Electric Car Parking: Perk Or Privilege? Fox News
"In fact, the mining, heavy metals, and other side effects of electric car production and operation are likely worse for the environment."
Sunday, January 22, 2012
The Great Minnesota Pension Scam
Instapundit » Blog Archive » WALTER RUSSELL MEAD: The Great Minnesota Pension Scam.
“If you are a current or former state employee in the state of Minnesota, watch out.
Your pension depends on hot air, sketchy arithmetic, and the willingness of future taxpayers to make huge sacrifices to cover the deceit, wishful thinking and sketchy math at the heart of your pension system.”
Of course, this problem isn’t limited to Minnesota.
It’s endemic.
Plus this advice:
“Under modern conditions, for younger workers especially plans where you make contributions matched by your employer are safer bets than defined benefit plans. In defined contribution plans, they can’t touch your money to pay pensions for older workers; in other plans they can suck you dry to keep the better connected and better organized geezers happy.
Your union reps and state legislators won’t tell you about this, but it’s true: badly funded defined benefit programs will be looted to pay the oldsters in full as long as possible, and younger workers will be stiffed when the bill finally comes due.”
Posted by Glenn Reynolds at 10:00 am
“If you are a current or former state employee in the state of Minnesota, watch out.
Your pension depends on hot air, sketchy arithmetic, and the willingness of future taxpayers to make huge sacrifices to cover the deceit, wishful thinking and sketchy math at the heart of your pension system.”
Of course, this problem isn’t limited to Minnesota.
It’s endemic.
Plus this advice:
“Under modern conditions, for younger workers especially plans where you make contributions matched by your employer are safer bets than defined benefit plans. In defined contribution plans, they can’t touch your money to pay pensions for older workers; in other plans they can suck you dry to keep the better connected and better organized geezers happy.
Your union reps and state legislators won’t tell you about this, but it’s true: badly funded defined benefit programs will be looted to pay the oldsters in full as long as possible, and younger workers will be stiffed when the bill finally comes due.”
Posted by Glenn Reynolds at 10:00 am
Saturday, January 21, 2012
MAC Legislative Update - January 20, 2012
MAC Legislative Update - January 20, 2012
Lt. Governor Calley Pushes for Autism Coverage
Lt. Governor Brian Calley (R-Ionia County) indicated that mandatory autism insurance coverage, as promoted by Governor Snyder in his State of the State, could be paid for by offering a tax credit against the new Claims Tax on paid insurance claims.
The tax, after matching federal money, is supposed to provide about $1 billion to fund Medicaid in Michigan.
There is no detail on how much money might be lost to the Medicaid budget to pay for autism insurance coverage.
Lt. Governor Calley Pushes for Autism Coverage
Lt. Governor Brian Calley (R-Ionia County) indicated that mandatory autism insurance coverage, as promoted by Governor Snyder in his State of the State, could be paid for by offering a tax credit against the new Claims Tax on paid insurance claims.
The tax, after matching federal money, is supposed to provide about $1 billion to fund Medicaid in Michigan.
There is no detail on how much money might be lost to the Medicaid budget to pay for autism insurance coverage.
America hates Newt Gingrich
America hates Newt Gingrich Campaign 2012 Washington Examiner
Unlike Mitt Romney, who occasionally beats President Obama in general election poll match ups, Newt Gingrich trails far behind President Obama in every survey.
But just how bad are Gingrich's unfavorable among the general public compared to Obama and Romney?
Unlike Mitt Romney, who occasionally beats President Obama in general election poll match ups, Newt Gingrich trails far behind President Obama in every survey.
But just how bad are Gingrich's unfavorable among the general public compared to Obama and Romney?
A trillion-dollar missed opportunity – enough to pay U.S. deficit
A trillion-dollar missed opportunity – enough to pay U.S. deficit ExxonMobil's Perspectives Blog
According to a study by ICF International, expanding domestic energy development in America’s offshore areas could alone generate $1.3 trillion in government revenues over the life of the resource – along with major increases in jobs and economic activity that result from offshore development.
To put this figure in perspective, consider the following numbers:
In 2010, the U.S. federal budget deficit was $1.3 trillion.
The total U.S. national debt currently stands at about $13.8 trillion.
The U.S. oil and natural gas industry contributes more than $1 trillion a year to the U.S. economy.
According to a study by ICF International, expanding domestic energy development in America’s offshore areas could alone generate $1.3 trillion in government revenues over the life of the resource – along with major increases in jobs and economic activity that result from offshore development.
To put this figure in perspective, consider the following numbers:
In 2010, the U.S. federal budget deficit was $1.3 trillion.
The total U.S. national debt currently stands at about $13.8 trillion.
The U.S. oil and natural gas industry contributes more than $1 trillion a year to the U.S. economy.
'Speed freak killer' Loren Herzog found hanged
'Speed freak killer' Loren Herzog found hanged
Herzog was convicted in 2001 of the methamphetamine-fueled rape and murder of Vanderheiden and the killings of two other people in the mid-1980s.
His trial and the case against a co-defendant, childhood friend Wesley Shermantine, were moved to Santa Clara County from San Joaquin County because of extensive pretrial publicity over what were dubbed the "speed freak killers."
Herzog was sentenced to 78 years to life, but an appeals court threw out his conviction in 2004, saying investigators had illegally forced a confession from him.
Herzog was convicted in 2001 of the methamphetamine-fueled rape and murder of Vanderheiden and the killings of two other people in the mid-1980s.
His trial and the case against a co-defendant, childhood friend Wesley Shermantine, were moved to Santa Clara County from San Joaquin County because of extensive pretrial publicity over what were dubbed the "speed freak killers."
Herzog was sentenced to 78 years to life, but an appeals court threw out his conviction in 2004, saying investigators had illegally forced a confession from him.
Girl, 9, who faced online taunts in 2010, dies
Girl, 9, who faced online taunts in 2010, dies
A 9-year-old Detroit-area girl whose battle with Huntington's disease drew attention after she was taunted online by a neighbor has died.
A 9-year-old Detroit-area girl whose battle with Huntington's disease drew attention after she was taunted online by a neighbor has died.
Egypt's Islamists secure 75 percent of parliament
Egypt's Islamists secure 75 percent of parliament
Egypt's election commission and political groups say final results from the country's first elections since the ouster of Hosni Mubarak show Islamist parties winning nearly three-quarters of the seats in parliament.
Egypt's election commission and political groups say final results from the country's first elections since the ouster of Hosni Mubarak show Islamist parties winning nearly three-quarters of the seats in parliament.
A Sharper Mind, Middle Age and Beyond
A Sharper Mind, Middle Age and Beyond - NYTimes.com
The “effective, moving, vitalizing work of the world is done between the ages of 25 and 40 — these 15 golden years of plenty.”
In comparison, he noted, “men above 40 years of age” are useless.
As for those over 60, there would be an “incalculable benefit” in “commercial, political and professional life, if, as a matter of course, men stopped work at this age.”
The “effective, moving, vitalizing work of the world is done between the ages of 25 and 40 — these 15 golden years of plenty.”
In comparison, he noted, “men above 40 years of age” are useless.
As for those over 60, there would be an “incalculable benefit” in “commercial, political and professional life, if, as a matter of course, men stopped work at this age.”
Friday, January 20, 2012
Muskegon County Jail replacement ranked top priority by county leadership
Muskegon County Jail replacement ranked top priority by county leadership MLive.com
“For nine years, the issues of the juvenile center and jail, they are always near the top of the list,” Derezinski said.
“When the heck are we going to get it off the list?”
“For nine years, the issues of the juvenile center and jail, they are always near the top of the list,” Derezinski said.
“When the heck are we going to get it off the list?”
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Editorial: Obama's call a job killer
Editorial: Obama's call a job killer Editorial Opinion Edmonton Sun
The Republicans aren't telling the whole truth when they say Barack Obama doesn't care about jobs.
The U.S. president is desperately worried about one: his own.
That's the real reason the Obama administration denied a presidential permit for the Keystone XL pipeline Wednesday,
The Republicans aren't telling the whole truth when they say Barack Obama doesn't care about jobs.
The U.S. president is desperately worried about one: his own.
That's the real reason the Obama administration denied a presidential permit for the Keystone XL pipeline Wednesday,
Private Elevator Productions Offers Casey Anthony $1 Million
Private Elevator Productions Offers Casey Anthony $1 Million Mediaite
CNN Confirms Casey Anthony ‘Will Get $1 Million’ For Interview
CNN Confirms Casey Anthony ‘Will Get $1 Million’ For Interview
Dems propose 'Reasonable Profits Board' to regulate oil company profits
Dems propose 'Reasonable Profits Board' to regulate oil company profits - The Hill's Floor Action
Six House Democrats, led by Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio), want to set up a "Reasonable Profits Board" to control gas profits.
The Democrats, worried about higher gas prices, want to set up a board that would apply a "windfall profit tax" as high as 100 percent on the sale of oil and gas, according to their legislation.
The bill provides no specific guidance for how the board would determine what constitutes a reasonable profit.
Six House Democrats, led by Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio), want to set up a "Reasonable Profits Board" to control gas profits.
The Democrats, worried about higher gas prices, want to set up a board that would apply a "windfall profit tax" as high as 100 percent on the sale of oil and gas, according to their legislation.
The bill provides no specific guidance for how the board would determine what constitutes a reasonable profit.
A Lose, Lose, Lose, Lose, Lose Proposition
A Lose, Lose, Lose, Lose, Lose Proposition - By Victor Davis Hanson - The Corner - National Review Online
As he did with his probably illegal “recess” appointments, President Obama picked a politically advantageous time to cancel the Keystone pipeline project — while the media is obsessed with the South Carolina primary, Newt Gingrich’s second wife, and Mitt Romney’s investments.
Yet it is hard to remember a presidential decision that had as many negatives as this one:
As he did with his probably illegal “recess” appointments, President Obama picked a politically advantageous time to cancel the Keystone pipeline project — while the media is obsessed with the South Carolina primary, Newt Gingrich’s second wife, and Mitt Romney’s investments.
Yet it is hard to remember a presidential decision that had as many negatives as this one:
» Rubber Rooms’ Kissing Cousin: New York City’s Absent Teacher Reserve Program
» Rubber Rooms’ Kissing Cousin: New York City’s Absent Teacher Reserve Program - Big Government
New York City government schools have had some pretty outrageous policies.
Rubber rooms were a great example.
They were special places created for teachers accused of crimes, incompetence and the like.
Due to state tenure laws, it actually cost less to house the failed teachers in a location where they couldn’t inflict more damage on students, than to go through the lengthy and expensive legal process necessary to fire them.
Thanks Big Labor!
Now New York administrators are trying to deep-six a program created a few years ago in the collective bargaining agreement with the United Federation of Teachers: the Absent Teacher Reserve.
New York City government schools have had some pretty outrageous policies.
Rubber rooms were a great example.
They were special places created for teachers accused of crimes, incompetence and the like.
Due to state tenure laws, it actually cost less to house the failed teachers in a location where they couldn’t inflict more damage on students, than to go through the lengthy and expensive legal process necessary to fire them.
Thanks Big Labor!
Now New York administrators are trying to deep-six a program created a few years ago in the collective bargaining agreement with the United Federation of Teachers: the Absent Teacher Reserve.
NYC Business Bled to Death Over Toy Guns
Moonbattery » NYC Business Bled to Death Over Toy Guns
The owner of a discount store in Brooklyn says the city is holding him up for $30,000 in fines he can’t afford — all because he stocked six toy sheriff sets that included plastic guns.
And now the .44-caliber fines for the orange-tipped, obvious fakes are forcing him to close for good.
The owner of a discount store in Brooklyn says the city is holding him up for $30,000 in fines he can’t afford — all because he stocked six toy sheriff sets that included plastic guns.
And now the .44-caliber fines for the orange-tipped, obvious fakes are forcing him to close for good.
Steve Gunn: Muskegon County made the wrong choice on criminal history in the hiring process
Steve Gunn: Muskegon County made the wrong choice on criminal history in the hiring process MLive.com
But remaining ignorant about the applicant's background until late in the hiring process does nothing to further that cause.
It only enhances the chance of a county official making a terrible mistake and hiring somebody who will make all of us live to regret their decision.
At least with a checked "yes" box, the interviewer will not forget to ask about all the pertinent details and accidently hire a dangerous person for a sensitive job.
But remaining ignorant about the applicant's background until late in the hiring process does nothing to further that cause.
It only enhances the chance of a county official making a terrible mistake and hiring somebody who will make all of us live to regret their decision.
At least with a checked "yes" box, the interviewer will not forget to ask about all the pertinent details and accidently hire a dangerous person for a sensitive job.
State of the State: 7 Detroit highlights from Governor Rick Snyder's address
State of the State: 7 Detroit highlights from Governor Rick Snyder's address MLive.com
What did he say about Michigan’s largest city, Detroit?
Here are some highlights.
What did he say about Michigan’s largest city, Detroit?
Here are some highlights.
Plans halted for wind farm in northwestern Lower Peninsula
Plans halted for wind farm in northwestern Lower Peninsula MLive.com
Milton Howard, vice president of wind development, said the timing was off to sell electricity generated by the project.
Milton Howard, vice president of wind development, said the timing was off to sell electricity generated by the project.
Judge tosses suit over Jack Kevorkian artwork
Judge tosses suit over Jack Kevorkian artwork MLive.com
A judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed in suburban Detroit by the estate of Dr. Jack Kevorkian against a Massachusetts museum that refused to return 17 of his paintings.
A judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed in suburban Detroit by the estate of Dr. Jack Kevorkian against a Massachusetts museum that refused to return 17 of his paintings.
Rick Santorum's Tragic Yearbook Photo
Rick Santorum's Tragic Yearbook Photo - Joshua Green - Politics - The Atlantic
I suppose it's Santorum's misfortune to have been in high school during this era.
I'm pretty sure that 1976 wasn't too kind to anyone. B
ut still. Wow--he looks like McLovin in polyester.
I suppose it's Santorum's misfortune to have been in high school during this era.
I'm pretty sure that 1976 wasn't too kind to anyone. B
ut still. Wow--he looks like McLovin in polyester.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
USA TODAY College Football Coach salary database, 2006-2011
NCAA Data Table: USA TODAY College Football Coach salary database, 2006-2011
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
13 Politically Incorrect Gun Rules
13 Politically Incorrect Gun Rules « » Print The Daily Caller:
6. The average response time of a 911 call is 23 minutes; the response time of a .357 is 1400 feet per second.
6. The average response time of a 911 call is 23 minutes; the response time of a .357 is 1400 feet per second.
New Obama OMB director a Bain alum
New Obama OMB director a Bain alum Campaign 2012 Washington Examiner
Jeffrey Zients will serve as President Obama's new acting director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), but the president's decision might undercut attacks on Republican Mitt Romney's career as a venture capitalist, because Zients and Romney are both alumni of Bain & Company
Jeffrey Zients will serve as President Obama's new acting director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), but the president's decision might undercut attacks on Republican Mitt Romney's career as a venture capitalist, because Zients and Romney are both alumni of Bain & Company
Brewer you've never heard of is No. 1 in US, depending how you count
Bottom Line - Brewer you've never heard of is No. 1 in US, depending how you count
A beer maker many drinkers haven’t heard of has become the top American brewer.
Depending on how you define “American brewer.”
G.G. Yuengling and Son didn’t as much dethrone Budweiser, Miller and Coors as it had to wait for them to get acquired by foreign companies.
A beer maker many drinkers haven’t heard of has become the top American brewer.
Depending on how you define “American brewer.”
G.G. Yuengling and Son didn’t as much dethrone Budweiser, Miller and Coors as it had to wait for them to get acquired by foreign companies.
As Economy Fails To Ignite, Fed Prepares Next Round Of Quantitative Easing
As Economy Fails To Ignite, Fed Prepares Next Round Of Quantitative Easing - Investors.com:
Boom?
Well, the Fed doesn't see it that way.
Boom?
Well, the Fed doesn't see it that way.
Chaos on the Costa Concordia
BobKrumm.com » Chaos on the Costa Concordia
To those who view this weekend’s catastrophe as evidence of the end of civility, I say, cheer up.
Had it been a German or British ship that went down in the North Sea, I submit that the scene would have been far more reminiscent of the Titanic’s “women and children first” rule, than the chaos of the Costa Concordia.
On the other hand, the Concorida gives witness to the unbridgeable divide in Europe.
The Continent is two cultures separated by a common currency.
Economic chaos is the inevitable result.
And women and children may end up being the first thrown overboard.
To those who view this weekend’s catastrophe as evidence of the end of civility, I say, cheer up.
Had it been a German or British ship that went down in the North Sea, I submit that the scene would have been far more reminiscent of the Titanic’s “women and children first” rule, than the chaos of the Costa Concordia.
On the other hand, the Concorida gives witness to the unbridgeable divide in Europe.
The Continent is two cultures separated by a common currency.
Economic chaos is the inevitable result.
And women and children may end up being the first thrown overboard.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Saturday, January 14, 2012
It’s All Fun and Games Until a Fake Penis Gets You Fired
It’s All Fun and Games Until a Fake Penis Gets You Fired « Above the Law: A Legal Web Site – News, Commentary, and Opinions on Law Firms, Lawyers, Law School, Law Suits, Judges and Courts
Here’s the best part — Davis claims that this was a discriminatory firing because one of her co-workers, a man who wore women’s clothing and prostheses, was neither fired nor disciplined for doing so.
Double standard, much
Here’s the best part — Davis claims that this was a discriminatory firing because one of her co-workers, a man who wore women’s clothing and prostheses, was neither fired nor disciplined for doing so.
Double standard, much
Battery plant planned for Muskegon Township delayed due to European financial crisis
Battery plant planned for Muskegon Township delayed due to European financial crisis MLive.com
The two-phase development was projected to have created 745 jobs with an overall $670 million investment.
Community leaders, job seekers, contractors and industrial suppliers were thrilled when the Michigan Legislature in December 2009 created a special $135 million battery tax credit for fortu's Muskegon development.
The two-phase development was projected to have created 745 jobs with an overall $670 million investment.
Community leaders, job seekers, contractors and industrial suppliers were thrilled when the Michigan Legislature in December 2009 created a special $135 million battery tax credit for fortu's Muskegon development.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Man on probation, fined for role in tea party scam
Man on probation, fined for role in tea party scam Detroit Free Press freep.com
He and fellow Democratic official Michael McGuinness were indicted by a one-man grand jury in March for attempting to put unknowing residents on the ballot as tea party candidates
He and fellow Democratic official Michael McGuinness were indicted by a one-man grand jury in March for attempting to put unknowing residents on the ballot as tea party candidates
Matty Moroun's 'motion for release' denied by Court of Appeals; Moroun and Stamper will spend night in jail
Matty Moroun's 'motion for release' denied by Court of Appeals; Moroun and Stamper will spend night in jail MLive.com:
The Michigan Court of Appeals, by a 2-1 vote, denied Ambassador Bridge owner Matty Moroun’s and Detroit International Bridge Company President Dan Stamper’s motion for release from jail pending the appeal of a Wayne County Circuit Court contempt ruling.
The Michigan Court of Appeals, by a 2-1 vote, denied Ambassador Bridge owner Matty Moroun’s and Detroit International Bridge Company President Dan Stamper’s motion for release from jail pending the appeal of a Wayne County Circuit Court contempt ruling.
James O’Keefe Video Purports to Show Ease of Voter Fraud in N.H. Primary
James O’Keefe Video Purports to Show Ease of Voter Fraud in N.H. Primary - ABC News
A video posted the day after the New Hampshire Primary from conservative gonzo James O’Keefe either exposes why voting laws are too lax or comes close to itself being voter fraud (or both), by obtaining the ballots of dead Granite Staters on primary day.
The video has already sparked an investigation in the New Hampshire State Attorney General’s office, both because of the weaknesses of the electoral system it seems to demonstrate and the potential legal violations those making the film might have committed, according to N.H. Associate Attorney General Richard Head.
A video posted the day after the New Hampshire Primary from conservative gonzo James O’Keefe either exposes why voting laws are too lax or comes close to itself being voter fraud (or both), by obtaining the ballots of dead Granite Staters on primary day.
The video has already sparked an investigation in the New Hampshire State Attorney General’s office, both because of the weaknesses of the electoral system it seems to demonstrate and the potential legal violations those making the film might have committed, according to N.H. Associate Attorney General Richard Head.
Protest planned for first ship to dock at EGT grain terminal
Protest planned for first ship to dock at EGT grain terminal
The U.S. Coast Guard will escort the first ship coming to the EGT grain terminal at the Port of Longview this month, and the Occupy movement and local labor groups say they are planning to greet the vessel with a massive protest.
The U.S. Coast Guard will escort the first ship coming to the EGT grain terminal at the Port of Longview this month, and the Occupy movement and local labor groups say they are planning to greet the vessel with a massive protest.
Michigan Supreme Court hears medical pot cases
Michigan Supreme Court hears medical pot cases MLive.com
The Michigan Supreme Court sought Thursday to clarify a murky state law that allows medical marijuana under some circumstances, hearing the appeals of two people charged with drug crimes since voters approved the program in 2008.
The Michigan Supreme Court sought Thursday to clarify a murky state law that allows medical marijuana under some circumstances, hearing the appeals of two people charged with drug crimes since voters approved the program in 2008.
Sleeping Bear Dunes gets $1.3M for non-motor trail
Sleeping Bear Dunes gets $1.3M for non-motor trail MLive.com
U.S. Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin say that Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has received a $1.3 million federal transportation grant to continue work on a 27-mile hike-and-bike trail.
The Michigan Democrats said Thursday that the money comes from a U.S. Department of Transportation program aimed at reducing vehicle congestion at national parks.
U.S. Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin say that Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has received a $1.3 million federal transportation grant to continue work on a 27-mile hike-and-bike trail.
The Michigan Democrats said Thursday that the money comes from a U.S. Department of Transportation program aimed at reducing vehicle congestion at national parks.
Detroit imposes business hours at police precincts
Detroit imposes business hours at police precincts MLive.com
Fighting crime is a 24-hour job, but Detroit police stations will be sticking to business hours.
The department is rolling out a plan to close precincts and district headquarters to the public after 4 p.m.
Fighting crime is a 24-hour job, but Detroit police stations will be sticking to business hours.
The department is rolling out a plan to close precincts and district headquarters to the public after 4 p.m.
Dems want rule change to avoid confusing voters
Dems want rule change to avoid confusing voters MLive.com
Michigan Democratic Chairman Mark Brewer on Thursday accused Republicans of trying to create confusion over his party's presidential nominating process by putting President Barack Obama's name on the Feb. 28 primary ballot even though he asked that it be left off.
Michigan Democratic Chairman Mark Brewer on Thursday accused Republicans of trying to create confusion over his party's presidential nominating process by putting President Barack Obama's name on the Feb. 28 primary ballot even though he asked that it be left off.
District Refuses to Sell Unused Building to Public Charter School
District Refuses to Sell Unused Building to Public Charter School — Despite Receiving $250K Asking ... [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
Battle Creek Public Schools pays tens of thousands of dollars per year to maintain empty school
Battle Creek Public Schools pays tens of thousands of dollars per year to maintain empty school
Muskegon County changes job-application process to assist felons
Muskegon County changes job-application process to assist felons MLive.com
A convicted felon will not have to disclose his or her criminal history on a written job application for Muskegon County government, a change designed to level the playing field for formerly convicted offenders.
A convicted felon will not have to disclose his or her criminal history on a written job application for Muskegon County government, a change designed to level the playing field for formerly convicted offenders.
She baaaack......
The War Room with Jennifer Granholm // Current TV
During two terms as governor, she pioneered the state through an economic storm, strengthening its auto industry, preserving the manufacturing sector, and adding new, emerging sectors, such as clean energy.
I imaging writing that sentence musta be tough.....
During two terms as governor, she pioneered the state through an economic storm, strengthening its auto industry, preserving the manufacturing sector, and adding new, emerging sectors, such as clean energy.
I imaging writing that sentence musta be tough.....
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