Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Hope and Change, the Communist Way
Hope and Change, the Communist Way
"I used to think Romanians were so fortunate that they did not know how unfortunate they were in their daily lives, struggles, and misery. Now I think how unfortunate it is that Americans do not know how fortunate they are to live in the world’s best country, yet are willing to change everything on the empty promise of “hope and change” to a non-existent Utopia."
"I used to think Romanians were so fortunate that they did not know how unfortunate they were in their daily lives, struggles, and misery. Now I think how unfortunate it is that Americans do not know how fortunate they are to live in the world’s best country, yet are willing to change everything on the empty promise of “hope and change” to a non-existent Utopia."
Michigan labor thugs' extortion scheme
Owens: Michigan labor thugs' extortion scheme themichiganview.com The Michigan View
"File this one under 'Pathetic.'
The latest attempt by Michigan organized labor to maintain the illusion of popular support for their positions is to intimidate small business owners.
Taking a page from the Wisconsin playbook, a front group organized by labor unions had planned to go door to door to businesses in the Escanaba area and 'ask' them to support 'working families' by putting up signs in their windows or other visible area.
In the Wisconsin experience, businesses that refused to do so were threatened with boycott.
The labor groups then go to the local media and claim that businesses support their efforts as evidenced by the signs posted.
The effort fizzled after enough 'volunteers' couldn't be rounded up even though there were plans to bring them in from outside the area."
More than pathetic.
A window into the mind of thugs who would control our society with goons and thuggery.
"File this one under 'Pathetic.'
The latest attempt by Michigan organized labor to maintain the illusion of popular support for their positions is to intimidate small business owners.
Taking a page from the Wisconsin playbook, a front group organized by labor unions had planned to go door to door to businesses in the Escanaba area and 'ask' them to support 'working families' by putting up signs in their windows or other visible area.
In the Wisconsin experience, businesses that refused to do so were threatened with boycott.
The labor groups then go to the local media and claim that businesses support their efforts as evidenced by the signs posted.
The effort fizzled after enough 'volunteers' couldn't be rounded up even though there were plans to bring them in from outside the area."
More than pathetic.
A window into the mind of thugs who would control our society with goons and thuggery.
Fireworks shows need new environmental review
Fireworks shows need new environmental review - SignOnSanDiego.com
"He said some “events” such as temporary Christmas tree stands have existing exemptions under the law, but many others don’t."
Folks, these people are ravenous!
They gobble power with every fibre of their minds and bodies.
We must stop them.
Get involved before it's too late!
"He said some “events” such as temporary Christmas tree stands have existing exemptions under the law, but many others don’t."
Folks, these people are ravenous!
They gobble power with every fibre of their minds and bodies.
We must stop them.
Get involved before it's too late!
A boost in tourism will aid one of Michigan's big businesses
Editorial: A boost in tourism will aid one of Michigan's big businesses MLive.com
"Much of the credit for that increase goes to a rebounding economy.
Some of the spike can be attributed to the award-winning Pure Michigan advertising campaign.
The return on investment for that campaign — the tax dollars generated for those spent — is well established."
"Well established"?
By who?
If this "boost" was caused by or helped in any significantly measurable way by the ads, wouldn't the private businesses who benefited be adding their own money for more advertising?
But they're not.
What does that tell you?
"Much of the credit for that increase goes to a rebounding economy.
Some of the spike can be attributed to the award-winning Pure Michigan advertising campaign.
The return on investment for that campaign — the tax dollars generated for those spent — is well established."
"Well established"?
By who?
If this "boost" was caused by or helped in any significantly measurable way by the ads, wouldn't the private businesses who benefited be adding their own money for more advertising?
But they're not.
What does that tell you?
Say what? Italian seismologists face manslaughter
Say what? Italian seismologists face manslaughter - CBS News
"Say what?
Italian seismologists face manslaughter
Local prosecutor says scientists downplayed threat of 2009 quake that caused more than 300 deaths in L'Aquila, Italy"
While there may be some comfort in great distance between Europe and US, what happens in loony countries doesn't always stay in loony countries.
Be afwade, vewy afwade....
"Say what?
Italian seismologists face manslaughter
Local prosecutor says scientists downplayed threat of 2009 quake that caused more than 300 deaths in L'Aquila, Italy"
While there may be some comfort in great distance between Europe and US, what happens in loony countries doesn't always stay in loony countries.
Be afwade, vewy afwade....
Ronald McDonald
FoodPolitik Clown Logic Ronald McDonald The Daily Caller
"There’s even a study that says simply seeing overweight people can cause weight gain.
Kleenex and fax machines haven’t been linked to obesity yet, but give today’s “public health” movement a few years."
The "it's someone else's fault" crowd has won.
The victims will be the same old crowd...and the rest of us who will pay the accusers a big bonus for their victory.
"There’s even a study that says simply seeing overweight people can cause weight gain.
Kleenex and fax machines haven’t been linked to obesity yet, but give today’s “public health” movement a few years."
The "it's someone else's fault" crowd has won.
The victims will be the same old crowd...and the rest of us who will pay the accusers a big bonus for their victory.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Jim Tressel Resigns At Ohio State
Jim Tressel Resigns At Ohio State WBNS-10TV, Central Ohio News
"COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State coach Jim Tressel resigned on Monday, the Columbus Dispatch reported."
Denny Stolz must be smiling.......
"COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State coach Jim Tressel resigned on Monday, the Columbus Dispatch reported."
Denny Stolz must be smiling.......
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Memorial Day History
"In 1915, inspired by the poem 'In Flanders Fields,' Moina Michael replied with her own poem:
We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies.
She then conceived of an idea to wear red poppies on Memorial day in honor of those who died serving the nation during war.
She was the first to wear one, and sold poppies to her friends and co-workers with the money going to benefit servicemen in need.
Later a Madam Guerin from France was visiting the United States and learned of this new custom started by Ms.Michael and when she returned to France, made artificial red poppies to raise money for war orphaned children and widowed women.
This tradition spread to other countries."
Massive state, local tax increases and record high revenue must pay down debt
Massive state, local tax increases and record high revenue must pay down debt
"The most frightening fact revealed by the latest BEA data is the steady increase in “Total Expenditures” quarter by quarter, year by year throughout the recession, despite politicians shrieking hysterically about “cuts.”
First quarter state and local government spending increased 12.3 percent from 2007 to 2011. It went up every year.
Annual spending went up every year throughout the recession for a total increase of 8.1 percent from 2007 through 2010.
But the second scariest numbers are those showing “Total Expenditures” bigger than “Total Receipts” back to 1985, with the deficits growing bigger and bigger every year despite claims of “balanced” budgets.
What are the scariest numbers?
The ones not even on the books.
State and local politicians refuse to account for at least $18 trillion in hidden debts and obligations they have run up secretly, like shopaholics with a stolen credit card."
"The most frightening fact revealed by the latest BEA data is the steady increase in “Total Expenditures” quarter by quarter, year by year throughout the recession, despite politicians shrieking hysterically about “cuts.”
First quarter state and local government spending increased 12.3 percent from 2007 to 2011. It went up every year.
Annual spending went up every year throughout the recession for a total increase of 8.1 percent from 2007 through 2010.
But the second scariest numbers are those showing “Total Expenditures” bigger than “Total Receipts” back to 1985, with the deficits growing bigger and bigger every year despite claims of “balanced” budgets.
What are the scariest numbers?
The ones not even on the books.
State and local politicians refuse to account for at least $18 trillion in hidden debts and obligations they have run up secretly, like shopaholics with a stolen credit card."
SCOTUS Makes It Official: California A Failed State
SCOTUS Makes It Official: California A Failed State Via Meadia
"The controversial US Supreme Court decision (pdf) that could ultimately force California to release tens of thousands of prison inmates is more than a shockingly broad exercise of judicial power.
It is also an official declaration by the highest constitutional authority in the land that California meets the strict test of state failure: it can no longer enforce the law within its frontiers.
Let there be no mistake: when you produce so many criminals that you can’t afford to lock them up, you are a failed state.
Virtually every important civil institution in society has to fail to get you to this point.
Your homes and houses of worship are failing to build law abiding citizens, much less responsible and informed voters.
Your schools aren’t educating enough of your kids to make an honest living.
Your taxes and policies are so bad that you are driving thousands of businesses away.
Your management systems must be fouled and confused to the max for you to create something so dysfunctional, so wildly beyond your means, that the Supreme Court of the United States (wisely or foolishly is another question) starts to micromanage your jails.
California used to be the glory of this country, the dream by the sea, the magic state.
Now it produces so many criminals it can’t pay to keep them locked up.
This is partly a blue social model thing.
California’s public unions are sucking the state dry — like a parasite killing its host."
"The controversial US Supreme Court decision (pdf) that could ultimately force California to release tens of thousands of prison inmates is more than a shockingly broad exercise of judicial power.
It is also an official declaration by the highest constitutional authority in the land that California meets the strict test of state failure: it can no longer enforce the law within its frontiers.
Let there be no mistake: when you produce so many criminals that you can’t afford to lock them up, you are a failed state.
Virtually every important civil institution in society has to fail to get you to this point.
Your homes and houses of worship are failing to build law abiding citizens, much less responsible and informed voters.
Your schools aren’t educating enough of your kids to make an honest living.
Your taxes and policies are so bad that you are driving thousands of businesses away.
Your management systems must be fouled and confused to the max for you to create something so dysfunctional, so wildly beyond your means, that the Supreme Court of the United States (wisely or foolishly is another question) starts to micromanage your jails.
California used to be the glory of this country, the dream by the sea, the magic state.
Now it produces so many criminals it can’t pay to keep them locked up.
This is partly a blue social model thing.
California’s public unions are sucking the state dry — like a parasite killing its host."
Pro-Obama media always shocked by bad economic news
Pro-Obama media always shocked by bad economic news Michael Barone Politics Washington Examiner: "'How many times in a row can something happen unexpectedly before the experts start to, you know, expect it?
At some point, shouldn't they be required to state the foundation for their expectations?'"
At some point, shouldn't they be required to state the foundation for their expectations?'"
Albemarle Road church fined $100 per branch for excessive tree pruning
Albemarle Road church fined $100 per branch for excessive tree pruning CharlotteObserver.com & The Charlotte Observer Newspaper
"The fine will be dropped if the church replaces each of the improperly pruned trees, said Tom Johnson, senior urban forester for city of Charlotte Land Development Division."
Sorta like a mini-czar?
"The fine will be dropped if the church replaces each of the improperly pruned trees, said Tom Johnson, senior urban forester for city of Charlotte Land Development Division."
Sorta like a mini-czar?
I PREDICT MORE SUITS LIKE THIS:
Instapundit » Blog Archive » I PREDICT MORE SUITS LIKE THIS
"I PREDICT MORE SUITS LIKE THIS:
Unemployed Grad Files $50m Class Action v. Law School for Misrepresenting Placement Data.
“Plaintiff would not have attended TJSL and incurred more than $150,000 in school loans if she knew the truth about her job prospects upon graduation.”
Posted by Glenn Reynolds at 2:29 pm"
"I PREDICT MORE SUITS LIKE THIS:
Unemployed Grad Files $50m Class Action v. Law School for Misrepresenting Placement Data.
“Plaintiff would not have attended TJSL and incurred more than $150,000 in school loans if she knew the truth about her job prospects upon graduation.”
Posted by Glenn Reynolds at 2:29 pm"
Saturday, May 28, 2011
PBS: Under ObamaCare, you will see a nurse practitioner, not a doctor
theblogprof: PBS: Under ObamaCare, you will see a nurse practitioner, not a doctor
"Kiss your health goodbye.
From a December 2010 poll: 74% of doctors will retire, work part-time or quit if Obamacare takes effect. The whole nurse practitioner thing isn't new.
We on the right saw this one coming down the pike long ago:
Detroit Free Press admits that under ObamaCare, you will see a nurse practitioner, not a doctor because Obama "created or saved" a massive doctor shortage.
More on that from PBS that tries its best to put a happy face on the whole thing"
"Kiss your health goodbye.
From a December 2010 poll: 74% of doctors will retire, work part-time or quit if Obamacare takes effect. The whole nurse practitioner thing isn't new.
We on the right saw this one coming down the pike long ago:
Detroit Free Press admits that under ObamaCare, you will see a nurse practitioner, not a doctor because Obama "created or saved" a massive doctor shortage.
More on that from PBS that tries its best to put a happy face on the whole thing"
Poster Girl for all the troops
Not our boys, but heroes true.
‘Cause I shook hands with a Digger
on the wrong side of the world.
With a wife at home who holds her breath
And brand new baby girl.
And the Digger fights for freedom
In a job that must be done
And I let go of his hand
So proud to be Australian."
1st Heritage Flight
1st Heritage Flight Video
"The very first video we made for the Heritage Flight. If you've seen a Heritage Flight in person you will recognize the song "We Remember" from musician Dwayne O'Brien.
This video captures the early history of the program with demo pilots like Mike "Chanz" Chandler in the F-15.
"Chanz" went on to become the Thunderbirds commander leader.
There is a lot of history in this piece."
A wonderful video to help us remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Brothers and the funeral of Scott Zaur.
Brothers and the funeral of Scott Zaur.
"On Friday the 13th, May 2011 my friend Scott, veteran of two tours in Iraq and an Army Sniper, got into his full dress uniform.
It was late morning when, having walked out to his drive way he put a shotgun to his head and pulled the trigger."
Please read this heartbreaking tribute to a fallen soldier.
"On Friday the 13th, May 2011 my friend Scott, veteran of two tours in Iraq and an Army Sniper, got into his full dress uniform.
It was late morning when, having walked out to his drive way he put a shotgun to his head and pulled the trigger."
Please read this heartbreaking tribute to a fallen soldier.
Obama’s ‘Victory Dance’ on Auto Bailouts Could Hurt Business, Industry Expert Warns
Obama’s ‘Victory Dance’ on Auto Bailouts Could Hurt Business, Industry Expert Warns CNSnews.com
"Market research indicated that the bailouts were unpopular and had a stigmatizing effect on automakers, added the expert.".....
"The Treasury Department still owns 26.5 percent of GM and 8.6 percent of Chrysler, with poor prospects for earning back its entire investment in both companies."
"Market research indicated that the bailouts were unpopular and had a stigmatizing effect on automakers, added the expert.".....
"The Treasury Department still owns 26.5 percent of GM and 8.6 percent of Chrysler, with poor prospects for earning back its entire investment in both companies."
Libya Crisis: Obama Gives Moammar Gadhafi Ultimatum
Libya Crisis: Obama Gives Moammar Gadhafi Ultimatum - ABC News
"President Obama told a bipartisan group of members of Congress today that he expects the U.S. would be actively involved in any military action against Libya for 'days, not weeks,' after which he said the U.S. would take more of a supporting role, sources tell ABC News."
In case you forgot....or wondered where all the Code Pink folks went.....
"President Obama told a bipartisan group of members of Congress today that he expects the U.S. would be actively involved in any military action against Libya for 'days, not weeks,' after which he said the U.S. would take more of a supporting role, sources tell ABC News."
In case you forgot....or wondered where all the Code Pink folks went.....
Recount confirms one-vote win in Orchard View school board race
Recount confirms one-vote win in Orchard View school board race MLive.com
Another reminder of the power of just one vote.
Another reminder of the power of just one vote.
Editorial: Will 'Obamalaise' Create Another Downturn?
Editorial: Will 'Obamalaise' Create Another Downturn? - Investors.com
Among the bad news:
• Businesses last month slashed orders for autos and other durable goods by the largest amount in six months.
• Industrial output dropped the most in April for any month since the start of the recovery, indicating the manufacturing sector may be rolling over.
• Jobless claims last week unexpectedly shot up and topped 400,000 for the seventh straight week, signaling that payroll growth remains soft — in fact, the pace of hiring may be slowing.
• April housing starts plunged 11%, confirming the housing industry remains moribund.
• Foreclosures last quarter accounted for 28% of all home sales — the highest share in a year and nearly six times above the normal rate.
• Consumer spending last quarter expanded just 2% after rising at a 4% clip in the fourth quarter.
• Net corporate profits last quarter fell 1% after rising 3% in the fourth quarter, and weaker earnings continue to act as a drag on stocks.
• The overall economy last quarter grew a lower-than-expected 1.8% vs. 3.1% in the fourth, showing gross domestic product growth is braking hard
Among the bad news:
• Businesses last month slashed orders for autos and other durable goods by the largest amount in six months.
• Industrial output dropped the most in April for any month since the start of the recovery, indicating the manufacturing sector may be rolling over.
• Jobless claims last week unexpectedly shot up and topped 400,000 for the seventh straight week, signaling that payroll growth remains soft — in fact, the pace of hiring may be slowing.
• April housing starts plunged 11%, confirming the housing industry remains moribund.
• Foreclosures last quarter accounted for 28% of all home sales — the highest share in a year and nearly six times above the normal rate.
• Consumer spending last quarter expanded just 2% after rising at a 4% clip in the fourth quarter.
• Net corporate profits last quarter fell 1% after rising 3% in the fourth quarter, and weaker earnings continue to act as a drag on stocks.
• The overall economy last quarter grew a lower-than-expected 1.8% vs. 3.1% in the fourth, showing gross domestic product growth is braking hard
Economic Stagnation Explained, at 30,000 Fee
Carter: Economic Stagnation Explained, at 30,000 Feet - Bloomberg:
"The man in the aisle seat is trying to tell me why he refuses to hire anybody.
His business is successful, he says, as the 737 cruises smoothly eastward.
Demand for his product is up. But he still won’t hire.
“Why not?”
“Because I don’t know how much it will cost,” he explains.
“How can I hire new workers today, when I don’t know how much they will cost me tomorrow?”
He’s referring not to wages, but to regulation:
He has no way of telling what new rules will go into effect when.
His business, although it covers several states, operates on low margins.
He can’t afford to take the chance of losing what little profit there is to the next round of regulatory changes. And so he’s hiring nobody until he has some certainty about cost."
"The man in the aisle seat is trying to tell me why he refuses to hire anybody.
His business is successful, he says, as the 737 cruises smoothly eastward.
Demand for his product is up. But he still won’t hire.
“Why not?”
“Because I don’t know how much it will cost,” he explains.
“How can I hire new workers today, when I don’t know how much they will cost me tomorrow?”
He’s referring not to wages, but to regulation:
He has no way of telling what new rules will go into effect when.
His business, although it covers several states, operates on low margins.
He can’t afford to take the chance of losing what little profit there is to the next round of regulatory changes. And so he’s hiring nobody until he has some certainty about cost."
How Michigan's bond rating stacks up
Lsj - How Michigan's bond rating stacks up
"Here's a look at how states rate with Standard and Poor's:
—AAA: Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Utah, Virginia, Wyoming.
—AA+ (double A plus): Alaska, Idaho, Kansas, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Washington state.
—AA: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Wisconsin.
—AA- (double A minus): MICHIGAN, Arizona, Kentucky, New Jersey.
—A+ (A plus): Illinois.
—A- (A minus): California."
Just for fun, try guessing which are red states and which are blue.
(hint: red states seem to be at the top of the page)
"Here's a look at how states rate with Standard and Poor's:
—AAA: Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Utah, Virginia, Wyoming.
—AA+ (double A plus): Alaska, Idaho, Kansas, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Washington state.
—AA: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Wisconsin.
—AA- (double A minus): MICHIGAN, Arizona, Kentucky, New Jersey.
—A+ (A plus): Illinois.
—A- (A minus): California."
Just for fun, try guessing which are red states and which are blue.
(hint: red states seem to be at the top of the page)
Friday, May 27, 2011
DC Schoolchildren forced to eat raw onions for snacks
theblogprof: DC Schoolchildren forced to eat raw onions for snacks
"For the umpteenth time, the days when your kids learned math, reading and writing in public schools is all but over, replaced with a government-run one where students heads are filled with environmental and nutritional propaganda.
There had never been anything wrong with cookies and milk.
Yet in the DC government school system, the worst in the nation right behind Detroit Public Schools, the focus is on forcing kids to eat what they don't want to"
"For the umpteenth time, the days when your kids learned math, reading and writing in public schools is all but over, replaced with a government-run one where students heads are filled with environmental and nutritional propaganda.
There had never been anything wrong with cookies and milk.
Yet in the DC government school system, the worst in the nation right behind Detroit Public Schools, the focus is on forcing kids to eat what they don't want to"
General Motors Will Never Repay Taxpayers - Reason Magazine
General Motors Will Never Repay Taxpayers - Reason Magazine
"This means that, outside of miracle, taxpayers will lose anywhere from $13 to $19 billion on their principal and another $15 billion on taxes for a grand total of up to $28 to $34 billion* in losses.
And that’s just for GM. Chrysler is whole different—and equally sordid—story.
Even Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner acknowledged last month: “We’re going to lose money in the auto industry.”"
"This means that, outside of miracle, taxpayers will lose anywhere from $13 to $19 billion on their principal and another $15 billion on taxes for a grand total of up to $28 to $34 billion* in losses.
And that’s just for GM. Chrysler is whole different—and equally sordid—story.
Even Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner acknowledged last month: “We’re going to lose money in the auto industry.”"
Dark Skies Ahead
Dark Skies Ahead NetRight Daily
"Specifically, the biggest driver of new spending has been “the rise of the welfare state”.
As Woodhill notes, “‘Payments to Individuals’ (both direct and via grants to State and local governments) exploded from 3.6 percent of GDP to 12.7 percent of GDP.”"
"Specifically, the biggest driver of new spending has been “the rise of the welfare state”.
As Woodhill notes, “‘Payments to Individuals’ (both direct and via grants to State and local governments) exploded from 3.6 percent of GDP to 12.7 percent of GDP.”"
Illinois lawmakers need to reform pensions
Illinois lawmakers need to reform pensions - chicagotribune.com
"We have to repair public pension systems in order to preserve them for public employees — of Illinois, of Chicago, of Cook County, of school districts statewide."
"We have to repair public pension systems in order to preserve them for public employees — of Illinois, of Chicago, of Cook County, of school districts statewide."
The truth behind Chrysler’s fake auto bailout pay back
The truth behind Chrysler’s fake auto bailout pay back Conn Carroll Beltway Confidential Washington Examiner
"But as The Truth About Cars reports, the loan pay back is just another Obama con job:
Back in November of 2009, when GM announced that it would repay its government loans, it didn’t take much investigation to realize that The General was simply shuffling government money from one pocket to the other and that true “payback” was still a ways off. …
And now that our government finds itself “contemplating a runaway deficit and getting rid of its 8 percent of Chrysler’s equity,” would you believe that a similar federal money-shuffle is under way?
Believe it.
American taxpayers have already spent more than $13 billion bailing out Chrysler.
The Obama administration already forgave more than $4 billion of that debt when the company filed for bankruptcy in 2009.
Taxpayers are never getting that money back.
But how is Chrysler now paying off the rest of the $7.6 billion they owe the Treasury Department?"
"But as The Truth About Cars reports, the loan pay back is just another Obama con job:
Back in November of 2009, when GM announced that it would repay its government loans, it didn’t take much investigation to realize that The General was simply shuffling government money from one pocket to the other and that true “payback” was still a ways off. …
And now that our government finds itself “contemplating a runaway deficit and getting rid of its 8 percent of Chrysler’s equity,” would you believe that a similar federal money-shuffle is under way?
Believe it.
American taxpayers have already spent more than $13 billion bailing out Chrysler.
The Obama administration already forgave more than $4 billion of that debt when the company filed for bankruptcy in 2009.
Taxpayers are never getting that money back.
But how is Chrysler now paying off the rest of the $7.6 billion they owe the Treasury Department?"
Fat City |Thank you, Illinois taxpayers, for my cushy life.
Fat City- Thank you, Illinois taxpayers, for my cushy life.
"After 34 years of teaching sociology at the University of Illinois at Chicago, I recently retired at age 64 at 80 percent of my pay for life."
This calculation was based on a salary spiked by summer teaching, and since I no longer pay into the retirement fund, I now receive significantly more than when I “worked.”
But that’s not all:
There’s a generous health insurance plan, a guaranteed 3 percent annual cost of living increase, and a few other perquisites.
Having overinvested in my retirement annuity, I received a fat refund and—when it rains, it pours—another for unused sick leave.
I was also offered the opportunity to teach as an emeritus for three years, receiving $8,000 per course, double the pay for adjuncts, which works out to over $200 an hour.
Another going-away present was summer pay, one ninth of my salary, with no teaching obligation.
I haven’t done the math but I suspect that, given a normal life span, these benefits nearly doubled my salary. And in Illinois these benefits are constitutionally guaranteed, up there with freedom of religion and speech.
Why do I put “worked” in quotation marks? Because my main task as a university professor was self-cultivation: reading and writing about topics that interested me. Maybe this counts as work. But here I am today—like many of my retired colleagues—doing pretty much what I have done since the day I began graduate school, albeit with less intensity.
Before retiring, I carried a teaching load of two courses per semester: six hours of lecture a week.
I usually scheduled classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays:
The rest of the week was mine.
Colleagues who pursued grants taught less, some rarely seeing a classroom.
The gaps this left in the department’s course offerings were filled by adjuncts, hired with little scrutiny and subject to little supervision, and paid little.
Sadly, there is more.
Click the link above to read it all.
"After 34 years of teaching sociology at the University of Illinois at Chicago, I recently retired at age 64 at 80 percent of my pay for life."
This calculation was based on a salary spiked by summer teaching, and since I no longer pay into the retirement fund, I now receive significantly more than when I “worked.”
But that’s not all:
There’s a generous health insurance plan, a guaranteed 3 percent annual cost of living increase, and a few other perquisites.
Having overinvested in my retirement annuity, I received a fat refund and—when it rains, it pours—another for unused sick leave.
I was also offered the opportunity to teach as an emeritus for three years, receiving $8,000 per course, double the pay for adjuncts, which works out to over $200 an hour.
Another going-away present was summer pay, one ninth of my salary, with no teaching obligation.
I haven’t done the math but I suspect that, given a normal life span, these benefits nearly doubled my salary. And in Illinois these benefits are constitutionally guaranteed, up there with freedom of religion and speech.
Why do I put “worked” in quotation marks? Because my main task as a university professor was self-cultivation: reading and writing about topics that interested me. Maybe this counts as work. But here I am today—like many of my retired colleagues—doing pretty much what I have done since the day I began graduate school, albeit with less intensity.
Before retiring, I carried a teaching load of two courses per semester: six hours of lecture a week.
I usually scheduled classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays:
The rest of the week was mine.
Colleagues who pursued grants taught less, some rarely seeing a classroom.
The gaps this left in the department’s course offerings were filled by adjuncts, hired with little scrutiny and subject to little supervision, and paid little.
Sadly, there is more.
Click the link above to read it all.
Shake-up in the works for Detroit Public Library
Wayne County Shake-up in the works for Detroit Public Library The Detroit News
"The Detroit Public Library Commission is moving to oust a top executive who helped lead its troubled $2.3 million South Wing expansion.
Members voted Tuesday to enter into talks to buy out Deputy Director Juliet Machie's contract because an investigation found irregularities related to the expansion's contracts, according to a source with knowledge of the decision.
Machie's contract specifies she can't be fired unless she is paid a year's salary.
Machie, who makes $145,000 a year, helped lead the South Wing expansion project between 2007 and much of 2009.
The project began as a $300,000 furniture update and morphed into a larger renovation ($2.3 million), including new floors, study rooms, lighting and built-in wood-frame bookshelves"
This is how democrats react when all the money is gone!
"The Detroit Public Library Commission is moving to oust a top executive who helped lead its troubled $2.3 million South Wing expansion.
Members voted Tuesday to enter into talks to buy out Deputy Director Juliet Machie's contract because an investigation found irregularities related to the expansion's contracts, according to a source with knowledge of the decision.
Machie's contract specifies she can't be fired unless she is paid a year's salary.
Machie, who makes $145,000 a year, helped lead the South Wing expansion project between 2007 and much of 2009.
The project began as a $300,000 furniture update and morphed into a larger renovation ($2.3 million), including new floors, study rooms, lighting and built-in wood-frame bookshelves"
This is how democrats react when all the money is gone!
Muskegon County board reinstates contribution to Muskegon Heights festival, but at a reduced figure
Muskegon County board reinstates contribution to Muskegon Heights festival, but at a reduced figure MLive.com
"The vote Tuesday was 6-5 with Commissioners Scott Plummer, Rillastine Wilkins, Lew Collins, Ben Cross, Anthony Longmire and Ken Mahoney voting yes.
The no votes came from Commissioners Bob Scolnik, John Snider, Jim Derezinski, Marvin Engle and Alan Jager.
Wilkins, who represents Muskegon Heights on the county board, said the city's festival depends on the county's contribution based on previous years.
“It's kind of sad to cut it off right now when all the plans have gone in for this year's event,” Wilkins said.
Longmire called it “borderline hypocrisy” to deny the Muskegon Heights festival request while granting a contribution to the pageant.
Snider said he believes the accommodations tax should be used for the benefit of the entire county.
“It is not a function of county government to be charitable,” Snider said, adding that he sympathizes for the festival this close to the event.
The county board considered several options during the meeting. Motions were made for different financial amounts, private donations were offered and a suggestion was made that the Community Foundation For Muskegon County should be approached about helping to fund the festival this year."
"The vote Tuesday was 6-5 with Commissioners Scott Plummer, Rillastine Wilkins, Lew Collins, Ben Cross, Anthony Longmire and Ken Mahoney voting yes.
The no votes came from Commissioners Bob Scolnik, John Snider, Jim Derezinski, Marvin Engle and Alan Jager.
Wilkins, who represents Muskegon Heights on the county board, said the city's festival depends on the county's contribution based on previous years.
“It's kind of sad to cut it off right now when all the plans have gone in for this year's event,” Wilkins said.
Longmire called it “borderline hypocrisy” to deny the Muskegon Heights festival request while granting a contribution to the pageant.
Snider said he believes the accommodations tax should be used for the benefit of the entire county.
“It is not a function of county government to be charitable,” Snider said, adding that he sympathizes for the festival this close to the event.
The county board considered several options during the meeting. Motions were made for different financial amounts, private donations were offered and a suggestion was made that the Community Foundation For Muskegon County should be approached about helping to fund the festival this year."
Labor-environmental alliance calls for more 'green' chemical manufacturing, jobs
Labor-environmental alliance calls for more 'green' chemical manufacturing, jobs MLive.com
"The Bluegreen Alliance was formed in 2006 mainly between labor unions and environmental groups.
....Worker safety, he said, is a big part of the group's thrust.
So is new employment.
Among the study's more surprising findings is that if 20 percent of current production nationwide were switched from petrochemical-based plastics to bio-based plastics, 104,000 additional jobs would be created in the U.S. economy."
So this is the new alliance that will bring in new jobs, the business hating eco-nuts and the business destroying unions.
And their study "proves" going eco-nutty creates 104,000 new jobs.....producing the same amount of product.
Econo-ignorance is a disease?
"The Bluegreen Alliance was formed in 2006 mainly between labor unions and environmental groups.
....Worker safety, he said, is a big part of the group's thrust.
So is new employment.
Among the study's more surprising findings is that if 20 percent of current production nationwide were switched from petrochemical-based plastics to bio-based plastics, 104,000 additional jobs would be created in the U.S. economy."
So this is the new alliance that will bring in new jobs, the business hating eco-nuts and the business destroying unions.
And their study "proves" going eco-nutty creates 104,000 new jobs.....producing the same amount of product.
Econo-ignorance is a disease?
Stock futures mixed after dim jobs, growth reports
Stock futures mixed after dim jobs, growth reports - FoxNews.com
"The Labor Department said more people applied for unemployment benefits last week, the first increase in three weeks.
The number of people seeking benefits rose by 10,000 to 424,000, more than analysts were expecting."
These guys are always surprised.
Why does anyone ever listen to them?
Oh.....I get it.....
"The Labor Department said more people applied for unemployment benefits last week, the first increase in three weeks.
The number of people seeking benefits rose by 10,000 to 424,000, more than analysts were expecting."
These guys are always surprised.
Why does anyone ever listen to them?
Oh.....I get it.....
Thursday, May 26, 2011
I find toast-botch too painful to mock.
Althouse: I find toast-botch too painful to mock.
"What if you gave a toast and nobody raised their glass with you"
"What if you gave a toast and nobody raised their glass with you"
Stage Doors and Broken Windows
Stage Doors and Broken Windows [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
"The News apparently brought in actors for a roundtable discussion and they expressed “dismay” that Gov. Rick Snyder would actually cap the previously unlimited film subsidies at only $25 million."
We're STILL giving out $25 MILLION?
Meebee that's where this http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2011/05/muskegon_movie-studios_develop.html
is coming from.
Read the top article to see the destructive nature of these freebies.
"The News apparently brought in actors for a roundtable discussion and they expressed “dismay” that Gov. Rick Snyder would actually cap the previously unlimited film subsidies at only $25 million."
We're STILL giving out $25 MILLION?
Meebee that's where this http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2011/05/muskegon_movie-studios_develop.html
is coming from.
Read the top article to see the destructive nature of these freebies.
Muskegon County-Board
Muskegon County-Board
Excellent new Facebook site uncovering the disaster that is the Muskegon county commission.
Excellent new Facebook site uncovering the disaster that is the Muskegon county commission.
EPISTEMIC CLOSURE in France. “According to a poll, 57% of the French public and 70% of French Socia…
Instapundit » Blog Archive » EPISTEMIC CLOSURE in France.
“According to a poll, 57% of the French public and 70% of French Socialists believe that Dominique Strauss-Kahn (DSK) was the victim of a set-up (I couldn’t find a gender split on the numbers).
The French have an admirably long history of political intrigue.
Yet, it seems a bit rich for Socialists to overwhelmingly take the side of the wealthy powerful politician with a history of sexual abuse allegations against what appear to be quite credible allegations of a poor Guinean refugee.”
Actually I’d say it’s fairly typical.
The more they talk about equality, the more they implement aristocracy.
Posted by Glenn Reynolds at 10:27 am"
“According to a poll, 57% of the French public and 70% of French Socialists believe that Dominique Strauss-Kahn (DSK) was the victim of a set-up (I couldn’t find a gender split on the numbers).
The French have an admirably long history of political intrigue.
Yet, it seems a bit rich for Socialists to overwhelmingly take the side of the wealthy powerful politician with a history of sexual abuse allegations against what appear to be quite credible allegations of a poor Guinean refugee.”
Actually I’d say it’s fairly typical.
The more they talk about equality, the more they implement aristocracy.
Posted by Glenn Reynolds at 10:27 am"
Racism to blame for Obama's problems, key Democrat says
Racism to blame for Obama's problems, key Democrat says McClatchy
"House Assistant Democratic Leader Jim Clyburn, the highest-ranking African-American in Congress, on Wednesday blamed most of President Barack Obama's political problems on racism."
Many republicans and independents voted for Obama.
Obama is the victim of racism because he's President.
Ergo: republicans and independents are racist.
Right?
"House Assistant Democratic Leader Jim Clyburn, the highest-ranking African-American in Congress, on Wednesday blamed most of President Barack Obama's political problems on racism."
Many republicans and independents voted for Obama.
Obama is the victim of racism because he's President.
Ergo: republicans and independents are racist.
Right?
Oil Industry Profit Margin Ranks #114 out 215
CARPE DIEM: Oil Industry Profit Margin Ranks #114 out 215
"As the table below shows, the Integrated Oil and Gas industry made an average profit of 6.2 cents per dollar of sales, which ranks #114 out of 215 industries by profit margin, and puts oil companies right in the middle of industries by profitability.
If the Senate Finance Committee wants to investigate 'excessive' or 'windfall' profits, they might consider going after some of the other industries that have benefited from higher commodity prices and achieved much higher profit margins than oil (at 6.2%), like silver (44.7%), copper (24%), gold (21%), and industrial metals (21%) and lumber (17.7%)."
"As the table below shows, the Integrated Oil and Gas industry made an average profit of 6.2 cents per dollar of sales, which ranks #114 out of 215 industries by profit margin, and puts oil companies right in the middle of industries by profitability.
If the Senate Finance Committee wants to investigate 'excessive' or 'windfall' profits, they might consider going after some of the other industries that have benefited from higher commodity prices and achieved much higher profit margins than oil (at 6.2%), like silver (44.7%), copper (24%), gold (21%), and industrial metals (21%) and lumber (17.7%)."
Why solar energy panel company is cutting jobs in Greenville, opening plant in Canada
Why solar energy panel company is cutting jobs in Greenville, opening plant in Canada MLive.com
"This week, the company celebrated the opening of a $12 million plant in Canada that will be subsidized by the government."
"This week, the company celebrated the opening of a $12 million plant in Canada that will be subsidized by the government."
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
EPA Administrator Confirms: No fracking water contamination
EPA Administrator Confirms: No fracking water contamination « Hot Air
"At a U.S. House Oversight Committee hearing yesterday, President Barack Obama’s EPA administrator, Lisa Jackson, admitted the environmental risk of hydraulic fracturing is practically nonexistent.
“I’m not aware of any proven case where the fracking process itself has affected water, although there are investigations ongoing,” she said."
"At a U.S. House Oversight Committee hearing yesterday, President Barack Obama’s EPA administrator, Lisa Jackson, admitted the environmental risk of hydraulic fracturing is practically nonexistent.
“I’m not aware of any proven case where the fracking process itself has affected water, although there are investigations ongoing,” she said."
A REPORT FROM inside the Higher Education Bubble.
Instapundit » Blog Archive » A REPORT FROM inside the Higher Education Bubble. “Perhaps most troubling to me, as an adjunct hist…: "UPDATE: A reader emails:
I’ve been following your Higher Education Bubble posts with some interest.
I happen to work for a Midwest based company that specializes in outsourcing plant maintenance.
It’s a growth industry because so many of current manufacturing maintenance employees are in the late 50’s, and there is a great dearth of qualified folks to replace them.
We recruit heavily from the military because it’s one of the last best places that produce motivated, experienced, and qualified technicians.
That kid with a French Lit. degree flipping burgers would have done better to have gone to tech school, community college or the Big Green Machine and learned how to maintain electrical or hydraulic equipment.
They’d be earning 40-50K within a year or two and they most certainly wouldn’t have a problem finding a job.
I’m not overly worried… the Market will provide.
I just know that when my son comes of age, unless he’s going into IT or engineering, it’s the local community college or the military for his education."
I’ve been following your Higher Education Bubble posts with some interest.
I happen to work for a Midwest based company that specializes in outsourcing plant maintenance.
It’s a growth industry because so many of current manufacturing maintenance employees are in the late 50’s, and there is a great dearth of qualified folks to replace them.
We recruit heavily from the military because it’s one of the last best places that produce motivated, experienced, and qualified technicians.
That kid with a French Lit. degree flipping burgers would have done better to have gone to tech school, community college or the Big Green Machine and learned how to maintain electrical or hydraulic equipment.
They’d be earning 40-50K within a year or two and they most certainly wouldn’t have a problem finding a job.
I’m not overly worried… the Market will provide.
I just know that when my son comes of age, unless he’s going into IT or engineering, it’s the local community college or the military for his education."
‘My House Was Placed in a Union!’
‘My House Was Placed in a Union!’ [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
"An estimated $8 million in union dues per year are taken from these two groups and handed over to state government employee unions run by the United Auto Workers, AFSCME and the Service Employees International Union."
"An estimated $8 million in union dues per year are taken from these two groups and handed over to state government employee unions run by the United Auto Workers, AFSCME and the Service Employees International Union."
Run, Paul Ryan, Run
Run, Paul Ryan, Run - Jonah Goldberg - National Review Online
"If Ryan ran, he would probably drive the other candidates farther away from his own plan while forcing them to come up with serious alternatives of their own.
Many think that if he got the nomination, he would clean Obama’s clock in the debates."
"If Ryan ran, he would probably drive the other candidates farther away from his own plan while forcing them to come up with serious alternatives of their own.
Many think that if he got the nomination, he would clean Obama’s clock in the debates."
Obama botches toast to the queen
Good news: Obama botches toast to the queen « Hot Air
"This is why he doesn’t get invited to weddings, guys."
"This is why he doesn’t get invited to weddings, guys."
"The tanned Duchess of Cambridge blew Michelle Obama out of the water."
Althouse: "The tanned Duchess of Cambridge blew Michelle Obama out of the water."
"'The tanned Duchess of Cambridge blew Michelle Obama out of the water.'
Insane Daily Mail headline.
It's supposed to relate to the fashion:
For their first meeting yesterday, Kate wore a simple but stylish £175 bandage dress in fashionable ‘nude’ from Reiss, one of the few truly British fashion brands left on the planet....
Michelle Obama, on the other hand, looked like a little girl in a too short pink bolero (I hate boleros – and only six-year-olds should wear pink!) that my fashion spies tell me is not even vintage, it’s just old."
Ouch.
Fashionable nude and impossible pink... apparently."
"'The tanned Duchess of Cambridge blew Michelle Obama out of the water.'
Insane Daily Mail headline.
It's supposed to relate to the fashion:
For their first meeting yesterday, Kate wore a simple but stylish £175 bandage dress in fashionable ‘nude’ from Reiss, one of the few truly British fashion brands left on the planet....
Michelle Obama, on the other hand, looked like a little girl in a too short pink bolero (I hate boleros – and only six-year-olds should wear pink!) that my fashion spies tell me is not even vintage, it’s just old."
Ouch.
Fashionable nude and impossible pink... apparently."
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Aspen begins battle against plastic bottles
Aspen begins battle against plastic bottles - KDVR
"It was launched after a council member visited the Caribbean and was shocked by the amount of discarded plastic bottles floating in the ocean."
Do these eco-nuts realize that steel bottles must be washed...with WATER and evil dish soap?
"It was launched after a council member visited the Caribbean and was shocked by the amount of discarded plastic bottles floating in the ocean."
Do these eco-nuts realize that steel bottles must be washed...with WATER and evil dish soap?
AARP's ObamaCare Endgame Revealed
American Thinker: AARP's ObamaCare Endgame Revealed
"Non-Medigap insurers, not exempted from ObamaCare's rate reviews, must justify rate increases.
In effect, the HHS exemption gives AARP the ability to generate profits not achievable by non-exempted competitors"
"Non-Medigap insurers, not exempted from ObamaCare's rate reviews, must justify rate increases.
In effect, the HHS exemption gives AARP the ability to generate profits not achievable by non-exempted competitors"
Tea Party Doctor Issues Obamacare Debate Challenge
Tea Party Doctor Issues Obamacare Debate Challenge - Big Government
"If you were stuck reading just the mainstream media, you would probably have no idea that there is a growing movement among doctors to oppose President Barack Obama’s health care plan.
Dr. Adam Dorin, who practices medicine in southern California, has helped co-found an offshoot of the Tea Party known as The Doctors National TEA Party"
"If you were stuck reading just the mainstream media, you would probably have no idea that there is a growing movement among doctors to oppose President Barack Obama’s health care plan.
Dr. Adam Dorin, who practices medicine in southern California, has helped co-found an offshoot of the Tea Party known as The Doctors National TEA Party"
Step Increases: The Big Teacher Raises That Don’t Make the News
Step Increases: The Big Teacher Raises That Don’t Make the News [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
"Yet, Mattawan teachers who have 13 years of service or less are still set to receive step increases of more than 5 percent for this year and the next two.
Van Beek said 65 percent of Mattawan’s teachers have 11 years or less experience."
Add the platimun health care and COL increases.
It all adds up to bankruptcy for school systems and taxpayers.
"Yet, Mattawan teachers who have 13 years of service or less are still set to receive step increases of more than 5 percent for this year and the next two.
Van Beek said 65 percent of Mattawan’s teachers have 11 years or less experience."
Add the platimun health care and COL increases.
It all adds up to bankruptcy for school systems and taxpayers.
Controversial Spring Lake community C3Exchange to sell its building, asking $1.9 million
Controversial Spring Lake community C3Exchange to sell its building, asking $1.9 million MLive.com
"C3Exchange generated controversy last June by changing its name from Christ Community Church and removing the cross on its building."
OK.
You're a Christian church...but you remove Christ from your church.....and you remove the Cross from your church......and you wonder why your members have removed you from their lives.
"C3Exchange generated controversy last June by changing its name from Christ Community Church and removing the cross on its building."
OK.
You're a Christian church...but you remove Christ from your church.....and you remove the Cross from your church......and you wonder why your members have removed you from their lives.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Pile of debt would stretch beyond stratosphere
Pile of debt would stretch beyond stratosphere Reuters
"* The U.S. government borrows more than $40,000 per second.
That's more than the cost of a year's tuition, room and board at many universities.
'That usually gets their attention,' Doug Holtz-Eakin, who was chief White House economist under President George W. Bush, said in an email.
'I have two kids, so every 10 seconds, the feds borrow more than I paid lifetime.'"
"* The U.S. government borrows more than $40,000 per second.
That's more than the cost of a year's tuition, room and board at many universities.
'That usually gets their attention,' Doug Holtz-Eakin, who was chief White House economist under President George W. Bush, said in an email.
'I have two kids, so every 10 seconds, the feds borrow more than I paid lifetime.'"
Two patients died after waiting in ambulance outside 'full' Oldham hospital unit
Two patients died after waiting in ambulance outside 'full' Oldham hospital unit Manchester Evening News - menmedia.co.uk
"Two patients died after being left waiting in ambulances outside an over-stretched hospital."
"Two patients died after being left waiting in ambulances outside an over-stretched hospital."
The Most Dangerous Cities In America
The Most Dangerous Cities In America
"But parts of the country are getting worse.
Flint, Michigan -- the most violent city in America -- saw a 10% increase in violent crime over last year, with 2,208 violent crimes per 100,000 people.
Rust Belt neighbor Detroit was only slightly safer"
"But parts of the country are getting worse.
Flint, Michigan -- the most violent city in America -- saw a 10% increase in violent crime over last year, with 2,208 violent crimes per 100,000 people.
Rust Belt neighbor Detroit was only slightly safer"
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Ryan Schools Gregory: 'I Don't Consult Polls to Tell Me What My Principles Are or Policies Should Be
Ryan Schools Gregory: 'I Don't Consult Polls to Tell Me What My Principles Are or Policies Should Be - Leaders Change Polls' NewsBusters.org
"Ryan marvelously educated his host saying,
'I don't consult polls to tell me what my principles are or what our policies should be.
Leaders change the polls'"
"Ryan marvelously educated his host saying,
'I don't consult polls to tell me what my principles are or what our policies should be.
Leaders change the polls'"
Letters: Public participation, debate make better government
Letters: Public participation, debate make better government MLive.com
"Our county faces far too many challenges to continue the 'let's go along to get along' style of 'leadership' that has brought us a near $100 million dollar underfunding of county pension and health care funds."
"Our county faces far too many challenges to continue the 'let's go along to get along' style of 'leadership' that has brought us a near $100 million dollar underfunding of county pension and health care funds."
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Adult Baby | Tom Coburn
Adult Baby Tom Coburn Investigation The Daily Caller
"“You wanna test how damn serious I am about leaving this world, screw with my check that pays for this apartment and food,” he said.
“Try it.
See how serious I am.
I don’t care.
I have no problem killing myself.
Take away the last thing keeping me here, and see what happens.
Next time you see me on the news, it will be me in a body bag.”"
"“You wanna test how damn serious I am about leaving this world, screw with my check that pays for this apartment and food,” he said.
“Try it.
See how serious I am.
I don’t care.
I have no problem killing myself.
Take away the last thing keeping me here, and see what happens.
Next time you see me on the news, it will be me in a body bag.”"
Ban shopping bags says EU
Express.co.uk - Home of the Daily and Sunday Express UK News :: Ban shopping bags says EU
"Shops in Britain could be outlawed from stocking them, or alternatively there might be a new tax to dramatically reduce their use."
"Shops in Britain could be outlawed from stocking them, or alternatively there might be a new tax to dramatically reduce their use."
The Euro Doom Scenario Starts With What's Happening In Spain Right Now
The Euro Doom Scenario Starts With What's Happening In Spain Right Now
"As you may recall, I've said forever that Spain will be the EU dealbreaker.
And as we saw, again, not that long ago, for an entire decade, from 1997-2006, Spain built more homes than England, France and Germany combined, of which far too many to count now stand empty.
Plus, much of the financing for all these superfluous homes was done through still seemingly healthy large Spanish banks like Santander and BBVA"
"As you may recall, I've said forever that Spain will be the EU dealbreaker.
And as we saw, again, not that long ago, for an entire decade, from 1997-2006, Spain built more homes than England, France and Germany combined, of which far too many to count now stand empty.
Plus, much of the financing for all these superfluous homes was done through still seemingly healthy large Spanish banks like Santander and BBVA"
Feds Moving EV Tax Credits To “Cash For Clunkers” Model
Feds Moving EV Tax Credits To “Cash For Clunkers” Model The Truth About Cars
"Speaking to Automotive News [sub], LaHood even went as far as to argue that the new direction for the tax credits, which were previously only claimable when filing taxes, would be successful for the reason that it would make the credits more like the Cash For Clunkers program.
Apparently LaHood has completely forgotten how riddled with waste, inefficiency, fraud, confusion, delays, unintended consequences and all-purpose madness that program was."
"Speaking to Automotive News [sub], LaHood even went as far as to argue that the new direction for the tax credits, which were previously only claimable when filing taxes, would be successful for the reason that it would make the credits more like the Cash For Clunkers program.
Apparently LaHood has completely forgotten how riddled with waste, inefficiency, fraud, confusion, delays, unintended consequences and all-purpose madness that program was."
Red Tape - IRS snafu leaves taxpayers, refunds in limbo for months
Red Tape - IRS snafu leaves taxpayers, refunds in limbo for months
"It's perhaps the very definition of Red Tape.
Four years ago, Congress decided that the IRS should get into the banking business, authorizing it to give out no-interest loans to first-time homebuyers.
That put the agency in the position of both collecting loan payments and issuing tax refunds to the roughly 1 million taxpayers who took advantage of the program."
The democrat controlled congress decided IRS agents would make great bankers....right.....
"It's perhaps the very definition of Red Tape.
Four years ago, Congress decided that the IRS should get into the banking business, authorizing it to give out no-interest loans to first-time homebuyers.
That put the agency in the position of both collecting loan payments and issuing tax refunds to the roughly 1 million taxpayers who took advantage of the program."
The democrat controlled congress decided IRS agents would make great bankers....right.....
Emotional school funding debate continues with parents, unions questioning legislators
Emotional school funding debate continues with parents, unions questioning legislators MLive.com
“The cuts are going to hurt East Grand Rapids but Grand Rapids is really going to be hurt,” said Dan Lorenz, an East Grand Rapids parent and Wyoming teacher.
“I am afraid of future cuts and I am angry money is being taken away to be used for other things.”"
By "taken away", I guess he means slowing the automatic teacher wage and health care and dental care and early retirement benefit increases they enjoy every year.
And "used for other things" like paying down our tsunami of debt and letting people keep some of their hard earned income.
“The cuts are going to hurt East Grand Rapids but Grand Rapids is really going to be hurt,” said Dan Lorenz, an East Grand Rapids parent and Wyoming teacher.
“I am afraid of future cuts and I am angry money is being taken away to be used for other things.”"
By "taken away", I guess he means slowing the automatic teacher wage and health care and dental care and early retirement benefit increases they enjoy every year.
And "used for other things" like paying down our tsunami of debt and letting people keep some of their hard earned income.
NHS budget squeeze to blame for longer waiting times, say doctors
NHS budget squeeze to blame for longer waiting times, say doctors Society The Guardian
"Latest performance data reveal number of English patients waiting more than 18 weeks has risen by 26% in last year"
"Latest performance data reveal number of English patients waiting more than 18 weeks has risen by 26% in last year"
Friday, May 20, 2011
Fighting for the Right to Tell Lies
Fighting for the Right to Tell Lies - NYTimes.com
"But though he admitted conjuring the entire tale, Mr. Strandlof has been fighting the case against him, arguing that the law violates his right to free speech.
Simply telling a lie, his lawyers assert, does not always constitute a crime.
Now, a federal appeals court in Denver is weighing whether the act is indeed unconstitutional.
Last July, a judge dismissed the case against Mr. Strandlof on First Amendment grounds, but prosecutors appealed."
"But though he admitted conjuring the entire tale, Mr. Strandlof has been fighting the case against him, arguing that the law violates his right to free speech.
Simply telling a lie, his lawyers assert, does not always constitute a crime.
Now, a federal appeals court in Denver is weighing whether the act is indeed unconstitutional.
Last July, a judge dismissed the case against Mr. Strandlof on First Amendment grounds, but prosecutors appealed."
An historic first?
Muskegon Taxpayers Alliance
"This is a first for me.
And maybe a first for the Muskegon County commissioners.
They voted 'No' on two spending bills!"
"This is a first for me.
And maybe a first for the Muskegon County commissioners.
They voted 'No' on two spending bills!"
Muskegon County board pulls its annual contribution to Muskegon Heights festival
Muskegon County board pulls its annual contribution to Muskegon Heights festival MLive.com
"“When you see Miss Michigan means more than an entire community, I want to say racial,” Rankin said."
"“When you see Miss Michigan means more than an entire community, I want to say racial,” Rankin said."
Senate rejects GOP bill to expand, speed up offshore drilling
Senate rejects GOP bill to expand, speed up offshore drilling - The Hill's E2-Wire
"The Senate on Wednesday rejected Republican-backed legislation intended to speed up and expand offshore oil and gas drilling"
Yes, there is a difference between GOPers and democrats.
"The Senate on Wednesday rejected Republican-backed legislation intended to speed up and expand offshore oil and gas drilling"
Yes, there is a difference between GOPers and democrats.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
THE KEY TO IMPROVING SOCIETY: Economic freedom.
Instapundit » Blog Archive » THE KEY TO IMPROVING SOCIETY: Economic freedom.
"You don’t say.
Funny, it’s easy for some people to accept that artistic freedom is good for art, but they still have trouble accepting that economic freedom is good for the economy."
"You don’t say.
Funny, it’s easy for some people to accept that artistic freedom is good for art, but they still have trouble accepting that economic freedom is good for the economy."
Aide’s Defense of Gingrich Has D.C. Howling
Aide’s Defense of Gingrich Has D.C. Howling - Washington Wire - WSJ
"Walt Whitman or Allen Ginsberg it isn’t.
But the 2012 campaign has found its early, free-form poet.
He is Rick Tyler, Newt Gingrich’s long-time spokesman, who has penned a defense of his beleaguered boss that is so purple, so mixed in its metaphors, that all of Washington is eating it up – tweeting it, emailing it and otherwise bouncing it around the Internet."
He gone!
"Walt Whitman or Allen Ginsberg it isn’t.
But the 2012 campaign has found its early, free-form poet.
He is Rick Tyler, Newt Gingrich’s long-time spokesman, who has penned a defense of his beleaguered boss that is so purple, so mixed in its metaphors, that all of Washington is eating it up – tweeting it, emailing it and otherwise bouncing it around the Internet."
He gone!
A defining moment for Chuck Reed
Herhold: A defining moment for Chuck Reed - San Jose Mercury News
"Make no mistake: The proposal that San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed unveiled Friday to curtail retirement and health benefits for city employees will define his mayoral career."
One man, standing tall!
It CAN happen in Muskegon.
"Make no mistake: The proposal that San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed unveiled Friday to curtail retirement and health benefits for city employees will define his mayoral career."
One man, standing tall!
It CAN happen in Muskegon.
If public pension checks bounce, blame union leaders and politicians, not taxpayers
If public pension checks bounce, blame union leaders and politicians, not taxpayers
"Prichard simply stopped writing pension checks almost two years ago, leaving retirees without promised income even as the town forces current employees and taxpayers to keep paying into the fund.
Sure, Prichard is only a municipality, and states are states.
But that might not make much difference when the money runs out.
In fact, as sovereigns, states can pretty much pay — or not pay — whom they choose."
It's the union members who will be hurt most if this house of cards collapses.
Why do their leaders lie to the membership?
"Prichard simply stopped writing pension checks almost two years ago, leaving retirees without promised income even as the town forces current employees and taxpayers to keep paying into the fund.
Sure, Prichard is only a municipality, and states are states.
But that might not make much difference when the money runs out.
In fact, as sovereigns, states can pretty much pay — or not pay — whom they choose."
It's the union members who will be hurt most if this house of cards collapses.
Why do their leaders lie to the membership?
Michigan Senate passes bill requiring public workers to pay 20 percent of health insurance premiums
Michigan Senate passes bill requiring public workers to pay 20 percent of health insurance premiums MLive.com
"Public employers in Michigan at the state, local, school and university levels could pay no more than 80 percent of employees' health insurance premiums under legislation that cleared the Senate today.
The measure was approved on a near party line 25-13 vote."
My gosh!
We may yet get out of this mess!
"Public employers in Michigan at the state, local, school and university levels could pay no more than 80 percent of employees' health insurance premiums under legislation that cleared the Senate today.
The measure was approved on a near party line 25-13 vote."
My gosh!
We may yet get out of this mess!
Teacher 'step increases,' retroactive wages curtailed in bill headed for Gov. Snyder
Teacher 'step increases,' retroactive wages curtailed in bill headed for Gov. Snyder MLive.com
"Teachers will no longer get automatic “step increases” under terms of expired labor agreements, and will no longer be able to bargain retroactive pay increases under a bill headed for Gov. Rick Snyder's signature."
A small step for a governor.
A giant leap for the taxpayer.
"Teachers will no longer get automatic “step increases” under terms of expired labor agreements, and will no longer be able to bargain retroactive pay increases under a bill headed for Gov. Rick Snyder's signature."
A small step for a governor.
A giant leap for the taxpayer.
How about a National Obamacare Waiver?
How about a National Obamacare Waiver? The Foundry
"On Monday, the Las Vegas Sun reported that Nevada—Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s home state—received a partial statewide Obamacare waiver, too.
If you’re keeping score, Reid was Pelosi’s counterpart in the Senate fighting to get Obamacare passed into law.
Now his state will be one of three to get a waiver from the law’s requirements, while the rest of America suffers."
The ENTIRE state of Nevada?
"On Monday, the Las Vegas Sun reported that Nevada—Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s home state—received a partial statewide Obamacare waiver, too.
If you’re keeping score, Reid was Pelosi’s counterpart in the Senate fighting to get Obamacare passed into law.
Now his state will be one of three to get a waiver from the law’s requirements, while the rest of America suffers."
The ENTIRE state of Nevada?
GM Asks for More Tax Incentives
GM Asks for More Tax Incentives [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
"The company has been the recipient of at least 10 other deals from the Michigan Economic Growth Authority, with estimated incentives valued at the time of passage at more than $1.5 billion, including its massive special 2009 award.
That’s not even including assistance in these deals from federal or local government incentives, let alone its $50 billion federal government bailout."
"The company has been the recipient of at least 10 other deals from the Michigan Economic Growth Authority, with estimated incentives valued at the time of passage at more than $1.5 billion, including its massive special 2009 award.
That’s not even including assistance in these deals from federal or local government incentives, let alone its $50 billion federal government bailout."
The Differences Between Public and Private Sector Unions
The Differences Between Public and Private Sector Unions « Union Watch
"Many supporters of public sector unions suggest there are no meaningful differences between public and private sector unions when it comes to collective bargaining.
As I explain below, however, there are in fact several fundamental differences,"
"Many supporters of public sector unions suggest there are no meaningful differences between public and private sector unions when it comes to collective bargaining.
As I explain below, however, there are in fact several fundamental differences,"
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Michigan first to act as states weigh reductions in unemployment benefits
Michigan first to act as states weigh reductions in unemployment benefits - CFED News Clips
"When state unemployment funds are depleted, they borrow from the federal government.
Michigan owes the federal government $3.9 billion for the program.
By comparison, the state's proposed budget for next year is $45.9 billion."
$3.9 BILLION!!!!!!!!!
And it's growing EVERY day!
"When state unemployment funds are depleted, they borrow from the federal government.
Michigan owes the federal government $3.9 billion for the program.
By comparison, the state's proposed budget for next year is $45.9 billion."
$3.9 BILLION!!!!!!!!!
And it's growing EVERY day!
Passenger jets nearly collide after Biden plane lands in Chicago
Passenger jets nearly collide after Biden plane lands in Chicago - The Washington Post
"The near-collision involved a pair of 50-seat, twin-engine commuter jets, one inbound from Muskegon, Mich.,"
"The near-collision involved a pair of 50-seat, twin-engine commuter jets, one inbound from Muskegon, Mich.,"
Hey teachers unions – how about some pay cuts?
Hey teachers unions – how about some pay cuts? - Orange Punch - The Orange County Register
"Wouldn’t people who work only nine months a year have enough of a compassionate heart for their compatriots to effectively work two or three weeks a year without pay in order to save enough money to prevent some of their ranks from being laid off?
Nah."
Why are we so afraid of teachers, for gosh sakes?
"Wouldn’t people who work only nine months a year have enough of a compassionate heart for their compatriots to effectively work two or three weeks a year without pay in order to save enough money to prevent some of their ranks from being laid off?
Nah."
Why are we so afraid of teachers, for gosh sakes?
Social Security deficits now 'permanent'
Social Security deficits now 'permanent' - Washington Times
"Medicare’s hospital insurance trust fund is now slated to run out of money in 2024, or five years earlier than last year’s projection, while Social Security’s trust fund will be exhausted by 2036, a year earlier than the prior projection."
"Last year's" projection is wrong this quickly?
Maybe we could save some tax money by getting a new "projector"?
"Medicare’s hospital insurance trust fund is now slated to run out of money in 2024, or five years earlier than last year’s projection, while Social Security’s trust fund will be exhausted by 2036, a year earlier than the prior projection."
"Last year's" projection is wrong this quickly?
Maybe we could save some tax money by getting a new "projector"?
Former Mona Shores chief, ousted following Ponzi scheme, interviews at Kenowa Hills
Former Mona Shores chief, ousted following Ponzi scheme, interviews at Kenowa Hills MLive.com
This guy is the public employee version of the captain of the Titanic.
He let his "ship" sink.
Why is he still being considered to captain another ship?
This guy is the public employee version of the captain of the Titanic.
He let his "ship" sink.
Why is he still being considered to captain another ship?
Several Passengers Injured When Elevator Drops Three Floors In Chelsea
Several Passengers Injured When Elevator Drops Three Floors In Chelsea « CBS New York
Not really a big story but check out the comments...harsh!
Not really a big story but check out the comments...harsh!
White House shuts out Herald scribe
White House shuts out Herald scribe - BostonHerald.com
"The White House Press Office has refused to give the Boston Herald full access to President Obama’s Boston fund-raiser today, in e-mails objecting to the newspaper’s front page placement of a Mitt Romney op-ed, saying pool reporters are chosen based on whether they cover the news “fairly.”"
Gangster government tells da media who's boss!
"The White House Press Office has refused to give the Boston Herald full access to President Obama’s Boston fund-raiser today, in e-mails objecting to the newspaper’s front page placement of a Mitt Romney op-ed, saying pool reporters are chosen based on whether they cover the news “fairly.”"
Gangster government tells da media who's boss!
USPS warns of default on retiree benefits
Federal News Radio 1500 AM: USPS warns of default on retiree benefits
"The Postal Service will begin to default on its financial obligations just over four months from now unless Congress takes action to relieve it of its obligation to pre-fund retiree health care accounts, its leader told lawmakers Tuesday."
In other words, "everything will be just fine if only you'll allow us to borrow more money from your grandchildren".
"The Postal Service will begin to default on its financial obligations just over four months from now unless Congress takes action to relieve it of its obligation to pre-fund retiree health care accounts, its leader told lawmakers Tuesday."
In other words, "everything will be just fine if only you'll allow us to borrow more money from your grandchildren".
Muskegon Township, fortu PowerCell reach development agreement for battery plant
Muskegon Township, fortu PowerCell reach development agreement for battery plant MLive.com
"Fortu states that, as part of its 2010 tax credit agreement with the state that made the project possible, it won't discriminate against union contractors"
What the heck does that mean?
Yu gotta problem wit dat?
"Fortu states that, as part of its 2010 tax credit agreement with the state that made the project possible, it won't discriminate against union contractors"
What the heck does that mean?
Yu gotta problem wit dat?
Michigan Irish Music Festival announces 2011 headliners
Michigan Irish Music Festival announces 2011 headliners [video] MLive.com
"Organizers of the Michigan Irish Music Festival have announced three headlining bands direct from Ireland for this year's festivities."
Maybe these organizers ought to take control of Summer Celebration?
"Organizers of the Michigan Irish Music Festival have announced three headlining bands direct from Ireland for this year's festivities."
Maybe these organizers ought to take control of Summer Celebration?
Soaring gas prices prompt surge in mo-ped sales
Soaring gas prices prompt surge in mo-ped sales MLive.com
Nice happy-feely article on the joys of high gasoline prices and mo-peds.
The "high gas prices force innocent citizens onto mo-peds. Women and children hurt most" headline saved for a republican administration.
Nice happy-feely article on the joys of high gasoline prices and mo-peds.
The "high gas prices force innocent citizens onto mo-peds. Women and children hurt most" headline saved for a republican administration.
The 2012 GOP guide to the climate debate
The 2012 GOP guide to the climate debate The Daily Caller
"science doesn’t work on a consensus basis.
We don’t accept that the Earth revolves around the Sun because most scientists, or a group of scientists, have agreed to say so.
Science is driven by data, not groupthink."
"science doesn’t work on a consensus basis.
We don’t accept that the Earth revolves around the Sun because most scientists, or a group of scientists, have agreed to say so.
Science is driven by data, not groupthink."
Monday, May 16, 2011
Muslims to push for sharia
Muslims to push for sharia The Australian
"THE nation's peak Muslim group is using the Gillard government's re-embracing of multiculturalism to push for the introduction of sharia in Australia, but it says it would be a more moderate variety of Islamic law that fits with Australian values"
Watch out, it's on the way here!
"THE nation's peak Muslim group is using the Gillard government's re-embracing of multiculturalism to push for the introduction of sharia in Australia, but it says it would be a more moderate variety of Islamic law that fits with Australian values"
Watch out, it's on the way here!
Recount in Orchard View sought by candidate who lost by one vote
Recount in Orchard View sought by candidate who lost by one vote MLive.com
"An Orchard View school board candidate who lost by one vote has asked for a recount of some of the ballots cast in the May 3 election."
Next time you think your vote doesn't count, remember this.
"An Orchard View school board candidate who lost by one vote has asked for a recount of some of the ballots cast in the May 3 election."
Next time you think your vote doesn't count, remember this.
Geithner halts investments in 2 gov't pensions
My Way News - Geithner halts investments in 2 gov't pensions
"The nation has reached its debt limit because the federal government has grown accustomed to borrowing massive amounts of money.
The latest estimate is that it borrows 40 cents for every dollar it spends."
What's the democrat plan to stop spending what we don't have?
"The nation has reached its debt limit because the federal government has grown accustomed to borrowing massive amounts of money.
The latest estimate is that it borrows 40 cents for every dollar it spends."
What's the democrat plan to stop spending what we don't have?
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