Certificate of Need, Citizens Research Council [Mackinac Center]
Imagine a law that gave a government board the power to decide whether or not new grocery stores could be built, and whether existing ones could expand or install new equipment.
For example, a law that forced the Meijer’s near your house to go through a complex and lengthy bureaucratic process before it could add some new freezer cases, and prove the new capacity wouldn’t drive up overall grocery prices.
Sound nuts?
Welcome to the bizarre world of Michigan’s health care facility “Certificate of Need” law
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Solyndra to Declare Bankruptcy
Solyndra to Declare Bankruptcy NBC Bay Area
Solyndra, a major manufacturer of solar technology in Fremont, has shut its doors, according to employees at the campus.
"I was told by a security guard to get my [stuff] and leave," one employee said. The company employs a little more than 1,000 employees worldwide, according to its website
....The federal government offered $535 million in low cost loan guarantees from the Department of Energy.
Solyndra, a major manufacturer of solar technology in Fremont, has shut its doors, according to employees at the campus.
"I was told by a security guard to get my [stuff] and leave," one employee said. The company employs a little more than 1,000 employees worldwide, according to its website
....The federal government offered $535 million in low cost loan guarantees from the Department of Energy.
Detroit People Mover seeks first fare hike
Wayne County Detroit People Mover seeks first fare hike The Detroit News
Weeks after the City Council trimmed the system's $4.4 million annual subsidy by $1 million
2.9 mile mass transit bliss?
Weeks after the City Council trimmed the system's $4.4 million annual subsidy by $1 million
2.9 mile mass transit bliss?
Central Falls receiver cutting pensions further
Central Falls receiver cutting pensions further Rhode Island news projo.com The Providence Journal: CENTRAL FALLS — The state-appointed receiver has sent a second round of letters to 141 retired police officers and firefighters informing many of them that their retirement pensions will be slashed further than he first proposed at a public meeting at Central Falls High School last month.
It can happen here if our county leaders refuse to face the issue of pension and health care underfunding.
It can happen here if our county leaders refuse to face the issue of pension and health care underfunding.
Pending Legislation in California: “The Law to Eliminate Employment of Babysitters in the State”
CARPE DIEM: Pending Legislation in California: “The Law to Eliminate Employment of Babysitters in the State”:
"How will California parents react when they find out they will be expected to provide workers' compensation benefits, rest and meal breaks, and paid vacation time for…babysitters?
Dinner and a movie night may soon become much more complicated.
"How will California parents react when they find out they will be expected to provide workers' compensation benefits, rest and meal breaks, and paid vacation time for…babysitters?
Dinner and a movie night may soon become much more complicated.
U.S. Exports to China Grew 4 Times Faster Than Exports to the Rest of the World from 2000 to 2010
CARPE DIEM: U.S. Exports to China Grew 4 Times Faster Than Exports to the Rest of the World from 2000 to 2010
China is the third largest export market for the United States ($92 billion in 2010), behind our NAFTA partners #1 Canada ($248 billion) and #2 Mexico ($163 billion), and head of #4 Japan ($60.5 billion) and #5 U.K. ($48.5 billion).
If you "hate" China, they may just hate you back!
China is the third largest export market for the United States ($92 billion in 2010), behind our NAFTA partners #1 Canada ($248 billion) and #2 Mexico ($163 billion), and head of #4 Japan ($60.5 billion) and #5 U.K. ($48.5 billion).
If you "hate" China, they may just hate you back!
The Anti-Science Smear
The Anti-Science Smear - Rich Lowry - National Review Online
The last time Republicans were roundly condemned as anti-science, it was for their resistance to destroying human embryos for stem cells.
Their crude religiosity supposedly blocked imminent leaps ahead in medical progress.
Then-vice-presidential candidate John Edwards went so far as to predict in 2004 that because of “the work we will do when John Kerry is president, people like Christopher Reeve are going to walk, get up out of that wheelchair, and walk again.”
In other words, as a major figure in the self-styled party of science, Edwards made an outlandish assurance worthy of a faith healer
The last time Republicans were roundly condemned as anti-science, it was for their resistance to destroying human embryos for stem cells.
Their crude religiosity supposedly blocked imminent leaps ahead in medical progress.
Then-vice-presidential candidate John Edwards went so far as to predict in 2004 that because of “the work we will do when John Kerry is president, people like Christopher Reeve are going to walk, get up out of that wheelchair, and walk again.”
In other words, as a major figure in the self-styled party of science, Edwards made an outlandish assurance worthy of a faith healer
House of Chan, one of Muskegon's oldest restaurants, closing Sept. 6
House of Chan, one of Muskegon's oldest restaurants, closing Sept. 6 MLive.com
Joe Chan, who took the reins of the restaurant from his grandfather, Gin Chan, in 1968, said the sluggish economy was a factor in his decision to shut down on Sept. 6.
Sad on so many levels.
Joe Chan, who took the reins of the restaurant from his grandfather, Gin Chan, in 1968, said the sluggish economy was a factor in his decision to shut down on Sept. 6.
Sad on so many levels.
August: Deadliest month for U.S. in Afghanistan
August: Deadliest month for U.S. in Afghanistan - Army News News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Army Times
KABUL, Afghanistan — August has become the deadliest month yet for U.S. forces in the nearly 10-year-old war in Afghanistan, increasing pressure on the Obama administration to bring troops home sooner rather than later.
What!
No screaming headlines?
Oh...Barry O'Carter is president......not Bush.....
KABUL, Afghanistan — August has become the deadliest month yet for U.S. forces in the nearly 10-year-old war in Afghanistan, increasing pressure on the Obama administration to bring troops home sooner rather than later.
What!
No screaming headlines?
Oh...Barry O'Carter is president......not Bush.....
CHINA BACKING AWAY FROM electric vehicle plans
Instapundit » Blog Archive » CHINA BACKING AWAY FROM electric vehicle plans
“Beijing appears to be rethinking its singular focus on electric vehicles as a way to reduce fuel consumption and seems ready to revise its alternative-energy vehicle estimates as it becomes increasingly evident that the city’s electric vehicle targets were completely unrealistic.
Beijing – and in some ways, the whole of China – had set out to leapfrog conventional engine technology by developing and manufacturing huge amounts of electric vehicles.
In particular, the city had hoped its push to develop plug-ins would give it an advantage over the West in electric vehicle technology.
But hopes and dreams don’t always jive with reality.”
Somebody tell Obama."
“Beijing appears to be rethinking its singular focus on electric vehicles as a way to reduce fuel consumption and seems ready to revise its alternative-energy vehicle estimates as it becomes increasingly evident that the city’s electric vehicle targets were completely unrealistic.
Beijing – and in some ways, the whole of China – had set out to leapfrog conventional engine technology by developing and manufacturing huge amounts of electric vehicles.
In particular, the city had hoped its push to develop plug-ins would give it an advantage over the West in electric vehicle technology.
But hopes and dreams don’t always jive with reality.”
Somebody tell Obama."
Greg Northrup resigns as president of West Michigan Strategic Alliance | MLive.com
Greg Northrup resigns as president of West Michigan Strategic Alliance MLive.com: In 2008, the Grand Rapids-based alliance was awarded a $15 million, three-year federal Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development, or WIRED, grant.
The WIRED initiative kicked off under the purview of the U.S. Department of Labor, and was aimed at fostering innovative ways to build regional workforces.
The WMSA release said the $15 million it obtained was used to create more than 1,500 area internships, and helped develop new workforce skills in young people, among others.
In July, Northrup also proposed West Michigan officials install 4,000 electric car charging stations throughout the region.
The WIRED initiative kicked off under the purview of the U.S. Department of Labor, and was aimed at fostering innovative ways to build regional workforces.
The WMSA release said the $15 million it obtained was used to create more than 1,500 area internships, and helped develop new workforce skills in young people, among others.
In July, Northrup also proposed West Michigan officials install 4,000 electric car charging stations throughout the region.
'Most American Muslims are satisfied Obama backers'
'Most American Muslims are satisfied Obama backers' - The Times of India
In contrast to the majority of the general public dissatisfied with the nation's direction, 56 percent of the estimated 2.75 million American Muslims said they are satisfied, the survey showed.
Seven out of 10 view President Barack Obama's tenure favorably.
In contrast to the majority of the general public dissatisfied with the nation's direction, 56 percent of the estimated 2.75 million American Muslims said they are satisfied, the survey showed.
Seven out of 10 view President Barack Obama's tenure favorably.
Bullying Law Puts New Jersey Schools on Spot
Bullying Law Puts New Jersey Schools on Spot - NYTimes.com
Each school must designate an antibullying specialist to investigate complaints; each district must, in turn, have an antibullying coordinator;
Each school must designate an antibullying specialist to investigate complaints; each district must, in turn, have an antibullying coordinator;
Fight Erupts Over Head Scarves at Playland Park in Rye
Fight Erupts Over Head Scarves at Playland Park in Rye - NYTimes.com
Playland Park, owned and operated by the county, has come under scrutiny in recent years after three people died there from 2004 to 2007, including a 7-year-old girl who was killed on a ride called the Mind Scrambler.
So the taxpayers are on the hook here......great......
Playland Park, owned and operated by the county, has come under scrutiny in recent years after three people died there from 2004 to 2007, including a 7-year-old girl who was killed on a ride called the Mind Scrambler.
So the taxpayers are on the hook here......great......
Germany Dims Nuclear Plants, but Hopes to Keep Lights On
Germany Dims Nuclear Plants, but Hopes to Keep Lights On - NYTimes.com
He characterized the government’s shutdown decision as “emotional” and pointed out that on most days, Germany has survived this experiment only by importing electricity from neighboring France and the Czech Republic, which generate much of their power with nuclear reactors.
He characterized the government’s shutdown decision as “emotional” and pointed out that on most days, Germany has survived this experiment only by importing electricity from neighboring France and the Czech Republic, which generate much of their power with nuclear reactors.
Arrested for Riding Bike to School
Bike Walk Tennessee: Arrested for Riding Bike to School
Arrested for Riding Bike to School
Could you be arrested for allowing your 5'th grade child to ride her bike one mile to school?
That certainly seems crazy as we try to encourage active life styles for our kids.
That certainly seems crazy as we try to promote safe routes to school programs.
That certainly seems crazy as we talk of an obesity epidemic amongst our children.
But that is what police in Elizabethton Tennessee are threatening.
Teresa Tryon said, "On August 25th my 10 year daughter arrived home via police officer, requested to speak to me on the front porch of my home. The officer informed me that in his 'judgement' it was unsafe for my daughter to ride her bike to school."
Ms Tryon called the mayor's office and the chief of police office in order to determine what laws she was breaking by allowing her daughter to ride her bike to school. Her daughter's route to school was reasonably safe.
Major Verran of the police department returned Ms Tryon's call. She said he told me, "He had spoke with the District Attorney's office who advised that until the officer can speak with Child Protective Services that if I allow my daughter to ride/walk to school I will be breaking the law and treated accordingly.
She asked, "What law she would be breaking to which the answer was 'child neglect'".
Ms Tryon confirm with Major Verran that her daughter was indeed breaking no laws at any level, but it was Ms Tryon who was breaking the law by allowing her daughter to ride/walk to school. Even though it only takes her daughter 7 - 9 minutes to bicycle to school, she is expected to ride the bus.
Arrested for Riding Bike to School
Could you be arrested for allowing your 5'th grade child to ride her bike one mile to school?
That certainly seems crazy as we try to encourage active life styles for our kids.
That certainly seems crazy as we try to promote safe routes to school programs.
That certainly seems crazy as we talk of an obesity epidemic amongst our children.
But that is what police in Elizabethton Tennessee are threatening.
Teresa Tryon said, "On August 25th my 10 year daughter arrived home via police officer, requested to speak to me on the front porch of my home. The officer informed me that in his 'judgement' it was unsafe for my daughter to ride her bike to school."
Ms Tryon called the mayor's office and the chief of police office in order to determine what laws she was breaking by allowing her daughter to ride her bike to school. Her daughter's route to school was reasonably safe.
Major Verran of the police department returned Ms Tryon's call. She said he told me, "He had spoke with the District Attorney's office who advised that until the officer can speak with Child Protective Services that if I allow my daughter to ride/walk to school I will be breaking the law and treated accordingly.
She asked, "What law she would be breaking to which the answer was 'child neglect'".
Ms Tryon confirm with Major Verran that her daughter was indeed breaking no laws at any level, but it was Ms Tryon who was breaking the law by allowing her daughter to ride/walk to school. Even though it only takes her daughter 7 - 9 minutes to bicycle to school, she is expected to ride the bus.
Libya: We're cheering on rebels with AK-47s, who could be worse than Gaddafi
Libya: We're cheering on rebels with AK-47s, who could be worse than Gaddafi Mail Online
Just because existing regimes are bad, it does not follow that their replacements will be any better.
The world has known this since the French Revolution of 1789, when bliss and joy turned to mass murder and dictatorship in a matter of months.
Just because existing regimes are bad, it does not follow that their replacements will be any better.
The world has known this since the French Revolution of 1789, when bliss and joy turned to mass murder and dictatorship in a matter of months.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
The Green Jobs Myth
The Green Jobs Myth [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
Imagine if the Legislature imposed a windmill and solar energy mandate on electric utilities that required many more workers to produce the same amount of power and also increased your annual electric bills by around $100.
Imagine if the Legislature imposed a windmill and solar energy mandate on electric utilities that required many more workers to produce the same amount of power and also increased your annual electric bills by around $100.
Norton Shores Tim Hortons to open Wednesday morning
Norton Shores Tim Hortons to open Wednesday morning MLive.com
Tim Hortons will open at 6 a.m. Wednesday at its new location, 3334 Henry, near the Norton Shores Meijer supercenter.
Didn't it seem like it took forever to build that store?
Tim Hortons will open at 6 a.m. Wednesday at its new location, 3334 Henry, near the Norton Shores Meijer supercenter.
Didn't it seem like it took forever to build that store?
Reworking union contracts among cost-savers suggested by Muskegon Heights' special panel
Reworking union contracts among cost-savers suggested by Muskegon Heights' special panel MLive.com
More timely financial reporting, restructuring collective bargaining agreements and a possible tax levy for the city's Downtown Development Authority were part of the recommendations issued Monday to Muskegon Heights city officials by a special task force.
Bold.
But will the union employees really help with the problem?
More timely financial reporting, restructuring collective bargaining agreements and a possible tax levy for the city's Downtown Development Authority were part of the recommendations issued Monday to Muskegon Heights city officials by a special task force.
Bold.
But will the union employees really help with the problem?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)