Former Justice Pulls Back Curtain on Michigan Supreme Court - Law Blog - WSJ
"We sense that we have not heard the last of this dispute."
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
The Cost of the Debt Explosion
"Here is what our future looks like if we don’t cut spending dramatically."
Whitman's maid story was pushed by nurses union
Whitman's maid story was pushed by nurses union
"How did an undocumented, Mexican-born housekeeper, Nicandra Diaz Santillan, end up in the national spotlight, boldly confronting her former boss, billionaire GOP gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman?
The short answer: with the help of a union."
"How did an undocumented, Mexican-born housekeeper, Nicandra Diaz Santillan, end up in the national spotlight, boldly confronting her former boss, billionaire GOP gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman?
The short answer: with the help of a union."
The Rapid posts salaries for Grand Rapids bus drivers, executives
The Rapid posts salaries for Grand Rapids bus drivers, executives MLive.com
"That's a legitimate and understandable question, Rapid officials say.
That's why visitors to their website can now view freshly posted salary range data."
Interesting there is NO pension or health care benefit info posted.
"That's a legitimate and understandable question, Rapid officials say.
That's why visitors to their website can now view freshly posted salary range data."
Interesting there is NO pension or health care benefit info posted.
Joe Paterno plans to coach Penn State Nittany Lions in 2011 - ESPN
Joe Paterno plans to coach Penn State Nittany Lions in 2011 - ESPN
"Joe Paterno says he plans to return as Penn State coach next season, putting an end to any speculation about retirement."
"Joe Paterno says he plans to return as Penn State coach next season, putting an end to any speculation about retirement."
Should public retirement age be hiked past 60?
Should public retirement age be hiked past 60? - OC Watchdog : The Orange County Register
"So the good states of the Union are starting to face up to the fact that they can’t afford to pay the pensions and other benefits they’ve promised to retirees.
Oops.
We told you earlier about how the Pew Center on the States has released a new nationwide review of how states are mobilizing to battle their coming $1 trillion pension tsunami,
And we note that while California has raised the retirement age for most employees from 55 to 60, other states have raised it to 62, and even 67.
Some note that Social Security doesn’t fully kick in until you’re 67.
What do you think? (You might want to ponder the charts below, from a Pew report, before you cast your vote.)"
"So the good states of the Union are starting to face up to the fact that they can’t afford to pay the pensions and other benefits they’ve promised to retirees.
Oops.
We told you earlier about how the Pew Center on the States has released a new nationwide review of how states are mobilizing to battle their coming $1 trillion pension tsunami,
And we note that while California has raised the retirement age for most employees from 55 to 60, other states have raised it to 62, and even 67.
Some note that Social Security doesn’t fully kick in until you’re 67.
What do you think? (You might want to ponder the charts below, from a Pew report, before you cast your vote.)"
Michigan Forbids City of Hamtramck to Seek Bankruptcy; My Advice to Hamtramck: "Default"
Mish's Global Economic Trend Analysis: Michigan Forbids City of Hamtramck to Seek Bankruptcy; My Advice to Hamtramck: "Default"
"That Hamtramck is clearly bankrupt, unable to bay bills, saddled with unions salaries, pension promises that cannot be met, as well as other problems it desperately needs to get rid of without burdening taxpayers even more, is of no concern to the current governor of the state.
Please consider this updated report Michigan Forbids City To Seek Municipal Bankruptcy.
A spokesman for the Michigan state treasury said Thursday that municipal bankruptcy isn't an option for Hamtramck, the small city near Detroit that earlier this month asked the state for permission to file for the process."
Read this!
"That Hamtramck is clearly bankrupt, unable to bay bills, saddled with unions salaries, pension promises that cannot be met, as well as other problems it desperately needs to get rid of without burdening taxpayers even more, is of no concern to the current governor of the state.
Please consider this updated report Michigan Forbids City To Seek Municipal Bankruptcy.
A spokesman for the Michigan state treasury said Thursday that municipal bankruptcy isn't an option for Hamtramck, the small city near Detroit that earlier this month asked the state for permission to file for the process."
Read this!
Detroit Symphony Orchestra Management, Musicians in Talks
Detroit Symphony Orchestra Management, Musicians in Talks - WSJ.com
The DSO's 85 musicians walked off the job in late September after negotiations broke down over a proposed contract calling for the salaries of veteran musicians to be cut by nearly a third while new players would start at 42% below the current base of $104,650.
Pension and health benefits also would be cut.
So us taxpayers are gonna chip in so rich folks can listed to rich folks play music?
The DSO's 85 musicians walked off the job in late September after negotiations broke down over a proposed contract calling for the salaries of veteran musicians to be cut by nearly a third while new players would start at 42% below the current base of $104,650.
Pension and health benefits also would be cut.
So us taxpayers are gonna chip in so rich folks can listed to rich folks play music?
The 'Build America' Debt Bomb
Steven Malanga: The 'Build America' Debt Bomb - WSJ.com
"One sure signal has been the sharp rise in the cost for investors to insure against default.
In June, the price of a contract protecting an investor from a default by Illinois on its bonds rose to a record high of $309,100 on $10 million of debt over five years, according to CMA Datavision.
The national average for states is $190,000 per $10 million in debt.
At that point, Illinois surpassed California as the worst credit risk among U.S. states"
Grab a drink and read it all.
This is scary!
"One sure signal has been the sharp rise in the cost for investors to insure against default.
In June, the price of a contract protecting an investor from a default by Illinois on its bonds rose to a record high of $309,100 on $10 million of debt over five years, according to CMA Datavision.
The national average for states is $190,000 per $10 million in debt.
At that point, Illinois surpassed California as the worst credit risk among U.S. states"
Grab a drink and read it all.
This is scary!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Bristol Palin’s dancing on TV set off man in standoff, complaint says
Bristol Palin’s dancing on TV set off man in standoff, complaint says
"According to the complaint, Cowan and his wife were watching “Dancing with the Stars” when Cowan jumped up and swore as Bristol Palin appeared, saying something about “the (expletive) politics.”
Cowan was upset that a political figure’s daughter was on the show when he didn’t think she was a good dancer, the complaint states.
According to the complaint:
......He was carrying a single-shot shotgun, which he loaded and fired into the television."
PDS (Palin Derangement Syndrome) strikes again!
"According to the complaint, Cowan and his wife were watching “Dancing with the Stars” when Cowan jumped up and swore as Bristol Palin appeared, saying something about “the (expletive) politics.”
Cowan was upset that a political figure’s daughter was on the show when he didn’t think she was a good dancer, the complaint states.
According to the complaint:
......He was carrying a single-shot shotgun, which he loaded and fired into the television."
PDS (Palin Derangement Syndrome) strikes again!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
George Gilder: California's Destructive Green Jobs Lobby
George Gilder: California's Destructive Green Jobs Lobby - WSJ.com
"This was the California referendum to repeal Assembly Bill 32, the so-called Global Warming Solutions Act, which ratchets the state's economy back to 1990 levels of greenhouse gases by 2020.
That's a 30% drop followed by a mandated 80% overall drop by 2050."
"This was the California referendum to repeal Assembly Bill 32, the so-called Global Warming Solutions Act, which ratchets the state's economy back to 1990 levels of greenhouse gases by 2020.
That's a 30% drop followed by a mandated 80% overall drop by 2050."
Holton classrooms to get telephones
Holton classrooms to get telephones MLive.com
"Communication between parents and teachers in Holton will get a lot easier with the installation of telephones in classrooms.
The Holton Public Schools Board of Education recently agreed to spend $64,782 on the new phone system that will include 105 telephone sets.
That’s enough for each classroom, as well as school offices and teacher’s lounges, said Superintendent Ann Cardon."
"Communication between parents and teachers in Holton will get a lot easier with the installation of telephones in classrooms.
The Holton Public Schools Board of Education recently agreed to spend $64,782 on the new phone system that will include 105 telephone sets.
That’s enough for each classroom, as well as school offices and teacher’s lounges, said Superintendent Ann Cardon."
Monday, November 15, 2010
Pop-goes-the-taxpayers-Bridge-Card
Pop-goes-the-taxpayers-Bridge-Card WOOD TV8
Holland said he called the state.
They told him the customer didn't violate any of the rules regarding Bridge Card purchases.
Holland said he called the state.
They told him the customer didn't violate any of the rules regarding Bridge Card purchases.
Teacher Pensions: Funding Shortfall Nears $500 Billion
Teacher Pensions: Funding Shortfall Nears $500 Billion - TIME
"Teacher pensions may not sound like a sexy or even high-profile issue, but keep reading: they're threatening the fiscal health of many states and could cost you — yes, you — thousands of dollars."
"Teacher pensions may not sound like a sexy or even high-profile issue, but keep reading: they're threatening the fiscal health of many states and could cost you — yes, you — thousands of dollars."
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Michigan child-care workers suing to break free of UAW union
Michigan child-care workers suing to break free of UAW union
"In 2006, the UAW and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) were formally approved as partners in a union called Child Care Providers Together Michigan.
Only 15 percent of the providers voted, but 92 percent were in favor."
That's the key deal.
The unions got an arrangement with the US government that only the voters on a given vote mattered in gaining a majority.
So if they kept the vote secret or make it hard to vote, they win.
Nice?
Vote democrat and you'll get more of this crap!
"In 2006, the UAW and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) were formally approved as partners in a union called Child Care Providers Together Michigan.
Only 15 percent of the providers voted, but 92 percent were in favor."
That's the key deal.
The unions got an arrangement with the US government that only the voters on a given vote mattered in gaining a majority.
So if they kept the vote secret or make it hard to vote, they win.
Nice?
Vote democrat and you'll get more of this crap!
Greenspan says deficit could spark bond crisis
Greenspan says deficit could spark bond crisis - Business - Personal finance - Stocks & economy - msnbc.com
"The United States must move to rein in its massive budget deficits or it faces the risk of a bond market crisis, former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan said Sunday"
Well...duh.....
That Greenspan would even have to say this is a clear indication of how bad things really are.
"The United States must move to rein in its massive budget deficits or it faces the risk of a bond market crisis, former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan said Sunday"
Well...duh.....
That Greenspan would even have to say this is a clear indication of how bad things really are.
Why Can't Chuck Get His Business Off the Ground?
click on the "Miami" arrow at the bottom-middle and think "MUSKEGON".
Obama White House Hands Out 111 Obamacare Waivers- Hides It on Website
and look at the waivers:
http://www.hhs.gov/ociio/regulations/approved_applications_for_waiver.html
Mostly unions and other Friends-of-Barry!
Where is the MSM on this patently clear bribery?
Driving for CATA a lucrative job for some
"Driving a public transit bus can be a six-figure gig in Lansing - if you're willing to work overtime.
A driver from the Capital Area Transportation Authority made $140,900 in 2009.
He put in nearly 2,200 hours of overtime, which averages about 42 extra hours a week.He was one of 25 drivers who earned more than $80,000 last year.
The top hourly pay, before overtime, for bus drivers last year was $22.11, which equates to about $46,000 a year for a full-time driver."
Not including overtime and benefits!
Ralph Kramden would freak out!
One of America's 'Most Governed' States
One of America's 'Most Governed' States [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
"Federal employees are higher paid on average in Michigan, earning $61,647 according to BLS 2009 data. State employees earned $55,032 and local government workers earned $43,546.
Michigan Capitol Confidential has done several stories involving salaries of state and local government workers.
The salary history of a Michigan public school teacher: wwww.MichCapCon.com/12874
The six figure cops of Sterling Heights: www.MichCapCon.com/13333
Thirty-one MEDC salaries top $100,000: www.MichCapCon.com/13302
The 600-student district with the $300,000 superintendent: www.MichCapCon.com/13604"
"Federal employees are higher paid on average in Michigan, earning $61,647 according to BLS 2009 data. State employees earned $55,032 and local government workers earned $43,546.
Michigan Capitol Confidential has done several stories involving salaries of state and local government workers.
The salary history of a Michigan public school teacher: wwww.MichCapCon.com/12874
The six figure cops of Sterling Heights: www.MichCapCon.com/13333
Thirty-one MEDC salaries top $100,000: www.MichCapCon.com/13302
The 600-student district with the $300,000 superintendent: www.MichCapCon.com/13604"
American Thinker: Clarice's Pieces: Restoring American Stature Abroad
American Thinker: Clarice's Pieces: Restoring American Stature Abroad
"No one's paying attention to details
Sometimes, pictures do convey things better than words.
This picture of this first lady in Indonesia with the president and Indonesia's prime minister tells us a great deal if we study it carefully.
Yes, Michelle Obama looks tacky and ill dressed.
So badly decked out -- that a rear shot of the threesome makes it look as if she hastily threw this pantsuit over a sleeveless dress she'd worn elsewhere during the day -- as she might have had this mosque visit been an afterthought or the protocol about appropriate garb been ignored.
Yes, she looks angry and uncomfortable, but there's more.
Keep looking and you'll see a White House in utter disarray and a President who has allowed his wife to be publicly discomfited and humiliated.
As is customary when visiting a mosque, the Indonesian leader, Barack, and Michelle are shoeless.
As an insult to her, the carpet spread over the hot, sharp bricks they are walking on is wide enough for only two people.
It would be rude for Michelle to walk ahead of the two men; it would diminish her to have her walk behind them; doubtless it would be a diplomatic gaffe if the Obamas walked together behind or in front of their host.
So, we have a picture of the first lady, poorly garbed, hobbling barefooted over hot, sharp bricks while her husband and the host smile and chat in comfort on the carpet.
Any reasonably adept advance team would have prevented this by making sure the first lady received the respectful treatment of a place on the carpet or an invitation to another event.
After the fact one wonders, assuming this was an unanticipated breach of etiquette, why the White House allowed these pictures to be taken and released."
This disastrous visit is simply the latest sign of our "emperor's" disappearing clothes.
Read it all.
"No one's paying attention to details
Sometimes, pictures do convey things better than words.
This picture of this first lady in Indonesia with the president and Indonesia's prime minister tells us a great deal if we study it carefully.
Yes, Michelle Obama looks tacky and ill dressed.
So badly decked out -- that a rear shot of the threesome makes it look as if she hastily threw this pantsuit over a sleeveless dress she'd worn elsewhere during the day -- as she might have had this mosque visit been an afterthought or the protocol about appropriate garb been ignored.
Yes, she looks angry and uncomfortable, but there's more.
Keep looking and you'll see a White House in utter disarray and a President who has allowed his wife to be publicly discomfited and humiliated.
As is customary when visiting a mosque, the Indonesian leader, Barack, and Michelle are shoeless.
As an insult to her, the carpet spread over the hot, sharp bricks they are walking on is wide enough for only two people.
It would be rude for Michelle to walk ahead of the two men; it would diminish her to have her walk behind them; doubtless it would be a diplomatic gaffe if the Obamas walked together behind or in front of their host.
So, we have a picture of the first lady, poorly garbed, hobbling barefooted over hot, sharp bricks while her husband and the host smile and chat in comfort on the carpet.
Any reasonably adept advance team would have prevented this by making sure the first lady received the respectful treatment of a place on the carpet or an invitation to another event.
After the fact one wonders, assuming this was an unanticipated breach of etiquette, why the White House allowed these pictures to be taken and released."
This disastrous visit is simply the latest sign of our "emperor's" disappearing clothes.
Read it all.
Latino kids now majority in state's public schools
Latino kids now majority in state's public schools
"In comparison, 27 percent of California's 6.2 million students identified themselves as white"
"In comparison, 27 percent of California's 6.2 million students identified themselves as white"
Taxpayers Provide More Than 25 Percent of NPR's Funding, Analyst Says
FoxNews.com - Taxpayers Provide More Than 25 Percent of NPR's Funding, Analyst Says
"the network insists it gets no more than 3 percent of its total budget from taxpayers.
But one analyst has argued that NPR's $166 million budget is actually made up of more than 25 percent of taxpayer dollars and that its member stations across the country haul in another 40 percent of public funds."
"the network insists it gets no more than 3 percent of its total budget from taxpayers.
But one analyst has argued that NPR's $166 million budget is actually made up of more than 25 percent of taxpayer dollars and that its member stations across the country haul in another 40 percent of public funds."
Saturday, November 13, 2010
One and done: To be a great president, Obama should not seek reelection in 2012
Opinion One and done: To be a great president, Obama should not seek reelection in 2012
"To that end, we believe Obama should announce immediately that he will not be a candidate for reelection in 2012."
"To that end, we believe Obama should announce immediately that he will not be a candidate for reelection in 2012."
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