MuskegonPundit

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

History for August 26

History for August 26 - On-This-Day.com
Swede Savage 1946 Bob Cowsill (The Cowsills) 1949 Macaulay Culkin 1980

55 B.C. - Britain was invaded by Roman forces under Julius Caesar.

1920 - The 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution went into effect. The amendment prohibited discrimination on the basis of sex in the voting booth.

1934 - Adolf Hitler demanded that France turn over their Saar region to Germany.

1937 - All Chinese shipping was blockaded by Japan.

1945 - The Japanese were given surrender instructions on the U.S. battleship Missouri at the end of World War II.

1957 - The first Edsel made by the Ford Motor Company rolled of the assembly line.

1990 - The 55 Americans at the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait left Baghdad by car and headed for the Turkish border (they all lived).

1992 - A "no-fly zone" was imposed on the southern 1/3 of Iraq. The move by the U.S., France and Britain was aimed at protecting Iraqi Shiite Muslims.

Monday, August 25, 2014

REVEALED: Obama Could Have Rescued James Foley But Delayed For A Mind-Blowing Reason

REVEALED: Obama Could Have Rescued James Foley But Delayed For A Mind-Blowing Reason:

"A top-secret Pentagon mission to try to rescue captured American journalist James Foley was reportedly delayed some 30 days, while President Obama weighed the political consequences of either success or failure…and calculated about timing for a high-profile photo op…and played half-a-dozen rounds of golf. Foley was beheaded by an ISIS terrorist, a barbaric act shown in a horrific video."

Feds Ban School’s Beloved ‘Pink Cookie’

Feds Ban School’s Beloved ‘Pink Cookie’:

"School children in Elyria, Ohio are mourning the demise of a 40-year tradition – the loss of their beloved pink cookie. The fabled cookie, long served in local school cafeterias, was done in by a pound of butter, six cups of powdered sugar and the Obama administration’s food police."

Holi crapoli!-----An Oakland Family's Tale: The Dark Side of Hiring Live-In Elder Care

An Oakland Family's Tale: The Dark Side of Hiring Live-In Elder Care – Deadline Detroit
It's a nightmare scenario for many people with an aged, widowed parent.

What happened to an 87-year-old Waterford man, according to his daughters, shows a dark side of hiring a live-in care-giver. The two offspring, who live in Minnesota and North Carolina, share haunting details with Paul Egan of the Free Press:

Frank Calcaterra was in his 80s in 2008 when his family hired a home care company to help the former metro Detroit funeral home owner look after his ailing wife Jonnie, who had dementia.

The company — Kentucky-based ResCare — sent Tangie Coleman, who, at the time, had a warrant out for her arrest, records show.

Jonnie’s jewelry soon began to disappear, as did Frank Calcaterra’s sizable fortune. Estimates from court filings put the loss at anywhere from more than $500,000 to more than $1.5 million. When Jonnie Calcaterra died in a nursing home in January 2012, Coleman and her mother were living in Frank Calcaterra’s lakefront home in Waterford and he was sleeping in the basement.

A few months later, Coleman married Calcaterra in Ohio without his family’s knowledge.

At the time of that hush-hush wedding, Coleman was 35 -- more than 50 years younger than the retiree she was hired to serve.

Retirees Plan to Leave Detroit After Armed Carjacking at Home

Retirees Plan to Leave Detroit After

Armed Carjacking at Home – Deadline Detroit:
"Roger Weber of WDIV reports that a retired couple in their 70s, who were school teachers and long time residents of the city, are fed up and plan to move out of Detroit after the wife was carjacked in her driveway in broad daylight on Tuesday.
The couple has lived in the same northwest Detroit home in the University District for 27 years, and the city even longer.
"I love Detroit but I don't want to stay here," Shirley McKee, 77, said. " I really don't."
WDIV reports that it started when McKee, who has has history of health problems including heart surgery and stroke, pulled into her driveway around 3:30 p.m.
"When I got out of the car this young man standing right at the tail end of the car with the gun, and he put it up to my head, right in my face," she said."

Awesome: Watch Judge Jeanine Absolutely Dismantle Rick Perry's Liberal Attackers

Awesome: Watch Judge Jeanine Absolutely Dismantle Rick Perry's Liberal Attackers:

"Judge Jeanine Pirro ripped apart the grand jury indictment of Texas Governor Rick Perry as “pure, unadulterated hogwash” in her opening comment on August 16th. Judge Jeanine is a former county prosecutor, elected district attorney, and judge who knows how the grand jury process works from three decades of experience."

They're Back: Can Detroit Avoid PR Nightmare When Water Shutoffs Resume Tuesday?

They're Back: Can Detroit Avoid PR Nightmare When Water Shutoffs Resume Tuesday? – Deadline Detroit:
"The Detroit News reports that roughly half of Detroit’s 170,000 customers were delinquent as of last spring.
From March to late July, Detroit suspended water service to nearly 17,000 residents.
But many of those customers paid their bills and had service restored."

Top business climate rankings don't necessarily mean a prosperous state economy

Rick Haglund: Top business climate rankings don't necessarily mean a prosperous state economy | MLive.com:
"A July report by the American Economic Development Institute and Pollina Corporate Real Estate of suburban Chicago found Michigan was the most improved state in its Top Ten Pro-Business States report.
Michigan jumped 21 places in the report, from 39th in 2012 to 18th this year.
And Michigan ranks 14th this year in the much watched annual business tax climate study by the Tax Foundation, up from 19th in 2011."

And some wonder why our schools stink?------Nearly one-quarter of Genesee County school board seats up for election have no candidates

Nearly one-quarter of Genesee County school board seats up for election have no candidates | MLive.com

Here is a breakdown of the schools and positions for which they are still seeking candidates:

Carman-Ainsworth: One partial term ending in 2016

Lake Fenton: One four-year term

LakeVille: No candidates for two six-year terms and one partial term ending in 2016

Linden: One six-year term

Other school districts with some precincts in Genesee County are also short on candidates. Those districts include:

Byron in Shiawassee County (precincts in Argentine Township): One four-year term

Holly in Oakland County (precincts in Fenton): One four-year term

Little League CEO Suggests Players Could Be Compensated in Future

Little League CEO Suggests Players Could Be Compensated in Future:
"Little League Baseball CEO Steve Keener suggested that Little Leaguers who appear on national television could get some compensation in the future.

"I've always felt we need to be as progressive an organization as we can," he told Yahoo Sports. "We don't know what's coming. If at some point in time that would be deemed to be appropriate, we'll consider it. At the moment, I don't see the necessity and don't think we should be compensating kids right now.
Little League Baseball reportedly signed an eight-year deal with ESPN worth $76 million, and Keener said, "whether at some point down the road any funds could be put aside to help them with college I don't know. Down the road that's something we might take a look at even if it's feasible."
Keener reportedly "made $430,844 in salary and benefits between October 2012 and September 2013, and was one of seven employees with six-figure compensation packages," according to Yahoo Sports. In addition, "Little League paid a Connecticut company called SJX Partners $472,062 last year for a 'corporate sponsor search,'" and critics have said they could use some of that money to set up scholarship funds for players who make it to Williamsport."

Muslim Complains About Bacon Sign; Restaurant Removes Citing Safety Concerns

Muslim Complains About Bacon Sign; Restaurant Removes Citing Safety Concerns:

"The American breakfast favorite is under attack in Vermont. After a Muslim woman complained in a community forum about a sign within her city with a picture of bacon, the restaurant who posted the sign removed it out of ‘respect for diversity’ and ‘concerns for safety."

Holi crapoli!------Surveillance system taken after thieves punch hole in wall at Flint business

Surveillance system taken after thieves punch hole in wall at Flint business | MLive.com:

"FLINT, MI -- A surveillance system was among several items taken after a large hole was made by thieves at a North Saginaw Street business, according to a police report.
The owner noticed the hole around 7 p.m. Aug. 20 to a brick wall, with two sets of rims and tires, an engine block, assorted tools and surveillance system taken from the business. "

National insanity!--------15 Foot Parking Rules Signs Spotted in Culver City, Los Angeles County

15 Foot Parking Rules Signs Spotted in Culver City, Los Angeles County - Hit & Run : Reason.com: "Curbed Los Angeles provides more details, reporting the height at 15 feet, with photos that include background objects for comparison.
At least ten of these signs were apparently put up near a local elementary school."
15 foot Culver City parking sign

Environmentalism and the Fear of Disorder: Greens engage in rituals to allay their anxieties.

Instapundit » Blog Archive » THIS IS CONSISTENT WITH MY OBSERVATIONS: Environmentalism and the Fear of Disorder: Greens engage …:

"THIS IS CONSISTENT WITH MY OBSERVATIONS: Environmentalism and the Fear of Disorder: Greens engage in rituals to allay their anxieties.

Why do people recycle and buy organic foods? According to Marijn Meijers and Bastiaan Rutjens, a couple of social scientists at the University of Amsterdam, they do it to realize a sense of personal control stemming from their fear that disorder is increasing in the world. Technological optimists, meanwhile, are more likely to eschew the comfort of such rituals.

This also explains why they’re largely immune to facts and reason: It’s basically something more like a religion, or maybe compulsive hand-washing."

Michigan Debt Per Taxpayer: $19,300

Michigan Debt Per Taxpayer: $19,300 [Michigan Capitol Confidential]:

TIA lists the following facts about Michigan:

Michigan has the 9th worst per taxpayer burden.
Michigan has $23 billion to pay the state's bills totaling $81 billion.
To fill its $58 billion financial hole today, each taxpayer would have to send $19,300 to the state.
The Michigan financial statements clearly report $4 billion of retirement liabilities, but in reality the state has nearly $55 billion of unfunded retirement promises.
The Michigan Taxpayer Burden is 49 percent of an average citizen's personal income of $39,215.
Outbound moves from Michigan were 54 percent, the 16th highest of all the states, which usually means more people are moving out of the state.

Mainstream media censors Soros' connection to Rick Perry indictment | Fox News

Mainstream media censors Soros' connection to Rick Perry indictment | Fox News:

"According to a Media Research Center analysis, from the moment Perry was indicted on two flimsy counts by a Travis County, Texas grand jury on August 15 through the morning of August 20, the Big Three broadcast networks – ABC, CBS, and NBC – have run 24 stories totaling 38 minutes and 34 seconds across their morning and evening broadcasts.
In all that coverage, not one single story mentioned that the group responsible for filing the complaint against Perry in June, Texans for Public Justice (TPJ), is part of a “progressive” coalition that has received $500,000 in funding from prolific left-wing billionaire George Soros."

And my car insurance bill?-----Speed cameras issued thousands of bogus tickets in Long Island

Speed cameras issued thousands of bogus tickets in Long Island | Ars Technica:
"Nassau County of New York is forgiving thousands of speeding tickets issued this summer from malfunctioning speed cameras, totaling about $2.4 million in fines.

The Long Island county executive, Edward Mangano, said cameras from Arizona-based American Traffic Solutions near six schools were unreliable and issued tickets even when school was not in session.
Traffic speeds are reduced dramatically during school hours.
"I don't have a high confidence level that the cameras were operating at statutory levels," Mangano told Newsday Friday.
"So we are declaring amnesty with all tickets issued this summer."
People who have already paid the $80 ticket fine will receive a refund and all 30,000-plus tickets will be dismissed, Mangano said.
The development highlights that automated traffic ticketing isn't always up to speed.
Last month, Ars reported that at least 13,000 Chicago motorists had been cited with undeserved tickets thanks to malfunctioning red-light cameras.
A Chicago Tribune report found that the $100 fines were a result of "faulty equipment, human tinkering or both.""

Worlds Largest Yachts | Top 100 Mega Yachts

Worlds Largest Yachts | Top 100 Mega Yachts | superyachts.com

History for August 25

History for August 25 - On-This-Day.com:
Leonard Bernstein 1918, George C. Wallace 1919, Sean Connery 1930

Regis Philbin 1931, Tom Skerritt 1933, Gene Simmons 1949 - Musician

1825 - Uruguay declared independence from Brazil.

1875 - Captain Matthew Webb swam from Dover, England, to Calais, France making him the first person to swim the English Channel. The feat took about 22 hours.

1939 - The movie "Wizard of Oz" opened around the United States.

1944 - Paris, France, was liberated by Allied forces ending four years of German occupation.

1949 - NBC Radio debuted "Father Knows Best." The show went to TV in 1954.

1950 - U.S. President Truman ordered the seizure of U.S. railroads to avert a strike.

1998 - A survey released said that 1/3 of Americans use the Internet.

Sunday, August 24, 2014

The Fact About Michael Brown’s Death The Protesters Will Never Admit

The Fact About Michael Brown’s Death The Protesters Will Never Admit:

"There is an important fact about Michael Brown’s death that cannot be admitted to by the manic teeming hordes of protesters, their outrage not only filling the streets of Ferguson, but also saturating the airwaves of our Nation, broadcasted to every device wired to spread the frenzy."

Assemblyman and bikers set to protest Mexican president’s luncheon with California Gov. Brown | TheBlaze.com

Assemblyman and bikers set to protest Mexican president’s luncheon with California Gov. Brown | TheBlaze.com:
"According to one elected official who will not be attending the event and the luncheon honoring Nieto, the two leaders and the legislature are reportedly not going to be talking about Tahmooressi. Instead, they will discuss trade, immigration and climate change.

Assemblyman Tim Donnelly talked about the upcoming event and told TheBlaze Radio’s Mike Opelka why he won’t be attending.
Donnelly’s anger started a month ago when Governor Brown and a contingent of elected state officials visited Mexico and did not bring up Tahmooressi."

Your American USPS-And we wonder why this government protected monopoly is broke?

Post by KALB News Channel 5.

First the "bailout". Now the spending begins!---------Kevyn Orr Boosts Funding For Detroit City Council To Expand Staff

Kevyn Orr Boosts Funding For Detroit City Council To Expand Staff – Deadline Detroit:

"Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr has increased funding this fiscal year for operation of Detroit City Council offices, allowing members to expand the size and pay of their staffs, even as their authority has been limited, Christine Ferretti reports in the Detroit News.
Orr’s spokesman Bill Nowling said the bump, which increases council members’ office budgets by up to 66 percent, will help the council implement Detroit’s debt-cutting plan when the city emerges from bankruptcy, which may not be until fall.
The move also is tied in part to the council’s move to district representation for the first time in nearly a century, Nowling said.
Council members can spend the allotted money as they wish.
They currently employ between four and 14 staffers each, with a combination of full-time workers and part-timers ranging from interns and fellows to consultants, legislative assistants and policy analysts."

Obama Wanted to End This ‘Corporate Welfare’ Program When He Campaigned. Now He Wants Congress to Reauthorize It. | Video | TheBlaze.com

Obama Wanted to End This ‘Corporate Welfare’ Program When He Campaigned. Now He Wants Congress to Reauthorize It. | Video | TheBlaze.com:
"It’s a near-total reversal of what he said on the campaign trail six years ago.

As the Washington Free Beacon noted earlier this month, in 2008 then-Sen. Obama called Ex-Im “little more than a fund for corporate welfare.”

Chart of the day: Texas employment is 1.3M jobs above Dec. 2007 level, while ‘US minus Texas’ is down by 1.23M jobs!

Chart of the day: Texas employment is 1.3M jobs above Dec. 2007 level, while ‘US minus Texas’ is down by 1.23M jobs! | AEIdeas:
texasus

Just a Bit More Beheading than We Are Used To

Just a Bit More Beheading than We Are Used To:

There has been a debate in the UK press suggesting we should hope that some of these ISIS killers come back to Britain, realize that jihad was all a phase and then head off to university for the start of the new term.

The beheading of James Foley was terrible, she stressed, "because we don't know what [his] views were."

Is there a time when even "combatants" -- or anyone else -- should be treated in this way? And who is to say who is a combatant and who not?

Who is surprised?
That is one question I have most wanted to know since the video was released of the murder of American journalist James Foley.
The politicians keep expressing it.
And interviewers have kept asking people whether they feel it.
But who can honestly say that he was surprised to learn that the murderer of the American journalist turned out to be a "British" man?
Did anyone really still think that a British Islamist would not be capable of doing this?

Why wouldn't he, if he is capable of doing it in Syria or Iraq?
After all, it was only last year that two other Islamists beheaded one of our own soldiers – Drummer Lee Rigby – in broad daylight in London.
And it is only twelve years since another Londoner – Omar Sheikh – arranged the abduction and decapitation of another American journalist, Daniel Pearl.

What is shocking is that expressions of "shock" seem to be regarded as an adequate response.
Prime Minister David Cameron has pronounced himself "appalled" by the act, and made clear that he "utterly condemns" it.
As though anyone should ever have expected him to think otherwise.

But this is to a great extent what government policy is reduced to in Britain, as in the United States. Politicians briefly break off their holidays in order not to do anything much, but to be seen to be doing "something."
And they then make sure to stand in front of the cameras and say how opposed they are to "something."
It is the denigration of people in positions where they actually could do something, to the level of the commentariat.

The question, as written here before, is not how sorry any one political leader feels about such savagery, but what they are going to do about it.