Authority board could vote as soon as Wednesday afternoon on whether to approve $27 million in tax incentives for the first new major office building in the Central Business District since the completion of One Kennedy Square in 2006.
Plans for the 320,000-square-foot Schostak Bros. & Co. "
Hmmm.....$27 million to the family of the chairman of the Michigan Republican party....... hmmmmmm......
"The Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Authority board could vote as soon as Wednesday afternoon on whether to approve $27 million in tax incentives for the first new major office building in the Central Business District since the completion of One Kennedy Square in 2006.
Plans for the 320,000-square-foot Schostak Bros. & Co. "
Hmmm.....$27 million to the family of the chairman of the Michigan Republican party....... hmmmmmm......
See which Michigan cities have highest child poverty rates
See which Michigan cities have highest child poverty rates | MLive.com:
"The latest Census release included data on cities and counties with a population of 65,000 or more.
Flint had the second-highest child poverty rate at 57.6 percent, followed by Lansing at 50.1 percent, Grand Rapids at 42 percent, Dearborn at 40 percent and Kalamazoo at 38 percent. "
"The latest Census release included data on cities and counties with a population of 65,000 or more.
Flint had the second-highest child poverty rate at 57.6 percent, followed by Lansing at 50.1 percent, Grand Rapids at 42 percent, Dearborn at 40 percent and Kalamazoo at 38 percent. "
Behind the Curtain: Nancy Pelosi unplugged
Unplugged?
Unhinged!
Behind the Curtain: Nancy Pelosi unplugged - POLITICO.com
Striking a tone of disgust, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi ridicules the GOP as obsessed with its loathing of President Obama and hell-bent on hurting him politically, regardless the cost. She assigns little to no blame to the president (even though Democrats privately say that’s laughable) and instead portrays him as saintly, above reproach and the victim of jealousy or something worse.
After 26 years in the House, she says, “I haven’t seen anything like it. I haven’t seen anything like it.” (Never heard of George Bush?)
Unhinged!
Behind the Curtain: Nancy Pelosi unplugged - POLITICO.com
Striking a tone of disgust, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi ridicules the GOP as obsessed with its loathing of President Obama and hell-bent on hurting him politically, regardless the cost. She assigns little to no blame to the president (even though Democrats privately say that’s laughable) and instead portrays him as saintly, above reproach and the victim of jealousy or something worse.
After 26 years in the House, she says, “I haven’t seen anything like it. I haven’t seen anything like it.” (Never heard of George Bush?)
Throughout a 50-minute interview on Thursday in her second-floor Capitol office, where the late Speaker Tip O’Neill used to receive supplicants, Pelosi was sharply derisive about the scorn Republicans have for this president.
“You know why it is,” she said. “You know why it is. He’s brilliant, … he thinks in a strategic way in how to get something done … and he’s completely eloquent. That’s a package that they don’t like.
..Then she added a line that she has used before, that drives Republicans batty: “He has been … open, practically apolitical, certainly nonpartisan, in terms of welcoming every idea and solution. I think that’s one of the reasons the Republicans want to take him down politically, because they know he is a nonpartisan president, and that’s something very hard for them to cope with.”
“You know why it is,” she said. “You know why it is. He’s brilliant, … he thinks in a strategic way in how to get something done … and he’s completely eloquent. That’s a package that they don’t like.
..Then she added a line that she has used before, that drives Republicans batty: “He has been … open, practically apolitical, certainly nonpartisan, in terms of welcoming every idea and solution. I think that’s one of the reasons the Republicans want to take him down politically, because they know he is a nonpartisan president, and that’s something very hard for them to cope with.”
Wal-Mart site plan approval appeal going before Whitehall Township board Sept. 23
Wal-Mart site plan approval appeal going before Whitehall Township board Sept. 23 | MLive.com:
"WHITEHALL, MI – What could be the last public meeting on the controversial plan to build a Wal-Mart “supercenter” in Whitehall Township will be held Monday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m."
"WHITEHALL, MI – What could be the last public meeting on the controversial plan to build a Wal-Mart “supercenter” in Whitehall Township will be held Monday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m."
Earth Has More Sea Ice Than 1990: ‘Earth currently has 333,000 Manhattans of sea ice, which is more ice than on the same date in 1990′
Climate Depot | A project of CFACT:
"Thomas touts Climate Depot: Marc Morano, a former staff member of the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (whose web page climatedepot.com offers numerous scientific articles debunking climate change), emails me:
"As a long observer of the global weather movement, I can say that the events of 2013 have been one of the most devastating to the movement.
Both poles have record expanding ice.
Global temperatures have failed to rise for 15 plus years, sea level rise is failing to accelerate, tornadoes are at record lows, hurricanes are near record low activity ... 2013 may be the year in which man-made global warming fears enter the dustbin of history.'"
"Thomas touts Climate Depot: Marc Morano, a former staff member of the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (whose web page climatedepot.com offers numerous scientific articles debunking climate change), emails me:
"As a long observer of the global weather movement, I can say that the events of 2013 have been one of the most devastating to the movement.
Both poles have record expanding ice.
Global temperatures have failed to rise for 15 plus years, sea level rise is failing to accelerate, tornadoes are at record lows, hurricanes are near record low activity ... 2013 may be the year in which man-made global warming fears enter the dustbin of history.'"
My Favorite SR-71 Story
My Favorite SR-71 Story | The Lexicans:
"So it was with great surprise, when, at the end of one of my presentations, someone asked:
What was the slowest you ever flew the Blackbird.?
This was a first.
After giving it some thought, I was reminded of a story I had never shared before, and relayed the following:"
Amazing memories!
"So it was with great surprise, when, at the end of one of my presentations, someone asked:
What was the slowest you ever flew the Blackbird.?
This was a first.
After giving it some thought, I was reminded of a story I had never shared before, and relayed the following:"
Amazing memories!
Thursday, September 19, 2013
The Decline of College
The Decline of College | RealClearPolitics:
"The four-year campus experience is simply vanishing.
At the California State University system, the largest university complex in the world, well under 20 percent of students graduate in four years despite massive student aid.
Fewer than half graduate in six years."
"The four-year campus experience is simply vanishing.
At the California State University system, the largest university complex in the world, well under 20 percent of students graduate in four years despite massive student aid.
Fewer than half graduate in six years."
This Is Why Most Military Personnel Aren’t Armed on Military Bases — and It’s Not Clinton’s Fault
This Is Why Most Military Personnel Aren’t Armed on Military Bases — and It’s Not Clinton’s Fault | TheBlaze.com:
Monday’s deadly shooting at the Washington Navy Yard has renewed interest in why most military personnel are forbidden from carrying firearms on military bases.
In the aftermath, some have pointed fingers at former President Bill Clinton, but is he really to blame?
Not according to what we found.
The question of why military members aren’t armed on base garnered attention back in November 2009 when Army Maj. Nidal Hasan opened fire at Ft. Hood and killed 13 people. He was sentenced to death on August 28. Now, nearly four years later, many are asking the same question.
So what’s the answer?
It appears this “gun-free zone” type policy can actually be traced back toDepartment of Defense (DoD) Directive 5210.56, signed into effect in February 1992 by Donald J. Atwood, deputy secretary of defense under President George H.W. Bush.
Spitting on Their Graves: Democrats Leave Benghazi Hearing Before Testimony From Families of Victims
Spitting on Their Graves: Democrats Leave Benghazi Hearing Before Testimony From Families of Victims - Katie Pavlich:
"During the second portion of a House Oversight and Government Reform hearing about Benghazi Thursday on Capitol Hill, the majority of Democrats on the Committee left the room and refused to listen to the testimony of Patricia Smith and Charles Woods. Ms. Smith is the mother of Sean Smith, an information management officer killed in the 9/11 Benghazi attack. Charles Woods is the father of Navy SEAL Tyrone Woods, who was also killed."
"During the second portion of a House Oversight and Government Reform hearing about Benghazi Thursday on Capitol Hill, the majority of Democrats on the Committee left the room and refused to listen to the testimony of Patricia Smith and Charles Woods. Ms. Smith is the mother of Sean Smith, an information management officer killed in the 9/11 Benghazi attack. Charles Woods is the father of Navy SEAL Tyrone Woods, who was also killed."
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