Bodies Double as Cash Machines With U.S. Income Lagging: Economy - Bloomberg:
"In all but two quarters since the beginning of 2011, “hair,” “eggs,” or “kidney” have been among the top four autofill results for the Google search query, “I want to sell my...,” according to Nicholas Colas, chief market strategist at New York-based ConvergEx Group, which provides brokerage and trading-related services for institutional investors.
While Americans can legally sell hair, breast milk and eggs, the sale and purchase of a kidney in the U.S. is against the law.
“The fact that people even explore it indicates that there are still a lot of people worried about their financial outlook,” said Colas, who tracks off-the-grid economic indicators.
“This is very much unlike every other recovery that we’ve had.
It’s going to be a slow-grinding, very frustrating recovery.”"
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Lew: Interest Rate on T-Bills Nearly Tripled In One Week
Lew: Interest Rate on T-Bills Nearly Tripled In One Week | CNS News:
"Testifying in the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday, Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew said that the Treasury last week needed to offer nearly triple the interest rate it had offered the week before in order to sell Treasury bills at public auction."
"Testifying in the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday, Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew said that the Treasury last week needed to offer nearly triple the interest rate it had offered the week before in order to sell Treasury bills at public auction."
A ‘Common’ Debate: Common Core Curriculum Standards Are Promising But Dangerous
A ‘Common’ Debate: Common Core Curriculum Standards Are Promising But Dangerous [Mackinac Center]:
"Despite these advantages, there’s little evidence that implementing more standards will lead to better outcomes for students all by itself. Examining the effect state standards have had in the past at boosting learning, the Brookings Institution found that “the Common Core will have little to no effect on student achievement.”"
"Despite these advantages, there’s little evidence that implementing more standards will lead to better outcomes for students all by itself. Examining the effect state standards have had in the past at boosting learning, the Brookings Institution found that “the Common Core will have little to no effect on student achievement.”"
Obamanation! Obamacare insurance market deeply flawed: Aetna CEO
Obamacare insurance market deeply flawed: Aetna CEO:"Aetna's CEO gave a harshly critical review Monday of the federal government's Obamacare marketplace, saying, "There's so much wrong, you just don't know what's broken until you get a lot more of it fixed.""
Tonight 6:30-8:30 A ‘Common’ Debate: Common Core Curriculum Standards Are Promising But Dangerous
More info about tonight: http://muskegonpundit.blogspot.com/2013/10/tomorrow-tue-1015-learn-about-it.html
A ‘Common’ Debate: Common Core Curriculum Standards Are Promising But Dangerous [Mackinac Center]:
A ‘Common’ Debate: Common Core Curriculum Standards Are Promising But Dangerous [Mackinac Center]:
There are many other reasons to be skeptical of the Common Core’s ability to improve public education. Although collaboratively developed by state politicians, there is a very real threat the federal government will usurp control of these standards. The Obama administration’s decision to entice states to adopt these standards in order to qualify for the “Race to the Top” federal grant was a step in this direction.
If the federal government gains control of these standards, it’s unlikely they will remain rigorous. They will become highly politicized, and wealthy special interest groups (notably, teachers unions and public school officials) will lobby to have these standards reduced or watered down.
None of this would harm Michigan if the state could maintain its ability to back away from the standards at any time. But if the federal government again ties resources to the use of these standards, and if Michigan is heavily “invested,” opting out may become politically and practically difficult, if not impossible.
High standards should be used to hold tax-funded schools accountable for delivering educational opportunities to students. This is a worthy goal. But it’s more easily achieved by creating a marketplace of educational services where those who know and care the most about the best interests of children — parents —are the ultimate arbiters of quality. This decentralized and apolitical accountability beats any top-down dictate from the state.
The reality is though that until all parents have the ability to hold schools accountable by saying “no thank you” and voting with their feet, we’ll have to rely on some form of state-mandated accountability standards. The Common Core are better than Michigan’s status quo on this count, but also dangerous. Ideally, Michigan would implement better standards without risking the certain dangers associated with federal control of these standards.
Watch: They Will Clear The Shelves Within Hours: “Like a Tornado” |
Watch: They Will Clear The Shelves Within Hours: “Like a Tornado” |:
"This weekend the nation’s Electronic Benefits Transfer crashed, leaving millions of Americans around the country wondering where they would get their next meal.
One woman, interviewed just minutes after she learned the system was no longer functioning, complained that she was unable to put food on the table.
“How am I going to feed my family,” she asked, noting that she has six kids to feed."
"This weekend the nation’s Electronic Benefits Transfer crashed, leaving millions of Americans around the country wondering where they would get their next meal.
One woman, interviewed just minutes after she learned the system was no longer functioning, complained that she was unable to put food on the table.
“How am I going to feed my family,” she asked, noting that she has six kids to feed."
Robert Shiller's Devastating Takedown Of Housing As An Investment Will Have You Renting For The Rest Of Your Life
Robert Shiller's Devastating Takedown Of Housing As An Investment Will Have You Renting For The Rest Of Your Life – DIY Tech - TG Daily:
"Housing traditionally is not viewed as a great investment.
It takes maintenance, it depreciates, it goes out of style.
All of those are problems.
And there’s technical progress in housing.
So, new ones are better…
“So, why was it considered an investment?
That was a fad.
That was an idea that took hold in the early 2000′s.
And I don’t expect it to come back."
"Housing traditionally is not viewed as a great investment.
It takes maintenance, it depreciates, it goes out of style.
All of those are problems.
And there’s technical progress in housing.
So, new ones are better…
“So, why was it considered an investment?
That was a fad.
That was an idea that took hold in the early 2000′s.
And I don’t expect it to come back."
Union thugs win a BIG one! Judge: County Must Repay Retired Workers
Judge: County Must Repay Retired Workers - News Talk 1400 AM WDTK Detroit:
"(Wayne County, MI) -- Wayne County needs to repay millions of dollars and interest to restore a pension fund and let it hand-out the 13th monthly checks to retirees.
That's what a judge ruled yesterday.
He ordered the county to restore 32-million-dollars, plus interest, to the fund that pays 13th checks annually to retired workers, and make other payments needed to make-up for retirees not getting enough money for several years.
The judge sided with unions in his decision while the county is going to file an appeal to his recommendations."
"(Wayne County, MI) -- Wayne County needs to repay millions of dollars and interest to restore a pension fund and let it hand-out the 13th monthly checks to retirees.
That's what a judge ruled yesterday.
He ordered the county to restore 32-million-dollars, plus interest, to the fund that pays 13th checks annually to retired workers, and make other payments needed to make-up for retirees not getting enough money for several years.
The judge sided with unions in his decision while the county is going to file an appeal to his recommendations."
Obama's "amerika"-Anyone think it's gonna get better?-- Muskegon-area homeowners beware: Home invasions on the rise, police say
Muskegon-area homeowners beware: Home invasions on the rise, police say | MLive.com:"NORTON SHORES, MI -- A slew of home invasions, in which televisions and other electronics seem to be the target, have occurred recently in Muskegon County, particularly in the cities of Muskegon and Norton Shores.
Police are asking residents to be aware of the recent uptick and report any suspicious activity."
Holy crapola!!! Treasury Bills Collapse
Treasury Bills Collapse | Zero Hedge:"As equities continue to press back towards all-time highs, the Treasury Bill market is growing increasingly uncomrtable that these "people" in DC will find a solution before the 10/17/13 bill matures (10/17/13 Bill +15 at 35bps now!).
Dec VIX is continuing to diverge higher against stock exuberance as at least someone is hedging.
Following the dismal tail in the 3- and 6-month bill auctions, it seems the US equity market's dissonance is remarkable...
It's not just the short-dated Bills, Feb Bills are now 8-9bps higher in yield (triple the levels they started the day at!)"
Here's a List of 313+ Employers Who Have Cut Hours Because of Obamacare
Here's a List of 313+ Employers Who Have Cut Hours Because of Obamacare:
"Obamacare is being protested by the unions.
It’s causing the deficit to increase by $6 trillion.
It’s hurting the young people especially hard.
It’s causing insurance premiums to skyrocket as much as 1-400%.
Over 40% of small business have stopped hiring. It’s a failure.
Now, the great people at the Investors Business Daily have published a document with over 300 employers who have cut hours because of Obamacare.
Please note that this list is being updated constantly… it’s getting worse by the day.
You can read the Excel sheet here or read the list on this page."
"Obamacare is being protested by the unions.
It’s causing the deficit to increase by $6 trillion.
It’s hurting the young people especially hard.
It’s causing insurance premiums to skyrocket as much as 1-400%.
Over 40% of small business have stopped hiring. It’s a failure.
Now, the great people at the Investors Business Daily have published a document with over 300 employers who have cut hours because of Obamacare.
Please note that this list is being updated constantly… it’s getting worse by the day.
You can read the Excel sheet here or read the list on this page."
CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE ON THE LEFT
Instapundit » Blog Archive
"CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE ON THE LEFT — BILL AYERS’ BOMBS.
Civil disobedience on the right — illicit lawn maintenance at national monuments.
Posted by Glenn Reynolds at 10:54 am"
"CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE ON THE LEFT — BILL AYERS’ BOMBS.
Civil disobedience on the right — illicit lawn maintenance at national monuments.
Posted by Glenn Reynolds at 10:54 am"
This doesn't include SS, Medi-etc., VA, other theft.....Who Owns the US Debt Held by the Public?
Who Owns the US Debt Held by the Public? | Mercatus: "In 2000, foreign investors held roughly half as much debt as domestic investors;"
Ted Nugent Cuts His Hair, Hints At Presidential Run
Ted Nugent Cuts His Hair, Hints At Presidential Run « CBS Detroit:"Is Ted Nugent considering a run for the White House?
The outdoorsman, and Michigan native, is known for his guitar licks and long locks, but a recent photo posted to his wife Shemane Nugent’s Instagram account shows The Nuge with a short, conservative haircut. and no ponytail.
In a Washington Post interview, The Motor City Madman hinted at presidential ambitions.
Hi, I’m Ted Nugent. I have nine children from seven women, and I’m running for president.”
Nugent takes a sip of water, having delivered his potential slogan.
“Yeah, I’m thinking about it.”"
Agency spent $3.5 million on furniture pre-shutdown
Agency spent $3.5 million on furniture pre-shutdown | The Daily Caller:
"VA spent $7,559,675 on September 30, the last day the government was fully operating before this month’s partial shutdown.
Federal government agencies faced a “spend it or lose it” scenario on that day, the last day of the 2013 fiscal year, prompting excessive spending binges as the White Houseand Congress failed to reach a continuing resolution agreement."
"VA spent $7,559,675 on September 30, the last day the government was fully operating before this month’s partial shutdown.
Federal government agencies faced a “spend it or lose it” scenario on that day, the last day of the 2013 fiscal year, prompting excessive spending binges as the White Houseand Congress failed to reach a continuing resolution agreement."
Roger Simon and Media Bias
Roger Simon and Media Bias | National Review Online:
"Most mainstream journalists roll their eyes at the idea the MSM is biased.
It’s a tired argument, I know.
But it’s simply remarkable that when supposedly objective reporters move on to the opinion column racket they reveal themselves as utterly conventional liberal Democrats.
When any longtime New York Times reporter rewarded with a column at the Times or elsewhere — Nick Kristoff, Bill Keller, Maureen Dowd, Anthony Lewis, EJ Dionne et al. — rips off the mask it turns out that they were exactly as liberal as conservatives suspected.
It’s like that Saturday Night Live skit where Obama takes off his Obama mask to reveal that he’s Barack Obama."
"Most mainstream journalists roll their eyes at the idea the MSM is biased.
It’s a tired argument, I know.
But it’s simply remarkable that when supposedly objective reporters move on to the opinion column racket they reveal themselves as utterly conventional liberal Democrats.
When any longtime New York Times reporter rewarded with a column at the Times or elsewhere — Nick Kristoff, Bill Keller, Maureen Dowd, Anthony Lewis, EJ Dionne et al. — rips off the mask it turns out that they were exactly as liberal as conservatives suspected.
It’s like that Saturday Night Live skit where Obama takes off his Obama mask to reveal that he’s Barack Obama."
Money-pit Detroit deepens-M-1 Rail to bidders: Contract will begin Dec. 1; streetcar service will begin February 2016
M-1 Rail to bidders: Contract will begin Dec. 1; streetcar service will begin February 2016 | Crain's Detroit Business:"The $137 million nonprofit M-1 Rail effort is seeking a company to design, engineer and manufacture six streetcars for use on the 3.2-mile grade-level rail loop that will be constructed over the next two years on Detroit's Woodward Avenue between West Grand Boulevard and Congress streets.
The system is projected to be operating for paying passengers by February 2016, according to the request-for-proposal."
Mega banks win another one.......Michigan Commerce Bank to be sold to Troy's Talmer Bancorp
Michigan Commerce Bank to be sold to Troy's Talmer Bancorp | MLive.com:
"Michigan Commerce Bank is one of Capitol Bancorp’s largest remaining affiliate banks, with offices in Auburn Hills, Brighton, Detroit, Grand Haven, Holland, Kentwood, Macomb, Muskegon, Farmington Hills and Pontiac. In 2010, federal and state banking regulators ordered the bank to correct “unsound banking practices.”
"Michigan Commerce Bank is one of Capitol Bancorp’s largest remaining affiliate banks, with offices in Auburn Hills, Brighton, Detroit, Grand Haven, Holland, Kentwood, Macomb, Muskegon, Farmington Hills and Pontiac. In 2010, federal and state banking regulators ordered the bank to correct “unsound banking practices.”
Real world intrudes on the govmen't class. Squeals of angst ensue.....Detroit emergency manager tells retirees too young for Medicare to find insurance on their own
Detroit emergency manager tells retirees too young for Medicare to find insurance on their own | MLive.com:
"Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr is advising Detroit retirees who are too young for Medicare to start seeking new health insurance plans through their spouses, their current employers or the Affordable Care Act.
They won't be covered by city plans next year, and enrollment in new insurance plans that are less costly to the city have begun for current employees and retirees who are old enough for Medicare, Orr said."
"Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr is advising Detroit retirees who are too young for Medicare to start seeking new health insurance plans through their spouses, their current employers or the Affordable Care Act.
They won't be covered by city plans next year, and enrollment in new insurance plans that are less costly to the city have begun for current employees and retirees who are old enough for Medicare, Orr said."
National Common Core curriculum standards topic of discussion in Muskegon Tuesday
National Common Core curriculum standards topic of discussion in Muskegon Tuesday | MLive.com:"Talking about the Core Curriculum standards will be Muskegon Area Intermediate School District Superintendent Dave Sipka, a supporter of the common standards and assessments, and Melanie Kurdys, an outspoken opponent of Common Core who is seeking a seat on the state board of education this November.
The nationally developed standards have become a source of controversy in recent months, mainly from conservative groups concerned about losing local control over curriculum.
The event, which is open to the public, will be 6:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 15 at Living Word Church, 1551 Wood St. It is being presented by the Muskegon County Prayer Initiative, Prayer Voice of Michigan and West Michigan Prayer Center."
Bumped-TONIGHT 6:30-8:30PM Learn about it!
National Common Core curriculum standards topic of discussion in Muskegon Tuesday | MLive.com:
"Talking about the Core Curriculum standards will be Muskegon Area Intermediate School District Superintendent Dave Sipka, a supporter of the common standards and assessments, and Melanie Kurdys, an outspoken opponent of Common Core who is seeking a seat on the state board of education this November.
The nationally developed standards have become a source of controversy in recent months, mainly from conservative groups concerned about losing local control over curriculum.
The event, which is open to the public, will be 6:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 15 at Living Word Church, 1551 Wood St. It is being presented by the Muskegon County Prayer Initiative, Prayer Voice of Michigan and West Michigan Prayer Center."
If you want more info click link: http://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com/features/search/?site=MCC&text=common+core&x=-1243&y=-166
Monday, October 14, 2013
At nearly 12 million words, Obamacare regulations now 30 times longer than the law itself
Poor Richard's News - Super. At nearly 12 million words, Obamacare regulations now 30 times longer than the law itself:
"For each word actually in the Obamacare law that Congress enacted, the Obama administration has written 30 more words in regulations indicating how it will be enforced."
"For each word actually in the Obamacare law that Congress enacted, the Obama administration has written 30 more words in regulations indicating how it will be enforced."
The Silver Griffin that the U.S. Gave to Iranian President Rouhani Is a Fake
The Silver Griffin that the U.S. Gave to Iranian President Rouhani Is a Fake – Tablet Magazine:
"Sometimes an ancient artifact symbolizes more than its admirers necessarily imagine.
Take for example the silver griffin that was returned by the United States to Iran as a gesture of respect and—at least according to tea-leaf readers—a sign of an emerging thaw between the two nations.
There’s only one problem:
It’s a fake.
Not only is it a fake, it’s a bad fake. "
"Sometimes an ancient artifact symbolizes more than its admirers necessarily imagine.
Take for example the silver griffin that was returned by the United States to Iran as a gesture of respect and—at least according to tea-leaf readers—a sign of an emerging thaw between the two nations.
There’s only one problem:
It’s a fake.
Not only is it a fake, it’s a bad fake. "
London firefighters beg men: Stop putting privates in machinery
London firefighters beg men: Stop putting privates in machinery « The Greenroom:
"The campaign simply urges people in London — especially guys — to exercise more common sense before inserting their manhood into gadgets made for cooking or cleaning.
The brigade reports that it responded to 416 stuck-body-part calls in 2010-11, another 441 in 2011-12 and 453 in 2012-13. "
"The campaign simply urges people in London — especially guys — to exercise more common sense before inserting their manhood into gadgets made for cooking or cleaning.
The brigade reports that it responded to 416 stuck-body-part calls in 2010-11, another 441 in 2011-12 and 453 in 2012-13. "
"How the Health Care Law Harms Fast Food Workers"
JCN - Information Station:
"How the Health Care Law Harms Fast Food Workers
The new health care law requires that every business with 50 or more “full time” employees offer health insurance to the full timers or pay a $2,000 fine per employee.
The fine applies to all but the first 30 full time employees.
The law defines “full time” as any employee working 30 or more hours per week.
These rules will cost the fast food chain owner $400,000 per year if he does nothing.
So instead, he is cutting back hours of employees so they don’t reach the 30 hour weekly limit.
Otherwise, he cannot afford to stay in business.
This health care law was sold as a reform to help workers.
Instead, it is forcing employers to hurt workers."
"How the Health Care Law Harms Fast Food Workers
The new health care law requires that every business with 50 or more “full time” employees offer health insurance to the full timers or pay a $2,000 fine per employee.
The fine applies to all but the first 30 full time employees.
The law defines “full time” as any employee working 30 or more hours per week.
These rules will cost the fast food chain owner $400,000 per year if he does nothing.
So instead, he is cutting back hours of employees so they don’t reach the 30 hour weekly limit.
Otherwise, he cannot afford to stay in business.
This health care law was sold as a reform to help workers.
Instead, it is forcing employers to hurt workers."
Questions for Hillary By Charlie Daniels
Questions for Hillary | CNS News:"I think this list of questions should be presented to Hillary Clinton.
Who called the stand-down order in Benghazi?
An ad for your presidential bid mentioned you were better equipped to handle a 3am phone call.
Do you realize you got the 3am phone and failed?
Why, if elected, should we have confidence that you would act any differently on any future such calls?
Do you still believe that it makes no difference whether the four Americans who died in Benghazi were killed by a planned concerted attack or random violence?"
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