Tuesday, November 17, 2009
AP source: NYC papers' circulation offices raided
AP source: NYC papers' circulation offices raided: "Investigators in New York City raided circulation offices at some of the nation's largest newspapers Tuesday as part of a union corruption probe, a law enforcement official said.
Police officers working with the Manhattan district attorney's office searched circulation offices of The New York Times in Queens, the New York Post and the Daily News in Manhattan, and El Diario in Brooklyn, the official said, speaking to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing.
Investigators were seeking paperwork related to the Newspaper and Mail Deliverers Union, which packages and delivers newspapers across the region. Calls to the union's headquarters were not answered Tuesday."
Police officers working with the Manhattan district attorney's office searched circulation offices of The New York Times in Queens, the New York Post and the Daily News in Manhattan, and El Diario in Brooklyn, the official said, speaking to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing.
Investigators were seeking paperwork related to the Newspaper and Mail Deliverers Union, which packages and delivers newspapers across the region. Calls to the union's headquarters were not answered Tuesday."
Doctor Shot Outside Grocery Store - Houston News Story - KPRC Houston
Doctor Shot Outside Grocery Store
"Houston police said Anthony J. Bell, 40, shot Dr. Stephanie Wuest, 28, in the parking lot of a Kroger store on Old Spanish Trail and Cambridge Street at about 6:30 p.m. Thursday."
This is Jim and Lois' daughter in law.
She's gonn be OK hopefully.
"Houston police said Anthony J. Bell, 40, shot Dr. Stephanie Wuest, 28, in the parking lot of a Kroger store on Old Spanish Trail and Cambridge Street at about 6:30 p.m. Thursday."
This is Jim and Lois' daughter in law.
She's gonn be OK hopefully.
Police Push On With Probe Of Chicago School Board President Michael Scott's Death
Police Push On With Probe Of Chicago School Board President Michael Scott's Death
"Police usually close a death investigation when the Medical Examiner's office comes down with a suicide ruling, but in the case of Chicago School Board President Michael Scott, that is not happening."
Bummer dude, you live ...lived.. in ObamaLand.......
"Police usually close a death investigation when the Medical Examiner's office comes down with a suicide ruling, but in the case of Chicago School Board President Michael Scott, that is not happening."
Bummer dude, you live ...lived.. in ObamaLand.......
Hunger a growing problem in America, USDA reports
Hunger a growing problem in America, USDA reports
"In the survey used to measure food shortages, people were considered to have food insecurity if they answered 'yes' to several of a series of questions.
Among the questions were whether, in the past year, their food sometimes ran out before they had money to buy more, whether they could not afford to eat nutritionally balanced meals, and whether adults in the family sometimes cut the size of their meals -- or skipped them -- because they lacked money for food.
The report defined the degree of their food insecurity by the number of the questions to which they answered yes."
Good golly, is this nation nuts!
The USDA, a government department, uses the junkyist of junk surveys to "prove" a non-problem and every media in the world picks it up and touts the disaster that is "starving America".
Gimme a break!
"In the survey used to measure food shortages, people were considered to have food insecurity if they answered 'yes' to several of a series of questions.
Among the questions were whether, in the past year, their food sometimes ran out before they had money to buy more, whether they could not afford to eat nutritionally balanced meals, and whether adults in the family sometimes cut the size of their meals -- or skipped them -- because they lacked money for food.
The report defined the degree of their food insecurity by the number of the questions to which they answered yes."
Good golly, is this nation nuts!
The USDA, a government department, uses the junkyist of junk surveys to "prove" a non-problem and every media in the world picks it up and touts the disaster that is "starving America".
Gimme a break!
Monday, November 16, 2009
Wood making comeback as power source
Wood making comeback as power source
"One of the world's oldest energy sources is making a comeback.
Across the USA, power plants are turning to wood to make electricity. The move is spurred by state mandates to encourage renewable power and by bills moving through Congress that require more renewable electricity nationwide."
Atlanta Lou:
"Our nation has lost its mind -- on matters technical and financial."
The reporter's ignorance or ....what else could explain this idiotic article, is stunning.
"One of the world's oldest energy sources is making a comeback.
Across the USA, power plants are turning to wood to make electricity. The move is spurred by state mandates to encourage renewable power and by bills moving through Congress that require more renewable electricity nationwide."
Atlanta Lou:
"Our nation has lost its mind -- on matters technical and financial."
The reporter's ignorance or ....what else could explain this idiotic article, is stunning.
U.S. troop funds diverted to pet projects
U.S. troop funds diverted to pet projects
"Senators diverted $2.6 billion in funds in a defense spending bill to pet projects largely at the expense of accounts that pay for fuel, ammunition and training for U.S. troops, including those fighting wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to an analysis.
Among the 778 such projects, known as earmarks, packed into the bill: $25 million for a new World War II museum at the University of New Orleans and $20 million to launch an educational institute named after the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, Massachusetts Democrat.
While earmarks are hardly new in Washington, 'in 30 years on Capitol Hill, I never saw Congress mangle the defense budget as badly as this year,' said Winslow Wheeler, a former Senate staffer who worked on defense funding and oversight for both Republicans and Democrats. He is now a senior fellow at the Center for Defense Information, an independent research organization."
My friend Atlanta Lou comments:
"Years ago, during the Cold War, I remember reading a piece written by a Russian, who claimed that he loved his country but hated his government.
At the time, I did not understand his attitude.
I do now."
"Senators diverted $2.6 billion in funds in a defense spending bill to pet projects largely at the expense of accounts that pay for fuel, ammunition and training for U.S. troops, including those fighting wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to an analysis.
Among the 778 such projects, known as earmarks, packed into the bill: $25 million for a new World War II museum at the University of New Orleans and $20 million to launch an educational institute named after the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, Massachusetts Democrat.
While earmarks are hardly new in Washington, 'in 30 years on Capitol Hill, I never saw Congress mangle the defense budget as badly as this year,' said Winslow Wheeler, a former Senate staffer who worked on defense funding and oversight for both Republicans and Democrats. He is now a senior fellow at the Center for Defense Information, an independent research organization."
My friend Atlanta Lou comments:
"Years ago, during the Cold War, I remember reading a piece written by a Russian, who claimed that he loved his country but hated his government.
At the time, I did not understand his attitude.
I do now."
The Unravelling of the Real 3D Mandelbrot Fractal
The Unravelling of the Real 3D Mandelbrot Fractal
"The original Mandelbrot is an amazing object that has captured the public's imagination for 30 years with its cascading patterns and hypnotically colourful detail.
It's known as a 'fractal' - a type of shape that yields (sometimes elaborate) detail forever, no matter how far you 'zoom' into it (think of the trunk of a tree sprouting branches, which in turn split off into smaller branches, which themselves yield twigs etc.).
It's found by following a relatively simple math formula.
"The original Mandelbrot is an amazing object that has captured the public's imagination for 30 years with its cascading patterns and hypnotically colourful detail.
It's known as a 'fractal' - a type of shape that yields (sometimes elaborate) detail forever, no matter how far you 'zoom' into it (think of the trunk of a tree sprouting branches, which in turn split off into smaller branches, which themselves yield twigs etc.).
It's found by following a relatively simple math formula.
But in the end, it's still only 2D and flat - there's no depth, shadows, perspective, or light sourcing.
What we have featured in this article is a potential 3D version of the same fractal.
For the impatient, you can skip to the nice pics, but the below makes an interesting read (with a little math as well for the curious)."
Hoffman 'unconcedes' in N.Y.-23 House race
Hoffman 'unconcedes' in N.Y.-23 House race
"Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman has 'unconceded' in New York's special House election after reports that the vote margin between him and Rep. Bill Owens (D) has narrowed."
Hmmm....
"Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman has 'unconceded' in New York's special House election after reports that the vote margin between him and Rep. Bill Owens (D) has narrowed."
Hmmm....
Barney Frank floats loan plan for unemployed homeowners
Frank floats loan plan for unemployed homeowners:
"Rep. Barney Frank said Monday he is pushing a proposal to use some of the interest the government collects from the financial industry bailout to give loans to unemployed homeowners struggling to pay the mortgage."
"Rep. Barney Frank said Monday he is pushing a proposal to use some of the interest the government collects from the financial industry bailout to give loans to unemployed homeowners struggling to pay the mortgage."
What a great country.....but didn't we just do this a few years ago?
And didn't it NOT work?
Barney Butt strikes again!
Timothy P. White: Where Are the Doctors to Implement ObamaCare? - WSJ.com
Timothy P. White: Where Are the Doctors to Implement ObamaCare?
"A comprehensive strategy for growing the physician workforce – as well as other allied health professionals such as nurses and physicians' assistants – should be developed and supported with a federal investment at the same time health insurance is expanded to cover millions of additional people.
Without this, gaining access to prompt medical care for all patients will become even more difficult. There will be longer wait times for appointments, less face time with a physician and, in all likelihood, delayed diagnoses leading to more expensive treatment and increased risk of complications. One need only look at the experience of Massachusetts, where the adoption of universal health coverage has intensified the physician shortage."
"A comprehensive strategy for growing the physician workforce – as well as other allied health professionals such as nurses and physicians' assistants – should be developed and supported with a federal investment at the same time health insurance is expanded to cover millions of additional people.
Without this, gaining access to prompt medical care for all patients will become even more difficult. There will be longer wait times for appointments, less face time with a physician and, in all likelihood, delayed diagnoses leading to more expensive treatment and increased risk of complications. One need only look at the experience of Massachusetts, where the adoption of universal health coverage has intensified the physician shortage."
Navy Tests 32-Megajoule Railgun
Navy Tests 32-Megajoule Railgun
"The Navy’s eventual goal is a ship-mounted railgun that can fire a projectile more than 200 miles at speeds of more than 8,000 feet per second.
Context: The Navy’s current MK 45 five-inch gun has a range of just 20 miles.
The Navy hopes to have a prototype ready sometime between 2016 and 2018."
"The Navy’s eventual goal is a ship-mounted railgun that can fire a projectile more than 200 miles at speeds of more than 8,000 feet per second.
Context: The Navy’s current MK 45 five-inch gun has a range of just 20 miles.
The Navy hopes to have a prototype ready sometime between 2016 and 2018."
This is interesting!
Read about this "rail" gun.
Very nifty for us to have it and not the bad guys..... don't tell BarryO......
Investors.com - The Most Sinister Of Motives
Investors.com - The Most Sinister Of Motives: "The Most Sinister Of Motives
Posted 11/13/2009 07:54 PM ET
Geopolitics: Why would China give uranium to Pakistan? Why would Russia help Iran build an A-bomb? Regional balance of power plays a role, but a nuclear 9/11 could restore Moscow and Beijing as superpowers.
Think of the destabilizing effects of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The country's fastest form of transportation was paralyzed as we picked up the pieces. Financial markets had to be closed, and when they reopened, private industry was dealt an immediate body blow.
Recession was a foregone conclusion. Business decisions had to be reconsidered, massive investments re-evaluated, new hirings postponed and layoffs expanded. Many firms folded.
Meanwhile, a nervous public wondered if the Golden Age of American dominance and prosperity was over. Was this the first of a series of attacks? Were we now so vulnerable within our own homeland that terrorism would become routine, part of the new fabric of the lives of those residing in free countries?
All of that came from the destruction of three buildings (the Twin Towers and 7 World Trade Center) and the severe damage to a fourth (the Pentagon). Several thousand died.
A nuclear version of the 9/11 attacks would destroy dozens of buildings, kill hundreds of thousands, and poison maybe millions with radiation. The Ground Zero of such an attack would not be a meeting place for prayer and remembrance, the site of a memorial monument, or a place where a new tower would rise to the skies.
The entire region would, instead, be uninhabitable, bathed in deadly cancer-causing emissions.
Would the U.S. be able to bounce back from such a catastrophe, as we did after 9/11, simply by mobilizing our forces against terrorist havens?
Perhaps. But maybe not."
Posted 11/13/2009 07:54 PM ET
Geopolitics: Why would China give uranium to Pakistan? Why would Russia help Iran build an A-bomb? Regional balance of power plays a role, but a nuclear 9/11 could restore Moscow and Beijing as superpowers.
Think of the destabilizing effects of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The country's fastest form of transportation was paralyzed as we picked up the pieces. Financial markets had to be closed, and when they reopened, private industry was dealt an immediate body blow.
Recession was a foregone conclusion. Business decisions had to be reconsidered, massive investments re-evaluated, new hirings postponed and layoffs expanded. Many firms folded.
Meanwhile, a nervous public wondered if the Golden Age of American dominance and prosperity was over. Was this the first of a series of attacks? Were we now so vulnerable within our own homeland that terrorism would become routine, part of the new fabric of the lives of those residing in free countries?
All of that came from the destruction of three buildings (the Twin Towers and 7 World Trade Center) and the severe damage to a fourth (the Pentagon). Several thousand died.
A nuclear version of the 9/11 attacks would destroy dozens of buildings, kill hundreds of thousands, and poison maybe millions with radiation. The Ground Zero of such an attack would not be a meeting place for prayer and remembrance, the site of a memorial monument, or a place where a new tower would rise to the skies.
The entire region would, instead, be uninhabitable, bathed in deadly cancer-causing emissions.
Would the U.S. be able to bounce back from such a catastrophe, as we did after 9/11, simply by mobilizing our forces against terrorist havens?
Perhaps. But maybe not."
Editorial: Share the pain
Editorial: Share the pain
"Isn’t there any other way?
The best way to save jobs is not the tax hike ideas floated by Mayor George Heartwell and a local police union leader.
At least not yet.
Before putting that option to a skeptical public, city employees should look at sharing the pain.
Everyone, from the rank and file to those at the top, should consider modest, reasonable pay cuts to save many jobs, especially police and firefighters.
This suggestion is not made lightly or without regard to personal sacrifice.
If the state’s economy were roaring and pay rising, this wouldn’t be on the table.
But a much different — and more difficult — reality of life in Michigan now is that private-sector salaries are trending down.
Many residents have had significant pay cuts.
Many others are out of work.
In dire times, it is reasonable that these same taxpayers seek pay adjustments among government workers in the name of saving jobs. Before deep layoffs occur. And before a tax hike is pursued.
Salary cuts can bring the savings needed to save jobs."
Amazing that this is from Paul Keep's GR Press.
"Isn’t there any other way?
The best way to save jobs is not the tax hike ideas floated by Mayor George Heartwell and a local police union leader.
At least not yet.
Before putting that option to a skeptical public, city employees should look at sharing the pain.
Everyone, from the rank and file to those at the top, should consider modest, reasonable pay cuts to save many jobs, especially police and firefighters.
This suggestion is not made lightly or without regard to personal sacrifice.
If the state’s economy were roaring and pay rising, this wouldn’t be on the table.
But a much different — and more difficult — reality of life in Michigan now is that private-sector salaries are trending down.
Many residents have had significant pay cuts.
Many others are out of work.
In dire times, it is reasonable that these same taxpayers seek pay adjustments among government workers in the name of saving jobs. Before deep layoffs occur. And before a tax hike is pursued.
Salary cuts can bring the savings needed to save jobs."
Amazing that this is from Paul Keep's GR Press.
Health insurance customers face big premium increases
Health insurance customers face big premium increases
"With open enrollment season in full swing, seniors and privately insured workers should expect to shell out more next year for their health coverage, as many employers face double-digit increases in their insurance costs.
To offset this rising expense, some employers will pass all or part of the cost increases onto workers through larger paycheck deductions. For some workers, that could mean as much as a 50 percent increase in their monthly payroll deductions for health care, insurance experts say."
"With open enrollment season in full swing, seniors and privately insured workers should expect to shell out more next year for their health coverage, as many employers face double-digit increases in their insurance costs.
To offset this rising expense, some employers will pass all or part of the cost increases onto workers through larger paycheck deductions. For some workers, that could mean as much as a 50 percent increase in their monthly payroll deductions for health care, insurance experts say."
10 Strangest Obituaries
10 Strangest Obituaries
"Jim Adams, didn't die the way he wanted: which was to be run over by a beer truck on the way to the liquor store to buy booze for a date… (Link)"
"Jim Adams, didn't die the way he wanted: which was to be run over by a beer truck on the way to the liquor store to buy booze for a date… (Link)"
Billions for state, but where are jobs? deux
Billions for state, but where are jobs?
"The analysis also found:
• Three of every four stimulus grants, contracts and loans approved in Michigan created or retained one job or less.
• Fewer than 700 awards had received some money, and nearly half of those -- 327 -- had created one job or less, at a cost per job of $2.7 million.
• Some job estimates were wrong: General Motors Co., for instance, reported 105 jobs saved or created for a government purchase of 5,000 vehicles but later said no jobs were saved or created.
The City of Detroit reported 342 jobs it now says were projections -- not jobs already created or retained.
Peter Morici, a University of Maryland economist, said the results suggest the stimulus won't deliver promised results.'
All those claims,' he said, 'are ridiculous.'"
"The analysis also found:
• Three of every four stimulus grants, contracts and loans approved in Michigan created or retained one job or less.
• Fewer than 700 awards had received some money, and nearly half of those -- 327 -- had created one job or less, at a cost per job of $2.7 million.
• Some job estimates were wrong: General Motors Co., for instance, reported 105 jobs saved or created for a government purchase of 5,000 vehicles but later said no jobs were saved or created.
The City of Detroit reported 342 jobs it now says were projections -- not jobs already created or retained.
Peter Morici, a University of Maryland economist, said the results suggest the stimulus won't deliver promised results.'
All those claims,' he said, 'are ridiculous.'"
Billions for state, but where are jobs?
Billions for state, but where are jobs?
"Seven months into the massive federal stimulus program, the vast majority of government grants, contracts and loans in Michigan so far have created or retained virtually no jobs, a Free Press analysis shows"
"Seven months into the massive federal stimulus program, the vast majority of government grants, contracts and loans in Michigan so far have created or retained virtually no jobs, a Free Press analysis shows"
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Pittsburgh eyes students' wallets
Pittsburgh eyes students' wallets
"Pittsburgh wants to tax one of its most abundant resources: students.
The city is home to seven colleges and universities, and though their real estate is tax-exempt, their tuition isn't, says Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, who plans to impose a 1% tax on tuition as part of his budget for 2010."
..... "they're not paying a dime for any city services they might receive," Ravenstahl says.....
"He calls it a fair share tax....
If Pittsburgh succeeds in becoming the first city to tax its students, other cities will follow, says Terry Hartle of the American Council on Education, a lobbying group for universities. "It's a new and untapped potential source of revenue," he says.
This just might bring the college crowd into the tea party mode.
"Pittsburgh wants to tax one of its most abundant resources: students.
The city is home to seven colleges and universities, and though their real estate is tax-exempt, their tuition isn't, says Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, who plans to impose a 1% tax on tuition as part of his budget for 2010."
..... "they're not paying a dime for any city services they might receive," Ravenstahl says.....
"He calls it a fair share tax....
If Pittsburgh succeeds in becoming the first city to tax its students, other cities will follow, says Terry Hartle of the American Council on Education, a lobbying group for universities. "It's a new and untapped potential source of revenue," he says.
This just might bring the college crowd into the tea party mode.
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