Center sues Kent County school districts for union agreements wzzm13.com Grand Rapids, MI
"The Mackinac Center Legal Foundation announced a lawsuit today charging that nine Kent County school districts, the Kent Intermediate School District, and the Kent County Education Association, could save millions of dollars if they didn't have anti-privatization language in their collective bargaining agreements."
Friday, December 17, 2010
Michigan senate, term limits part of early ballot efforts
Michigan senate, term limits part of early ballot efforts lansingstatejournal.com Lansing State Journal
"A retired state of Michigan employee is starting a longshot bid to eliminate the state Senate, end term limits for legislators and ban collective bargaining for state workers."
"A retired state of Michigan employee is starting a longshot bid to eliminate the state Senate, end term limits for legislators and ban collective bargaining for state workers."
Niagara Falls ran dry: Photos show moment iconic waterfall came to standstilll
Niagara Falls ran dry: Photos show moment iconic waterfall came to standstilll Mail Online
"The stark images reveal North America's iconic - and most powerful - waterfall to be almost as dry as a desert."
"The stark images reveal North America's iconic - and most powerful - waterfall to be almost as dry as a desert."
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Working Database of All Earmarks Included in the Omnibus Spending Bill
Working Database of All Earmarks Included in the Omnibus Spending Bill - Right Now - Tom Coburn, M.D., United States Senator from Oklahoma
"The end-of-the-year Omnibus Appropriations bill includes approximately $8.3 billion and 6,714 earmarks.
Click here for a working database of all the earmarks included in the Omnibus Appropriations bill.
It's important to note that the database only refers to disclosed earmarks, not the billions in undisclosed earmarks."
"The end-of-the-year Omnibus Appropriations bill includes approximately $8.3 billion and 6,714 earmarks.
Click here for a working database of all the earmarks included in the Omnibus Appropriations bill.
It's important to note that the database only refers to disclosed earmarks, not the billions in undisclosed earmarks."
Redistribution on steroids
seMissourian.com: Column: Mike Jensen: Redistribution on steroids
"In the midst of a colossal global concern for the economic stability of our great nation, Emanuel Cleaver, Missouri's 5th Congressional District representative, has one small earmark on his wish list that deserves some attention.
Cleaver has listed a new earmark -- one of several -- and he promises to 'fight for every one.'
But this is a whopping $48 billion package that must go down as the grandaddy of all earmarks.
Proposed by a gentleman named Lamar Mickens, president of the not-for-profit Quality Day Campus, the $48 billion earmark would funnel money into the inner cities to give money to the poor and thereby produce a much larger consumer class to buy the goods and services produced in this country.
Just call this redistribution on steroids.
Cleaver's office says this of the proposal:
'The Epicenter is a proposed estimated $48 billion (Phase One) mass scale urban reclamation project for combating, reducing, reversing and/or eliminating poverty within under served communities by utilizing mass scale economic redevelopment to bring about stability and self reliance."
This writer neglected to cite the congressman's political affiliation.
Anyone want to hazard a guess?
"In the midst of a colossal global concern for the economic stability of our great nation, Emanuel Cleaver, Missouri's 5th Congressional District representative, has one small earmark on his wish list that deserves some attention.
Cleaver has listed a new earmark -- one of several -- and he promises to 'fight for every one.'
But this is a whopping $48 billion package that must go down as the grandaddy of all earmarks.
Proposed by a gentleman named Lamar Mickens, president of the not-for-profit Quality Day Campus, the $48 billion earmark would funnel money into the inner cities to give money to the poor and thereby produce a much larger consumer class to buy the goods and services produced in this country.
Just call this redistribution on steroids.
Cleaver's office says this of the proposal:
'The Epicenter is a proposed estimated $48 billion (Phase One) mass scale urban reclamation project for combating, reducing, reversing and/or eliminating poverty within under served communities by utilizing mass scale economic redevelopment to bring about stability and self reliance."
This writer neglected to cite the congressman's political affiliation.
Anyone want to hazard a guess?
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Secret government votes?!!!!!!!
WM10/12 - 217 It was moved by Mahoney, supported by Engle, to authorize Charles Buzzell, County Commissioner, to purchase up to five (5) years of MERS generic service credit at a cost provided by the MERS Plan Document and in keeping with the County policy regarding purchase of generic service credit with 100 percent of the total actuarial cost being paid by the employee.
Motion carried.
Two BIG issues here but the biggest is our county clerk is hiding the votes from the official minutes of the meetings.
"Motion carried" tells us little people NOTHING about how our representitaves voted on the issue!
Secret government or gangster government?
Or BOTH!
Motion carried.
Two BIG issues here but the biggest is our county clerk is hiding the votes from the official minutes of the meetings.
"Motion carried" tells us little people NOTHING about how our representitaves voted on the issue!
Secret government or gangster government?
Or BOTH!
Santelli: Clarity from Fed? No. Inflation? Yes.
Santelli: Clarity from Fed? No. Inflation? Yes. - CNBC
"How can a program that was designed to drive rates lower be deemed a success if rates are now sharply higher?
Why is there so little clarity from an entity that is now among the largest holders of Treasury securities?
My conclusion is that the goal of Chairman Bernanke and the Federal Open Market Committee was to monetize the growing U.S. debt and generate future inflation.
On the last score….generating inflation….I think time will prove the Fed highly successful."
"How can a program that was designed to drive rates lower be deemed a success if rates are now sharply higher?
Why is there so little clarity from an entity that is now among the largest holders of Treasury securities?
My conclusion is that the goal of Chairman Bernanke and the Federal Open Market Committee was to monetize the growing U.S. debt and generate future inflation.
On the last score….generating inflation….I think time will prove the Fed highly successful."
Education payouts lack payoff
BILLINGSLEY: Education payouts lack payoff - Washington Times
"Canada has no federal education ministry or department and no federal Cabinet official for K-12 education.
At the federal level, Canada spends virtually nothing on K-12 education and on a per-student basis, spends about 20 percent less than the United States. Yet Canada is outperforming the United States."
"Canada has no federal education ministry or department and no federal Cabinet official for K-12 education.
At the federal level, Canada spends virtually nothing on K-12 education and on a per-student basis, spends about 20 percent less than the United States. Yet Canada is outperforming the United States."
The Worst of 2010
by Tracy K. Lorenz (sort of)
The end of the year is closing in which means we’ll soon be inundated with “Best Of” lists so, as usual, I’m putting out my annual “Worst Of” list.
But this time I thought I’d share the fun so I resurrected the old “Helper Group” to let them vent a little.
"MarySSI:
Wikileaks Security Issue – IF OUR GOVERNMENT REALLY WANTS TO KEEP OUR NATION’S TOP SECRETS CLASSIFIED, THEY SHOULD BE KEPT IN THE SAME PLACE THAT OBAMA’S COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS AND BIRTH CERTIFICATE ARE KEPT."
The end of the year is closing in which means we’ll soon be inundated with “Best Of” lists so, as usual, I’m putting out my annual “Worst Of” list.
But this time I thought I’d share the fun so I resurrected the old “Helper Group” to let them vent a little.
"MarySSI:
Wikileaks Security Issue – IF OUR GOVERNMENT REALLY WANTS TO KEEP OUR NATION’S TOP SECRETS CLASSIFIED, THEY SHOULD BE KEPT IN THE SAME PLACE THAT OBAMA’S COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS AND BIRTH CERTIFICATE ARE KEPT."
Congress' Job Approval Rating Worst in Gallup History
Congress' Job Approval Rating Worst in Gallup History
"Americans' assessment of Congress has hit a new low, with 13% saying they approve of the way Congress is handling its job.
The 83% disapproval rating is also the worst Gallup has measured in more than 30 years of tracking congressional job performance."
"Americans' assessment of Congress has hit a new low, with 13% saying they approve of the way Congress is handling its job.
The 83% disapproval rating is also the worst Gallup has measured in more than 30 years of tracking congressional job performance."
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Santelli: Clarity from Fed? No. Inflation? Yes.
Santelli: Clarity from Fed? No. Inflation? Yes. - CNBC
"Yet, since the last meeting 10-year rates are up close to 100 basis points!
I am not sure what amazes me more — the fact that the Fed didn’t even MENTION the rate rise in today’s statement, or that many believe the various purchase plans have been “successful.”
How can a program that was designed to drive rates lower be deemed a success if rates are now sharply higher?"
"Yet, since the last meeting 10-year rates are up close to 100 basis points!
I am not sure what amazes me more — the fact that the Fed didn’t even MENTION the rate rise in today’s statement, or that many believe the various purchase plans have been “successful.”
How can a program that was designed to drive rates lower be deemed a success if rates are now sharply higher?"
Canadians With More Debt Than U.S. Spark Policy Makers' Warning
Canadians With More Debt Than U.S. Spark Policy Makers' Warning - Bloomberg
"Canada’s top economic officials yesterday urged households to be wary of taking on too much debt after data showed the indebtedness of Canadians surpassed U.S. levels for the first time in 12 years."
"Canada’s top economic officials yesterday urged households to be wary of taking on too much debt after data showed the indebtedness of Canadians surpassed U.S. levels for the first time in 12 years."
CNN to Host GOP Primary Debate Next June
CNN to Host GOP Primary Debate Next June - TVNewser
"CNN Worldwide, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner Company, is the most trusted source for news and information."
Oh, these folks are funny.....
"CNN Worldwide, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner Company, is the most trusted source for news and information."
Oh, these folks are funny.....
Monday, December 13, 2010
Man killed by Long Beach police was holding water nozzle, not gun
Man killed by Long Beach police was holding water nozzle, not gun L.A. NOW Los Angeles Times
"He was shot in the torso with a shotgun and handgun, then handcuffed, Zapalski said.
He died at the scene."
"He was shot in the torso with a shotgun and handgun, then handcuffed, Zapalski said.
He died at the scene."
How the press missed SB 400 in 1999
On the Media: How the press missed SB 400 in 1999 - latimes.com
"The bill won approval on the final day of the state legislative session in the fall of 1999.
But searching this week for contemporaneous coverage of the law, I found little to nothing.
Reporters straining to keep up with 11th-hour deal-making that Friday in September gave plenty of attention to an agreement that would allow an expansion of Indian gambling operations around California.
A lot of attention also went to a couple of bills that cracked down on illegal sweatshops.
Another piece of legislation, providing gay students a legal shield against abuse, also made front-page news.
But SB 400 got only a handful of mentions — and terse ones at that — across dozens of papers and other outlets, including the Los Angeles Times. When Gov. Gray Davis signed the bill, it hugely expanded pension benefits for state workers.
It set a benchmark that would be followed by dozens of counties and cities."
"The bill won approval on the final day of the state legislative session in the fall of 1999.
But searching this week for contemporaneous coverage of the law, I found little to nothing.
Reporters straining to keep up with 11th-hour deal-making that Friday in September gave plenty of attention to an agreement that would allow an expansion of Indian gambling operations around California.
A lot of attention also went to a couple of bills that cracked down on illegal sweatshops.
Another piece of legislation, providing gay students a legal shield against abuse, also made front-page news.
But SB 400 got only a handful of mentions — and terse ones at that — across dozens of papers and other outlets, including the Los Angeles Times. When Gov. Gray Davis signed the bill, it hugely expanded pension benefits for state workers.
It set a benchmark that would be followed by dozens of counties and cities."
Sasha Obama looks miserable on Christmas night out
Sasha Obama looks miserable on Christmas night out Mail Online
"When they arrived in Washington from Chicago almost two years ago, Barack and Michelle Obama publicly proclaimed that the girls were off-limits to the news media, saying they wanted to keep their daughters' lives as normal as possible"
"When they arrived in Washington from Chicago almost two years ago, Barack and Michelle Obama publicly proclaimed that the girls were off-limits to the news media, saying they wanted to keep their daughters' lives as normal as possible"
German man castrates teenage daughter's 57-year-old boyfriend
German man castrates teenage daughter's 57-year-old boyfriend - Telegraph
"He told police: 'I received a phone call anonymously that my daughter was involved with a guy 40 years older than her.
You said you couldn't stop him – so I did.
'I saw it as my duty as a father.'"
"He told police: 'I received a phone call anonymously that my daughter was involved with a guy 40 years older than her.
You said you couldn't stop him – so I did.
'I saw it as my duty as a father.'"
Top RNC official hasn't voted in GOP primary for years
Top RNC official hasn't voted in GOP primary for years - Washington Times
"But longtime Washington lobbyist Angela Sailor, 42, and her political consultant husband, Elroy, 41, did vote in the 2008 Virginia Democratic presidential primary, according to Prince William County election records.
The move generated more questions when it was learned that Mr. Steele had the RNC set her salary at $180,000 a year, making her the highest-paid staff person.
Her annual salary, not including benefits, is $40,000 more than the elected co-chairman of the RNC receives."
"But longtime Washington lobbyist Angela Sailor, 42, and her political consultant husband, Elroy, 41, did vote in the 2008 Virginia Democratic presidential primary, according to Prince William County election records.
The move generated more questions when it was learned that Mr. Steele had the RNC set her salary at $180,000 a year, making her the highest-paid staff person.
Her annual salary, not including benefits, is $40,000 more than the elected co-chairman of the RNC receives."
NY Schools’ ‘Human Rights’ Curriculum Features Van Jones
» NY Schools’ ‘Human Rights’ Curriculum Features Van Jones - Big Government
"The web event originated from a classroom at Chestnut Ridge Middle School, a school with a student population that recently scored below-average on statewide tests, according to the New York Times.
It is extremely difficult to see how lessons focusing on corporate “greed,” landmine awareness, Chinese labor camps and abolishing the death penalty will do anything to raise student test scores in math, reading and science.
According to a NYSUT blog, the curriculum “introduces general human rights issues” and “urges students to become personally involved in the protection of human rights.”"
"The web event originated from a classroom at Chestnut Ridge Middle School, a school with a student population that recently scored below-average on statewide tests, according to the New York Times.
It is extremely difficult to see how lessons focusing on corporate “greed,” landmine awareness, Chinese labor camps and abolishing the death penalty will do anything to raise student test scores in math, reading and science.
According to a NYSUT blog, the curriculum “introduces general human rights issues” and “urges students to become personally involved in the protection of human rights.”"
US sues school over denial of Muslim pilgrimage
US sues school over denial of Muslim pilgrimage - Yahoo! News
"The federal government sued a suburban Chicago school district Monday for denying a Muslim middle school teacher unpaid leave to make a pilgrimage to Mecca that is a central part of her religion.
In a civil rights case, the department said the school district in Berkeley, Ill., denied the request of Safoorah Khan on grounds that her requested leave was unrelated to her professional duties and was not set forth in the contract between the school district and the teachers union.
In doing so the school district violated the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by failing to reasonably accommodate her religious practices, the government said."
"The federal government sued a suburban Chicago school district Monday for denying a Muslim middle school teacher unpaid leave to make a pilgrimage to Mecca that is a central part of her religion.
In a civil rights case, the department said the school district in Berkeley, Ill., denied the request of Safoorah Khan on grounds that her requested leave was unrelated to her professional duties and was not set forth in the contract between the school district and the teachers union.
In doing so the school district violated the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by failing to reasonably accommodate her religious practices, the government said."
FLASHBACK: When Asked Where the Constitution Authorizes Congress to Order Americans To Buy Health Insurance, Pelosi Says: 'Are You Serious?'
FLASHBACK: When Asked Where the Constitution Authorizes Congress to Order Americans To Buy Health Insurance, Pelosi Says: 'Are You Serious?' CNSnews.com
"When CNSNews.com asked House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on Thursday where the Constitution authorized Congress to order Americans to buy health insurance--a mandate included in both the House and Senate versions of the health care bill--Pelosi dismissed the question by saying: “Are you serious? Are you serious?”"
"When CNSNews.com asked House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on Thursday where the Constitution authorized Congress to order Americans to buy health insurance--a mandate included in both the House and Senate versions of the health care bill--Pelosi dismissed the question by saying: “Are you serious? Are you serious?”"
Thoughts on division names, logo, trophies
Thoughts on division names, logo, trophies - College Football Nation Blog - ESPN
"After months of taking suggestions and brainstorming possibilities, the Big Ten ended up with Legends and Leaders.
Here's the breakdown:
Legends Division: Michigan, Michigan State, Iowa, Minnesota, Northwestern and Nebraska
Leaders Division: Ohio State, Penn State, Wisconsin, Illinois, Purdue and Indiana"
"After months of taking suggestions and brainstorming possibilities, the Big Ten ended up with Legends and Leaders.
Here's the breakdown:
Legends Division: Michigan, Michigan State, Iowa, Minnesota, Northwestern and Nebraska
Leaders Division: Ohio State, Penn State, Wisconsin, Illinois, Purdue and Indiana"
Gus Malzahn staying at Auburn
Gus Malzahn staying at Auburn - College Football Nation Blog - ESPN
"which means we'll probably see another assistant coach in the SEC approach the $1 million mark in salary and possibly even go over $1 million."
Wow!
"which means we'll probably see another assistant coach in the SEC approach the $1 million mark in salary and possibly even go over $1 million."
Wow!
Talk radio format coming to 106.9 FM
Talk radio format coming to 106.9 FM MLive.com
"Muskegon will get a new talk radio station as the result of a frequency shake-up that moved a popular country station.
WOOD-AM, a Grand Rapids news and talk radio station now at 1300 AM, also will be broadcast at 106.9 FM beginning early next year. The station that formerly occupied that frequency — WMUS “The Moose,” a Muskegon country station — will move up the dial to 107.9.
Star 108, currently at 107.9, will be canceled, though listeners can hear similar adult contemporary programming at 105.7 FM."
"Muskegon will get a new talk radio station as the result of a frequency shake-up that moved a popular country station.
WOOD-AM, a Grand Rapids news and talk radio station now at 1300 AM, also will be broadcast at 106.9 FM beginning early next year. The station that formerly occupied that frequency — WMUS “The Moose,” a Muskegon country station — will move up the dial to 107.9.
Star 108, currently at 107.9, will be canceled, though listeners can hear similar adult contemporary programming at 105.7 FM."
Government Unions vs. Taxpayers
Tim Pawlenty: Government Unions vs. Taxpayers - WSJ.com
"Since January 2008 the private sector has lost nearly eight million jobs while local, state and federal governments added 590,000"
"Since January 2008 the private sector has lost nearly eight million jobs while local, state and federal governments added 590,000"
The Daily Outrage: More on why our economy is going extinct
The Daily Outrage: More on why our economy is going extinct Washington Examiner
WHO: The National Science Foundation
WHAT: Gave a $141,002 federal stimulus grant to Montana State University to fund a six-week, student trip to Hangzhou, China, to study dinosaur eggs and other fossils.
WHY IT'S AN OUTRAGE: The students found ample time to experience Chinese culture and explore on taxpayers' money, but the dinosaur eggs did not hatch any new jobs.
WHERE TO VENT: Call the NSF inspector general at 800-428-2189."
WHO: The National Science Foundation
WHAT: Gave a $141,002 federal stimulus grant to Montana State University to fund a six-week, student trip to Hangzhou, China, to study dinosaur eggs and other fossils.
WHY IT'S AN OUTRAGE: The students found ample time to experience Chinese culture and explore on taxpayers' money, but the dinosaur eggs did not hatch any new jobs.
WHERE TO VENT: Call the NSF inspector general at 800-428-2189."
Sunday, December 12, 2010
The Presidential Succession Begins.
DON SURBER: The Presidential Succession Begins.
DON SURBER: The Presidential Succession Begins. “The truth is Clinton took over the presidency on Friday when Obama just walked away. Leadership is about symbols. Mommy — Michelle Obama — called and Obama had to go home. He let Clinton take over and clean up the mess. . . . Being president sucks right now. It will get worse. His programs are a failure. His party does not like him. So he sent Biden to talk to the party and Clinton to talk to the press. At this point, it is merely symbolic of a resignation. A bad weekend. But it certainly is not something I have seen before in presidential politics.”
They’re taking bets on Obama’s departure. But he’s got an ace in the hole — he only has to run against the Republicans. . . .
DON SURBER: The Presidential Succession Begins. “The truth is Clinton took over the presidency on Friday when Obama just walked away. Leadership is about symbols. Mommy — Michelle Obama — called and Obama had to go home. He let Clinton take over and clean up the mess. . . . Being president sucks right now. It will get worse. His programs are a failure. His party does not like him. So he sent Biden to talk to the party and Clinton to talk to the press. At this point, it is merely symbolic of a resignation. A bad weekend. But it certainly is not something I have seen before in presidential politics.”
They’re taking bets on Obama’s departure. But he’s got an ace in the hole — he only has to run against the Republicans. . . .
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