Friday, November 21, 2008

Arianna Huffington expands web-power

Business big shot: Arianna Huffington, online entrepreneur
"The money will finance the expansion of HuffPo, as it is known, into the provision of local news across the United States and into more investigative journalism. And it will ensure that Ms Huffington's influence continues to spread across the US political scene."

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Air hostess helped land passenger jet after co-pilot had 'breakdown'


Air hostess helped land passenger jet after co-pilot had 'breakdown'
"The captain of the Boeing 767 from Toronto to Heathrow asked staff to seek out any trained pilots onboard.
One of the female cabin crew came forward saying she had a commercial pilot’s licence and was asked to take over in the co-pilot’s seat.
The captain praised the attendant to investigators for helping him safely land the plane at Shannon, where the ill flight officer was removed and admitted to the acute psychiatric unit of Ennis Regional Hospital for 11 days."

Yikes!
Loonies and heroines in the cockpit!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Rochester Hills OKs snipers to reduce deer herd

Rochester Hills OKs snipers to reduce deer herd
"Proponents say it will be safe to city residents. But some fear the shootings will be too close to neighborhoods in the Detroit suburb."

"Snipers"?

But this too funny on another level.
Imagine how awful if there were "shootings" in a Detroit suburb!

Road builders' group: Michigan drivers should pay $12 more a month

Road builders' group: Michigan drivers should pay $12 more a month
"A road builders' group wants Michigan drivers to pay $12 more a month in gas taxes and vehicle registration fees to improve the transportation system.
Motorists now spend $30 per month on roads and other infrastructure.
The Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association unveiled a plan Wednesday with hopes of the Legislature passing it during the lame-duck session in December.
One proposal would eliminate the 19-cents-a-gallon gasoline tax and instead tax the wholesale price of gas. Another proposal would raise vehicle registration fees by 50 percent"

Drip, drip, drip.....

As bailouts add up, a generation wonders who will pay up

As bailouts add up, a generation wonders who will pay up
"Walker resident Matt Franko said there is no doubt his future looks less bright.
'I don't know who to be angry at,' said Franko, 27, who works in the corporate offices of Spartan Stores Inc.
'I think there are a lot of people in my generation who are unhappy with how things are panning out,' he said."

Maybe the "who" to be angry at are the legislators who voted to take his money away from him and give it to someone else.

And how dumb are they if an entire generation "wonders who will pay up"?


Reeths-Puffer voters to face bond election

Reeths-Puffer voters to face bond election
"Voters in the Reeths-Puffer school district will be asked to approve a $23.6 million, two-year bond extension that would pay for district-wide building improvements, including synthetic turf at Rocket Stadium and upgrading technology.
The bond request was unanimously approved by the school board Monday. A public vote on the bond extension is tentatively scheduled for May 12."

Jeeper, it's not like they just got a giant millage extention recently...... or is it?

Where is the money going!

Michigan AG Mike Cox says Blue Cross trying to raise rates

Michigan AG Mike Cox says Blue Cross trying to raise rates
"Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is attempting to use the current lame duck session in the state Legislature to pass a package of bills that also would take away oversight of the nonprofit from his office and the governor's office."

Another small wave in the tsunami of increases from Mom Granholm and Daddy Barry.

National Ammo Day


National Ammo Day
"It’s National Ammo Day!
Yes, it is today, but don’t let your inability to get to your friendly neighborhood ammo dealer today discourage you from participating. All the ammo you buy this week “counts.”


Good golly, it's really "National Ammo WEEK"!
Get up out of that chair, trot on down to Walmart, buy some bullets, help the economy!


Tuesday, November 18, 2008

A nice Walmart story


I just got back from Walmart (Henry St) tonight and had a nice bunch of pleasants.

Walking down the aisle, I noticed a grizzled older white guy stocking shelves. I remembered him from last summer when he assembled my grill (free assembly from walmart!).

I said "hi" and "thanks for doing such a great job on my grill.... I remember that you're the guy who put it together, nice job, I really like my grill... thanks and Merry Christmas".

I was just being nice but he BEAMED, REALLY beamed, and said "thanks.. we don't get too many compliments here....thanks"

I waved and pushed my cart on..... and saw a 40ish black guy pushing a broom... with a UofM hat on.

This affront need to be addressed so I said "Merry Christmas but I hate your hat"....

We had a 5 fun minute chat (while he broomed!)about MSU, UM, Muskegon Big Reds and how he wanted to wear his MSU hat but it didn't match his sweatshirt and ...what a nice and friendly guy.

I'm on my way out and I pass this (above) rack with Santa kid suits:


I don't have kids but how cool are these outfits!

A large, black 30ish gal is near me and I ask her what she thinks "they'd sure look good on my kids".

I said "Merry Christmas" she said, big smile on her face "Merry Christmas to you".

What a nice experience.

I'm tired of "experts and community organizers" telling us about "the 2 Americas" or "hate", "anger".

My town, Muskegon, Michigan isn't perfect but it's a pretty nice place to meet my neighbors and say "Merry Christmas".

Tradition, Family and Property - Farewell to a Legend


Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens loses re-election bid

Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens loses re-election bid
"Sen. Ted Stevens, the longest serving Republican in Senate history, narrowly lost his re-election bid Tuesday, marking the downfall of a Washington political power and Alaska icon"

I think this is good.

The man is/was a crook and a disgrace to America.

Alaska is a conservative state and the new demo-senator ought to realize he must be a "blue-dog" if he wants reelection.

Same with Georgia.... assuming that demo-sens have any sense...... weak assumption?

Florida pension fund loses a quarter its value

Florida pension fund loses a quarter its value
"Florida's public employee pension plan has lost more than a quarter of its peak value, but Gov. Charlie Crist and other officials Monday said the fund is built for the long haul and there's no need to panic"

When are those folks who have public employee pensions gonna read the writing on the wall?

NEVER????

BlackFridayAds.com - The site retailers don't want you to see!

BlackFridayAds.com - The site retailers don't want you to see!

"A number of sites post advertising circulars early. The circulars are leaked by company insiders. Not all Black Friday sites will have the same circulars. Three sites to check out are BlackFridayAds.com, BlackFriday.info and BFAds.net."

from Kim Komando

Monday, November 17, 2008

Macleans.ca - A long cold winter ahead

Macleans.ca - A long cold winter ahead: "Oddly enough, though, fewer skiers may not be the industry’s biggest problem. That’s because the ski industry doesn’t make much money from skiing anymore"

Sunday, November 16, 2008

The world has never seen such freezing heat - Telegraph

The world has never seen such freezing heat - Telegraph
: "A surreal scientific blunder last week raised a huge question mark about the temperature records that underpin the worldwide alarm over global warming. On Monday, Nasa's Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS), which is run by Al Gore's chief scientific ally, Dr James Hansen, and is one of four bodies responsible for monitoring global temperatures, announced that last month was the hottest October on record."

But when expert readers of the two leading warming-sceptic blogs, Watts Up With That and Climate Audit, began detailed analysis of the GISS data they made an astonishing discovery. The reason for the freak figures was that scores of temperature records from Russia and elsewhere were not based on October readings at all. Figures from the previous month had simply been carried over and repeated two months running.

Friday, November 14, 2008

The Corner on National Review Online

The Corner on National Review Online: "At the other end of the spectrum, IRS data show that in 2006 the top 10% of all filers ( $109,000 and above in taxable income) paid 71% of all income taxes. The top 25% ( $65,000 and above) paid 86% of all income taxes."

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Tolerance fails T-shirt test


Tolerance fails T-shirt test
"In one class, I had one teacher say she will not judge me for my choice, but that she was surprised that I supported McCain,' Catherine said.

If Catherine was shocked by such passive-aggressive threats from instructors, just wait until she goes to college.

'Later, that teacher found out about the experiment and said she was embarrassed because she knew I was writing down what she said,' Catherine said."

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

RightMichigan.com || Breaking and Exclusive: Dick DeVos announces intentions for 2010




RightMichigan.com Breaking and Exclusive: Dick DeVos announces intentions for 2010
"This morning I had an opportunity to speak with Dick DeVos about the question on the mind of everyone in and around the state Capitol... his plans for the governor's race and the 2010 campaign cycle. Dick wanted to make an announcement and he specifically wanted Michigan's Right Roots to be the first to know."

This is BIG and good for our future!
Quality move by a quality man, Dick DeVos to announce early.

Likely candidates will be Pete or Terri.
We have hope for our state's future!

And... AND...Kudos to RightMichigan on this blogger exclusive!

Bloggers will bring the truth to the people!
Smile and plan for the good times!




Best name in football! Shavodrick Beaver



Dual-threat quarterbackWichita Falls (TX) Rider


Shavodrick Beaver?

Nickname..... anyone?

Michigan gov. readies for possible auto job losses

Michigan gov. readies for possible auto job losses
"Gov. Jennifer Granholm and her administration are preparing to retrain laid-off workers and take other steps if General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC merge."

Has anyone given any thought to the jobs these "retrained" workers will be retraining for?

The"PLAN" as I read it, is to pour a tsunami of Michigan taxpayer's money into the our state's woefully inefficient BigEducation lobby.

All the while increasing the costs for businesses in Michigan.

These retrained workers will have no jobs available in our state, no matter how retrained they might be.

We need more EMPLOYERS not more employees.

Once again, a boneheaded, upsidedown move that will produce the exact reverse owhat we need.

Javon Ringer-Creating a legacy


The State News: Creating a legacy
"Staying behind was senior running back Javon Ringer, who, aside from being the best back in the nation with his 1,548 yards and 20 touchdowns, also has proven himself to be a stand-up individual throughout his four-year stay in East Lansing.
Ringer, who ran for 121 yards and two touchdowns against the Boilermakers, went up and slapped the hands of the students in the first row of the section. Then he went to the next section and then the next, completing a loop around the stadium before running out of the Spartan Stadium tunnel for the last time."


What a great young American!

Task force on roads pushing legislators for funds


Task force on roads pushing legislators for funds
"Advocates of spending more on Michigan roads said Monday the Legislature has enough time before year's end to raise vehicle registration fees and possibly reconfigure the 19-cents-a-gallon gasoline tax."

Watch out folks, their coming at us with everything they've got!

Clayton Cramer's BLOG

Clayton Cramer's BLOG
If you knew Barack Obama supported a plan to place a 75% excise tax on the sale of firearms - where a $500 rifle would now cost $875 with tax, would that have made you...

More likely to vote for Obama
Less likely to vote for Obama
No difference
Not sure

If you knew about Barack Obama's support for national legislation that would overturn concealed carry handgun laws in 40 states, would that have made you...
More likely to vote for Obama
Less likely to vote for Obama
No difference
Not sure"

Read the rest of this poll.
Very scary!!!!!!!

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Obama likely to escape campaign audit

Obama likely to escape campaign audit
"The Federal Election Commission is unlikely to conduct a potentially embarrassing audit of how Barack Obama raised and spent his presidential campaign’s record-shattering windfall, despite allegations of questionable donations and accounting that had the McCain campaign crying foul."

Why do we have a FEC if they only investigate GOPers?
Oh...... I understand............

Betrayed!

DRUDGE REPORT FLASH 2008®: "BUSH ANGER: OBAMA AIDES LEAK CHAT DETAILS
Tue Nov 11 2008 09:28:10 ET

Just hours after President Bush and President-elect Obama met in the Oval Office of the White House, details of their confidential conversation began leaking out to the press, igniting anger from the president, sources claim.

'Senator Obama would be wise to keep close counsel,' a top Bush source warned.

'BUSH AND OBAMA AT ODDS OVER AID FOR AUTO INDUSTRY,' splashed the NEW YORK TIMES in an exclusive Monday evening, quoting 'people familiar with the discussion.'

The two met at the White House in private, without staff.

'Bush indicated at the meeting that he might support some aid and a broader economic stimulus package if Obama and congressional Democrats dropped their opposition to a free-trade agreement with Colombia,' claimed the TIMES.

MORE

The ASSOCIATED PRESS quickly followed with details of the conversation, citing 'aides who described the discussion on grounds of anonymity, citing the private nature of the meeting.'

Bush advisers view the leaks as an effort to undermine the president's remaining days in office.

'Senator Obama may not be familiar with a long-standing tradition of presidents holding their private conversations, private,' a senior adviser explained to the DRUDGE REPORT.

Developing..."

Is Bush that naive or is he simply a coward, preening for the press?

A BANNER ELECTION FOR GOOFINESS

A BANNER ELECTION FOR GOOFINESS
"change has no moral content. Winning the lottery is change, and so is catching a hammer to the bridge of your nose. The desire for change for change's sake is the stuff of children and attention-deficit disorder."

Voter turnout

The Volokh Conspiracy - -
"This article reports on studies by political scientist Curtis Gans that show that voter turnout this year increased only modestly, at most. As Gans points out, there was a significant increase in the raw total of votes from about 122.3 million in 2004 to as many as 128.5 million this year. However, he calculates that there was only a slight increase in percentage turnout of those eligible. As I pointed out in this post, there was a 4.7% increase in the number of people eligible to vote between 2004 and 2008"

Monday, November 10, 2008

Planning under way for Obama holiday

The Topeka Capital-Journal - Planning under way for Obama holiday
"Plans are being made to promote a national holiday for Barack Obama, who will become the nation's 44th president when he takes the oath of office Jan. 20.
'Yes We Can' planning rallies will be at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. every Tuesday at the downtown McDonald's restaurant, 1100 Kansas Ave., until Jan. 13. The goals are to secure a national holiday in Obama's honor, to organize celebrations around his inauguration and to celebrate the 200th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln, who was born on Feb. 12 1809.Plans are being made to promote a national holiday for Barack Obama, who will become the nation's 44th president when he takes the oath of office Jan. 20.
'Yes We Can' planning rallies will be at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. every Tuesday at the downtown McDonald's restaurant, 1100 Kansas Ave., until Jan. 13. The goals are to secure a national holiday in Obama's honor, to organize celebrations around his inauguration and to celebrate the 200th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln, who was born on Feb. 12 1809."

Sunday, November 09, 2008

Instapundit.com -

Instapundit.com -:
"November 09, 2008

'WHEN GOOD MEN DID NOTHING:' It's the seventieth anniversary of Kristallnacht.

UPDATE: It's also the anniversary of the Berlin wall's fall, which was brought about when good men didn't just do nothing."

French Say 'Au Revoir' to Dining Out

French Say 'Au Revoir' to Dining Out
"But while the worsening financial situation is viewed as a major factor in the declining business for restaurants, others point to the recently implemented ban on smoking in restaurants and other tough regulations for driving away business.

Bernard Cartier of the Hotel Industry Union claims that the government needs to step in and help dining establishments cope with the various restrictions they face.But while the worsening financial situation is viewed as a major factor in the declining business for restaurants, others point to the recently implemented ban on smoking in restaurants and other tough regulations for driving away business.

Bernard Cartier of the Hotel Industry Union claims that the government needs to step in and help dining establishments cope with the various restrictions they face."

Venezuela to build military bases near Colombian border

Venezuela to build military bases near Colombian border: "Venezuela will build five military bases close to its border with Colombia to fight drug trafficking, paramilitary intrusions, kidnappings and other criminal acts, Caracas announced Sunday."

Maybe a nice hug from President Barry would help?

French say 'Yes, we can!' too, to ending racism

French say 'Yes, we can!' too, to ending racism
"A manifesto published Sunday — subtitled 'Oui, nous pouvons!', the French translation of Obama's campaign slogan 'Yes, we can!' — urges affirmative action-like policies and other steps to turn French ideals of equality into reality for millions of blacks, Arabs and other alienated minorities.
'Our prejudices are insidious,' Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, a singer and wife of President Nicolas Sarkozy, said"


Singers are wonderful healers!

Councilman Arrested for Peeing on Crowd

Councilman Arrested for Peeing on Crowd
NBC New York: "That's after club staffers saw him relieve himself onto the crowd from a second floor balcony during a concert by a Grateful Dead tribute band."

No mention of the "peester's" political party affiliation...... anyonegottaguess?

He is a god!

Hong Kong's First FREE English Newspaper
"For months, I have been intrigued by the list of stunning achievements attributed to Barack Obama.
When he walks into a stadium, people faint. When he speaks, they burst into tears. When he stumbles, thousands of people throw themselves on the ground.
White people feel he is white enough to have a job that had always been reserved for white people. Black people feel he is black, Asians feel he is Asian, and women feel that under his gray suit he is, possibly, a woman.
What's the explanation for this? After weeks of puzzling, I have finally worked out what it is. Obama is not human - he is a god."

Friday, November 07, 2008

States drain unemployment trust funds

States drain unemployment trust funds
"Michigan is hurting
Michigan, hit hard by the collapse of the auto industry, has essentially nothing left in its trust fund, said Norman Isotalo, spokesman for state's Department of Labor & Economic Growth. New initial claims are up 21% over a year ago, while the unemployment rate hit 8.7% in September, up from 7.3% a year earlier.
Though it has borrowed money from the feds to cover claims since 2006, Michigan has avoided paying interest on the loan by repaying it quickly. The state, however, no longer has the funds to repay the loan, which currently totals nearly $473 million. The debt will starting accruing interest in January, and the state will pass along the additional fees to employers."

Study: Black coach numbers lowest in 15 years

Study: Black coach numbers lowest in 15 years: "Days after the election of the country's first black president, a study shows the number of African-American coaches in major college football is the lowest in 15 years."

Granholm to advise Obama on economy in transition

Granholm to advise Obama on economy in transition
"Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm is one of 17 people appointed to help advise President-elect Barack Obama on the economy during his transition period."

Truly inconvenient truths about climate change being ignored - Michael Duffy

Truly inconvenient truths about climate change being ignored - Michael Duffy: "Later that night, on ABC TV's Lateline program, Pachauri claimed that those who disagree with his own views on global warming are 'flat-earthers' who deny 'the overwhelming weight of scientific evidence'. But what evidence could be more important than the temperature record, which Pachauri himself had fudged only a few hours earlier?"

Thursday, November 06, 2008

Barney Bites White House Reporter | NBC Chicago

Barney Bites White House Reporter NBC Chicago: "Apparently, the first dog is not happy about the impending changes at the White House."

Multiple Voting, Insecure Machines

Multiple Voting, Insecure Machines
"Obama won, and he won big enough that nobody can claim that the--undeniable--irregularities in this election were enough to make a difference. His win was beyond the margin of fraud.
But that doesn't mean that there wasn't fraud and there weren't irregularities.
In fact, there were a lot"

Modest Proposal for a Real Fairness Doctrine

Modest_Proposal_for_a_Real_Fairness_Doctrine
"My proposal:
Let's have the FCC require that the networks designate their news people with either a 'D' or a little 'R'. Some examples: 'Katie Couric (D-CBS)', Wolf Blitzer 'D-CNN', 'Keith Olbermann (D-MSNBC), 'Chris Mathhews (D-MSNBC), Bill Moyers and Gwen Ifful (D-PBS) and yes, Joe Scarborough (R-MSNBC). Get the idea?"

Obama Win Causes Obsessive Supporters To Realize How Empty Their Lives Are | The Onion - America's Finest News Source

Obama Win Causes Obsessive Supporters To Realize How Empty Their Lives Are The Onion - America's Finest News Source

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Republicans deserved to lose


Republicans deserved to lose
"The problem is a movement that plays small-ball and cedes responsibility for infrastructure to business interests, leadership that rewards those who make friends rather than waves, an entrenched Party and Movement support system that mostly supports itself, an echo chamber that has rotted our intellect, a grassroots that is ill-equipped to shape the Republican Party, and a Republican Party that has replaced strategy with tactics, substance with marketing.
These problems can be fixed, but the fix is not cosmetic. The rot is deep. We do not need reformation of the Republican Party; we need transformation of the Republican Party. That is going to require fresh blood, new ideas, new infrastructure...and perhaps more than a little time in the wilderness."

Tuesday, November 04, 2008

Global Pensions

Global Pensions: "The funded status of the Illinois Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) dropped to 56% in the last fiscal year, down from 64% the previous year."

Friday, October 31, 2008

The Pension Fund Problem to Come at The Brian Sullivan Blog

The Pension Fund Problem to Come at The Brian Sullivan Blog: "According to a new report from Mercer, large corporations saw their pension plans lose a collective $70 billion off their combined funded status during the volatile first quarter. Adrian Hartshorn, a principal in Mercer’s financial strategy group, pointed out that pension plans sponsored by S&P 1500 companies are now only 98% funded."

Pension Time Bomb

Pension Time Bomb
"Mayor Osby Davis, who has lived in this waterfront city across San Pablo Bay from San Francisco for 60 of his 62 years, says: 'If you have a can that's leaking two ounces a minute and you put an ounce a minute in it, it's going to get empty.' He is describing his city's coffers."

The Daily Show: John Oliver Breaks Down the Stupid Vote | Indecision2008 | Comedy Central

The Daily Show: John Oliver Breaks Down the Stupid Vote Indecision2008 Comedy Central

Erica Jong Tells Italians Obama Loss 'Will Spark the Second American Civil War. Blood Will Run in the Streets' | The New York Observer

Erica Jong Tells Italians Obama Loss 'Will Spark the Second American Civil War. Blood Will Run in the Streets'
"'The record shows that voting machines in America are rigged.'

'My friends Ken Follett and Susan Cheever are extremely worried. Naomi Wolf calls me every day. Yesterday, Jane Fonda sent me an email to tell me that she cried all night and can't cure her ailing back for all the stress that has reduces her to a bundle of nerves.'
'My back is also suffering from spasms, so much so that I had to see an acupuncturist and get prescriptions for Valium.'
'After having stolen the last two elections, the Republican Mafia…'
'If Obama loses it will spark the second American Civil War. Blood will run in the streets, believe me. And it's not a coincidence that President Bush recalled soldiers from Iraq for Dick Cheney to lead against American citizens in the streets.'
'Bush has transformed America into a police state, from torture to the imprisonment of reporters, to the Patriot Act.'"

California Cities Cut Police Budgets - WSJ.com

California Cities Cut Police Budgets - WSJ.com: "When the economic crisis deepened this fall, this city already was losing scores of police and firefighters because it could no longer afford the rich salaries and benefits it offered after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Now, with crime on the rise and tax revenue sinking, this San Francisco Bay area city faces more cuts in police and fire department budgets."

If GM-Chrysler merge, more state retraining

If GM-Chrysler merge, more state retraining: "Granholm says the state can cope with a smaller domestic auto industry but has to deal with the fallout of laid-off workers who will need retraining and other help."

Flint spends $6,000 on ceremonial keys to city

Flint spends $6,000 on ceremonial keys to city
"The struggling industrial city has shelled out $6,000 over the past year to a pawn shop owned by the mayor's wife to buy at least 200 ceremonial keys to the city as gifts."

What you were never intended to know in this election

What you were never intended to know in this election
"The Bradley Effect. Don’t believe these polls for a second. I just went over our numbers and found that we have next to no chance in the following states: Missouri, Indiana, North Carolina, Florida, New Hampshire and Nevada. Ohio leans heavily to McCain, but is too close to call it for him. Virginia, Pennsylvania, Colorado, New Mexico and Iowa are the true “toss up states”. The only two of these the campaign feels “confident” in are Iowa and New Mexico. The reason for such polling discrepancy is the Bradley Effect, and this is a subject of much discussion in the campaign. In general, we tend to take a -10 point percentage in allowing for this, and are not comfortable until the polls give us a spread well over this mark. This is why we are still campaigning in Virginia and Pennsylvania! This is why Ohio is such a desperate hope for us! What truly bothers this campaign is the fact that some pollsters get up to an 80% “refuse to respond” result. You can’t possibly include these into the polls. The truth is, people are afraid to let people know who they are voting for. The vast majority of these respondents are McCain supporters. Obama is the “hip” choice, and we all know it."

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Kentucky.com State & Regional - Wire

Kentucky.com State & Regional - Wire: "A University of Kentucky student and another man were arrested Thursday, accused of hanging a life-sized likeness of Barack Obama from a tree on the campus."

How Detroit Drove Into a Ditch

How Detroit Drove Into a Ditch
"With little fanfare, a new car factory opened in America earlier this month. The new Honda assembly plant in Greensburg, Ind., will produce 200,000 compact Civic models annually after reaching full capacity late next year. The contrast couldn't be starker between Detroit's woes and the continuing U.S. expansion of Japanese, German and Korean car companies -- in both market share and manufacturing capacity. There are two American auto industries, one generally thriving and the other drastically shrinking."

That's Indiana, not India!
Maybe Jenny ought to talk to some of the folks down south of our Michigan border?
Ya think!

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

What It Will Take to Build a Rightroots Movement | The Next Right

What It Will Take to Build a Rightroots Movement The Next Right: "Put more succinctly, I've had people tell me conservative bloggers feel 'dirty' asking for money. This sense of modesty and restraint is not felt by the likes of Daily Kos, MyDD, and Open Left. Note the huge blue fundraising graphics that are the first thing you see when you visit their sites. And I'm sure you're probably thinking: 'Well, we don't want to be like Kos.' Well, if not being like Kos means not winning, then I certainly can appreciate the intellectual rectitude at play here. But for those of you who want to move the Republican Party in a different direction, you might want to try something else.
Ace encapsulates the right's reluctance to engage electorally, and what I suspect is going to be the rude awakening that comes as a result of that approach:
I never was all that big into this idea. I think it's now necessary if we're ever going to start winning like we used to.
The GOP needs to do its part, too. It shouldn't be up to John Hawkins to compile a list of House GOP challengers. The GOP needs a permanent online liaison, not just charged with sending out press releases and that sort of thing, but with providing information about candidates -- who's vulnerable, who's a solid challenger, etc."

Althouse: If Obama is so far ahead...


Althouse: If Obama is so far ahead...: "If Obama is so far ahead...

... why isn't he that far ahead?

How weird would it be if McCain won? How would people go about absorbing it?"

A McCain/Palin win could make Bush Derangement Syndrome look like a sad day for a Cubs fan.

CARPE DIEM: King Dollar Hits A 30-Month High


CARPE DIEM: King Dollar Hits A 30-Month High
"The dollar is king of the hill again -- at least for now.
Amid the cascading credit crisis, the U.S. currency has reclaimed its status as the world's haven in tumultuous times."
The U.S. dollar index (vs. major currencies) hit a 30-month high today, reaching the highest level since April 14, 2006 (see chart above).
No MSM coverage here....

The October Surprise—Suit To Remove Barack Obama From The Ballot. Barack Obama Is A Citizen Of ?

Watch it!

Obama could end this now but won't.

Why?

Bra-Stuffing Bribe Scandal Probe Grows


Bra-Stuffing Bribe Scandal Probe Grows
"The federal probe into an embattled Massachusetts state senator who was clandestinely videotaped stuffing alleged bribe money into her bra by the FBI has expanded to include three Boston City Council members, the state senate president and several state liquor board officials, ABC News has learned."

Giving new meaning to the term "falsies".
(yes, she is a democrat)

"... are those guns or am I gonna be happy to see you....?"

Rally At Trinity Protests Racially Offensive Web Post

Rally At Trinity Protests Racially Offensive Web Post
"If the college wishes to end hate on campus, Williams said, it could, by changing its policies to not admit students who are intolerant, increasing student and faculty diversity, and making diversity a central goal."

a Random Rant

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

25 Worst Markets to Find a Job


25 Worst Markets to Find a Job
"7. Visalia, Calif.
Unemployment rate: 11 percent
Last year: 8.9 percent
Job growth: 0.3 percent

15. Muskegon, Mich.
Unemployment rate: 9.9 percent
Last year: 8.1 percent
Job growth: -0.3 percent"

The Columbus Dispatch : Judge rules Ohio homeless voters may list park benches as addresses


The Columbus Dispatch : Judge rules Ohio homeless voters may list park benches as addresses: "A federal judge in Ohio has ruled that counties must allow homeless voters to list park benches and other locations that aren't buildings as their addresses.
U.S. District Judge Edmund Sargus also ruled that provisional ballots can't be invalidated because of poll worker errors."


No worries!

Voter fraud don't exist!

Effigy of Sarah Palin hanging by a noose creates uproar in West Hollywood - Los Angeles Times

Effigy of Sarah Palin hanging by a noose creates uproar in West Hollywood
"'While these residents have the legal right to display Senator John McCain and Governor Sarah Palin in effigy, I strongly oppose political speech that references violence -- real or perceived,' Prang said in a statement. 'I urge these residents to take down their display and find more constructive ways to express their opinion.'

Whitmore said that potential hate crimes are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. If the same display had been made of a Barack Obama-like doll, for example, authorities would have to evaluate it independently, Whitmore said."

Different laws for different races?

Nothing new here.....and how sick is that?

Thomas Sowell : Obama and the Law

Thomas Sowell : Obama and the Law
"One of the biggest and most long-lasting 'change' to expect if Barack Obama becomes President of the United States is in the kinds of federal judges he appoints. These include Supreme Court justices, as well as other federal justices all across the country, all of whom will have lifetime tenure.
Senator Obama has stated very clearly what kinds of Supreme Court justices he wants-- those with 'the empathy to understand what it's like to be poor, or African-American, or gay, or disabled, or old.'
Like so many things that Obama says, it may sound nice if you don't stop and think-- and chilling if you do stop and think. Do we really want judges who decide cases based on who you are, rather than on the facts and the law?
If the case involves a white man versus a black woman, should the judge decide that case differently than if both litigants are of the same race or sex?"

If you are still "on the fence" remember that many of Obama's (Rev Wright's?) judicial appointments may not be colorblind, genderblind or even interested in our Constitution.
And many may outlive you and me!

Tight, tighter, tightest!


IBD/TIPP Tracking Poll: Day Fifteen
"After seesawing between 3.2 and 3.9 points over the weekend, Obama's lead slipped to 2.8 Monday. Battleground also has Obama up 3, and other polls have tightened, including Rasmussen, Zogby and Gallup to 5. Some polls show swings in independents, but IBD/TIPP has them in a stable, 5-point range."
(click on poll to enlarge)

Monday, October 27, 2008

The Age of Prosperity Is Over

The Age of Prosperity Is Over
"But unfortunately in this world there is no tooth fairy. And the government doesn't create anything; it just redistributes. Whenever the government bails someone out of trouble, they always put someone into trouble, plus of course a toll for the troll. Every $100 billion in bailout requires at least $130 billion in taxes, where the $30 billion extra is the cost of getting government involved.
If you don't believe me, just watch how Congress and Barney Frank run the banks. If you thought they did a bad job running the post office, Amtrak, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the military, just wait till you see what they'll do with Wall Street."

RedState: Stunning results in early voting in California. Smile redstaters

RedState: Stunning results in early voting in California. Smile redstaters: "The results are simply shocking. The polls showed Barack Obama with an 18 point lead in California just a few days ago. The results thus far are the complete opposite. In the most liberal state in the entire country,the results are that 99,000 Republicans have voted and 96,000 Democrats voted. In the mail-in balloting the results so far are that 9,000 Democrats sent in their ballots and that 5,000 Republicans did so. So with nearly 210,000 people having voted,the Democrats have only a 1,000 vote advantage !
If we take the liberty of assuming that all Republicans will vote for John McCain and all Democrats will vote for Obama,then the race is incredibly close."

The REAL Obama!

Shame, Cubed
"Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.

Barack Obama, in 2001:
You know, if you look at the victories and failures of the civil-rights movement, and its litigation strategy in the court, I think where it succeeded was to vest formal rights in previously dispossessed peoples. So that I would now have the right to vote, I would now be able to sit at a lunch counter and order and as long as I could pay for it, I’d be okay, but the Supreme Court never entered into the issues of redistribution of wealth, and sort of more basic issues of political and economic justice in this society.

And uh, to that extent, as radical as I think people tried to characterize the Warren Court, it wasn’t that radical. It didn’t break free from the essential constraints that were placed by the Founding Fathers in the Constitution — at least as it’s been interpreted, and Warren Court interpreted it in the same way, that generally the Constitution is a charter of negative liberties: [It] says what the states can’t do to you, says what the federal government can’t do to you, but it doesn’t say what the federal government or the state government must do on your behalf.



Very scary stuff!
Read it all, it gets worse.
And the media is too busy covering Sarah Palin's wardrobe to report the truth about Barry O.

Disgusting!

States find a can of worms in bottle deposit laws

States find a can of worms in bottle deposit laws
"But illegal returns are a real-life phenomenon and are no laughing matter in 11 states that encourage recycling by adding a refundable deposit to beer, soft drink and other beverage containers.
Michigan would have at least $10 million a year more for environmental cleanup if not for people redeeming containers that were bought in other states."

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Democrat James Carville's racist prediction!


CNN.com - Transcripts:
"CARVILLE:
Let me be clear, I said you can call the dogs and light the fire and leave the house. I think it sounds over.

Now let me be clear here, if Obama goes in this race with a 5- point lead and losing this election, the consequences are -- bull, man. I mean I don't think that's going to happen, but I think David it's a point to bring up

But you stop and contemplate this country if Obama goes in and he has a consistent five point lead and loses the election, it would be very, very, very dramatic out there."

The Spectator

The Spectator: "The impact of the financial crisis on the American presidential election has somewhat obscured the most important reason why the prospect of an Obama presidency is giving so many people nightmares. This is the fear that, if he wins, US defences will be emasculated at a time of unprecedented international peril and the enemies of America and the free world will seize their opportunity to destroy the west."

Orlando Sentinel - Obama campaign cuts off WFTV after interview with Joe Biden by Hal Boedeker

Orlando Sentinel - Obama campaign cuts off WFTV after interview with Joe Biden by Hal Boedeker: "Biden so disliked West's line of questioning that the Obama campaign canceled a WFTV interview with Jill Biden, the candidate's wife.
'This cancellation is non-negotiable, and further opportunities for your station to interview with this campaign are unlikely, at best for the duration of the remaining days until the election,' wrote Laura K. McGinnis, Central Florida communications director for the Obama campaign."

Saturday, October 25, 2008

U.S. pledges extra $320 million for bird flu fight - Yahoo! News

U.S. pledges extra $320 million for bird flu fight
"The United States pledged an additional $320 million to the global fight against bird flu and warned on Saturday against complacency in combating the virus, which could mutate and cause a deadly pandemic."

No problem, it's just 1/3 of a $trillion.
Lot's more where that came from.........
Yeah, right.

IBDeditorials.com: IBD/TIPP Economic, Presidential Election, and Political Polls -- IBD/TIPP Tracking Poll: Day Thirteen


IBD/TIPP Economic, Presidential Election, and Political Polls
IBD/TIPP Tracking Poll: Day Thirteen: "An analysis of Final Certified Results for the 2004 election showed IBD's polling partner, TIPP, was the most accurate pollster of the campaign season"

12.2% UNDECIDED!

Michigan State University raises tuition, but covers its costs

Michigan State University raises tuition, but covers its costs
"Michigan State University will raise tuition by 1.2 percent but students won't have to pay the higher rate until summer.
Technically the tuition increase announced Friday takes effect with the spring semester. But the university will cover the cost, meaning students wouldn't have to pay higher rates until summer.
...The higher rates would have a freshman from Michigan taking 15 credits pay $4,721.25 for a semester. That's $56.25 more than this fall.
Michigan State raised tuition 6.8 percent headed into this fall."

What the heck does "the university will cover the cost.." mean?
Us taxpayers!!!!

FuturePundit: Cherries Reduce Body Fat In Rats

FuturePundit: Cherries Reduce Body Fat In Rats
"New research continues to link tart cherries, one of today's hottest 'Super Fruits,' to lowering risk factors for heart disease. In addition to lowering cholesterol and reducing inflammation, the study being presented by University of Michigan researchers at next week's American Dietetic Association annual meeting, found that a cherry-enriched diet lowered body weight and fat – major risk factors for heart disease."

Media bias!

Instapundit.com -: "The sheer bias in the print and television coverage of this election campaign is not just bewildering, but appalling. And over the last few months I’ve found myself slowly moving from shaking my head at the obvious one-sided reporting, to actually shouting at the screen of my television"

University researchers developing cancer-fighting beer

University researchers developing cancer-fighting beer
"A team of researchers at Rice University in Houston is working to create a beer that could fight cancer and heart disease."

I'm gonna live forever!

Greenspan a fool or a liar?

The Volokh Conspiracy - -#1224870175
"Greenspan was asked today when he realized there was a housing bubble. His answer was early '06. That's long after other observers (including your friendly neighborhood blogger, e.g.) had recognized that the unprecedented increase in housing prices, unconnected to any discernable fundamental factor beyond easy credit, had created a bubble.
Even more surprising, Greenspan explained that even after he realized there was a bubble, he never expected housing prices to decline so dramatically, because we had never had a nationwide decline in housing prices in the past. I'd heard Greenspan say this before, but I'm surprised he wasn't embarrassed to repeat it. Didn't he ever read a mutual fund prospectus ('past performance does not guarantee future results'). More to the point, given that the level of increase in housing prices, both nationwide and in specific markets, was unprecedented, why would anyone sensible look to precedent in determining to what extent prices may fall?"

Andrea Mitchell's husband ain't lookin' too good in the rearview mirror.

Thomas Sowell!

The Volokh Conspiracy - -#1224870175: "The Constrained Vision, The Unconstrained Vision, and the 2008 Election: Several times through the years I've had occasion to refer to Thomas Sowell's superb book A Conflict of Visions. This week, Peter Robinson sat down with Sowell to discuss the relevance of the book to understanding the 2008 election. Peter's column is here.
Sowell's judgment?
Asked if Obama represents the purest expression of the unconstrained vision since Franklin Roosevelt, Sowell, himself an African-American, replies: 'No. Since the beginning of American politics.'"

Natasha’s Story

Natasha’s Story

This presentation comes from photographer Rick Smolan. In 1978, Smolan was on assignment in South Korea for Time magazine. He was doing a piece on Amerasian children. One young girl caught his eye. The next few years became a quest to bring her to America.
That description doesn’t do this amazing story justice. It has more twists and emotional impact than a feature film. It’s a long video–nearly 30 minutes. But you’ll be glad you watched it.

Bring a hankie!


Posted using ShareThis

1995 Obama Bizarre, Race Baiting Interview Found! HE MUST SAVE BLACKS SO HE CAN BE SAVED.

Barry spells it out.....pretty dang clear.

"OBAMA, NO MERCI BEAUCOUP"

"OBAMA, NO MERCI BEAUCOUP"
Gun-Toting Bible-Thumping Hillbillies Release Best Campaign Song of the Year!

Need a little lift?
Click and feel better IMMEDIATELY!

Democrats to gut US military

Frank envisions post-election stimulus from Democrats
"After the November election, Democrats will push for a second economic stimulus package that includes money for the states' stalled infrastructure projects, along with help paying for healthcare expenses, food stamps and extended unemployment benefits, U.S. Rep. Barney Frank said Thursday.
In a meeting with the editorial board of The Standard-Times, Rep. Frank, D-Mass., also called for a 25 percent cut in military spending, saying the Pentagon has to start choosing from its many weapons programs, and that upper-income taxpayers are going to see an increase in what they are asked to pay.
The military cuts also mean getting out of Iraq sooner, he said"

Friday, October 24, 2008

IBD/TIPP Tracking Poll: Day Eleven

IBD/TIPP Tracking Poll: Day Eleven
Thursday, October 23, 2008
McCain has cut into Obama's lead for a second day and is now just 1.1 points behind. The spread was 3.7 Wednesday and 6.0 Tuesday. The Republican is making headway with middle- and working- class voters, and has surged 10 points in two days among those earning between $30,000 and $75,000."

Most accurate pollster in 2004 election shows: Obama 44.8%, McCain 43.7%, Not Sure 11.6%...

Undecided 11.6%!!!!!!!!

McCain wins!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

TaxProf Blog: Obama and the Tax Tipping Point

TaxProf Blog: Obama and the Tax Tipping Point: "What happens when the voter in the exact middle of the earnings spectrum receives more in benefits from Washington than he pays in taxes? Economists Allan Meltzer and Scott Richard posed this question 27 years ago. We may soon enough know the answer"

Political Radar: Obama Tweaks Tax Plan to Rebut McCain

Political Radar: Obama Tweaks Tax Plan to Rebut McCain: "'They started saying this was welfare,' said Obama adviser Austan Goolsbee. 'So, just so they would absolutely not be able to say that, we decided that for the last two percent we'll simply add a work requirement.'"

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Shame on McCain and Palin for using an old code word for black

Shame on McCain and Palin for using an old code word for black
"The 'socialist' label that Sen. John McCain and his GOP presidential running mate Sarah Palin are trying to attach to Sen. Barack Obama actually has long and very ugly historical roots.
J. Edgar Hoover, director of the FBI from 1924 to 1972, used the term liberally to describe African Americans who spent their lives fighting for equality."

Ya can't call a spade a spade?
Jeepers, calling one a "socialist" certainly is a slur.
But if we can't call a socialist a "socialist" just what IS the code word for a socialist?
A commie, totaliarian, anti-American Marxist?

glib vs BS

The Volokh Conspiracy - -: "Some thoughtful people simply have a tendency to confuse intelligence with the ability to be glib, or more precisely, to bs.
And I think that is much of what it comes down to--if Palin doesn't know the answer to a question, she just isn't that good at making something up. Biden, by contrast, is a master bs'er, as his debate performance exhibited. As a general rule, the less informed he was about the answer to a question, the more assertive he was in answering it, such as his extraordinary answer about the legislative role of the Vice-President. It is clear that he had not the slightest idea what he was talking about, yet he just plowed ahead throwing out assertions with rhetorical flair. Classic bs. Even on issues that were supposedly in his area of expertise, such as the Constitution, he wasn't even in the ballpark of being correct. Hoven picks up on Biden's whopper of answer about kicking Hezbollah out of Lebanon, but it is pretty much the same thing--aggressive bs covering a complete lack of any clue what he is talking about."

Good news about global warming! « Fabius Maximus

Good news about global warming! « Fabius Maximus: "This time the media is promoting the ice loss of one tiny fraction of the giant ice-covered continent and completely ignoring the current record ice growth on Antarctica. Contrary to media hype, the vast majority of Antarctica has cooled over the past 50 years and ice coverage has grown to record levels since satellite monitoring began in the 1979, according to peer-reviewed studies and scientists who study the area."

Northern California City Files for Bankruptcy Protection

Northern California City Files for Bankruptcy Protection
"The city of Vallejo filed for bankruptcy protection Friday to deal with a ballooning budget deficit caused by soaring employee costs and declining tax revenue.
The San Francisco Bay area suburb of about 120,000 residents became the largest California city to seek bankruptcy protection.
Mayor Osby Davis said the city's attorneys filed papers seeking Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection in federal court in Sacramento.
'We've exhausted all avenues at this point, and this is all we had left,' Davis said. 'I had hoped to avoid it all the way up until yesterday. It's something we can't avoid ... We can't pay our bills.'"

This is what awaits us in Michigan if we continue to sleepwalk through this crisis!

Northern California City Files for Bankruptcy Protection

Northern California City Files for Bankruptcy Protection
"The city of Vallejo filed for bankruptcy protection Friday to deal with a ballooning budget deficit caused by soaring employee costs and declining tax revenue.
The San Francisco Bay area suburb of about 120,000 residents became the largest California city to seek bankruptcy protection.
Mayor Osby Davis said the city's attorneys filed papers seeking Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection in federal court in Sacramento.
'We've exhausted all avenues at this point, and this is all we had left,' Davis said. 'I had hoped to avoid it all the way up until yesterday. It's something we can't avoid ... We can't pay our bills.'"

Coming to a town near you...soon!

Hype: The Obama Effect


Hype: The Obama Effect - HypeMovie.com
"A movement is sweeping the nation. Frenzied crowds gather in every state. Young people chant and sing. Women swoon. The result is record voter turn out and a rare political enthusiasm. At the head of this unprecedented phenomenon stands a charismatic figure intent on becoming the President of the United States.
'I'm asking you to believe.'
'We are the ones we have been waiting for.'
'Yes, we can!'
'Change.'
'Hope.'
These words, from Barack Obama, have inspired everything from outrageous videos to the largest campaign fundraising success in history. He has taken what was considered a sure bet Clinton machine and turned it on its head. His supporters claim he is the new Martin Luther King, Jr. He is hailed as this generation's John F. Kennedy. This documentary explores the HYPE behind Barack Obama"

WOW!
Watch these videos BEFORE the election!

Fox News hires reporter who got jailed for not revealing the source who identified the CIA agent whose husband got angry at Bush for blowing her cover (the wife's, not the reporter's). But it's all OK now


So long, suckers. Millionaire hedge fund boss thanks 'idiot' traders and retires at 37

So long, suckers. Millionaire hedge fund boss thanks 'idiot' traders and retires at 37
"The boss of a successful US hedge fund has quit the industry with an extraordinary farewell letter dismissing his rivals as over-privileged 'idiots' and thanking 'stupid' traders for making him rich.

Andrew Lahde's $80m Los Angeles-based firm Lahde Capital Management in Los Angeles made a huge return last year by betting against subprime mortgages.

'The low-hanging fruit, ie idiots whose parents paid for prep school, Yale and then the Harvard MBA, was there for the taking,' he wrote. 'These people who were (often) truly not worthy of the education they received (or supposedly received) rose to the top of companies such as AIG, Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers and all levels of our government,' he said.

'All of this behaviour supporting the aristocracy only ended up making it easier for me to find people stupid enough to take the other side of my trades. God bless America.'"

Wait... didn't stupid Georgie....and low hanger, Barry Hussein Obama get the same edukation?

Too funny!

Obama campaign flush from wealthy California donors - Los Angeles Times

Obama campaign flush from wealthy California donors
"Barack Obama raised more than $36 million last month for an account he shares with the Democratic Party, close to half of it from wealthy California donors who gave up to $61,600 each."

So much for the "little guy" donations.
No frowny faces on MSM TV from Matt or Katie.....
Big freakin' surprise!

NYC term-limits extension set for vote Thursday


NYC term-limits extension set for vote Thursday

"Mayor Michael Bloomberg's proposal to extend New York's term-limits law was put on the fast track for a vote Thursday in City Council, even though some members are still undecided about bypassing voters to give themselves and the mayor a chance at third terms.....
On Tuesday afternoon, the bill was put on the agenda for Thursday's council meeting.
"Bloomberg, a billionaire former CEO of a financial information company, argues that New Yorkers need him to manage the city through the financial crisis, and that it's too late for voters to vote on the bill before the 2009 mayoral race.

Opponents say voters, not the council, should decide changes to the term-limits law. Voters set the current limit of two consecutive terms in a 1993 referendum and reaffirmed it three years later.

Has the world gone crazy!
The voters voted in a referendum, reaffirmed it 3 years later and this thug and his crook supporters are simply able to vote it down in a city council meeting?????

And the newspapers are .......... "simply reporting the facts.... mamm..."
Scum.
Everywhere!

A Perfect Storm - Economic Presentation

A Perfect Storm - Economic Presentation