California appears poised to be first to ban power-guzzling big-screen TVs
'We would not propose TV efficiency standards if we thought there was any evidence in the record that they will hurt the economy,' said Commissioner Julia Levin, who has been in charge of the two-year rule-making procedure. 'This will actually save consumers money and help the California economy grow and create new clean, sustainable jobs.'"
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
S&P 500 P/E Ratio - Chart
S&P 500 P/E Ratio - Chart: "Chart Table CSV Subscribe
Current P/E: 19.50 +0.34 (1.75%)
P/Es are based on average inflation-adjusted earnings from the previous 10 years (P/E10)."
Current P/E: 19.50 +0.34 (1.75%)
P/Es are based on average inflation-adjusted earnings from the previous 10 years (P/E10)."
Some things are more entertaining than politics
Some things are more entertaining than politics
"Some things are more entertaining than politics
Former police officer Barry Cooper (author, 'Never Get Busted Again') is so disgusted with the War on Drugs that he came up with an idea for a reality TV show called 'Kop Busters.'
In a clever sting operation, police ended up raiding a house where nothing illegal was going on -- most likely because their illegal FLIR cameras detected indoor grow lights:"
"Some things are more entertaining than politics
Former police officer Barry Cooper (author, 'Never Get Busted Again') is so disgusted with the War on Drugs that he came up with an idea for a reality TV show called 'Kop Busters.'
In a clever sting operation, police ended up raiding a house where nothing illegal was going on -- most likely because their illegal FLIR cameras detected indoor grow lights:"
Let it Rip Apartment flag ban
Let it Rip Apartment flag ban: "Let it Rip: Apartment flag ban
People living in an Oregon apartment complex are up in arms after their landlord asked them to keep the American flag off their cars.
Renters were told if there is a flag anywhere on their car -- even on a sticker -- it must be removed or they could face eviction.
Managers say they made the move because the image is offensive to some people."
People living in an Oregon apartment complex are up in arms after their landlord asked them to keep the American flag off their cars.
Renters were told if there is a flag anywhere on their car -- even on a sticker -- it must be removed or they could face eviction.
Managers say they made the move because the image is offensive to some people."
Michigan State's Izzo driven to win another title
Michigan State's Izzo driven to win another title
"'I am concerned about the fact that we have no proven center,' Izzo said."
"'I am concerned about the fact that we have no proven center,' Izzo said."
Gateway Pundit: Top Quotes From This Year's Nobel Peace Prize Winner
Gateway Pundit: Top Quotes From This Year's Nobel Peace Prize Winner: "Obama to his supporters:
'Get in Their Faces!'
Obama on ACORN mobs:
'I don't want to quell anger. I think people are right to be angry! I'm angry!'
Obama to his mercenary army:
'Hit Back Twice As Hard'"
'Get in Their Faces!'
Obama on ACORN mobs:
'I don't want to quell anger. I think people are right to be angry! I'm angry!'
Obama to his mercenary army:
'Hit Back Twice As Hard'"
Wall Street Journal surpasses USA Today as No. 1
Wall Street Journal surpasses USA Today as No. 1
"The Wall Street Journal has surpassed USA Today as the top-selling daily newspaper in the United States."
"The Wall Street Journal has surpassed USA Today as the top-selling daily newspaper in the United States."
Can you hear us now - Tea Party of West Michigan
Can you hear us now - Tea Party of West Michigan
"Holland walk by is a definite GO!!! Gather just west (down hill) of Sentinell office on 8th street.
Note this is not a rally.
No speakers, no program.
Just citizens out for Saturday stroll, exercising 1st amendment rights.
Do not give the paper the slightest opportunity to trash us.
In particular following are NOT appropriate:
No Anti-Obama, Anti-Pelosi, Anti-Reid, etc messages
No Obamacare / Healthcare messages
No 'Liar' related
No name calling (e.g. dumb, stupid, racial epithet, etc.)
No Glenn Beck or Rush Limbaugh for President"
Interesting that the "Tea Party" czars are so worried about offending the media.......and those who are destroying our country.
Sad.
Or is there something we don't know going on?
Just who are these "sensative" TP czars?
"Holland walk by is a definite GO!!! Gather just west (down hill) of Sentinell office on 8th street.
Note this is not a rally.
No speakers, no program.
Just citizens out for Saturday stroll, exercising 1st amendment rights.
Do not give the paper the slightest opportunity to trash us.
In particular following are NOT appropriate:
No Anti-Obama, Anti-Pelosi, Anti-Reid, etc messages
No Obamacare / Healthcare messages
No 'Liar' related
No name calling (e.g. dumb, stupid, racial epithet, etc.)
No Glenn Beck or Rush Limbaugh for President"
Interesting that the "Tea Party" czars are so worried about offending the media.......and those who are destroying our country.
Sad.
Or is there something we don't know going on?
Just who are these "sensative" TP czars?
Nation's Oldest Taxpayer Group Criticizes Committee Vote for Baucus Health Bill, Hidden Tax Increases
Nation's Oldest Taxpayer Group Criticizes Committee Vote for Baucus Health Bill, Hidden Tax Increases
"The 362,000-member National Taxpayers Union (NTU) today condemned the Senate Finance Committee's 14-9 vote to support the health care bill drafted by Senator Max Baucus (D-MT), pointing to hundreds of billions of dollars in damaging tax increases.
This so-called 'moderate' health care reform bill would grow the already bloated federal budget while saddling middle class families with billions in new taxes."
"The 362,000-member National Taxpayers Union (NTU) today condemned the Senate Finance Committee's 14-9 vote to support the health care bill drafted by Senator Max Baucus (D-MT), pointing to hundreds of billions of dollars in damaging tax increases.
This so-called 'moderate' health care reform bill would grow the already bloated federal budget while saddling middle class families with billions in new taxes."
The 2010 Senate Candidates
The 2010 Senate Candidates:
While the 2010 election is a long way off, one fact stands out right now:
the Democrats will be defending 18 seats and the Republicans will also be defending 18 seats.
However, more Republicans are retiring than Democrats, as listed on the Senate retirements page.
In races where there is only one serious competitor for his or her party's nomination, that person is shown below, even though the nominee is not certain until the primary is finished."
While the 2010 election is a long way off, one fact stands out right now:
the Democrats will be defending 18 seats and the Republicans will also be defending 18 seats.
However, more Republicans are retiring than Democrats, as listed on the Senate retirements page.
In races where there is only one serious competitor for his or her party's nomination, that person is shown below, even though the nominee is not certain until the primary is finished."
Taking the National Debt Seriously
Taking the National Debt Seriously
"As of Sept. 30, 2009, the national debt was almost $12 trillion and interest on that debt was $383 billion for the year, according to the Treasury Department's Bureau of the Public Debt.
The Congressional Budget Office on Oct. 7 estimated the 2009 budget deficit to be almost $1.4 trillion (about 10% of GDP). In August, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) estimated total government revenues at about $2 trillion.
The revenue estimate included $904 billion from individual income taxes.
This means the cost of interest on the debt represented more than 40 cents of every dollar that came in from individual income taxes."
"As of Sept. 30, 2009, the national debt was almost $12 trillion and interest on that debt was $383 billion for the year, according to the Treasury Department's Bureau of the Public Debt.
The Congressional Budget Office on Oct. 7 estimated the 2009 budget deficit to be almost $1.4 trillion (about 10% of GDP). In August, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) estimated total government revenues at about $2 trillion.
The revenue estimate included $904 billion from individual income taxes.
This means the cost of interest on the debt represented more than 40 cents of every dollar that came in from individual income taxes."
Court rules Duluth free to change city retiree benefits
Court rules Duluth free to change city retiree benefits
"A state court has sided with the City of Duluth in a long-standing dispute over the generous health benefits provided to hundreds of retired city workers.
The court ruled the city is free to change the retiree's benefits to match those of current workers.
State District Judge Kenneth Sandvik said Duluth can change the terms for retired workers' health care and that the city is not bound by whatever terms were in effect the day a particular worker retired."
This is BIG!
"A state court has sided with the City of Duluth in a long-standing dispute over the generous health benefits provided to hundreds of retired city workers.
The court ruled the city is free to change the retiree's benefits to match those of current workers.
State District Judge Kenneth Sandvik said Duluth can change the terms for retired workers' health care and that the city is not bound by whatever terms were in effect the day a particular worker retired."
This is BIG!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Teachers benefit from job-saving stimulus spending
Teachers benefit from job-saving stimulus spending
"In Michigan, where officials said 19,500 jobs have been saved or created, three out of four were in education."
We tighten our belts so they can buy bigger belts.
How long will the taxpayers continue their silence?
"In Michigan, where officials said 19,500 jobs have been saved or created, three out of four were in education."
We tighten our belts so they can buy bigger belts.
How long will the taxpayers continue their silence?
Day care next frontier in fighting kids' obesity
Day care next frontier in fighting kids' obesity
"Day care is the next frontier: New Harvard research shows few states require that child-care providers take specific nutrition and physical activity steps considered key to keeping the under-5 crowd fit.
And while years of work now have older kids starting to get healthier food in schools, more and more kindergarteners show up their first day already overweight or obese.
'We've got to start really early. Elementary school is too late,' Dr. Lynn Silver of the New York City Health Department — a leader in anti-obesity standards for day care — told a recent meeting that brought child-care specialists together with federal and state health authorities to start learning how."
Thank "god" the parents won't feel guilty.....
"Day care is the next frontier: New Harvard research shows few states require that child-care providers take specific nutrition and physical activity steps considered key to keeping the under-5 crowd fit.
And while years of work now have older kids starting to get healthier food in schools, more and more kindergarteners show up their first day already overweight or obese.
'We've got to start really early. Elementary school is too late,' Dr. Lynn Silver of the New York City Health Department — a leader in anti-obesity standards for day care — told a recent meeting that brought child-care specialists together with federal and state health authorities to start learning how."
Thank "god" the parents won't feel guilty.....
A Perfect Nobel Pick
A Perfect Nobel Pick
"Pop quiz: What do Bertha von Suttner, Henri La Fontaine, Ludwig Quidde, Norman Angell, Arthur Henderson, Eisaku Sato, Alva Myrdal and Joseph Rotblat have in common?
Answer: Barack Obama.
If you're drawing blanks on most of these names, don't be hard on yourself: They're just some of the worthies of yesteryear who were favored with a Nobel Peace Prize before disappearing into the footnotes of history."
Seriously, how pathetic are the 5 Norway idiots?
And the 1 "american" who accepted this dumbed down drivel?
"Pop quiz: What do Bertha von Suttner, Henri La Fontaine, Ludwig Quidde, Norman Angell, Arthur Henderson, Eisaku Sato, Alva Myrdal and Joseph Rotblat have in common?
Answer: Barack Obama.
If you're drawing blanks on most of these names, don't be hard on yourself: They're just some of the worthies of yesteryear who were favored with a Nobel Peace Prize before disappearing into the footnotes of history."
Seriously, how pathetic are the 5 Norway idiots?
And the 1 "american" who accepted this dumbed down drivel?
Some lawmakers frown on museum spending -- latimes.com
Some lawmakers frown on museum spending
"To New York officials, the $3 million in federal economic stimulus money they received to transform an old canal boat into a 259-foot-long floating museum was money well spent."
Is ANYONE listening?
"To New York officials, the $3 million in federal economic stimulus money they received to transform an old canal boat into a 259-foot-long floating museum was money well spent."
Is ANYONE listening?
Monday, October 12, 2009
R-P energy-savings program a success
R-P energy-savings program a success
"Reeths-Puffer Schools has saved more than $900,000 in energy costs the last four years by adjusting thermostats and turning off lights and computers........
The district contracted with an energy management firm, Energy Education Inc., four years ago, paying it $70,000 annually to help analyze energy use and implement savings strategies.
The four-year contract is up, so the district won't pay any more fees, but it will continue to pay $19,000 per year for its energy manager,"
OK, $900,000- $356,000 [$280,000($70,000x4)+$76,000($19,000x4)] = $544,000.
That's a great investment....... if there is no more to the story...like other costs......
The Chronicle continues its tradition of unabashed public cheer leading and its utter lack of curiosity.
"Reeths-Puffer Schools has saved more than $900,000 in energy costs the last four years by adjusting thermostats and turning off lights and computers........
The district contracted with an energy management firm, Energy Education Inc., four years ago, paying it $70,000 annually to help analyze energy use and implement savings strategies.
The four-year contract is up, so the district won't pay any more fees, but it will continue to pay $19,000 per year for its energy manager,"
OK, $900,000- $356,000 [$280,000($70,000x4)+$76,000($19,000x4)] = $544,000.
That's a great investment....... if there is no more to the story...like other costs......
The Chronicle continues its tradition of unabashed public cheer leading and its utter lack of curiosity.
Survey: Most economists see recovery beginning
Survey: Most economists see recovery beginning
"Forecasters now expect the economy, as measured by gross domestic product, to advance at a 2.9 percent pace in the second half of the year, after falling for four straight quarters for the first time on records dating to 1947....
The recession, the worst since the 1930s, has eliminated a net total of 7.2 million jobs"
So, how's that hope-thang workin' out for ya?
"Forecasters now expect the economy, as measured by gross domestic product, to advance at a 2.9 percent pace in the second half of the year, after falling for four straight quarters for the first time on records dating to 1947....
The recession, the worst since the 1930s, has eliminated a net total of 7.2 million jobs"
So, how's that hope-thang workin' out for ya?
"Midnight Madness At The Breslin Center on Oct. 16
Midnight Madness At The Breslin Center on Oct. 16
Celebrate the Moment with Spartan basketball.
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State’s annual Midnight Madness event to tip-off the 2009-10 basketball season will be held on Friday, Oct. 16.
This year’s event is called Celebrate the Moment, as the men’s and women’s basketball team will recognize some of the best moments in the programs’ history.
Spartan fans will also have the opportunity to be a part of a banner ceremony as Michigan State will unveil new Final Four banners and raise the 2009 Final Four banner to the rafters for the first time.
Doors to the Breslin Center will open at 9:30 p.m.
Admission is free.
The event begins with autographs for Spartan fans on the Breslin Center concourse.
The formal program will begin at 10:30 p.m. and feature the introduction of the men’s and women’s basketball teams.
The evening will also include promotional giveaways and performances by the Spartan Marching Band, Michigan State cheerleaders, MSU dance team and Sparty.
The evening will conclude with the men’s basketball team playing on the court."
Celebrate the Moment with Spartan basketball.
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State’s annual Midnight Madness event to tip-off the 2009-10 basketball season will be held on Friday, Oct. 16.
This year’s event is called Celebrate the Moment, as the men’s and women’s basketball team will recognize some of the best moments in the programs’ history.
Spartan fans will also have the opportunity to be a part of a banner ceremony as Michigan State will unveil new Final Four banners and raise the 2009 Final Four banner to the rafters for the first time.
Doors to the Breslin Center will open at 9:30 p.m.
Admission is free.
The event begins with autographs for Spartan fans on the Breslin Center concourse.
The formal program will begin at 10:30 p.m. and feature the introduction of the men’s and women’s basketball teams.
The evening will also include promotional giveaways and performances by the Spartan Marching Band, Michigan State cheerleaders, MSU dance team and Sparty.
The evening will conclude with the men’s basketball team playing on the court."
Obama fails to win Nobel prize in economics
Obama fails to win Nobel prize in economics
"In a decision as shocking as Friday's surprise peace prize win, President Obama failed to win the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences Monday."
"In a decision as shocking as Friday's surprise peace prize win, President Obama failed to win the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences Monday."
Sunday, October 11, 2009
"DETROIT - Viagra and pornography are not staples on the government's food stamp list?
"DETROIT
Viagra and pornography are not staples on the government's food stamp list.
But authorities say a Detroit store supplied them during a series of illegal deals.
Federal prosecutors filed fraud charges this week against three people who worked at Jefferson's Liquor Palace.
The alleged scheme worked this way:
Food stamp recipients would get cash from the store in exchange for swiping larger amounts off their electronic cards.
The store would then be reimbursed by the U.S. Agriculture Department.
But in some transactions, confidential informants got more than cash.
The government says the store provided Viagra, painkillers, liquor and porn videos in exchange for swiping about $2,000 off food stamp cards.
The government says overall fraud at the store topped $130,000 over 2-1/2 years"
Nothing new here except for minor media coverage.
Viagra and pornography are not staples on the government's food stamp list.
But authorities say a Detroit store supplied them during a series of illegal deals.
Federal prosecutors filed fraud charges this week against three people who worked at Jefferson's Liquor Palace.
The alleged scheme worked this way:
Food stamp recipients would get cash from the store in exchange for swiping larger amounts off their electronic cards.
The store would then be reimbursed by the U.S. Agriculture Department.
But in some transactions, confidential informants got more than cash.
The government says the store provided Viagra, painkillers, liquor and porn videos in exchange for swiping about $2,000 off food stamp cards.
The government says overall fraud at the store topped $130,000 over 2-1/2 years"
Nothing new here except for minor media coverage.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
What happened to global warming?
What happened to global warming?
"This headline may come as a bit of a surprise, so too might that fact that the warmest year recorded globally was not in 2008 or 2007, but in 1998.
But it is true.
For the last 11 years we have not observed any increase in global temperatures.
And our climate models did not forecast it, even though man-made carbon dioxide, the gas thought to be responsible for warming our planet, has continued to rise."
"This headline may come as a bit of a surprise, so too might that fact that the warmest year recorded globally was not in 2008 or 2007, but in 1998.
But it is true.
For the last 11 years we have not observed any increase in global temperatures.
And our climate models did not forecast it, even though man-made carbon dioxide, the gas thought to be responsible for warming our planet, has continued to rise."
Picking the Most Visible of 205 Names
Picking the Most Visible of 205 Names
"Several prominent Nobel observers in Oslo said the Nobel committee had put the integrity of the award at stake. But Mr. Jagland seemed to savor the risk. He said no one could deny that “the international climate” had suddenly improved, and that Mr. Obama was the main reason."
"suddenly improved"?
Huh!
"Several prominent Nobel observers in Oslo said the Nobel committee had put the integrity of the award at stake. But Mr. Jagland seemed to savor the risk. He said no one could deny that “the international climate” had suddenly improved, and that Mr. Obama was the main reason."
"suddenly improved"?
Huh!
Generational Battle Brews Over Gilded Baby-Boom Pensions
Generational Battle Brews Over Gilded Baby-Boom Pensions
"Generation X and Gen Y are getting fed up and might not take much more.
That's what I'm hearing from a number of younger public employees who responded to my column last month on the incumbent employee conundrum.
The gist of their feedback was this:
They don't appreciate bearing the brunt of pay cuts and benefits reductions — the ones imposed by employers who try to balance the books on their pension and retiree medical plans by slashing compensation for younger employees and new hires.
They'd like to see their elders share in the pain — or at least pay their share."
This will one of the biggest battles in America in the next few years.
"Generation X and Gen Y are getting fed up and might not take much more.
That's what I'm hearing from a number of younger public employees who responded to my column last month on the incumbent employee conundrum.
The gist of their feedback was this:
They don't appreciate bearing the brunt of pay cuts and benefits reductions — the ones imposed by employers who try to balance the books on their pension and retiree medical plans by slashing compensation for younger employees and new hires.
They'd like to see their elders share in the pain — or at least pay their share."
This will one of the biggest battles in America in the next few years.
Friday, October 09, 2009
tOfficial 2009-10 MSU Men's Basketball Preseason Thread
tOfficial 2009-10 MSU Men's Basketball Preseason Thread
MSU in the PRESEASON POLLS and RANKINGS
Athlon - #2 (Lucas #3 floor leader and 3rd team AA, Morgan #9 slasher)
Blue Ribbon - #2
Lindy's - #3 (Lucas #1 PG, Summers #14 SG, Morgan #19 PF)
Sporting News #3 (Lucas #3 PG)
Gary Parrish (CBS) - #3
Jeff Goodman (Fox) - #3"
Midnight Madness in just one week!
MSU in the PRESEASON POLLS and RANKINGS
Athlon - #2 (Lucas #3 floor leader and 3rd team AA, Morgan #9 slasher)
Blue Ribbon - #2
Lindy's - #3 (Lucas #1 PG, Summers #14 SG, Morgan #19 PF)
Sporting News #3 (Lucas #3 PG)
Gary Parrish (CBS) - #3
Jeff Goodman (Fox) - #3"
Midnight Madness in just one week!
Senate 2010: Most endangered seats
Senate 2010: Most endangered seats
"The 2010 Senate landscape is almost evenly split down the middle: Republicans will be defending 18 seats, while the Democrats will be defending 19 seats, including the January special election in Massachusetts. Click here for the full watch list."
"The 2010 Senate landscape is almost evenly split down the middle: Republicans will be defending 18 seats, while the Democrats will be defending 19 seats, including the January special election in Massachusetts. Click here for the full watch list."
Thursday, October 08, 2009
50 Examples of Government Waste
50 Examples of Government Waste
"8. A GAO audit classified nearly half of all purchases on government credit cards as improper, fraudulent, or embezzled.
Examples of taxpayer-funded purchases include gambling, mortgage payments, liquor, lingerie, iPods, Xboxes, jewelry, Internet dating services, and Hawaiian vacations.
In one extraordinary example, the Postal Service spent $13,500 on one dinner at a Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, including “over 200 appetizers and over $3,000 of alcohol, including more than 40 bottles of wine costing more than $50 each and brand-name liquor such as Courvoisier, Belvedere and Johnny Walker Gold.”
The 81 guests consumed an average of $167 worth of food and drink apiece."
"8. A GAO audit classified nearly half of all purchases on government credit cards as improper, fraudulent, or embezzled.
Examples of taxpayer-funded purchases include gambling, mortgage payments, liquor, lingerie, iPods, Xboxes, jewelry, Internet dating services, and Hawaiian vacations.
In one extraordinary example, the Postal Service spent $13,500 on one dinner at a Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, including “over 200 appetizers and over $3,000 of alcohol, including more than 40 bottles of wine costing more than $50 each and brand-name liquor such as Courvoisier, Belvedere and Johnny Walker Gold.”
The 81 guests consumed an average of $167 worth of food and drink apiece."
Decision to Cut Funding to Iran Watchdog Is Misguided, Critics Say - Political News - FOXNews.com
Decision to Cut Funding to Iran Watchdog Is Misguided
FOXNews.com:
"A decision by the Obama administration to deny federal funding to a group that keeps track of human rights abuses in Iran is a misguided attempt by the White House to appear non-confrontational with the Islamic republic, critics say.
....The State Department has not divulged the reason the request was denied."
Is this another example of FOX's "opinion journalism masquerading as news"?
Or is it FOX reporting what the Obamedia won't?
FOXNews.com:
"A decision by the Obama administration to deny federal funding to a group that keeps track of human rights abuses in Iran is a misguided attempt by the White House to appear non-confrontational with the Islamic republic, critics say.
....The State Department has not divulged the reason the request was denied."
Is this another example of FOX's "opinion journalism masquerading as news"?
Or is it FOX reporting what the Obamedia won't?
White House Defends Attacks on Fox News
White House Defends Attacks on Fox News: 'They Will Say Anything'
"The White House is stepping up its attacks against the Fox News Channel, labeling it a bastion of stilted and opinionated journalism.
A top administration communications official has called the Fox 'opinion journalism masquerading as news,' and vowed to wage a war of ideas against the network"
"The White House is stepping up its attacks against the Fox News Channel, labeling it a bastion of stilted and opinionated journalism.
A top administration communications official has called the Fox 'opinion journalism masquerading as news,' and vowed to wage a war of ideas against the network"
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