The damage has already begun - NYPOST.com
"Repeal of ObamaCare can't come soon enough -- as several damaging provisions are set to take effect this year.
For starters, it has effectively stopped the construction of physician-owned hospitals throughout the country.
Section 6001 of the health-care law required physician-owned hospitals to obtain their Medicare certification by the end of last year. Without it, they can't treat Medicare patients.
And the facilities needed to be open to get that certification.
So construction halted at 45 hospitals as the New Year arrived. Work on countless others will never start, having been effectively banned by ObamaCare. This will limit competition in the health-care marketplace, driving up costs for patients."
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Hawaii governor can't find Obama birth certificate
Hawaii governor can't find Obama birth certificate
"Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie suggested in an interview published today that a long-form, hospital-generated birth certificate for Barack Obama may not exist within the vital records maintained by the Hawaii Department of Health."
"Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie suggested in an interview published today that a long-form, hospital-generated birth certificate for Barack Obama may not exist within the vital records maintained by the Hawaii Department of Health."
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Disaster! Rick Snyder, Public-Sector Benefits
Rick Snyder, Public-Sector Benefits [Mackinac Center]
"Early indications are that our new governor is acting boldly and wisely in his attempt to right size Michigan’s fiscal ship.
That’s good news, and he should be applauded, in part due to the fact that he will need the moral support.
Why?
The budget is in worse shape than even he and members of the media have probably fathomed.
I’m not the first budget analyst to notice this, but I may be the first to say it out loud.
With the year’s first state revenue estimating conference scheduled for Jan. 14, it is time to flesh out a few important issues.
First, it could be argued that the widely reported and official state deficit estimate for the fiscal 2012 General Fund/General Purpose budget is understated by at least $200 million."
"Early indications are that our new governor is acting boldly and wisely in his attempt to right size Michigan’s fiscal ship.
That’s good news, and he should be applauded, in part due to the fact that he will need the moral support.
Why?
The budget is in worse shape than even he and members of the media have probably fathomed.
I’m not the first budget analyst to notice this, but I may be the first to say it out loud.
With the year’s first state revenue estimating conference scheduled for Jan. 14, it is time to flesh out a few important issues.
First, it could be argued that the widely reported and official state deficit estimate for the fiscal 2012 General Fund/General Purpose budget is understated by at least $200 million."
Academically Adrift: Limited Learning on College Campuses
Amazon.com: Academically Adrift: Limited Learning on College Campuses
"In spite of soaring tuition costs, more and more students go to college every year.
A bachelor’s degree is now required for entry into a growing number of professions.
And some parents begin planning for the expense of sending their kids to college when they’re born.
Almost everyone strives to go, but almost no one asks the fundamental question posed by Academically Adrift: are undergraduates really learning anything once they get there?
For a large proportion of students, Richard Arum and Josipa Roksa’s answer to that question is a definitive no.
Their extensive research draws on survey responses, transcript data, and, for the first time, the state-of-the-art Collegiate Learning Assessment, a standardized test administered to students in their first semester and then again at the end of their second year.
According to their analysis of more than 2,300 undergraduates at twenty-four institutions, 45 percent of these students demonstrate no significant improvement in a range of skills—including critical thinking, complex reasoning, and writing—during their first two years of college."
"In spite of soaring tuition costs, more and more students go to college every year.
A bachelor’s degree is now required for entry into a growing number of professions.
And some parents begin planning for the expense of sending their kids to college when they’re born.
Almost everyone strives to go, but almost no one asks the fundamental question posed by Academically Adrift: are undergraduates really learning anything once they get there?
For a large proportion of students, Richard Arum and Josipa Roksa’s answer to that question is a definitive no.
Their extensive research draws on survey responses, transcript data, and, for the first time, the state-of-the-art Collegiate Learning Assessment, a standardized test administered to students in their first semester and then again at the end of their second year.
According to their analysis of more than 2,300 undergraduates at twenty-four institutions, 45 percent of these students demonstrate no significant improvement in a range of skills—including critical thinking, complex reasoning, and writing—during their first two years of college."
States Warned of $2 Trillion Pensions Shortfall
States Warned of $2 Trillion Pensions Shortfall - CNBC
"The severe US economic recession has cast a spotlight on years of fiscal mismanagement, including chronic underfunding of retirement promises.
“States face cost pressure, most prominently from retirement benefits and Medicaid [the health programme for the poor],” Orin Kramer told the Financial Times.
“One consequence is that asset sales and privatisation will pick up.
The very unfortunate consequence is that various safety nets for the most vulnerable citizens will be cut back.”"
Those who voted to spend us into local bankruptcy will be correctly blamed.
Those who trusted our local leaders to protect them will be betrayed.
"The severe US economic recession has cast a spotlight on years of fiscal mismanagement, including chronic underfunding of retirement promises.
“States face cost pressure, most prominently from retirement benefits and Medicaid [the health programme for the poor],” Orin Kramer told the Financial Times.
“One consequence is that asset sales and privatisation will pick up.
The very unfortunate consequence is that various safety nets for the most vulnerable citizens will be cut back.”"
Those who voted to spend us into local bankruptcy will be correctly blamed.
Those who trusted our local leaders to protect them will be betrayed.
The College Kids Aren't All Right, They're Depressed
The College Kids Aren't All Right, They're Depressed - ParentDish
"another recent study, conducted at Northwestern University, finds one out of every four or five students who visits a university health center for a routine cold or sore throat turns out to have undiagnosed depression"
Well duh.
Graduating with a worthless degree, no job prospects and owing tens of thousands of dollars.
Who wouldn't be depressed?
Government employees, university employees...and those nifty college counselors.
Oh yeah!
"another recent study, conducted at Northwestern University, finds one out of every four or five students who visits a university health center for a routine cold or sore throat turns out to have undiagnosed depression"
Well duh.
Graduating with a worthless degree, no job prospects and owing tens of thousands of dollars.
Who wouldn't be depressed?
Government employees, university employees...and those nifty college counselors.
Oh yeah!
Woman from Fruitport allegedly used a fish to attack two men ice fishing in Norton Shores
Woman from Fruitport allegedly used a fish to attack two men ice fishing in Norton Shores MLive.com
"Gale said officers were called to the lake by one of the men who claimed they were assaulted by “a female wielding a fish.”"
"Gale said officers were called to the lake by one of the men who claimed they were assaulted by “a female wielding a fish.”"
Sunday, January 16, 2011
This Is No Reason For Reform
This Is No Reason For Reform - Investors.com
"Over and over we were told Washington had to take over health care because so many Americans lack insurance due to pre-existing medical conditions.
So how many fall into this category?
Try 8,000.
You read that right: In this nation of nearly 311 million, the Democrats overhauled the world's best health care system to benefit 8,000 people."
"Over and over we were told Washington had to take over health care because so many Americans lack insurance due to pre-existing medical conditions.
So how many fall into this category?
Try 8,000.
You read that right: In this nation of nearly 311 million, the Democrats overhauled the world's best health care system to benefit 8,000 people."
Friday, January 14, 2011
Qanta A. Ahmed: Fulfilling Our Duty as Muslim-Americans
Qanta A. Ahmed: Fulfilling Our Duty as Muslim-Americans - WSJ.com
"According to Islamic law, Muslims are obligated to three entities: the self, God and society.
This last has been overlooked too often by Muslims and their adopted societies."
"According to Islamic law, Muslims are obligated to three entities: the self, God and society.
This last has been overlooked too often by Muslims and their adopted societies."
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Balance from a bracelet? All in your head
Balance from a bracelet? All in your head The Australian
"SHAQUILLE O'Neal swears by them.
The Power Balance bracelet, he says, gives him a competitive edge on the court.
It's no gimmick, he says.
It's for real.
It may be for him, but Australian authorities say the California-based company behind the wildly popular wristbands and pendants has no business claiming that they improve balance, strength and flexibility.
And they even got Power Balance to admit it.
The company wrote: 'We admit that there is no credible scientific evidence that supports our claims.'
It also agreed to give refunds to customers who believe they were cheated."
"SHAQUILLE O'Neal swears by them.
The Power Balance bracelet, he says, gives him a competitive edge on the court.
It's no gimmick, he says.
It's for real.
It may be for him, but Australian authorities say the California-based company behind the wildly popular wristbands and pendants has no business claiming that they improve balance, strength and flexibility.
And they even got Power Balance to admit it.
The company wrote: 'We admit that there is no credible scientific evidence that supports our claims.'
It also agreed to give refunds to customers who believe they were cheated."
YWCA drops the word Christian from its historic name to call itself Platform 51
YWCA drops the word Christian from its historic name to call itself Platform 51 Mail Online
"One of the country’s best-known charities has changed its name, losing the clearest link to its Christian roots.
The Young Women’s Christian Association has dropped its historic title after 156 years because ‘it no longer stands for who we are’.
Instead the organisation – which is mainly funded by legacies left by Christian supporters over 15 decades – will be known as ‘Platform 51’."
"One of the country’s best-known charities has changed its name, losing the clearest link to its Christian roots.
The Young Women’s Christian Association has dropped its historic title after 156 years because ‘it no longer stands for who we are’.
Instead the organisation – which is mainly funded by legacies left by Christian supporters over 15 decades – will be known as ‘Platform 51’."
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Electric Cars May Accelerate Global Warming
Electric Cars May Accelerate Global Warming - William Pentland - Clean Beta - Forbes
"The results, which appeared in a paper published in Energy Policy last Fall, found that for countries with dirty power supplies – like India and China – widespread adoption of electric vehicles could lead to more – not less – CO2 emissions compared to widespread adoption of gasoline based vehicles, unless dramatically less CO2 intensive."
"The results, which appeared in a paper published in Energy Policy last Fall, found that for countries with dirty power supplies – like India and China – widespread adoption of electric vehicles could lead to more – not less – CO2 emissions compared to widespread adoption of gasoline based vehicles, unless dramatically less CO2 intensive."
Monday, January 10, 2011
Sunday, January 09, 2011
Another Day, Another Misleading Think Progress Headline
Le·gal In·sur·rec·tion: Another Day, Another Misleading Think Progress Headline
"Here is the quote from The Financial Times article as reprinted by Think Progress (bold in TP original, italics mine):
The excitement started even before the show when David H. Koch, the co-owner of Koch Industries, the largest privately-own industrial conglomerate in the US, came out on stage to talk about his $2.5m sponsorship of the production. Most people applauded but there were also boos from near where I sat in the balcony, followed by an angry debate in the row in front of me, with one of the booers declaring “he’s an evil man” and a couple next to her telling her to “shut up” and to leave the theatre. [...] Once Mr Koch had left the stage, the booing stopped and the ballet started.
So an event at which most people applauded Koch, but a small number of classless people booed, gets the headline 'Theater audience boos ....'"
"Here is the quote from The Financial Times article as reprinted by Think Progress (bold in TP original, italics mine):
The excitement started even before the show when David H. Koch, the co-owner of Koch Industries, the largest privately-own industrial conglomerate in the US, came out on stage to talk about his $2.5m sponsorship of the production. Most people applauded but there were also boos from near where I sat in the balcony, followed by an angry debate in the row in front of me, with one of the booers declaring “he’s an evil man” and a couple next to her telling her to “shut up” and to leave the theatre. [...] Once Mr Koch had left the stage, the booing stopped and the ballet started.
So an event at which most people applauded Koch, but a small number of classless people booed, gets the headline 'Theater audience boos ....'"
Media Slow To Show WikiLeaks Justified Iraq War
Media Slow To Show WikiLeaks Justified Iraq War - HUMAN EVENTS
"The 2003 Iraq invasion by U.S. forces also launched a massive effort to find WMDs.
By late 2003, as determined in a review by a Wired Magazine editor of WikiLeaks documents on the issue, the Administration was losing faith WMDs would be found.
But, as Wired reports, the WikiLeaks documents clearly show 'for years afterward, U.S. troops continued to find chemical weapons labs, encounter insurgent specialists in toxins and uncover weapons of mass destruction. . . . Chemical weapons, especially, did not vanish from the Iraqi battlefield.
Remnants of Saddam's toxic arsenal, largely destroyed after the Gulf War, remained. Jihadists, insurgents and foreign (possibly Iranian) agitators turned to these stockpiles during the Iraq conflict — and may have brewed up their own deadly agents.'"
"The 2003 Iraq invasion by U.S. forces also launched a massive effort to find WMDs.
By late 2003, as determined in a review by a Wired Magazine editor of WikiLeaks documents on the issue, the Administration was losing faith WMDs would be found.
But, as Wired reports, the WikiLeaks documents clearly show 'for years afterward, U.S. troops continued to find chemical weapons labs, encounter insurgent specialists in toxins and uncover weapons of mass destruction. . . . Chemical weapons, especially, did not vanish from the Iraqi battlefield.
Remnants of Saddam's toxic arsenal, largely destroyed after the Gulf War, remained. Jihadists, insurgents and foreign (possibly Iranian) agitators turned to these stockpiles during the Iraq conflict — and may have brewed up their own deadly agents.'"
The Unveiling Of China's Raptor
The Unveiling Of China's Raptor - Investors.com
"While America has stopped production of its stealth fighter, China prepares to challenge U.S. air supremacy in the Western Pacific with its own."
"While America has stopped production of its stealth fighter, China prepares to challenge U.S. air supremacy in the Western Pacific with its own."
Michigan Teacher Pay and Benefits
Michigan Teacher Pay and Benefits [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
"Of all the funds spent on “instruction” in Michigan public schools in 2008, 28 percent went to employee fringe benefits.
Only five states devoted more of their resources to benefits; the national average was 22 percent."
"Of all the funds spent on “instruction” in Michigan public schools in 2008, 28 percent went to employee fringe benefits.
Only five states devoted more of their resources to benefits; the national average was 22 percent."
Friday, January 07, 2011
As governments go broke, public employee unions must share the pain
As governments go broke, public employee unions must share the pain Washington Examiner
"Their situation could be quickly and dramatically improved 'with the stroke of a pen.'
But that stroke likely won't be taken for the state's school districts for the same reason it won't for Michigan's desperate localities -- public employee unions reflexively oppose cuts in their tax-funded compensation programs, including salaries, retirement and health benefits.
White estimates that as much as $300 million could be saved merely by requiring public school employees to pay for 20 percent of their health benefits -- they currently pay nothing.
By contrast, private-sector employees with company health plans pay a nationwide average of 26 percent, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.
And Cooper says Hamtramck's police and firefighter unions have steadfastly refused to renegotiate pay and benefits contracts that eat up 60 percent of the city's annual budget.
'They kind of have the Cadillac plan, and we'd kind of like the Chevy,' he told the Times."
"Their situation could be quickly and dramatically improved 'with the stroke of a pen.'
But that stroke likely won't be taken for the state's school districts for the same reason it won't for Michigan's desperate localities -- public employee unions reflexively oppose cuts in their tax-funded compensation programs, including salaries, retirement and health benefits.
White estimates that as much as $300 million could be saved merely by requiring public school employees to pay for 20 percent of their health benefits -- they currently pay nothing.
By contrast, private-sector employees with company health plans pay a nationwide average of 26 percent, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.
And Cooper says Hamtramck's police and firefighter unions have steadfastly refused to renegotiate pay and benefits contracts that eat up 60 percent of the city's annual budget.
'They kind of have the Cadillac plan, and we'd kind of like the Chevy,' he told the Times."
Muskegon Taxpayers Alliance
Muskegon Taxpayers Alliance: "law labels interns 'highly qualified teachers' - FoxNews.com
'Civil rights advocates are blasting new federal legislation that allows states to classify teaching interns as 'highly qualified'"
'Civil rights advocates are blasting new federal legislation that allows states to classify teaching interns as 'highly qualified'"
Thursday, January 06, 2011
Storm Warning
Storm Warning - By Andrew Stuttaford - The Corner - National Review Online
"The Swiss stopped accepting Greek bonds for repo on April 26 last year.
The changes were spotted last night by Irish researcher Lorcan Roche Kelly.
The change in relation to Irish government bonds had been made in December 2010 after ratings agencies cut Ireland’s rating to below ‘A’ status.
Very wise.
Best guess is that it’s only a matter of time before Ireland (and Greece) default, er, “restructure” their debt.
The trick will be to do this without creating a fresh crisis within a European banking system heavily exposed to those countries and, for that matter, to other heavily indebted countries now beginning to pay a real price for Brussels’ funny money"
"The Swiss stopped accepting Greek bonds for repo on April 26 last year.
The changes were spotted last night by Irish researcher Lorcan Roche Kelly.
The change in relation to Irish government bonds had been made in December 2010 after ratings agencies cut Ireland’s rating to below ‘A’ status.
Very wise.
Best guess is that it’s only a matter of time before Ireland (and Greece) default, er, “restructure” their debt.
The trick will be to do this without creating a fresh crisis within a European banking system heavily exposed to those countries and, for that matter, to other heavily indebted countries now beginning to pay a real price for Brussels’ funny money"
John Edwards engaged to Rielle Hunter
Reports: John Edwards engaged to Rielle Hunter - Jennifer Epstein - POLITICO.com
"Former presidential candidate John Edwards is engaged to longtime mistress Rielle Hunter, according to a report."
Democrat ethics....right?
"Former presidential candidate John Edwards is engaged to longtime mistress Rielle Hunter, according to a report."
Democrat ethics....right?
FACT CHECK: Mass bird, fish deaths occur regularly
My Way News - FACT CHECK: Mass bird, fish deaths occur regularly
"The reality, say biologists, is that these mass die-offs happen all the time and usually are unrelated.
Federal records show they happen on average every other day somewhere in North America.
Usually, we don't notice them and don't try to link them to each other."
"The reality, say biologists, is that these mass die-offs happen all the time and usually are unrelated.
Federal records show they happen on average every other day somewhere in North America.
Usually, we don't notice them and don't try to link them to each other."
Autism-vaccine study was 'fraud,' journal says
Autism-vaccine study was 'fraud,' journal says
"Wakefield had been confidentially paid hundreds of thousands of pounds (US dollars, euros) through a law firm under plans to launch 'class action' litigation against the vaccine."
Off with his head!
"Wakefield had been confidentially paid hundreds of thousands of pounds (US dollars, euros) through a law firm under plans to launch 'class action' litigation against the vaccine."
Off with his head!
Retracted autism study an 'elaborate fraud,' British journal finds
Retracted autism study an 'elaborate fraud,' British journal finds - CNN.com
"A now-retracted British study that linked autism to childhood vaccines was an 'elaborate fraud' that has done long-lasting damage to public health, a leading medical publication reported Wednesday."
"A now-retracted British study that linked autism to childhood vaccines was an 'elaborate fraud' that has done long-lasting damage to public health, a leading medical publication reported Wednesday."
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
19 Democrats vote against Nancy Pelosi
19 Democrats vote against Nancy Pelosi - John Bresnahan and Jonathan Allen - POLITICO.com
"The first anti-Pelosi vote during the alphabetical roll call came from Rep. Jason Altmire (D-Pa.).
He rose to answer the call of his name and declared loudly and clearly “Heath Shuler!”
Shuler, who voted for himself, told POLITICO that Democrats will have to follow a more moderate path “if we’re going to go back out and win a majority.”"
Heath is in deep trouble with both parties.
How cool is that?
"The first anti-Pelosi vote during the alphabetical roll call came from Rep. Jason Altmire (D-Pa.).
He rose to answer the call of his name and declared loudly and clearly “Heath Shuler!”
Shuler, who voted for himself, told POLITICO that Democrats will have to follow a more moderate path “if we’re going to go back out and win a majority.”"
Heath is in deep trouble with both parties.
How cool is that?
How to Defeat Obama
How to Defeat Obama - Dick Morris and Eileen McGann - Townhall Conservative
"The only way to break the deadlock and proceed with the urgent task of rolling back the Obama agenda is to use three key confrontations to do so:
-- The debt-limit extension.
-- The demands of states for more bailouts.
-- The 2012 budget."
"The only way to break the deadlock and proceed with the urgent task of rolling back the Obama agenda is to use three key confrontations to do so:
-- The debt-limit extension.
-- The demands of states for more bailouts.
-- The 2012 budget."
Plagiarism Double Standards at Michigan State
Plagiarism Double Standards at Michigan State [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
"The Mackinac Center for Public Policy claimed that Sharif Shakrani, senior scholar at the Education Policy Center at MSU and a professor of measurement and quantitative methods, plagiarized more than 800 words in a study titled “School District Consolidation Study in 10 Michigan Counties.”
Shakrani's report received widespread media attention last summer."
"The Mackinac Center for Public Policy claimed that Sharif Shakrani, senior scholar at the Education Policy Center at MSU and a professor of measurement and quantitative methods, plagiarized more than 800 words in a study titled “School District Consolidation Study in 10 Michigan Counties.”
Shakrani's report received widespread media attention last summer."
'One-man crimewave': Bag thief faces deportation for a FIFTH time - after we gave him £3,000 to go back to Algeria
'One-man crimewave': Bag thief faces deportation for a FIFTH time - after we gave him £3,000 to go back to Algeria Mail Online
"He has been branded a one-man crimewave. And despite all attempts at deportation, including being given £3,000 by the Government, he is still here.
Hakim Benmakhlouf, 29, a prolific thief is facing deportation for the fifth time after being arrested for stealing at Heathrow Airport."
European "public safety".
Do we want it here?
"He has been branded a one-man crimewave. And despite all attempts at deportation, including being given £3,000 by the Government, he is still here.
Hakim Benmakhlouf, 29, a prolific thief is facing deportation for the fifth time after being arrested for stealing at Heathrow Airport."
European "public safety".
Do we want it here?
Good drivers in Michigan can avoid points for minor offenses
Good drivers in Michigan can avoid points for minor offenses MLive.com
"The Secretary of State will mail a letter to those who qualify telling them they are eligible to take the driver-improvement course, either in a classroom, or online, to wipe out points."
No mention of any cost for this "service".
"The Secretary of State will mail a letter to those who qualify telling them they are eligible to take the driver-improvement course, either in a classroom, or online, to wipe out points."
No mention of any cost for this "service".
Mascot Politics
Mascot Politics - Investors.com
"In Hanson's own words: 'Many of the rural trailer-house compounds I saw appear to the naked eye no different from what I have seen in the Third World.
There is a Caribbean look to the junked cars, electric wires crossing between various outbuildings, plastic tarps substituting for replacement shingles, lean-tos cobbled together as auxiliary housing, pit bulls unleashed, and geese, goats and chickens roaming around the yards.'
This is a Third World culture, transplanted from Mexico, and living largely outside the scope of American law, state or federal."
"In Hanson's own words: 'Many of the rural trailer-house compounds I saw appear to the naked eye no different from what I have seen in the Third World.
There is a Caribbean look to the junked cars, electric wires crossing between various outbuildings, plastic tarps substituting for replacement shingles, lean-tos cobbled together as auxiliary housing, pit bulls unleashed, and geese, goats and chickens roaming around the yards.'
This is a Third World culture, transplanted from Mexico, and living largely outside the scope of American law, state or federal."
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