Friday, March 06, 2009
Crisis offers new chance for climate: Clinton
Crisis offers new chance for climate: Clinton
"The financial crisis offers a new chance to rebuild economies based on a greener model with less dependence on unreliable overseas energy imports, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Friday.
'Never waste a good crisis,' Clinton told a hearing at the European Parliament."
"The financial crisis offers a new chance to rebuild economies based on a greener model with less dependence on unreliable overseas energy imports, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Friday.
'Never waste a good crisis,' Clinton told a hearing at the European Parliament."
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Funding Palestinian Terror
Funding Palestinian Terror: "Lt. Gen. Thomas McInerny (U.S. AirForce Ret.) & Maj. Gen. Paul Vallely (U.S. Army Ret.)"
Daylight Saving Time Facts
Daylight Saving Time Facts: "Contrary to popular belief, no federal rule mandates that states or territories observe daylight saving time."
Michigan's unemployment rate jumped to 11.6% in January
Michigan's unemployment rate jumped to 11.6% in January
"Michigan’s unemployment rate soared to 11.6% during January, the highest level in a quarter century."
No worries... "it's Engler's fault".
"Michigan’s unemployment rate soared to 11.6% during January, the highest level in a quarter century."
No worries... "it's Engler's fault".
Obama lies... again!
The Numbers: "President Obama’s kicking off his health care reform today in the worst possible way: with a mischaracterization of data."
Well, duh!
Well, duh!
CAN WE STILL HAVE HELEN THOMAS DOLLS?
CAN WE STILL HAVE HELEN THOMAS DOLLS?
"Democrat Jeff Eldridge introduced a bill in the House of Delegates on Tuesday that would ban the sale of Barbie dolls - and 'other dolls that influence girls to be beautiful' - in West Virginia.
Eldridge said the dolls have encouraged girls to value their physical appearance more than their education and intelligence.
'I hate the myth around, if you're beautiful, you don't have to be smart,' Eldridge said.
His bill, HB 2918, would make it illegal to sell Barbie dolls 'and other similar dolls that promote or influence girls to place an undue importance on physical beauty to the detriment of their intellectual and emotional development.'"
"Democrat Jeff Eldridge introduced a bill in the House of Delegates on Tuesday that would ban the sale of Barbie dolls - and 'other dolls that influence girls to be beautiful' - in West Virginia.
Eldridge said the dolls have encouraged girls to value their physical appearance more than their education and intelligence.
'I hate the myth around, if you're beautiful, you don't have to be smart,' Eldridge said.
His bill, HB 2918, would make it illegal to sell Barbie dolls 'and other similar dolls that promote or influence girls to place an undue importance on physical beauty to the detriment of their intellectual and emotional development.'"
Burping Worms May Contribute to Climate Change
Burping Worms May Contribute to Climate Change
"The research was supported by a European Union Marie Curie Fellowship, the Danish Research Agency and Aarhus University, Denmark."
"The research was supported by a European Union Marie Curie Fellowship, the Danish Research Agency and Aarhus University, Denmark."
Gateway Pundit: Congress Gives Itself a Boost In Spending Bigger Than Domestic Programs
Gateway Pundit: Congress Gives Itself a Boost In Spending Bigger Than Domestic Programs
"The US may be in recession, but like the president, the members of Congress won't feel the pinch this year.
The Pelosi-Reid Congress also gave each lawmaker an extra $93,000 in petty cash to spend this year.
And now they just gave themselves an 11% increase in spending."
"The US may be in recession, but like the president, the members of Congress won't feel the pinch this year.
The Pelosi-Reid Congress also gave each lawmaker an extra $93,000 in petty cash to spend this year.
And now they just gave themselves an 11% increase in spending."
Cap-and-trade plan will sink Michigan
Cap-and-trade plan will sink Michigan
"President Barack Obama's proposed cap-and-trade system on greenhouse gas emissions is a giant economic dagger aimed at the nation's heartland -- particularly Michigan. It is a multibillion-dollar tax hike on everything that Michigan does, including making things, driving cars and burning coal."
"President Barack Obama's proposed cap-and-trade system on greenhouse gas emissions is a giant economic dagger aimed at the nation's heartland -- particularly Michigan. It is a multibillion-dollar tax hike on everything that Michigan does, including making things, driving cars and burning coal."
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Grand Haven chamber decides to honor CertifiChecks, Muskegon uncertain
Grand Haven chamber decides to honor CertifiChecks, Muskegon uncertain
"The Grand Haven Chamber of Commerce now says it will honor chamber gift certificates issued through CertifiChecks.
Holland is also honoring the CertifiChecks.
Once again, Muskegon can't/won't act quickly.
Once again, Muskegon looks like the stinking swamp of W Michigan.
Bummer dudes!
"The Grand Haven Chamber of Commerce now says it will honor chamber gift certificates issued through CertifiChecks.
Holland is also honoring the CertifiChecks.
Once again, Muskegon can't/won't act quickly.
Once again, Muskegon looks like the stinking swamp of W Michigan.
Bummer dudes!
Homegrown incentives may work best
Homegrown incentives may work best
"We urge the chambers to lessen the damage for both consumers and businesses through a combination of funding sources. While they figure out their next step, perhaps there's something merchants can do to continue to encourage area residents to patronize local establishments."
Another moronic editorial from The Chronicle that reinforces my good judgement in cancelling my 33 year subscription.
Note that the sages in the crumbling hulk of our dead-but-not-acknowledged newspaper advise "merchants" to take the hit.
No mention of ANY help from the taxaholic, spendaholic city of Muskegon.
Meebee a tax holiday?
Naaa.......
Where did that $200,000,000 that was supposed to reinvigorate "downtown" (known to us locals as "ground zero") go?
"We urge the chambers to lessen the damage for both consumers and businesses through a combination of funding sources. While they figure out their next step, perhaps there's something merchants can do to continue to encourage area residents to patronize local establishments."
Another moronic editorial from The Chronicle that reinforces my good judgement in cancelling my 33 year subscription.
Note that the sages in the crumbling hulk of our dead-but-not-acknowledged newspaper advise "merchants" to take the hit.
No mention of ANY help from the taxaholic, spendaholic city of Muskegon.
Meebee a tax holiday?
Naaa.......
Where did that $200,000,000 that was supposed to reinvigorate "downtown" (known to us locals as "ground zero") go?
Editorial: State plans to revamp school evaluation
Editorial: State plans to revamp school evaluation
"Rather than giving schools a single letter grade, like it does now, the new system would provide the school's state accreditation status as well as the annually yearly progress status required by No Child Left Behind."
Does anyone... ANYONE believe that the same "experts" who have destroyed our school systems will actually do ANYTHING to make them better, more accountable or more fiscally responsible?
The ONLY way to fix their mess is competition-school choice.
"Rather than giving schools a single letter grade, like it does now, the new system would provide the school's state accreditation status as well as the annually yearly progress status required by No Child Left Behind."
Does anyone... ANYONE believe that the same "experts" who have destroyed our school systems will actually do ANYTHING to make them better, more accountable or more fiscally responsible?
The ONLY way to fix their mess is competition-school choice.
'Early bird' ROTHBURY tickets on sale March 14
'Early bird' ROTHBURY tickets on sale March 14
"Fans of the ROTHBURY music festival will be able to buy tickets early for a reduced price -- if they don't mind that the list of acts has not been released."
I'd be REAL leery about sending big moolah to these folks this early.
Maybe the Muskegon Chamber of Commerce will guarantee the tix?
"Fans of the ROTHBURY music festival will be able to buy tickets early for a reduced price -- if they don't mind that the list of acts has not been released."
I'd be REAL leery about sending big moolah to these folks this early.
Maybe the Muskegon Chamber of Commerce will guarantee the tix?
Glitches continue for Michigan unemployment seekers
Glitches continue for Michigan unemployment seekers
"Hundreds of new workers have been hired by the state's Unemployment Insurance Agency to handle claims, but jobless workers trying to file for unemployment insurance still are having trouble getting help.
On Tuesday morning, calls to the agency's toll-free lines set up for those filing for unemployment or recertifying their benefits were answered by recorded messages saying all lines were busy."
This is the future of our socialism, folks.
And these same people tell us they can run a national health care system?
"Hundreds of new workers have been hired by the state's Unemployment Insurance Agency to handle claims, but jobless workers trying to file for unemployment insurance still are having trouble getting help.
On Tuesday morning, calls to the agency's toll-free lines set up for those filing for unemployment or recertifying their benefits were answered by recorded messages saying all lines were busy."
This is the future of our socialism, folks.
And these same people tell us they can run a national health care system?
Free 'Hero Party' for parents, kids
Free 'Hero Party' for parents, kids
"The 'Hero Party' is meant to encourage parents who are 'heroes' to their children. Free dinner will be served during the event at the school, 2885 Hyde Park."
Well, isn't it nice that our "underfunded" schools can come up with "free dinner".
And isn't it sad that the term "hero" has been so badly dumbed down by the cowardly left?
"The 'Hero Party' is meant to encourage parents who are 'heroes' to their children. Free dinner will be served during the event at the school, 2885 Hyde Park."
Well, isn't it nice that our "underfunded" schools can come up with "free dinner".
And isn't it sad that the term "hero" has been so badly dumbed down by the cowardly left?
Madoff: NYC Penthouse, $62 Million Are Mine
Madoff: NYC Penthouse, $62 Million Are Mine
"His lawyers are arguing that Madoff should be entitled to keep the $7 million apartment he's currently being held in while under house arrest and $62 million, including $45 million in municipal bonds"
Hey, he's a big time democrat fat cat.
What did you expect?
"His lawyers are arguing that Madoff should be entitled to keep the $7 million apartment he's currently being held in while under house arrest and $62 million, including $45 million in municipal bonds"
Hey, he's a big time democrat fat cat.
What did you expect?
China to increase defence spending by 15 per cent
China to increase defence spending by 15 per cent
"But after rises of 17.8 per cent in 2007 and 17.6 per cent in 2008, it still amounts to a rise of more than half since 2006."
China and Russia are increasing military spending.
Obambi is gutting our military.
This isn't 1929, it's 1939!
"But after rises of 17.8 per cent in 2007 and 17.6 per cent in 2008, it still amounts to a rise of more than half since 2006."
China and Russia are increasing military spending.
Obambi is gutting our military.
This isn't 1929, it's 1939!
Sappi closing to boost sewer bills for all
Sappi closing to boost sewer bills for all
"Residents and businesses who use the county's wastewater system could pay 40 percent more for the service starting in 2010, if Sappi doesn't come back to life, officials said.
The brighter scenario for everyone is Sappi reopening in six months. If that happens, rates next year would jump less than 5 percent, Kendrick said.
'If the paper mill does not come back, if their operations cease, we would have to raise (wastewater) rates as much as 40 percent,' said Dave Kendrick, director of the county's wastewater system.
That increase would be passed on to municipalities and large industrial users. The local governments would decide whether to absorb the cost increase or pass it along to customers."
That's right, tax the RICH corporate fat cats!
Muskegon still doesn't get it.
NO business HAS to be located in Muskegon.
Tax them too much and they will leave.
"Who is John Gault?"
"Residents and businesses who use the county's wastewater system could pay 40 percent more for the service starting in 2010, if Sappi doesn't come back to life, officials said.
The brighter scenario for everyone is Sappi reopening in six months. If that happens, rates next year would jump less than 5 percent, Kendrick said.
'If the paper mill does not come back, if their operations cease, we would have to raise (wastewater) rates as much as 40 percent,' said Dave Kendrick, director of the county's wastewater system.
That increase would be passed on to municipalities and large industrial users. The local governments would decide whether to absorb the cost increase or pass it along to customers."
That's right, tax the RICH corporate fat cats!
Muskegon still doesn't get it.
NO business HAS to be located in Muskegon.
Tax them too much and they will leave.
"Who is John Gault?"
Spartans clinch first outright Big Ten title since '99
Spartans clinch first outright Big Ten title since '99
Michigan State (24-5, 14-3 Big Ten) earned a share of first place for the first time since 2001 with Sunday's 74-66 win on Senior Day at Illinois and completed the championship run with one of the best road performances in conference history."
About time!
Michigan State (24-5, 14-3 Big Ten) earned a share of first place for the first time since 2001 with Sunday's 74-66 win on Senior Day at Illinois and completed the championship run with one of the best road performances in conference history."
About time!
Obama's Hubris Is Showing
Obama's Hubris Is Showing
"The rich -- as liberals like to call them -- are the people in this society who earn enough to invest and create jobs so that all the rest of us can live decently. A couple earning $50,000 a year with two kids doesn't have money left over after paying the bills to invest in the stock market or even hire one part-time worker at minimum wage."
"The rich -- as liberals like to call them -- are the people in this society who earn enough to invest and create jobs so that all the rest of us can live decently. A couple earning $50,000 a year with two kids doesn't have money left over after paying the bills to invest in the stock market or even hire one part-time worker at minimum wage."
Monday, March 02, 2009
www.dcexaminer.com >> Politics
http://www.dcexaminer.com/politics/Heard-the-news-Reporters-think-the-time-for-panic-is-now_03_02-40513792.html: "A recession is like the Spanish flu — the weakest members of the population are always the first to go.
And among American industries, there were few weaker at the onset of the current panic than the news business."
And among American industries, there were few weaker at the onset of the current panic than the news business."
Sappi 400 workers to be laid off for 6 months
400 workers to be laid off for 6 months
"A Muskegon company is shutting down -- at least temporarily.
Sappi Paper is closing for at least six months starting April first.
The closure affects about 400 workers.
Company officials say it's all due to the economy and they hope to re-open and hire all employees back after the six month period."
"A Muskegon company is shutting down -- at least temporarily.
Sappi Paper is closing for at least six months starting April first.
The closure affects about 400 workers.
Company officials say it's all due to the economy and they hope to re-open and hire all employees back after the six month period."
Canada's new haves and have-nots
Canada's new haves and have-nots
"In Canada, there is every prospect for similar resentment to arise, as it becomes evident that the recession is dividing the country into a new class of haves and have-nots.
But this isn't traditional class warfare: The have-nots are workers in the private sector who have no protection against pay cuts, lost jobs and disappearing pensions. The haves are those who work in the public sector, and are insulated by government from any danger.
The startling results revealed by Quebec's Caisse de depot et Public-sector workers make from 8% to 17% more than workers in private firms"
"In Canada, there is every prospect for similar resentment to arise, as it becomes evident that the recession is dividing the country into a new class of haves and have-nots.
But this isn't traditional class warfare: The have-nots are workers in the private sector who have no protection against pay cuts, lost jobs and disappearing pensions. The haves are those who work in the public sector, and are insulated by government from any danger.
The startling results revealed by Quebec's Caisse de depot et Public-sector workers make from 8% to 17% more than workers in private firms"
NASA's Chief Climate Scientist Stirs Controversy With Call for Civil Disobedience
NASA's Chief Climate Scientist Stirs Controversy With Call for Civil Disobedience
"'Oh my goodness,' one of Hansen's former supervisors, Dr. John Theon, told FOXNews.com when informed of the video. 'I'm not surprised ... The fact that Jim Hansen has gone off the deep end here is sad because he's a good fellow.'"
"'Oh my goodness,' one of Hansen's former supervisors, Dr. John Theon, told FOXNews.com when informed of the video. 'I'm not surprised ... The fact that Jim Hansen has gone off the deep end here is sad because he's a good fellow.'"
Sunday, March 01, 2009
BAD TRIP - City pension board approves trips to St. Thomas, Dubai during fiscal crisis
BAD TRIP - City pension board approves trips to St. Thomas, Dubai during fiscal crisis
"Heavy stock market losses and calls for increased taxpayer contributions to fund city employee pensions have not stopped some board members of the Baltimore Employees' Retirement System from taking trips to the Middle East, a swank Caribbean resort, and tropical locales like San Paulo, Brazil to attend “investment” conferences.
Minutes of ERS board meetings reviewed by Investigative Voice show that the body that manages retirement funds for 10,000 city employees approved a travel itinerary in 2007 and 2008 that would make Marco Polo blush.
Among the trips paid for with taxpayer-provided retirement funds was an April 2008 trip to St. Thomas, Virgin Islands by Comptroller Joan Pratt, approved by the board last February, an excursion to San Palo, Brazil in the summer of 2007 by Executive Director Roselyn Spencer approved by the board last year, and most recently a trip by Pratt and Spencer to Dubai approved by the board in the fall of 2008."
"Heavy stock market losses and calls for increased taxpayer contributions to fund city employee pensions have not stopped some board members of the Baltimore Employees' Retirement System from taking trips to the Middle East, a swank Caribbean resort, and tropical locales like San Paulo, Brazil to attend “investment” conferences.
Minutes of ERS board meetings reviewed by Investigative Voice show that the body that manages retirement funds for 10,000 city employees approved a travel itinerary in 2007 and 2008 that would make Marco Polo blush.
Among the trips paid for with taxpayer-provided retirement funds was an April 2008 trip to St. Thomas, Virgin Islands by Comptroller Joan Pratt, approved by the board last February, an excursion to San Palo, Brazil in the summer of 2007 by Executive Director Roselyn Spencer approved by the board last year, and most recently a trip by Pratt and Spencer to Dubai approved by the board in the fall of 2008."
WRONG!
The Wrong Man For The Job
Imagine one of China's and Saudi Arabia's mouthpieces in America writing intelligence reports for the White House. Meet Chas Freeman, who will soon fill all three roles"
Imagine one of China's and Saudi Arabia's mouthpieces in America writing intelligence reports for the White House. Meet Chas Freeman, who will soon fill all three roles"
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Nationwide Ammunition Shortage Hits U.S.
Nationwide Ammunition Shortage Hits U.S.
"But what is causing our current ammunition shortages here in 2009?
Much of the demand comes from continued high law enforcement demand, the same demand that led to shortages two years ago.
Police agencies around the nation have become more militarized in recent years and two trends within this militarization have led to greater police ammunition demand.
An increase in the size and number of paramilitary police units"
"But what is causing our current ammunition shortages here in 2009?
Much of the demand comes from continued high law enforcement demand, the same demand that led to shortages two years ago.
Police agencies around the nation have become more militarized in recent years and two trends within this militarization have led to greater police ammunition demand.
An increase in the size and number of paramilitary police units"
Anti-Gun Deception On The Senate Floor
Anti-Gun Deception On The Senate Floor
"Anti-gun lawmakers swore up and down that once the 'assault weapon' ban expired, the murder rate would go through the roof. Well, the ban expired in 2004 and since then, the murder rate has gone down to a 43-year low."
"Anti-gun lawmakers swore up and down that once the 'assault weapon' ban expired, the murder rate would go through the roof. Well, the ban expired in 2004 and since then, the murder rate has gone down to a 43-year low."
The Incredible Bulk battles the Fat Cats | government, big, invest, everything, small
The Incredible Bulk battles the Fat Cats government, big, invest, everything, small
"If you find it hard to keep track of all these evolutions, the president in his address to Congress finally spilled the beans and unveiled our new hero in his final form:
the Incredible Bulk, Statezilla, Governmentuan, a colossus bestriding the land like a, er, colossus. What superpowers does he have? All of them! He can save the economy, he can reform health care, he can prevent foreclosures, he can federalize day care, he can cap the salary of his archenemies the sinister Fat Cats who 'pad their paychecks and buy fancy drapes.' No longer will the citizenry cower in fear of fancy drapes"
Steyn at his best!
"If you find it hard to keep track of all these evolutions, the president in his address to Congress finally spilled the beans and unveiled our new hero in his final form:
the Incredible Bulk, Statezilla, Governmentuan, a colossus bestriding the land like a, er, colossus. What superpowers does he have? All of them! He can save the economy, he can reform health care, he can prevent foreclosures, he can federalize day care, he can cap the salary of his archenemies the sinister Fat Cats who 'pad their paychecks and buy fancy drapes.' No longer will the citizenry cower in fear of fancy drapes"
Steyn at his best!
MEXICAN DRUG GANGS MOVE NORTH
MEXICAN DRUG GANGS MOVE NORTH
"And, yes they are here. The Los Angeles Times has an interactive map (hint: click on 'unknown affiliation.')"
"And, yes they are here. The Los Angeles Times has an interactive map (hint: click on 'unknown affiliation.')"
How Obama And Biden Fought The Surge
How Obama And Biden Fought The Surge
As we have often noted before (see the related articles links below), Messrs Obama and Biden fought our winning strategy in Iraq – tooth and nail.
A fact you would never guess from Mr. Obama’s remarks yesterday at Camp Lejeune.
But here is another gentle reminder about their prescience, via YouTube:"
As we have often noted before (see the related articles links below), Messrs Obama and Biden fought our winning strategy in Iraq – tooth and nail.
A fact you would never guess from Mr. Obama’s remarks yesterday at Camp Lejeune.
But here is another gentle reminder about their prescience, via YouTube:"
The Intellectual Redneck: Taxing the rich at 100% won't pay for Obama's budget
The Intellectual Redneck: Taxing the rich at 100% won't pay for Obama's budget
"The Wall Street Journal has reported that taxing the rich at 100% won't pay for Obama's budget. Barack Obama promised not to raise taxes on anyone making under $250,000 per year. Where is he going to get the money? The numbers indicate Obama will need to take 100% of the income of everyone making over $75,000."
"The Wall Street Journal has reported that taxing the rich at 100% won't pay for Obama's budget. Barack Obama promised not to raise taxes on anyone making under $250,000 per year. Where is he going to get the money? The numbers indicate Obama will need to take 100% of the income of everyone making over $75,000."
Brutal February for Blue Chips
Brutal February for Blue Chips
"A late burst of selling sealed a dismal finish for the stock market, which hit a fresh 12-year low.
Great hope from the investment world for Prez B Hussein.
"A late burst of selling sealed a dismal finish for the stock market, which hit a fresh 12-year low.
Great hope from the investment world for Prez B Hussein.
TWO AMERICAS
TWO AMERICAS
"Companies are cutting jobs by the tens of thousands.
State and local governments are penny-pinching, too.
So what about Uncle Sam?
Tough times for him as well?
Not exactly.
In fact the number of federal workers is on the rise.
That might seem strange to the 11 million people in the U.S. who are out of work - and the millions more who fear they soon will be. Shouldn't Washington pare down too?
But it is unlikely that President Barack Obama will put any of the nearly 2 million federal civil servants out in the street in the middle of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. His proposed $800-plus billion economic aid plan, which includes heavy spending on public works, is expected to increase the ranks of federal workers, although mostly at the state and local level."
"Companies are cutting jobs by the tens of thousands.
State and local governments are penny-pinching, too.
So what about Uncle Sam?
Tough times for him as well?
Not exactly.
In fact the number of federal workers is on the rise.
That might seem strange to the 11 million people in the U.S. who are out of work - and the millions more who fear they soon will be. Shouldn't Washington pare down too?
But it is unlikely that President Barack Obama will put any of the nearly 2 million federal civil servants out in the street in the middle of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. His proposed $800-plus billion economic aid plan, which includes heavy spending on public works, is expected to increase the ranks of federal workers, although mostly at the state and local level."
McCain Backs Obama's Iraq Withdrawal Plan
McCain Backs Obama's Iraq Withdrawal Plan
"Sen. John McCain, who lost his White House bid to Barack Obama last fall, is supporting the president's new plan to pull most U.S. troops out of Iraq by the fall of 2010.
"Sen. John McCain, who lost his White House bid to Barack Obama last fall, is supporting the president's new plan to pull most U.S. troops out of Iraq by the fall of 2010.
O my gosh!
Another reason to be glad McCrook ain't our Prez....
$25, 573.48 - what Barack Obama's budget will cost each taxpayer
$25, 573.48 - what Barack Obama's budget will cost each taxpayer
"So how much will President Barack Obama's budget cost us?
The projected 2010 budget of $3.552 trillion can be found on page 114 of the 'New Era of Responsibility' budget here.
......I'm an American taxpayer and the starkest figure is what this could cost me. The latest figure I could find for the number of US taxpayers is 138,893,908 returns in 2007 here.
By my reckoning, that's $25, 573.48 each."
"So how much will President Barack Obama's budget cost us?
The projected 2010 budget of $3.552 trillion can be found on page 114 of the 'New Era of Responsibility' budget here.
......I'm an American taxpayer and the starkest figure is what this could cost me. The latest figure I could find for the number of US taxpayers is 138,893,908 returns in 2007 here.
By my reckoning, that's $25, 573.48 each."
Zero Tolerance, Zero Common Sense
Zero Tolerance, Zero Common Sense
"Her crime? She left three rifle shaped drill team props in the back of her car at Cherokee Trail High School in Aurora, Colo. Colorado law mandates expulsion for any student found with a 'dangerous weapon' on school grounds, which includes 'a firearm facsimile that could reasonably be mistaken for an actual firearm.'
The non-operative rifle props are used during drill routines, where the facsimiles are spun and tossed. The props are made of wood and plastic, are heavily duct‑taped and, of course, cannot function and were never intended to. Morrow had brought them to school because she was preparing for a competition at the Air Force Academy in April and planned to attend a practice right after school."
"Her crime? She left three rifle shaped drill team props in the back of her car at Cherokee Trail High School in Aurora, Colo. Colorado law mandates expulsion for any student found with a 'dangerous weapon' on school grounds, which includes 'a firearm facsimile that could reasonably be mistaken for an actual firearm.'
The non-operative rifle props are used during drill routines, where the facsimiles are spun and tossed. The props are made of wood and plastic, are heavily duct‑taped and, of course, cannot function and were never intended to. Morrow had brought them to school because she was preparing for a competition at the Air Force Academy in April and planned to attend a practice right after school."
Officials say MSU deaths isolated, no public risk
Officials say MSU deaths isolated, no public risk
Police department and Michigan State University Police say there is no reason for students or parents to be alarmed by two recent student deaths, even though they say they're not sure why the men died.
I can tell you that the public is not at risk," MSU Police Sgt. Florene McGlothian-Taylor said, though she declined to release details in one of the cases."
Hep me here.... they promise there is no danger but they don't know what is killing the kids?
Why should anyone believe these prevaricators?
Police department and Michigan State University Police say there is no reason for students or parents to be alarmed by two recent student deaths, even though they say they're not sure why the men died.
I can tell you that the public is not at risk," MSU Police Sgt. Florene McGlothian-Taylor said, though she declined to release details in one of the cases."
Hep me here.... they promise there is no danger but they don't know what is killing the kids?
Why should anyone believe these prevaricators?
American taste for soft toilet roll 'worse than driving Hummers'
American taste for soft toilet roll 'worse than driving Hummers'
"The tenderness of the delicate American buttock is causing more environmental devastation than the country's love of gas-guzzling cars, fast food or McMansions, according to green campaigners.
"The tenderness of the delicate American buttock is causing more environmental devastation than the country's love of gas-guzzling cars, fast food or McMansions, according to green campaigners.
At fault, they say, is the US public's insistence on extra-soft, quilted and multi-ply products when they use the bathroom."
The enviro-loonies hate our bums?
Friday, February 27, 2009
Obama Declares War on Investors, Entrepreneurs, Businesses, And More
Obama Declares War on Investors, Entrepreneurs, Businesses, And More
"Let me be very clear on the economics of President Obama’s State of the Union speech and his budget.
He is declaring war on investors, entrepreneurs, small businesses, large corporations, and private-equity and venture-capital funds."
"Let me be very clear on the economics of President Obama’s State of the Union speech and his budget.
He is declaring war on investors, entrepreneurs, small businesses, large corporations, and private-equity and venture-capital funds."
"Muskegon Money" is Muskegonized!
Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce
"Due to circumstances beyond control of the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce, Muskegon Money can no longer be redeemed. The provider of Muskegon Money Gift Certificates, Certifichecks, Inc. has abruptly ceased operations.
DO NOT ACCEPT, DEPOSIT OR GIVE ANY MUSKEGON MONEY CERTIFICATES!
* Notify your staff
* Remove all window & door decals
* Place a sign up at your business notifying customers you can no longer accept these certificates.
The Chamber will be contacting participating merchants with more details and information as it becomes available. Thank you for your patience."
The good news: They told us ASAP.
The bad news: They told us is was a good deal.
"Due to circumstances beyond control of the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce, Muskegon Money can no longer be redeemed. The provider of Muskegon Money Gift Certificates, Certifichecks, Inc. has abruptly ceased operations.
DO NOT ACCEPT, DEPOSIT OR GIVE ANY MUSKEGON MONEY CERTIFICATES!
* Notify your staff
* Remove all window & door decals
* Place a sign up at your business notifying customers you can no longer accept these certificates.
The Chamber will be contacting participating merchants with more details and information as it becomes available. Thank you for your patience."
The good news: They told us ASAP.
The bad news: They told us is was a good deal.
Crowd protests federal stimulus, bailouts at state Capitol
Crowd protests federal stimulus, bailouts at state Capitol
"Stefanie Huffaker of Lansing said she and her 9-year-old daughter Olivia attended because “I want the president and the Congress to know that they’re spending too much money. We don’t have it. It seems like there’s no end.
“They need to slow down. I’m worried about my kids and my grandkids.”"
"Stefanie Huffaker of Lansing said she and her 9-year-old daughter Olivia attended because “I want the president and the Congress to know that they’re spending too much money. We don’t have it. It seems like there’s no end.
“They need to slow down. I’m worried about my kids and my grandkids.”"
Michigan Man Pleads No Contest to Sex Act With Car Wash Vacuum
Michigan Man Pleads No Contest to Sex Act With Car Wash Vacuum
"SAGINAW, Mich. — A Saginaw County man has pleaded no contest to indecent exposure after police say he was arrested for performing a sex act with a car wash vacuum.
The Saginaw News reports 29-year-old Jason Leroy Savage of Swan Creek Township entered the plea Wednesday in Saginaw County Circuit Court."
"SAGINAW, Mich. — A Saginaw County man has pleaded no contest to indecent exposure after police say he was arrested for performing a sex act with a car wash vacuum.
The Saginaw News reports 29-year-old Jason Leroy Savage of Swan Creek Township entered the plea Wednesday in Saginaw County Circuit Court."
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Dear Muskegon Chronicle
Dear Muskegon Chronicle Publisher and Editor Keep,
I have read that you offered a pay cut to columnist Tracy Lorenz and he has chosen to pass on your offer.
I've always enjoyed Tracy's columns but I understand that companies must make tough decisions during hard times if they expect to remain in business.
I've also read that you've imposed significant layoffs of staff, early retirements, cuts in pay and mass firings of school age newspaper delivery kids.
I can only assume that you and the top level staff of The Chronicle have endured similar pay and benefit cuts.
All of us in Muskegon understand (well, most of us) what President Obama and Governor Granholm have warned is to come.
More hard times.
Most of us in the real America are experiencing real pain and making some of the same tough choices that you and your company have made.
But not all of us.
Those on the public payroll.
Education union members, city, county and state union members all seem immune from that disease that plagues the rest of us in the real America.
There really are two Americas.
We who toil in the private sector and those who live off our hard work.
We cut back. They get guaranteed annual step-ups in pay.
We cut back. They get annual cost of living increases.
We see our retirement savings shrink. They see their retirements as guaranteed and larger every year.
We find we must work for more years than we had planned before we can retire. They concoct bogus schemes to increase their retirement income, retire earlier and tell us toilers that it will "increase jobs".
We make tough choices in our life insurance, accident insurance and health insurance plans. They demand guilt edged, low co-pay, low deductible plans that funnel money to their politically connected union bosses.
We see our companies get lean and mean (just like your company, Mr Keep). They tell us if we don't give them more of our money WE will suffer cuts in services like school roof repairs, road repairs and police protection.
Mr. Keep.
If you really do care about our community, please address the widening gap between our two Americas right here in Muskegon!
Our ever-decreasing incomes are stretched to the limit as the public sector demands more and more of our hard earned pay.
Isn't it time that your newspaper exposed the true disparity that is the cancer that may destroy our community?
You have made the tough decisions!
We are making the tough decisions!
Why are education unions and the public employee unions immune from joining us all in fixing our shared challenge.
Mr. Keep,
You and your newspaper are the only voice we, in the other America, have left.
Please help us now.
GordoMuskegon
I have read that you offered a pay cut to columnist Tracy Lorenz and he has chosen to pass on your offer.
I've always enjoyed Tracy's columns but I understand that companies must make tough decisions during hard times if they expect to remain in business.
I've also read that you've imposed significant layoffs of staff, early retirements, cuts in pay and mass firings of school age newspaper delivery kids.
I can only assume that you and the top level staff of The Chronicle have endured similar pay and benefit cuts.
All of us in Muskegon understand (well, most of us) what President Obama and Governor Granholm have warned is to come.
More hard times.
Most of us in the real America are experiencing real pain and making some of the same tough choices that you and your company have made.
But not all of us.
Those on the public payroll.
Education union members, city, county and state union members all seem immune from that disease that plagues the rest of us in the real America.
There really are two Americas.
We who toil in the private sector and those who live off our hard work.
We cut back. They get guaranteed annual step-ups in pay.
We cut back. They get annual cost of living increases.
We see our retirement savings shrink. They see their retirements as guaranteed and larger every year.
We find we must work for more years than we had planned before we can retire. They concoct bogus schemes to increase their retirement income, retire earlier and tell us toilers that it will "increase jobs".
We make tough choices in our life insurance, accident insurance and health insurance plans. They demand guilt edged, low co-pay, low deductible plans that funnel money to their politically connected union bosses.
We see our companies get lean and mean (just like your company, Mr Keep). They tell us if we don't give them more of our money WE will suffer cuts in services like school roof repairs, road repairs and police protection.
Mr. Keep.
If you really do care about our community, please address the widening gap between our two Americas right here in Muskegon!
Our ever-decreasing incomes are stretched to the limit as the public sector demands more and more of our hard earned pay.
Isn't it time that your newspaper exposed the true disparity that is the cancer that may destroy our community?
You have made the tough decisions!
We are making the tough decisions!
Why are education unions and the public employee unions immune from joining us all in fixing our shared challenge.
Mr. Keep,
You and your newspaper are the only voice we, in the other America, have left.
Please help us now.
GordoMuskegon
UH OH: MIT Study Says Cellulosic Ethanol Could Have “Unintended” Environmental Consequences….
UH OH: MIT Study Says Cellulosic Ethanol Could Have “Unintended” Environmental Consequences….
"UH OH: MIT Study Says Cellulosic Ethanol Could Have “Unintended” Environmental Consequences."
We might as well face it.
The enviro-left just ain't fond of humans.
"UH OH: MIT Study Says Cellulosic Ethanol Could Have “Unintended” Environmental Consequences."
We might as well face it.
The enviro-left just ain't fond of humans.
Idaho's first lady wears same dress twice. Is it frugality or fashion faux pas?
Idaho's first lady wears same dress twice. Is it frugality or fashion faux pas?
"Otter People's Money
Here's a story from the Idaho Statesman on how the other half lives:
Idaho's first lady wore the same dress twice--to the gala at Saint Al's Festival of Trees in November, below, and then again Sunday to the White House for a dinner with the nation's governors, the Obamas' first formal soiree, left.
Lori Otter bought the dress--a floor-length black Jovani gown--on sale at the local boutique Karen Louise in Downtown Boise, the governor's office said. The gown retails for about $700, but Otter got it for about $500.
This is news? Out here in the real America, not only do we wear the same clothes--even less expensive items like socks and underwear--dozens of times, but a whole industry has arisen providing equipment, detergents and services for washing clothes between uses. In Idaho, by contrast, apparently most people can afford to spend $500 on a disposable dress."
"Otter People's Money
Here's a story from the Idaho Statesman on how the other half lives:
Idaho's first lady wore the same dress twice--to the gala at Saint Al's Festival of Trees in November, below, and then again Sunday to the White House for a dinner with the nation's governors, the Obamas' first formal soiree, left.
Lori Otter bought the dress--a floor-length black Jovani gown--on sale at the local boutique Karen Louise in Downtown Boise, the governor's office said. The gown retails for about $700, but Otter got it for about $500.
This is news? Out here in the real America, not only do we wear the same clothes--even less expensive items like socks and underwear--dozens of times, but a whole industry has arisen providing equipment, detergents and services for washing clothes between uses. In Idaho, by contrast, apparently most people can afford to spend $500 on a disposable dress."
Rocky Mountain News closing after Friday edition
Rocky Mountain News closing after Friday edition
"The Rocky Mountain News will publish its last edition Friday.
Owner E.W. Scripps Co. announced on the newspaper's Web site Thursday that its search for a buyer for the paper was unsuccessful."
"The Rocky Mountain News will publish its last edition Friday.
Owner E.W. Scripps Co. announced on the newspaper's Web site Thursday that its search for a buyer for the paper was unsuccessful."
Is David Kolb The Chronicle's "new" Tracy Lorenz?
This David Kolb column is truly pathetic.
I'm not sure if he is the new Tracy Lorenz or he's had a medical problem.
Either way, he appears to be the "canary" in the Chronicle's cave......
Bummer dudes!
http://www.mlive.com/opinion/muskegon/index.ssf/2009/02/column_take_everything_you_hav.html
GordoM-knows-humor-and-commentary-and-that-ain't-either
I'm not sure if he is the new Tracy Lorenz or he's had a medical problem.
Either way, he appears to be the "canary" in the Chronicle's cave......
Bummer dudes!
http://www.mlive.com/opinion/muskegon/index.ssf/2009/02/column_take_everything_you_hav.html
GordoM-knows-humor-and-commentary-and-that-ain't-either
Tracy bids adieu to his Chronicle gig
Column: Tracy bids adieu to his Chronicle gig
"This is my final column for The Muskegon Chronicle."
It seems that The Chronicle made a list of all the good parts of the paper and decided to dump them all.
No worries.
The Chronicle has COLOR COMICS!
.... ba bye Chronicle......
UPDATE:
Tracy tells MLive that his last column was "tweaked" by the Great Leaders of The (dying) Chronicle:
"I didn't write those words. Send me an email toLorenzatlarge@aol.com and I'll send you what I actually wrote (which isn't even close to what they printed). I'd paste it here but they'd just delete it anyway."
"This is my final column for The Muskegon Chronicle."
It seems that The Chronicle made a list of all the good parts of the paper and decided to dump them all.
No worries.
The Chronicle has COLOR COMICS!
.... ba bye Chronicle......
UPDATE:
Tracy tells MLive that his last column was "tweaked" by the Great Leaders of The (dying) Chronicle:
"I didn't write those words. Send me an email toLorenzatlarge@aol.com and I'll send you what I actually wrote (which isn't even close to what they printed). I'd paste it here but they'd just delete it anyway."
UPDATE #2 "THE TRUTH!":
What they wrote (red)
This is my final column for The Muskegon Chronicle.
I's been a great six years, but they tell me that financial pressures at the newspaper have caused freelance compensation rates to be reduced and I can't live with what they want to pay me.
What I wrote (blue). I didn't bother to read what they wrote after I read their first paragraph. There may have been more changes.
"A month ago I received an email from The Chronicle saying they were going to cut my pay in half.
“Gee,” I thought, “Obama’s in office, I thought big bushel baskets full of money were supposed to fall from the sky!”
Well, apparently they aren’t falling on Muskegon. So when the paper offered me half I said “No.”
I’m not the one who recommended electing a president with ZERO experience and no plan, why should I pay the price?
So unless today's lunch meeting with the publisher turns out differently than I expect, this will be my last column.
I had a good run.
I got to do things I would never have done without the opportunity given to me by the paper. I got to be the hockey mascot Furious Fred, I hung out with rap artists, and played basketball with Nancy Wilson. I partied in Stepenwolf’s tour bus and I got to write columns about the jungles of Belize and the Alps of Switzerland. I judged talent shows, bikini contests, Christmas lights, chili cook offs, and, in one of the odder moments in an already odd life, shaved a woman’s head for charity. I got to speak at schools, speak at service clubs, and emcee events I had no business emceeing. If it wasn’t for this column I never would have luged.
And then there were the letters. Thousands and thousands of letters. Most of them nice, some of them not nice, but I did my best to answer every one. But it wasn’t all a giant candy farm. There were the threats, the calls to my house at two in the morning, there were mad hockey dad’s, mad soccer mom’s, and some really really mad Miss Michigan contestants.
I only had three times I actually thought violence was at hand…union members can get pretty grouchy.
I’d like to thank my friends and family for letting me put parts of their lives in print. I’d like to thank “The Helper Group” for, as a group, helping. And I’d like to thank the proof readers who told me when something was lame so I could punch it up prior to submission.
And let’s not forget the editors. I think I had seven of them over the years; each one had a different way of plucking humor from the written page and dropping it on the cutting room floor like a no-bake cookie.
Then again, I’m still here (for now) and alive (for now) so maybe they knew what they were doing after all.
But there’s one thing I want to make perfectly clear: I love Muskegon and I always will. I get very defensive whenever someone not from here says anything negative about this place. I think it’s a town with self esteem issues but that only adds to the allure.
Anyway, that’s where I sit, not knowing if there’ll be a column next week or not. If you open up the paper a week from today and you see my wretched picture you’ll know things worked out. If not, well, all I can say is the last six years were a very cool time to have happen in my life, and for that I’ll always be grateful."
States of panic
States of panic Salon News
"How much pain remains?
In the chart below, Salon groups the 50 states loosely by relative levels of distress, and then uses figures from the CBPP and the National Conference of State Legislatures to show the amount of red ink for each state and the amount of stimulus cash expected."
Michigan
FY2009 shortfall: $672 million
FY2010 shortfall: $1.6 billion
With its rusting industrial economy, Michigan has had budget shortfalls every year since 2001. Gov. Jennifer Granholm, who will present her plan for discretionary spending in March, intends to use some stimulus funds to avoid planned cuts of $59 per pupil for public education and 3 percent to the higher education budget. But she may still need to make $670 million in cuts, lay off 1,500 government workers, and raise $230 million in new revenues.
Total projected stimulus funding to state: $7 billionFiscal Stabilization Fund: $1 billionMedicaid funds: $2.2 billion
Michigan is the 8th worst state.
We're #8!
Interesting that this article fails to mention out of control spending and the explosion of public employee pay and benefits.
"How much pain remains?
In the chart below, Salon groups the 50 states loosely by relative levels of distress, and then uses figures from the CBPP and the National Conference of State Legislatures to show the amount of red ink for each state and the amount of stimulus cash expected."
Michigan
FY2009 shortfall: $672 million
FY2010 shortfall: $1.6 billion
With its rusting industrial economy, Michigan has had budget shortfalls every year since 2001. Gov. Jennifer Granholm, who will present her plan for discretionary spending in March, intends to use some stimulus funds to avoid planned cuts of $59 per pupil for public education and 3 percent to the higher education budget. But she may still need to make $670 million in cuts, lay off 1,500 government workers, and raise $230 million in new revenues.
Total projected stimulus funding to state: $7 billionFiscal Stabilization Fund: $1 billionMedicaid funds: $2.2 billion
Michigan is the 8th worst state.
We're #8!
Interesting that this article fails to mention out of control spending and the explosion of public employee pay and benefits.
"The Healthy Penis" is back
"The Healthy Penis" is back
'The Healthy Penis' is back
Move over Lou Seal, there's a new San Francisco mascot that will be appearing at parades, street fairs and other public events around the city over the coming year. It's the six-foot-fall Healthy Penis."
'The Healthy Penis' is back
Move over Lou Seal, there's a new San Francisco mascot that will be appearing at parades, street fairs and other public events around the city over the coming year. It's the six-foot-fall Healthy Penis."
Video VIDEO: Biden Forgets Name of RECOVERY.GOV: 'Do You Know The Website Number?'
Imagine the drooling, frenzied outrage from Biden's comrades in the MSM if this had been Sarah Palin.
European MPs earning £1 million profits in a term
"The internal report into the system of allowances - conducted by Robert Galvin, a European Union internal audit official - was kept secret when it was carried out last year.
But a leaked copy of the 92-page document details the full extent of 'corruption, dodgy dealing and poor financial controls' in the European Parliament, according to the Taxpayers' Alliance.
It revealed that some MEPs claimed money for assistants that were neither accredited nor registered with the parliament."
Dang, these sophisticated Euros sound just like Barry's demo-crook friends!
Canada’s youngest multiple killer in therapy
Canada’s youngest multiple killer in therapy
"MEDICINE HAT, Alta. -- Canada's youngest multiple killer is said to be responding well to costly therapy -- but she must remain in custody in an Edmonton psychiatric hospital for the time being.
More than a year after she was sentenced for murdering her Medicine Hat parents and brother, the girl, who was 12 at the time, is making progress in her psychiatric treatment, a court heard Wednesday."
"MEDICINE HAT, Alta. -- Canada's youngest multiple killer is said to be responding well to costly therapy -- but she must remain in custody in an Edmonton psychiatric hospital for the time being.
More than a year after she was sentenced for murdering her Medicine Hat parents and brother, the girl, who was 12 at the time, is making progress in her psychiatric treatment, a court heard Wednesday."
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Salazar Scraps Oil-Shale Leasing, Reverses Bush Policy
Salazar Scraps Oil-Shale Leasing, Reverses Bush Policy
"U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar says he's scrapping leases on federal land for oil-shale development in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming."
Democrats are against ANY expansion of energy in our country!
"U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar says he's scrapping leases on federal land for oil-shale development in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming."
Democrats are against ANY expansion of energy in our country!
THE MESSIAH SPEAKS. THE MARKETS TANK.
THE MESSIAH SPEAKS. THE MARKETS TANK.
Charlie Sykes:
"Is it because the markets agree with Rick Esenberg's assessment?
Barack Obama just may be a freakin' moron."
Charlie Sykes:
"Is it because the markets agree with Rick Esenberg's assessment?
Barack Obama just may be a freakin' moron."
MSU may hike tuition 8.9% if funding is cut
MSU may hike tuition 8.9% if funding is cut
"If Gov. Jennifer Granholm's proposed cuts to next year's higher education budget pass the state Legislature as is, Michigan State University would have to raise tuition by 8.9 percent or fire 703 employees or find some solution in between, university officials said Friday."
Another threat from the totalitarians in academe.
Let's see... "...raise tuition... fire 703 employees or find some solution in between...".
"In between"?
Why not "outside the box"?
Why not look at the massive bloat of wages, perks, benefits of the faculty?
I guess that's "off the table".
"If Gov. Jennifer Granholm's proposed cuts to next year's higher education budget pass the state Legislature as is, Michigan State University would have to raise tuition by 8.9 percent or fire 703 employees or find some solution in between, university officials said Friday."
Another threat from the totalitarians in academe.
Let's see... "...raise tuition... fire 703 employees or find some solution in between...".
"In between"?
Why not "outside the box"?
Why not look at the massive bloat of wages, perks, benefits of the faculty?
I guess that's "off the table".
Power plant permit process restarted by DEQ
Power plant permit process restarted by DEQ
"Granholm issued an executive directive earlier this month, saying utilities needed to prove there aren't any alternatives to coal-fired generation before permits are issued.
State Attorney General Mike Cox issued an opinion last week that Granholm exceeded her authority."
The real truth is that democrats will destroy our power producing abilities.
And companies, EMPLOYERS, will never move to or expand in a state that does not offed adequate electric power.
Republicans will fight to build the power plants necessary to attract jobs.
"Granholm issued an executive directive earlier this month, saying utilities needed to prove there aren't any alternatives to coal-fired generation before permits are issued.
State Attorney General Mike Cox issued an opinion last week that Granholm exceeded her authority."
The real truth is that democrats will destroy our power producing abilities.
And companies, EMPLOYERS, will never move to or expand in a state that does not offed adequate electric power.
Republicans will fight to build the power plants necessary to attract jobs.
Michigan government declares financial emergency in Pontiac
Michigan government declares financial emergency in Pontiac
"Granholm wrote in a letter to Mayor Clarence Phillips dated Feb. 20 that the city has been unable to resolve financial and budget issues on its own. She says Pontiac's cumulative deficit was projected to approach $12 million by the end of the 2008 fiscal year."
And our Great Leader tells us our nation should adopt the same financial controls as Pontiac and Detroit!
"Granholm wrote in a letter to Mayor Clarence Phillips dated Feb. 20 that the city has been unable to resolve financial and budget issues on its own. She says Pontiac's cumulative deficit was projected to approach $12 million by the end of the 2008 fiscal year."
And our Great Leader tells us our nation should adopt the same financial controls as Pontiac and Detroit!
Bankruptcy judge says Delphi Corp. can stop paying retirees' health-care, insurance benefits
Bankruptcy judge says Delphi Corp. can stop paying retirees' health-care, insurance benefits
"A bankruptcy judge said Delphi Corp. can stop paying for health-care and insurance benefits for its retired salaried workers."
And those same, broke retirees will be forced to pay the bloated pensions of public sector workers.
It's us against them, folks!
"A bankruptcy judge said Delphi Corp. can stop paying for health-care and insurance benefits for its retired salaried workers."
And those same, broke retirees will be forced to pay the bloated pensions of public sector workers.
It's us against them, folks!
State retirees' health costs near $50 billion
State retirees' health costs near $50 billion
"As California's government revenues are falling, its bill for state retiree health and dental benefits is approaching $50 billion, a report released today by state Controller John Chiang states.
The cost for retirees who receive their health and dental coverage through the California Public Employees' Retirement System will be $48.2 billion this year......
Yikes!
"As California's government revenues are falling, its bill for state retiree health and dental benefits is approaching $50 billion, a report released today by state Controller John Chiang states.
The cost for retirees who receive their health and dental coverage through the California Public Employees' Retirement System will be $48.2 billion this year......
Yikes!
Mona Shores easily passes $13 million bond extension
Mona Shores easily passes $13 million bond extension
"A total of 5,263 ballots were cast out of the district's 18,008 registered voters for a 29.2 percent voter turnout. Mona Shores school officials and bond supporters gathered at Mona Lake Boat Club to wait for results and later celebrate."
18% of registered voters decide that every resident, homeowner and business in Norton Shores dig deeper in debt at the begining of the worst recession in 100 years.
Great!
"A total of 5,263 ballots were cast out of the district's 18,008 registered voters for a 29.2 percent voter turnout. Mona Shores school officials and bond supporters gathered at Mona Lake Boat Club to wait for results and later celebrate."
18% of registered voters decide that every resident, homeowner and business in Norton Shores dig deeper in debt at the begining of the worst recession in 100 years.
Great!
The WTF Blanket (Snuggie Parody)
With all the new spending, we're gonna NEED Snuggie subsidies from our Great Leader.
Chance Gardner on health care
Chance the Gardner on health care
"Barack Obama continues to remind us of the character Chance Garner in the movie (and earlier Jerzy Kosinski novel) Being There. People just project whatever they seek on a blank slate that doesn't get much filling in.
Here is Chance Gardner on health care, from our dear friends at the New York Times:
"Senator Barack Obama of Illinois appeared less conversant with the details of health policy and sometimes found himself on the defensive, trying to explain why he had yet to offer a detailed plan to cover all Americans.
'The most important challenge is to build a political consensus around the need to solve this problem,' Mr. Obama said."
Of course! That will do it. Why didn't anyone else think of this before?"
This from 2007 but more and more, Barry Hussein is looking like Chance the gardner.
"Barack Obama continues to remind us of the character Chance Garner in the movie (and earlier Jerzy Kosinski novel) Being There. People just project whatever they seek on a blank slate that doesn't get much filling in.
Here is Chance Gardner on health care, from our dear friends at the New York Times:
"Senator Barack Obama of Illinois appeared less conversant with the details of health policy and sometimes found himself on the defensive, trying to explain why he had yet to offer a detailed plan to cover all Americans.
'The most important challenge is to build a political consensus around the need to solve this problem,' Mr. Obama said."
Of course! That will do it. Why didn't anyone else think of this before?"
This from 2007 but more and more, Barry Hussein is looking like Chance the gardner.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Schauer, Dems return 2006 election money
Schauer, Dems return 2006 election money
"A campaign committee related to U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer has paid a $6,000 fine in a settlement over 2006 state Senate fundraising."
The culture of corruption just doesn't get the liberal MSM uptight when the corruptors are democrats.
"A campaign committee related to U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer has paid a $6,000 fine in a settlement over 2006 state Senate fundraising."
The culture of corruption just doesn't get the liberal MSM uptight when the corruptors are democrats.
Michigan Taxpayers "Nationwide Chicago Tea Party at the Capitol"!
RightMichigan.com Michigan Taxpayers "Nationwide Chicago Tea Party at the Capitol"!
"CNBC's Rick Santelli called earlier this week, backed by mortgage traders, for a 'Nationwide Chicago Tea Party' to protest the Obama Administration's Pork Laden Stimulus plan.
The Boston Tea Party was an act of direct protest by American Colonists demanding representation in the British Government.They became known as the original patriots.
As the bailouts spiral out of control, we are forced to fund failed banks. With foreclosures on the rise, we are made the collateral of out-of-control spending . And, when the bills come due, the IRS knocks on the door of self-responsibility.
ENOUGH!
Join With Thousands of Patriots Across the Country!
As We Declare Our Independence from Big Government Bailouts!
Friday, February 27th
High Noon
Michigan State Capitol
100 N. Capitol Ave, Lansing, MI"
"CNBC's Rick Santelli called earlier this week, backed by mortgage traders, for a 'Nationwide Chicago Tea Party' to protest the Obama Administration's Pork Laden Stimulus plan.
The Boston Tea Party was an act of direct protest by American Colonists demanding representation in the British Government.They became known as the original patriots.
As the bailouts spiral out of control, we are forced to fund failed banks. With foreclosures on the rise, we are made the collateral of out-of-control spending . And, when the bills come due, the IRS knocks on the door of self-responsibility.
ENOUGH!
Join With Thousands of Patriots Across the Country!
As We Declare Our Independence from Big Government Bailouts!
Friday, February 27th
High Noon
Michigan State Capitol
100 N. Capitol Ave, Lansing, MI"
Vote "NO" today!
Our Muskegon Chronicle has, once again, endorsed a massive transfer of wealth from us poor taxpayers to the Big Education/Construction Union Complex.
Our insatiable Mona Shores School board tells us they need another $17,000,000.
But wait, there's more!
They tell us it won't increase our taxes!
Well now.... aside from that audacious and disingenuous lie, there is another, simpler reason to Vote No.
Times are tough!
President Obama tells the world we are in the worst economic times EVER!
Our wonderful Gov. Granholm echoes the same warning.
We're told to tighten our belts, watch our spending, prepare for even worse times ahead!
But the Mona Shores School Board says "no worries. 2+17million=2".
And the big Michigan education union, the MEA, even tried to sneak a giant increase in its pensions while we poor folk were lectured by the Chronicle and millage supporters to stop our selfishness and "just give it up!"
Well, times ARE tough.
And now is the time for all of us to show our responsibility, stop the endless spending and act like adults.
And it's time to show the big education/construction union bosses that We The People have had enough of their childish thuggery.
Vote NO.
It's for our children and THEIR financial future!
"It's the SPENDING Stupid!"
"The liberties of a people never were, nor ever will be, secure when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them." -Patrick Henry, revolutionary (1736-1799)
Whistler Chairlift crunches to earth!
Whistler Chairlift crashes to the ground!
"Whistler Mountain’s Harmony Express chairlift re-opened on Sunday (Feb. 22) after a single chair fell from the cable and hit the ground in the middle of the night on Wednesday (Feb. 18).
The lift was closed for three days after the accident, in which no one was injured. Whistler Blackcomb (WB) and B.C. Safety Authority (BCSA) officials have determined the mishap was caused by the failure of something called an articulation arm mounting bolt, part of the mechanism that attaches the chair to the overhead cable, officials said in a statement issued on Saturday (Feb. 21)."
Holy shitakke!!!
We rode that lift yesterday!
And this is after the gondola collapsed 2 months ago!
http://muskegonpundit.blogspot.com/2009/02/twelve-injured-in-whistler-gondola.html
"Whistler Mountain’s Harmony Express chairlift re-opened on Sunday (Feb. 22) after a single chair fell from the cable and hit the ground in the middle of the night on Wednesday (Feb. 18).
The lift was closed for three days after the accident, in which no one was injured. Whistler Blackcomb (WB) and B.C. Safety Authority (BCSA) officials have determined the mishap was caused by the failure of something called an articulation arm mounting bolt, part of the mechanism that attaches the chair to the overhead cable, officials said in a statement issued on Saturday (Feb. 21)."
Holy shitakke!!!
We rode that lift yesterday!
And this is after the gondola collapsed 2 months ago!
http://muskegonpundit.blogspot.com/2009/02/twelve-injured-in-whistler-gondola.html
The Crisis of Credit Visualized - Part 1
Part 1
This is an excellent explaination of the credit mess.
Worth your time!
Forbes Describes Public Pension Benefits as Rich : Pension Risk Matters
Forbes Describes Public Pension Benefits as Rich
Pension Risk Matters:
"Adding insult to injury, Fitch relies on Bureau of Labor Statistics data to suggest that a pay gap exists, in favor of public workers. He writes that 'State and local government workers get paid an average of $25.30 an hour, which is 33% higher than the private sector's $19.'"
Pension Risk Matters:
"Adding insult to injury, Fitch relies on Bureau of Labor Statistics data to suggest that a pay gap exists, in favor of public workers. He writes that 'State and local government workers get paid an average of $25.30 an hour, which is 33% higher than the private sector's $19.'"
Monday, February 23, 2009
US Airways and NWA SAFETY INFORMATION card
These are photos of the "A320 SAFETY INFORMATION" card I shot on my NWA A320 flight last week from GRR to MSP.
It is identical to the safety info card on my last flight on a similar NWA flight from San Juan (SJU) to DTW in January.
Both flights fly over water.
Note that in the event of a water landing, the card has the "circle with cross" over the wing exits.
It seems that NWA tells passengers that the only egress in a water emergency is from the tail and front exits.
But we now know that the wing exits were critical in saving lives on USAirways 1549.
And that opening the rear exit door was almost catastrophic.
Yet NWA tells its passengers and crew otherwise.
Anyone know why?
Obama's Stimulus: A Colossal Waste?
Obama's Stimulus: A Colossal Waste?
"Given these dire warnings, you'd expect the stimulus package to focus almost exclusively on reviving the economy.
It doesn't, and for that, Obama bears much of the blame."
And the Obamites in the liberal MSM declare that our new "Emperor's New Clothes" are exquisite....
"Given these dire warnings, you'd expect the stimulus package to focus almost exclusively on reviving the economy.
It doesn't, and for that, Obama bears much of the blame."
And the Obamites in the liberal MSM declare that our new "Emperor's New Clothes" are exquisite....
U.S. leads the world in overall manufacturing output
"The U.S. by far remains the world's leading manufacturer by value of goods produced.
It hit a record $1.6 trillion in 2007 -- nearly double the $811 billion in 1987.
For every $1 of value produced in China's factories, America generates $2.50."
Why are the democrook politicians and the unions lying to us about this..... oh... they're democrats and unionists!
Simply being true to their genetics.
State Rep. Jim Slezak plans fundraising trip, but does it go overboard?
State Rep. Jim Slezak plans fundraising trip, but does it go overboard?
At first glance it sounds like paradise -- ditching a snowy Michigan winter for a three-night Caribbean cruise to a private tropical island.
But here's the catch: Sunning in the patio chair next to you is none other than your local state lawmaker.
Sure, it's not an overnight stay in the Lincoln Bedroom, but state Rep. Jim Slezak, D-Davison, is hoping his first major fundraiser is seen as refreshingly out of the ordinary. Slezak is soliciting people to go on a cruise with him to the Bahamas.
The trip costs about $660 per person, including a $350 donation to Slezak, and is so unusual the new lawmaker had to check with the Michigan secretary of state's office to make sure it was legal. The charge doesn't include airfare or all the little umbrella-laden beverages you can drink."
Yes, he is a democrook.
Yes, this is sleazy.
Yes, he is appropriately named....
At first glance it sounds like paradise -- ditching a snowy Michigan winter for a three-night Caribbean cruise to a private tropical island.
But here's the catch: Sunning in the patio chair next to you is none other than your local state lawmaker.
Sure, it's not an overnight stay in the Lincoln Bedroom, but state Rep. Jim Slezak, D-Davison, is hoping his first major fundraiser is seen as refreshingly out of the ordinary. Slezak is soliciting people to go on a cruise with him to the Bahamas.
The trip costs about $660 per person, including a $350 donation to Slezak, and is so unusual the new lawmaker had to check with the Michigan secretary of state's office to make sure it was legal. The charge doesn't include airfare or all the little umbrella-laden beverages you can drink."
Yes, he is a democrook.
Yes, this is sleazy.
Yes, he is appropriately named....
So you think community responsibility is easy?
So you think community responsibility is easy?
"Ah, let the firestorm begin!
The author had been asked by the membership to act as spokesman as issues reach public awareness, and was thus quoted in the local media explaining the policy preference. The ink was barely dry on the local paper when the telephones (home, office, cell) began to ring"
"Ah, let the firestorm begin!
The author had been asked by the membership to act as spokesman as issues reach public awareness, and was thus quoted in the local media explaining the policy preference. The ink was barely dry on the local paper when the telephones (home, office, cell) began to ring"
Sunday, February 22, 2009
EPA May Reverse Bush, Limit Carbon Emissions From Coal-Fired Plants
EPA May Reverse Bush, Limit Carbon Emissions From Coal-Fired Plants
"The industry has vigorously opposed efforts to regulate those emissions, asserting that the policy should be set by Congress. Moreover, technology for capturing carbon dioxide emissions is currently expensive and virtually untested."
"The industry has vigorously opposed efforts to regulate those emissions, asserting that the policy should be set by Congress. Moreover, technology for capturing carbon dioxide emissions is currently expensive and virtually untested."
Muskegon to be featured in BBC documentary on climate change
Muskegon to be featured in BBC documentary on climate change
"Muskegon as an area that has had some difficulty going green,' Howard said. 'My family isn't very green, we're more like fuscia ... but we're trying.'
Reporter Justin Rowlatt, the BBC's so-called 'Ethical Man,' will be the face of the documentary. The BBC last year had Rowlatt's family live a green lifestyle to see how much they could reduce their carbon emissions by not driving or flying on airplanes and reducing their consumption of meat.
Rowlatt's family gave up their car for a year and ate only vegan foods for a month but were only able to reduce their carbon emissions, or carbon footprint, by 20 percent. Some scientists and policymakers have said greenhouse gas emissions worldwide must be slashed by 80 percent to avoid a global climate catastrophe.
Carbon dioxide emissions generated by burning fossil fuels -- coal, oil and gasoline -- is one of the primary causes of global warming. There is now scientific consensus that the planet is warming and that human activities are contributing to the problem.
Readers can track the BBC project on Rowlatt's blog, www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/ethicalman."
"Muskegon as an area that has had some difficulty going green,' Howard said. 'My family isn't very green, we're more like fuscia ... but we're trying.'
Reporter Justin Rowlatt, the BBC's so-called 'Ethical Man,' will be the face of the documentary. The BBC last year had Rowlatt's family live a green lifestyle to see how much they could reduce their carbon emissions by not driving or flying on airplanes and reducing their consumption of meat.
Rowlatt's family gave up their car for a year and ate only vegan foods for a month but were only able to reduce their carbon emissions, or carbon footprint, by 20 percent. Some scientists and policymakers have said greenhouse gas emissions worldwide must be slashed by 80 percent to avoid a global climate catastrophe.
Carbon dioxide emissions generated by burning fossil fuels -- coal, oil and gasoline -- is one of the primary causes of global warming. There is now scientific consensus that the planet is warming and that human activities are contributing to the problem.
Readers can track the BBC project on Rowlatt's blog, www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/ethicalman."
Triumph for human rights and psycho jihadists
Triumph for human rights and psycho jihadists
"This has been an excellent week for Muslim psychopaths. First, Abu Qatada - “Osama Bin Laden’s right-hand man in Europe” - has been given leave to stay in Britain by the European Court of Human Rights"
"This has been an excellent week for Muslim psychopaths. First, Abu Qatada - “Osama Bin Laden’s right-hand man in Europe” - has been given leave to stay in Britain by the European Court of Human Rights"
Matthew Kaminski Says Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's California Is Verging on Fiscal Insolvency
Matthew Kaminski Says Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's California Is Verging on Fiscal Insolvency
"As California goes, says an old cliché, so goes the nation.
Oh my.
These days, the Golden State leads the nation on economic and fiscal dysfunction, from the empty homes spread across the Central Valley to the highest state budget shortfall in the nation's history.
Meanwhile, its political class pioneers denial in the face of catastrophe"
"As California goes, says an old cliché, so goes the nation.
Oh my.
These days, the Golden State leads the nation on economic and fiscal dysfunction, from the empty homes spread across the Central Valley to the highest state budget shortfall in the nation's history.
Meanwhile, its political class pioneers denial in the face of catastrophe"
Saturday, February 21, 2009
CARPE DIEM: Julian Simon vs. President Obama's Science Man
In 1980 Paul Ehrlich, a Stanford scientist and environmental Cassandra who predicted calamitous food shortages by 1990, accepted a bet with economist Julian Simon.
When Ehrlich predicted the imminent exhaustion of many nonrenewable natural resources,
Simon challenged him: Pick a "basket" of any five such commodities, and I will wager that in a decade the price of the basket will decline, indicating decreased scarcity.
Ehrlich picked five metals -- chrome, copper, nickel, tin and tungsten -- that he predicted would become more expensive.
Not only did the price of the basket decline, the price of all five declined (see chart above, all prices are in 2000 dollars, data from Global Financial Data).
An expert Ehrlich consulted in picking the five was John Holdren, who today is President Obama's science adviser.
Gov wants bars to stay open till 4 a.m. | detnews.com | The Detroit News
Gov wants bars to stay open till 4 a.m. detnews.com The Detroit News: "Gov. Jennifer Granholm is betting that liquor sales and longer bar hours will bring in more money for Michigan's cash-starved budget.
The plan involves liquor stores and restaurants selling spirits on Sunday mornings and bar owners buying permits for their establishments to stay open until 4 a.m. The expanded hours for liquor sales would generate an estimated $13.7 million for the state's general fund, the pot over which the governor and lawmakers have spending discretion. Additional revenue would come from the sale of the special permits priced at $1,500 each.
'Clearly, this is an opportunity for revenue enhancement in difficult economic times,' said Megan Brown, spokeswoman for the governor. 'It's also an opportunity for communities to enhance entertainment districts and for businesses to expand profits."
The plan involves liquor stores and restaurants selling spirits on Sunday mornings and bar owners buying permits for their establishments to stay open until 4 a.m. The expanded hours for liquor sales would generate an estimated $13.7 million for the state's general fund, the pot over which the governor and lawmakers have spending discretion. Additional revenue would come from the sale of the special permits priced at $1,500 each.
'Clearly, this is an opportunity for revenue enhancement in difficult economic times,' said Megan Brown, spokeswoman for the governor. 'It's also an opportunity for communities to enhance entertainment districts and for businesses to expand profits."
Bottom Up Politics: "Small Steps"
Bottom Up Politics: "Small Steps"
"David Farhat our own newly elected Muskegon County Republican Chairman owns a building in the downtown and he stood up and explained how he only had 3 tenants and his rent was the cheapest in town. He couldn’t attract any more. He couldn’t understand how adding a couple of thousand to his tax bill forcing him out of business or to raise rents would remedy that situation. He also brought up a good point when he wondered why the huge Renovated Amazon building which is mainly made up of condos wasn’t going to be taxed in the plan at least for the condos.
He did give the best line of the night which went something like this at the end of his remarks. “I haven’t heard of a saying that says. Tax it and they will come”. Great line, had everyone snickering if not outright laughing."
"David Farhat our own newly elected Muskegon County Republican Chairman owns a building in the downtown and he stood up and explained how he only had 3 tenants and his rent was the cheapest in town. He couldn’t attract any more. He couldn’t understand how adding a couple of thousand to his tax bill forcing him out of business or to raise rents would remedy that situation. He also brought up a good point when he wondered why the huge Renovated Amazon building which is mainly made up of condos wasn’t going to be taxed in the plan at least for the condos.
He did give the best line of the night which went something like this at the end of his remarks. “I haven’t heard of a saying that says. Tax it and they will come”. Great line, had everyone snickering if not outright laughing."
'Winter' phrase could box Obama in
'Winter' phrase could box Obama in
"'This winter of our hardship.'
The phrase caught the attention of speechwriting scholars and headline writers alike when President Obama unveiled it in the conclusion of his inaugural speech, then dusted it off this week during his inaugural prime-time press conference."
Spoken with such power by our "Jimma Carter of 2009"
"'This winter of our hardship.'
The phrase caught the attention of speechwriting scholars and headline writers alike when President Obama unveiled it in the conclusion of his inaugural speech, then dusted it off this week during his inaugural prime-time press conference."
Spoken with such power by our "Jimma Carter of 2009"
Couric: Nationalizing Banks Will Provide 'Big Dose of Confidence'
Couric: Nationalizing Banks Will Provide 'Big Dose of Confidence'
"Katie Couric concluded a Thursday night look at the pros and cons of nationalizing banks by seeing the federal government as a comforting security blanket: 'Nationalization may have a psychological impact as well, and Uncle Sam wrapping his arms around failing banks in this country might provide a big dose of confidence for the American consumer.'"
Another new low in our MSM's personal idiocy.
"Katie Couric concluded a Thursday night look at the pros and cons of nationalizing banks by seeing the federal government as a comforting security blanket: 'Nationalization may have a psychological impact as well, and Uncle Sam wrapping his arms around failing banks in this country might provide a big dose of confidence for the American consumer.'"
Another new low in our MSM's personal idiocy.
Accounting for (Congressional) Dummies
Accounting for (Congressional) Dummies
"All of this raises some fascinating questions, the timeliest of which is:
How does a CEO answer questions about financial accounting when they're asked by dimwits who don't know enough to understand the answers?
Honestly, I don't know what I would do if I were in the CEO punishment seat being thumb-screwed by Barney Frank, or mau-maued by Maxine Waters."
"All of this raises some fascinating questions, the timeliest of which is:
How does a CEO answer questions about financial accounting when they're asked by dimwits who don't know enough to understand the answers?
Honestly, I don't know what I would do if I were in the CEO punishment seat being thumb-screwed by Barney Frank, or mau-maued by Maxine Waters."
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