Part time job. Pay 'em part time wages--------Automatic step raises, generous paid leave policies drive up costs and hurt academics in Utah schools

Automatic step raises, generous paid leave policies drive up costs and hurt academics in Utah schools - EAGnews.org powered by Education Action Group Foundation, Inc.:

A majority of public school districts around the nation have union contracts calling for automatic, annual “step raises” for nearly every teacher, regardless of their performance or effectiveness in the classroom.

That means teachers have little or no incentive to improve their skills and become more effective instructors, because they know their salaries will increase regardless of their performance.

That has been the case in several Utah school districts for years, although a new state law is expected to bring a degree of accountability into the teacher compensation system.

Many districts around the nation also have overly generous sick and personal day policies, which tend to encourage rampant teacher absenteeism, high substitute teacher costs, and constant learning interruptions for students.

Several school districts in Utah are plagued with such policies, despite the state’s right-to-work laws that would seemingly cause public employee unions to be less powerful and less able to dictate such policies.

The most outrageous example is the Nebo school district union contract, which showers teachers with up to 120 paid sick days per year.

Washington union boss’s conviction for ’7-year orgy of greed’ upheld

Washington union boss’s conviction for ’7-year orgy of greed’ upheld - EAGnews.org powered by Education Action Group Foundation, Inc.:

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – A former Washington union official convicted for his role in “a seven-year orgy of greed” for helping to embezzle money from teachers recently lost his appeal.

James Baxter filed a motion to vacate his 2005 conviction for conspiring to with other union officials to siphon millions from the Washington Teachers Union between 1995 and 2002. Baxter, the former union treasurer, was indicted by a grand jury in 2003 along with the WTU office manager Gwendolyn Hemphill and former accountant James Goosby, according to Law 360.

The union employees worked with former WTU president Barbara Bullock to steal millions of dollars in teacher dues dollars to purchase lavish personal items and other extravagancies.

“The alleged scheme involved charging thousands of dollars in personal items to WTU credit cards and writing checks to a shell corporation created by Hemphill’s son-in-law, among other methods, the government alleged,” Law 360 reports.

“In addition, prosecutors said Baxter wrote himself checks from a union account for supposed pension payments, and used stolen funds to purchase personal items including $19,660 in Washington Wizards basketball tickets.”

Why a Democratic Sheriff Says the ‘Hard-Liners’ on the Left Are ‘Up in Arms’ Against Him | Video | TheBlaze.com

Why a Democratic Sheriff Says the ‘Hard-Liners’ on the Left Are ‘Up in Arms’ Against Him | Video | TheBlaze.com:
"Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke is a rarity in Wisconsin. In a notoriously progressive state, the Democratic sheriff is staunchly pro-Second Amendment. After rocketing to the national spotlight with a speech at the NRA convention earlier this year, Clarke — who faces a primary election on Tuesday — is under attack by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and anti-gun activists."

Jessica Valenti Makes 'The Case For Free Tampons'

Jessica Valenti Makes 'The Case For Free Tampons' | Truth Revolt:

"The stream of ridiculous, self-contradictory pleas feminists keep making in their supposed quest for sexual egalitarianism, Jessica Valenti just topped them all with her latest article for The Guardian on Monday, making the case for free tampons, calling it a "human right" that even Human Rights Watch and the United Nations support. 
Valenti begins her article recalling her first period at age 11 during a visit to her grandparents house.
Bewildwered, she didn't know what to do. Rather than seek counsel from grown-ups, she just kept replacing her underwear until she had no more underwear to replace.
Finally, she told her mother what was happening, and everything was cleared up.
Valenti thinks such issues go beyond parents and families. She thinks Uncle Sam should get involved, which means ripping off the taxpayer.
"For too many girls, the products that mark 'becoming a woman' are luxuries, not givens," Valenti says. 
"Getting your period means new expenses, days away from school and risking regular infections. Women’s feminine hygiene products should be free for all, all the time.""

Reported as news. Actually advocacy------Study: Legal gay marriage would boost Michigan economy by $53.2M over three years

Study: Legal gay marriage would boost Michigan economy by $53.2M over three years | MLive.com:
"LANSING, MI — Legalizing gay marriage in Michigan would pump $53.2 million to the state's economy over three years, according to a new study from the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law.
Researchers, drawing on census data and experiences in other states, estimated that nearly 7,300 Michigan same-sex couples would choose to marry in the first three years if the state's ban was lifted.
They and their guests would spend an estimated $34.1 million on wedding arrangements and Michigan tourism in the first year alone, according to the study, and another $19.2 million over the next two years.
Researchers said that spending could support between 152 and 457 full- and part-time jobs and generate an estimated $3.2 million in sales tax revenue for state and local governments."

Those at the front lines of junk-food food stamp purchases rail at USDA secrecy

Those at the front lines of junk-food food stamp purchases rail at USDA secrecy | WashingtonExaminer.com:
"Information on how many food stamp dollars are redeemed at which stores has long been deemed a “trade secret” by a U.S. Department of Agriculture that critics believe views large retailers, not taxpayers, as its clientele.
But a federal court battle has forced USDA to re-evaluate its stance, and it is doing so by asking retailers during a regulatory comment period if they view food stamp data as a trade secret.
Given that candy and soda manufacturers and junk-food sellers like 7-Eleven have lobbied to make the food stamp program more lenient and thus more lucrative, USDA's question might be viewed as an opportunity to support keeping the data under wraps.

Aretha Franklin concert in Muskegon cancelled

Aretha Franklin concert in Muskegon cancelled | MLive.com:

"MUSKEGON, MI – Aretha Franklin's concert in Muskegon has been cancelled.

The show, scheduled to take place at the L.C. Walker Arena at 8:15 p.m. on Aug. 16, was cancelled because the show's promoter, Mac Man Presents, was unable to meet obligations set by Franklin's management company, according to Rob Murphy, vice president of business operations for the arena. 

 "This had nothing to do with Ms. Franklin or our venue," he said.

Attempts to reach the promoters for comment were not immediately successful. "

Good grief! Your tax and ELECTRIC dollars at "work"-----Federally funded 'food hub' study to examine how Muskegon can boost local produce supply

A $60,000+ study?!!!!!
Federally funded 'food hub' study to examine how Muskegon can boost local produce supply | MLive.com:
A collection of consultants will assess how the region can change this reality when it begins a seven-month-long feasibility study in October that will center on creating a regional food hub in Muskegon.
The study will be funded in part by a $30,375 U.S. Department of Food & Agriculture business grant awarded to the Community Foundation for Muskegon County in July.

Consumers Energy will supplement the award by issuing a matching grant,

Radio Host’s Blunt Interview With Al Jazeera America Correspondent Soledad O’Brien: ‘Does It Creep You Out?’ | Video | TheBlaze.com

Radio Host’s Blunt Interview With Al Jazeera America Correspondent Soledad O’Brien: ‘Does It Creep You Out?’ | Video | TheBlaze.com:
"Hugh Hewitt had one question for Soledad O’Brien on Monday: Is she on the payroll of terror sponsors?
“Are you still a special correspondent for Al Jazeera?” Hewitt asked the veteran journalist on his radio program."

Ferguson As America: "There Is A Brewing Problem... And It's Extremely Dangerous"

Ferguson As America: "There Is A Brewing Problem... And It's Extremely Dangerous" | Zero Hedge
Submitted by Martin Armstrong of Armstrong Economics,

Riots are have erupted with hundreds of protesters gathering at a suburban St. Louis police station on Monday demanding murder charges against an officer who shot to death an unarmed black teenager over the weekend. Looting just went nuts like the ’60s. While this is being painted as a race issue, there is yet another issue that is not being addressed – that is the militarization of the civil police forces around the country.

Ever since 911, there has been a trend moving toward much harsher local police. Here is a photo of how the Boston Police have militarized to the point it looks like war against the people. Even small towns are geared up for war.

The small town of Medford, Oregon with a population of 76,462 has spent millions of dollars to militarize their police. They have their own Swat Teams, yet no incident in history of some major shooting of such a nature to warrant a Swat Team. The entire reason where there was the Second Amendment was to eliminate this very threat of standing armies. We are seeing the abuse of force at every level. Medford Police bought a new vehicle that some say could survive a so-called the apocalypse. They used their Swat Team to go after a merecarjacker.

Medford, New Jersey with a population of just 23,033 also has a Swat Team. They rushed in and held two white kids on the ground at gun-point for shooting potatoes into a lake setting hair spray as the propellant.

Sickening flashback video: Listen to Obama swear off vacations, leisure time if elected

Sickening flashback video: Listen to Obama swear off vacations, leisure time if elected - BizPac Review: "
In a recently uncovered flashback interview, Obama said the most ironic thing possible about making sacrifices to become the president of the United States.

“You have to understand that if you seek that office, then you have to be prepared to give your life to it. Essentially, the bargain that every president, I think, strikes with the American people is, ‘you give me this office, then in turn my fears, doubts, insecurities, foibles, need for sleep, family life, vacations, leisure, is gone. I am giving myself to you.’ The American people should have no patience for whatever’s going through your head because you’ve got a job to do. And so how I think about it is , you don’t make that decision unless you are prepared to make that sacrifice . . “

The clip was posted on Weasel Zippers site Monday but it was recorded before the 2008 election.
 It’s almost chilling to see how the lies flowed out of his mouth as easily then as they do now.
It makes you curious, at some point, if there is anything he hasn’t lied about all this time."

History for August 13

History for August 13 - On-This-Day.com:

International Left-Handers Day

200th birth anniversary of Anders Angstrom (1814-74), Swedish astronomer who deduced the principle of spectrum analysis. The angstrom unit of length, which measures ten-billionth of a meter, was named in his honor.

Birth anniversaries of film director Alfred Hitchcock  (1899-1980), golf great Ben Hogan (1912-97), cowgirl sharpshooter Annie Oakley (1860-1926).

Happy Birthday! Danny Bonaduce, Fidel Castro, Shani Davis

1521 - Present day Mexico City was captured by Spanish conqueror Hernando Cortez from the Aztec Indians. 


1889 - A patent for a coin-operated telephone was issued to William Gray. 


1907 - The first taxicab started on the streets of New York City. 


1932 - Adolf Hitler refused to take the post of vice-chancellor of Germany. He said he was going to hold out "for all or nothing." 


1934 - Al Capp's comic strip "L'il Abner" made its debut in newspapers. 


1935 - The first roller derby match was held at the Coliseum in Chicago, IL. 


1961 - Berlin was divided by a barbed wire fence to halt the flight of refugees. Two days later work on the Berlin Wall began. 


1994 - It was reported that aspirin not only helps reduce the risk of heart disease, but also helps prevent colon cancer.

Watch: Obama Thought He Would Be Able To Get Away With This Huge Lie, But He Was Completely Wrong

Watch: Obama Thought He Would Be Able To Get Away With This Huge Lie, But He Was Completely Wrong:
"During his campaign address in 2012, Obama drew applause every time he announced “I promised to end the war in Iraq, and I did.”

Trike Competition with the REVO

Watch: This Guy Just Proved That Obama Is Opening The Door For Our Absolute WORST Enemies

Watch: This Guy Just Proved That Obama Is Opening The Door For Our Absolute WORST Enemies:
"James O’Keefe, dressed in a trademark military jacket and dishdasha while wearing an Osama bin Laden mask, can casually cross into the U.S. without fear of the Border Patrol stopping him. O’Keefe asks, “Do you feel safe” before stepping into the 2-foot-deep Rio Grande in Hudspeth County, Texas.
The area looked well-worn with footprints, campsites, and littering, indicating that O’Keefe is not the only person crossing into the U.S."

If You Thought Lois Lerner Was Bad, What This Obama Admin Official Did Will Make You Blow Your Top

If You Thought Lois Lerner Was Bad, What This Obama Admin Official Did Will Make You Blow Your Top:
"According to House Oversight Committee Chairman Darrell Issa, the missing emails to and from former IRS official Lois Lerner represent just a portion of a much larger problem within the Obama administration."

Democrats Pay Black Staffers 30% Less - The Daily Beast:

Democrats Pay Black Staffers 30% Less

Campaign staffers who are people of color routinely get paid less than their white counterparts, and are often given less glamorous jobs. How an antiquated understanding of race relations results in minority staffers getting the short shrift.

If you’re a person of color hoping to get hired by a political campaign, here’s the ugly truth: You’ll probably get paid less than your white counterparts, if you’re even hired at all. 

Why Do Michigan Residents Falsely Believe Education Spending Is Down?

Why Do Michigan Residents Falsely Believe Education Spending Is Down? [Michigan Capitol Confidential]:
"In three of her last four budgets, Gov. Jennifer Granholm cut state funding to K-12 schools.
In Gov. Rick Snyder's first four budgets, he has increased state funding to K-12 schools, up to a record $12 billion in 2014-15, according to the Senate Fiscal Agency.
 So how is Gov. Snyder being tagged by critics as the villain who has cut funding to school children?"

Epic: This Gun Manufacturer Just Stared Down Eric Holder And Told Him To Shove It

Epic: This Gun Manufacturer Just Stared Down Eric Holder And Told Him To Shove It:
"While many anti-gun activists have responded to recent tragic shootings by demanding that law-abiding gun owners give up their Second Amendment rights, many in the industry have worked to make guns safer. One such innovator is Kodiak Arms President W.P. Gentry."

Presidents By the Numbers: The Highest And Lowest Approval Ratings Post World War II

Presidents By the Numbers: The Highest And Lowest Approval Ratings Post World War II:

Outrage at HMRC move to charge death taxes before you're dead

Outrage at HMRC move to charge death taxes before you're dead | Mail Online:
"Outrage at move to charge death taxes before you're dead: Critics attack move and say HMRC should focus on cutting burden for ordinary people

• A fresh row over the taxman's powers erupted last night after it emerged savers could be forced to pay inheritance duty while still alive if they are suspected of avoidance tactics.

The proposed changes would mean the taxman could extract millions of pounds from those who use complex trust funds to protect their estates.
Under so-called 'accelerated payment' laws, people thought to be using aggressive (LEGAL) schemes to avoid inheritance tax could be forced to pay the levy up front, according to an HMRC consultation document.
Officials insisted the powers would only be used to stop very wealthy people abusing the system."

Muskegon City Commission: New medical marijuana ordinance could lift moratorium

Muskegon City Commission: New medical marijuana ordinance could lift moratorium | MLive.com:
"The ordinance requires that grow operations and dispensaries obtain a license that carries a $1,500 application fee and a $1,100 renewal fee. 
Patients who grow medical marijuana in their residence would be subject to a $100 application fee and annual renewal fee, under the proposed ordinance.
The city had enacted an ordinance in 2011, but in March declared a moratorium on new medical marijuana establishments while staff worked to update the ordinance.
The proposed ordinance broadens the areas where medical marijuana facilities can be located.
Previously restricted to I-2 heavy industrial areas, the amended ordinance expands allowable medical marijuana operations to areas zoned B-2, -3 and -4 business districts; B-5 governmental services; I-2 light industrial; and medical care.
It prohibits medical marijuana primary caregivers from operating in residences.
Many aspects of the ordinance follow requirements of state law.
The licensing fees will help cover costs of required inspections of city building and fire inspectors, said Muskegon City Manager Frank Peterson.
"They do require quite a bit of oversight because of the potential for illegal sales, safety concerns, having them robbed and so forth," Peterson said."

Our "horseshit" president breaks promises. Fiddles with putter as country putters away.

Boom: This Guy Blew Off The Marine Rotting In A Mexican Jail. He Wasn't Expecting THIS Response

Boom: This Guy Blew Off The Marine Rotting In A Mexican Jail. He Wasn't Expecting THIS Response:
"Juan Williams took significant heat after appearing on Fox News for a discussion of the U.S. Marine jailed in Mexico after taking a wrong turn earlier this year. Perhaps none of the responses were as impactful as an open letter penned by a fellow Marine and veteran of the Vietnam War."

Don't ever request the USPS to "forward" your mail!------Postal Service Ends Third Quarter With $2B Loss

It's a political jobs program, NOT a service company.
Postal Service Ends Third Quarter With $2B Loss:
"The USPS recently posted in the Federal Register a closure proposal that would begin in January 2015, including changing from the current one-day service standard for first-class local mail delivery to two days and closing or consolidating 82 mail processing facilities across the country.
Before leaving for an August recess, more than 20 senators sent a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee seeking to impose a one-year moratorium on those plans.
The senators say the closures would result in the loss of 15,000 postal jobs.
The Postal Service has closed 141 processing plants since 2012, when it began implementation of a previously delayed streamlining plan, according to Government Executive.
The USPS has recorded a loss in 21 of the last 23 quarters, the excepted quarters being the two in which Congress rescheduled the Retiree Health Benefits prefunding payments."

Yikes! Same type I flew in last week at Oshkosh-----Hastings pilot killed in crash was passionate about light sport plane business, father says

Sounds like a wing support failed.
RIP
Hastings pilot killed in crash was passionate about light sport plane business, father says | MLive.com:
"Craig Ewing, 45, of Hastings, began flying light sport planes - lightweight aircraft with a hang glider-style wing - about five years ago.
He ran a growing business, Silver Lining Aviation, that sold the aircraft and offered lessons, said his father, Barry Ewing."

And our president ....... golfs.............MASSIVE BRAWL Shuts Down St. Louis Galleria …Update: Cops Teargas Ferguson Rioters …Update: Rioters Chuck Bricks on Interstate 270

MASSIVE BRAWL Shuts Down St. Louis Galleria …Update: Cops Teargas Ferguson Rioters …Update: Rioters Chuck Bricks on Interstate 270 | The Gateway Pundit:

Callin' the cops is NOT the answer--------Ferguson Is A Perfect Example Of How Quickly The Streets Of America Can Descend Into Chaos

Ferguson Is A Perfect Example Of How Quickly The Streets Of America Can Descend Into Chaos:
"Rioting, looting, burning down stores and shooting police officers - is this about to become the "new normal" in America?
What we just witnessed happen in the streets of Ferguson, Missouri is a prime example of how quickly the streets of America can descend into chaos.  
There is so much anger and frustration in this country, especially among our young people, that all it takes is a "trigger event" to spark a wildfire.  "

78-Year-Old Woman Caught Hiding Almost $41,000 Cash in Her Carry-On and Undergarments Before Flight — Now Guess Who Wants to Keep It All? | TheBlaze.com

78-Year-Old Woman Caught Hiding Almost $41,000 Cash in Her Carry-On and Undergarments Before Flight — Now Guess Who Wants to Keep It All? | TheBlaze.com:
"Faren hasn’t been charged with a crime but Assistant U.S. Attorney Gjon Juncaj wants the cash forfeited to the government, the Detroit News said."

A loud, proud democrat-------Robin Williams on Obama and Bush