Is Europe heading for a meltdown? - Telegraph
"This financial crisis is worse than the sub-prime crash of 2008 because the sums are so much bigger and it is governments that are in dire straits."
Thursday, May 27, 2010
NJ Teacher who complained to Gov. Chris Christie she deserved $83k actually makes $86k
NJ Teacher who complained to Gov. Chris Christie she deserved $83k actually makes $86k Washington Examiner
Yesterday, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie had a little dust-up with teacher Rita Wilson. Upset over Christie’s education budget, Wilson complained that she wasn’t paid enough and got sharp rebuke from the governor:
But borough teacher Rita Wilson, a Kearny resident, argued that if she were paid $3 an hour for the 30 children in her class, she’d be earning $83,000, and she makes nothing near that.
“You’re getting more than that if you include the cost of your benefits,” Christie interrupted.
When Wilson, who has a master’s degree, said she was not being compensated for her education and experience, Christie said:
“Well, you know then that you don’t have to do it.” Some in the audience applauded.Read more at the Washington Examiner: http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/beltway-confidential/nj-teacher-who-complained-to-gov-chris-christie-that-she-wasnt-paid-83k-she-deserved-actually-makes-86k-94951164.html#ixzz0p9EcNciF
Yesterday, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie had a little dust-up with teacher Rita Wilson. Upset over Christie’s education budget, Wilson complained that she wasn’t paid enough and got sharp rebuke from the governor:
But borough teacher Rita Wilson, a Kearny resident, argued that if she were paid $3 an hour for the 30 children in her class, she’d be earning $83,000, and she makes nothing near that.
“You’re getting more than that if you include the cost of your benefits,” Christie interrupted.
When Wilson, who has a master’s degree, said she was not being compensated for her education and experience, Christie said:
“Well, you know then that you don’t have to do it.” Some in the audience applauded.Read more at the Washington Examiner: http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/beltway-confidential/nj-teacher-who-complained-to-gov-chris-christie-that-she-wasnt-paid-83k-she-deserved-actually-makes-86k-94951164.html#ixzz0p9EcNciF
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Ground Zero mosque plan has backers and detractors as community board votes to support plan
Ground Zero mosque plan has backers and detractors as community board votes to support plan - NYPOST.com
"Angry relatives of 9/11 victims last night clashed with supporters of a planned mosque near Ground Zero at a raucous community-board hearing in Manhattan.
After four hours of public debate, members of Community Board 1 finally voted 29-1 in support of the project."
This is an outrage from an ALL DEMOCRAT board!
"Angry relatives of 9/11 victims last night clashed with supporters of a planned mosque near Ground Zero at a raucous community-board hearing in Manhattan.
After four hours of public debate, members of Community Board 1 finally voted 29-1 in support of the project."
This is an outrage from an ALL DEMOCRAT board!
Humming_Puppies
Lucianne.com News Forum - Humming_Puppies
You must click on this short puppy video.....or you will forever be puppy deprived!
You must click on this short puppy video.....or you will forever be puppy deprived!
Rare Michigan law may help waitress win weight discrimination lawsuit against Hooters
Rare Michigan law may help waitress win weight discrimination lawsuit against Hooters
"A former Hooters worker in Roseville stands a chance of winning her weight discrimination lawsuit based on a law written by a retired Grand Rapids legislator -- a law not found in most states.
Cassandra Smith, 20, alleges a Hooters restaurant -- known for its scantily-clad waitresses -- placed her on 30-day 'weight probation' earlier this month."
This state law may well be the reason our chicks are so fat!
"A former Hooters worker in Roseville stands a chance of winning her weight discrimination lawsuit based on a law written by a retired Grand Rapids legislator -- a law not found in most states.
Cassandra Smith, 20, alleges a Hooters restaurant -- known for its scantily-clad waitresses -- placed her on 30-day 'weight probation' earlier this month."
This state law may well be the reason our chicks are so fat!
Gov. Christie: We're Not Raising Taxes
Gov. Christie: We're Not Raising Taxes - wcbstv.com
"Gov. Christie: We're Not Raising Taxes
New Jersey Governor Says He Has Residents Covered Through Fiscal Year 2011 Despite $800 Million Hole
How Did He Do This?
Remember The Budget Freeze?
Looks Like It Worked"
more:
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2010/05/26/the_reform_agenda_changing_course_in_new_jersey_105729.html
"Gov. Christie: We're Not Raising Taxes
New Jersey Governor Says He Has Residents Covered Through Fiscal Year 2011 Despite $800 Million Hole
How Did He Do This?
Remember The Budget Freeze?
Looks Like It Worked"
more:
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2010/05/26/the_reform_agenda_changing_course_in_new_jersey_105729.html
More Cities on Brink of Bankrupty
More Cities on Brink of Bankrupty - CNBC
"The possibility of a bankruptcy filing by the city of Harrisburg, Pa., the state capital, looms large these days—and it could be the first in a series, say some Wall Street traders."
"The possibility of a bankruptcy filing by the city of Harrisburg, Pa., the state capital, looms large these days—and it could be the first in a series, say some Wall Street traders."
Sestak White House scandal called 'impeachable offense'
Sestak White House scandal called 'impeachable offense'
"If a Democratic member of Congress is to be believed, there's someone in the Obama administration who has committed a crime – and if the president knew about it, analysts say it could be grounds for impeachment."
And Mr workaholic is just beginning his 79th vacation since the inauguration.
"If a Democratic member of Congress is to be believed, there's someone in the Obama administration who has committed a crime – and if the president knew about it, analysts say it could be grounds for impeachment."
And Mr workaholic is just beginning his 79th vacation since the inauguration.
Muskegon Township official David Fisher appointed county drain commissioner
Muskegon Township official David Fisher appointed county drain commissioner
"David Fisher was appointed as Muskegon County’s interim drain commissioner Tuesday afternoon and, two hours later, he was being asked a question about a drain project by a county commissioner."
Great choice!
"David Fisher was appointed as Muskegon County’s interim drain commissioner Tuesday afternoon and, two hours later, he was being asked a question about a drain project by a county commissioner."
Great choice!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
David Brandon supports Rich Rodriguez, focuses on U-M's future
David Brandon supports Rich Rodriguez, focuses on U-M's future The Detroit News
"Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon reiterated Tuesday what he made clear in February after the university received a Notice of Allegations from the NCAA alleging five major violations in the football program:
Rich Rodriguez will be the Wolverines' coach this fall."
I'm thinking this public affirmation of support is the traditional kiss of coaching death.....
"Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon reiterated Tuesday what he made clear in February after the university received a Notice of Allegations from the NCAA alleging five major violations in the football program:
Rich Rodriguez will be the Wolverines' coach this fall."
I'm thinking this public affirmation of support is the traditional kiss of coaching death.....
Most of the Navy guys I know would not let themselves be called a liar by a sad sack l…
Instapundit » Blog Archive » BLACKFIVE: Most of the Navy guys I know would not let themselves be called a liar by a sad sack l…
BLACKFIVE:
Most of the Navy guys I know would not let themselves be called a liar by a sad sack like Robert Gibbs if they weren’t, you know, lying.
Froggy would have waterboarded his fat ass quicker than you can say “Charlie Sheen is an awesome actor.”
And Subsunk would have appeared out of a storm drain like some kind of an angry sea wolf ninja, kicked him in the nuts until he fell to the ground holding onto what was left of them, grabbed the hair on the back of his head and shoved his face into the pavement until his nose and teeth were mashed up into some kind of a bloody stew.
But Joe Sestak didn’t do that.
So here’s what I think. I think the fact that Joe Sestak — even after being called a liar by Robert Gibbs — has not come forward and made a statement to the authorities about felony corruption he claims to have witnessed says something about Joe Sestak.
And what it says is this: Joe Sestak is either a coward, a liar, a political sycophant or — and this is where I’d put my money — all three of these things.
Whatever Joe Sestak learned in the Navy, it wasn’t “personal accountability.”
Ouch.
Posted by Glenn Reynolds at 10:47 pm"
BLACKFIVE:
Most of the Navy guys I know would not let themselves be called a liar by a sad sack like Robert Gibbs if they weren’t, you know, lying.
Froggy would have waterboarded his fat ass quicker than you can say “Charlie Sheen is an awesome actor.”
And Subsunk would have appeared out of a storm drain like some kind of an angry sea wolf ninja, kicked him in the nuts until he fell to the ground holding onto what was left of them, grabbed the hair on the back of his head and shoved his face into the pavement until his nose and teeth were mashed up into some kind of a bloody stew.
But Joe Sestak didn’t do that.
So here’s what I think. I think the fact that Joe Sestak — even after being called a liar by Robert Gibbs — has not come forward and made a statement to the authorities about felony corruption he claims to have witnessed says something about Joe Sestak.
And what it says is this: Joe Sestak is either a coward, a liar, a political sycophant or — and this is where I’d put my money — all three of these things.
Whatever Joe Sestak learned in the Navy, it wasn’t “personal accountability.”
Ouch.
Posted by Glenn Reynolds at 10:47 pm"
Moody’s Reiterates U.S. Spending Risks Credit Rating
Moody’s Reiterates U.S. Spending Risks Credit Rating (Update1) - Bloomberg.com
"The U.S. government’s Aaa bond rating will come under pressure in the future unless additional measures are taken to reduce projected record budget deficits, according to Moody’s Investors Service Inc."
"The U.S. government’s Aaa bond rating will come under pressure in the future unless additional measures are taken to reduce projected record budget deficits, according to Moody’s Investors Service Inc."
Muskegon County murderer released under protest in 2007 headed back to prison for third drunken driving conviction
Muskegon County murderer released under protest in 2007 headed back to prison for third drunken driving conviction - MLive.com
"A Muskegon County man who spent 27 years in prison for a brutal 1979 murder is headed back behind bars for up to 20 years on a third-offense drunken driving conviction.
Wayne Lee Stevens, 56, .... blood-alcohol level registered a 0.16, double the state's legal limit for drunken driving.
During the traffic stop, his female passenger fled the car, ran to police and alleged he was being abusive."
"A Muskegon County man who spent 27 years in prison for a brutal 1979 murder is headed back behind bars for up to 20 years on a third-offense drunken driving conviction.
Wayne Lee Stevens, 56, .... blood-alcohol level registered a 0.16, double the state's legal limit for drunken driving.
During the traffic stop, his female passenger fled the car, ran to police and alleged he was being abusive."
Sundstrom city is going broke
Sundstrom city is going broke
WOOD TV8:
"Despite an income tax hike approved by voters in early May and Bob Sullivan's offer to open Richmond Pool with his own money, City Manager Greg Sundstrom said the budget future is very dark."
WOOD TV8:
"Despite an income tax hike approved by voters in early May and Bob Sullivan's offer to open Richmond Pool with his own money, City Manager Greg Sundstrom said the budget future is very dark."
School Employee Concessions in Utica Don't Add Up
School Employee Concessions in Utica Don't Add Up [Mackinac Center]
"The Macomb Daily reported recently that teachers in Utica Community Schools agreed to $6 million in employee concessions.
On the surface, this appears to be a major step towards helping the district balance its budget.
In fact, these concessions won't help all that much.
Employee compensation granted to members of the Utica Education Association consumes about 70 percent of the school district's entire operating budget.
Yet the concession trimming $6 million from that expense only nibbles at the $33 million in overspending the district has created.
Therefore, 82 percent of the budget cuts must come from the remaining 30 percent of the budget.
An apt chart produced by the Port Huron School Board illustrates the problem, which is that teacher compensation gobbles up the lion's share of district spending and comes at the expense of other necessary services.
Just like the rest of the world, school districts have scare resources and must prioritize how to allocate them.
In this case, smaller concessions from the teachers union means larger cuts to other necessities and to programs like art, music and athletics."
"The Macomb Daily reported recently that teachers in Utica Community Schools agreed to $6 million in employee concessions.
On the surface, this appears to be a major step towards helping the district balance its budget.
In fact, these concessions won't help all that much.
Employee compensation granted to members of the Utica Education Association consumes about 70 percent of the school district's entire operating budget.
Yet the concession trimming $6 million from that expense only nibbles at the $33 million in overspending the district has created.
Therefore, 82 percent of the budget cuts must come from the remaining 30 percent of the budget.
An apt chart produced by the Port Huron School Board illustrates the problem, which is that teacher compensation gobbles up the lion's share of district spending and comes at the expense of other necessary services.
Just like the rest of the world, school districts have scare resources and must prioritize how to allocate them.
In this case, smaller concessions from the teachers union means larger cuts to other necessities and to programs like art, music and athletics."
Michigan proposed resolution opposes Arizona immigration law, urges boycott
Michigan proposed resolution opposes Arizona immigration law, urges boycott - FOX 17: "Michigan opponents of anti-immigration legislation are trying to raise the profile of their campaign.
Democratic state Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Detroit says Tuesday she is introducing a resolution urging Arizona to repeal a recently enacted law empowering local police to question anyone they suspect of being in the country illegally. The resolution also urges Michigan organizations not to do business in or with Arizona."
I sure hope that nice lady, and her democrat party, get their chance to publicly vote!
Democratic state Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Detroit says Tuesday she is introducing a resolution urging Arizona to repeal a recently enacted law empowering local police to question anyone they suspect of being in the country illegally. The resolution also urges Michigan organizations not to do business in or with Arizona."
I sure hope that nice lady, and her democrat party, get their chance to publicly vote!
Why is College Tuition Rising 2X Rate of Inflation?
CARPE DIEM: Why is College Tuition Rising 2X Rate of Inflation?
"What an amazing story: full-time tenured and tenure-track faculty outnumbered full-time administrators in 2001 at UM-Flint by 11 positions - 171 faculty vs. 160 administrators.
By 2009, the administrators outnumbered full-time faculty by 109 positions - 278 administrators vs. 169 tenured and tenure-track faculty!"
"What an amazing story: full-time tenured and tenure-track faculty outnumbered full-time administrators in 2001 at UM-Flint by 11 positions - 171 faculty vs. 160 administrators.
By 2009, the administrators outnumbered full-time faculty by 109 positions - 278 administrators vs. 169 tenured and tenure-track faculty!"
Up and away! World's largest airship lifts off for the first time
"Although the airship only has a top speed of 80MPH it can take-off and land vertically.
The craft is also able to hover over an area for up to a week at a time - something neither airplanes or satellites cannot manage."
a comment that is interesting:
Hydrogen does not have twice the lifting power of helium, it has only about 8% more. You have to look at the difference between the density of the gas and the medium that the airship is floating in. If you had a gas with zero density (i.e. a vacuum in a rigid container), it would not have infinite lifting power, just slightly more than helium or hydrogen.
On the other hand, there's something to be said for the notion that we should conserve helium, because in the long run it's going to be hard to come by, because there's no way to produce it chemically and when let loose, it escapes from the atmosphere. It's unique among the elements in this regard.
There could come a day when we'll need a lot of it (for fusion, cryogenics, or whatever), and we'll be wishing we hadn't squandered it.
Airships are not really the big problem, but toy balloons for kids waste a lot.
- J-J Cote, Lunenburg, MA, USA, 22/5/2010 15:55Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1279831/Up-away-Worlds-largest-airship-lifts-time.html?ito=feeds-newsxml#ixzz0oxIEw8Xo
Private pay shrinks to historic lows
Private pay shrinks to historic lows - USATODAY.com
"Paychecks from private business shrank to their smallest share of personal income in U.S. history during the first quarter of this year, a USA TODAY analysis of government data finds...
.....The trend is not sustainable, says University of Michigan economist Donald Grimes.
Reason: The federal government depends on private wages to generate income taxes to pay for its ever-more-expensive programs. Government-generated income is taxed at lower rates or not at all, he says.
"This is really important," Grimes says."
This same trend is happening in just about every city, county and state budget in our country.
The government grows and the private sector shrinks.
"Paychecks from private business shrank to their smallest share of personal income in U.S. history during the first quarter of this year, a USA TODAY analysis of government data finds...
Reason: The federal government depends on private wages to generate income taxes to pay for its ever-more-expensive programs. Government-generated income is taxed at lower rates or not at all, he says.
"This is really important," Grimes says."
This same trend is happening in just about every city, county and state budget in our country.
The government grows and the private sector shrinks.
Europe Debt Crisis - Greece 'Tip of the Iceberg'
Europe Debt Crisis - Greece 'Tip of the Iceberg': Deputy Doom - CNBC
"The debt crisis is a game changer for the market and Europe is now at risk of heading into a double-dip recession, Arnab Das, managing director of market research and strategy at Roubini Global Economics told CNBC Monday."
"The debt crisis is a game changer for the market and Europe is now at risk of heading into a double-dip recession, Arnab Das, managing director of market research and strategy at Roubini Global Economics told CNBC Monday."
New Facts Exposed in Hangar42 Investigation
New Facts Exposed in Hangar42 Investigation [Mackinac Center]
"Knape also confirmed that the current owner of the property is planning to use the subsidy money received by the buyer to pay for renovation work that has already been performed by contractors.
At least some of the contractors have not been paid and have filed six liens against the property, one of them for $228,000."
"Knape also confirmed that the current owner of the property is planning to use the subsidy money received by the buyer to pay for renovation work that has already been performed by contractors.
At least some of the contractors have not been paid and have filed six liens against the property, one of them for $228,000."
Volt of hope: Can electric car recharge General Motors, Michigan and US auto industry? | -
Volt of hope: Can electric car recharge General Motors, Michigan and US auto industry?
Nice car.
But where will the electricity to power it come from?
Nice car.
But where will the electricity to power it come from?
State Taxpayers Eat $350K Loan for East Lansing Property Purchase
State Taxpayers Eat $350K Loan for East Lansing Property Purchase [Mackinac Center]
"The East Lansing Downtown Development Authority bought the building from Brad Ballein.
At the time of the sale, Ballein's father, Howard Ballein, was serving on the DDA, the son said.
Today, Brad Ballein serves on the DDA."
"The East Lansing Downtown Development Authority bought the building from Brad Ballein.
At the time of the sale, Ballein's father, Howard Ballein, was serving on the DDA, the son said.
Today, Brad Ballein serves on the DDA."
Tax tricks: Michigan service tax defended by phantom facts
Tax tricks: Michigan service tax defended by phantom facts - The Oakland Press Opinion
"Indeed, enacting a service tax would make Michigan unusual.
According to the Washington, D.C.-based Tax Foundation, only five other states generally tax services: Hawaii, New Mexico, Mississippi, South Dakota and West Virginia (not all of them state this explicitly in their statutes).
These states make it possible to check whether a service tax would live up to its promises of stability and better reflect the changing economy.
As it stands, states with a service tax have actually experienced a relative decline in sales tax revenue."
"Indeed, enacting a service tax would make Michigan unusual.
According to the Washington, D.C.-based Tax Foundation, only five other states generally tax services: Hawaii, New Mexico, Mississippi, South Dakota and West Virginia (not all of them state this explicitly in their statutes).
These states make it possible to check whether a service tax would live up to its promises of stability and better reflect the changing economy.
As it stands, states with a service tax have actually experienced a relative decline in sales tax revenue."
Many not ready for college, costing Texas $200 million a year- Houston Chronicle
Many not ready for college, costing Texas $200 million a year Houston & Texas News Chron.com - Houston Chronicle
"It has been the dirty little secret of higher education for decades: Tens of thousands of college students can't do the work."
"Higher" education in America is about to be exposed as the scam it is.
"It has been the dirty little secret of higher education for decades: Tens of thousands of college students can't do the work."
"Higher" education in America is about to be exposed as the scam it is.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Rent Control Is a Vanishing New York Treasure
The Appraisal - Rent Control Is a Vanishing New York Treasure - NYTimes.com
"He is John Burke, a 65-year-old paying $288 a month for a studio at 218 East 84th Street"
Treasure for pirates does come at a cost.
"He is John Burke, a 65-year-old paying $288 a month for a studio at 218 East 84th Street"
Treasure for pirates does come at a cost.
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