Saturday, December 31, 2011

Loss of faith in democracy could make 2012 the most frightening year ever

Loss of faith in democracy could make 2012 the most frightening year ever Mail Online
For the most chilling parallel, though, we should look back exactly 80 years, to the cold wintry days when 1931 gave way to 1932.
The ultimate warning from history: If our political leaders fail to provide adequate direction the results, as demonstrated 80 years ago, could be catastrophic
Then as now, few people saw much to mourn in the passing of the old year.
It was in 1931 that the Great Depression really took hold in Europe, bringing governments to their knees and plunging tens of millions of people out of work.
Then as now, the crisis had taken years to gather momentum.
After the Wall Street Crash in 1929 — just as after the banking crisis of 2008 — some observers even thought that the worst was over.
But in the summer of 1931, a wave of banking panics swept across central Europe.
As the German and Austrian financial houses tottered, Britain’s Labour government came under fierce market pressure to slash spending and cut benefits.

Grimm prediction.

The Air Force Just Bought Its Biggest And Fastest Armed Drone Ever

The Air Force Just Bought Its Biggest And Fastest Armed Drone Ever
After reports earlier this month that the drone would be sent to Afghanistan, Air Force officials now say the Avenger may be years away from active duty

Creepy

from an e-mail today:

Friend --
Today, the last day before 2012, we want to make sure you take the chance to be part of something special.

Before midnight tonight, donate $3 or whatever you can to be automatically entered to have dinner with the President and First Lady sometime soon.

And, don't forget -- if you're one of the winners, you'll get to bring a guest along with you.

So, if you're interested in potentially sitting across from the President and First Lady for a meal sometime soon, this is your very last chance to throw your name in the hat.

Donate $3 to be automatically entered to have dinner with Barack and Michelle:

https://donate.barackobama.com/By-Midnight

Good luck, and happy new year.

-Julianna
Julianna Smoot

Deputy Campaign Manager

Obama for America

Will Obama steal the 2012 election?

KUHNER: Will Obama steal the 2012 election? - Washington Times
In a recent speech, Mr. Holder said that attempts by states to pass voter identification laws will disenfranchise minorities, rolling back the clock to the evil days of segregation.
He said that a growing number of minorities fear that “the same disparities, divisions and problems” now afflict America as they did in 1965 prior to the Voting Rights Act.
According to the Obama administration, our democracy is being threatened by racist Republicans.
Hence, the Justice Department must prevent laws requiring a photo ID to vote from being enacted.

7 companies on the ropes in 2012

7 companies on the ropes in 2012 - big names at risk - MSN Money

National Park Service has new land-grabbing tool

National Park Service has new land-grabbing tool Ron Arnold Columnists Washington Examiner
Big Green has an unlikely new sales pitch to convince Congress to fund ever-expanding land grabs by the National Park Service -- save wildlife migration.
A map overlay showing all the U.S. wildlife migration paths would blot out nearly half the nation -- a very clever diagram for empire-building bureaucrats.

What The Rich People Really Drive

What The Rich People Really Drive - Forbes
61 percent of people who earn $250,000 or more aren’t buying luxury brands at all.
They’re buying the same Toyotas, Hondas and Fords as the rest of us.

Flying breast milk and death by rooster: the best of American madness, 2011

Flying breast milk and death by rooster: the best of American madness, 2011 – Telegraph Blogs
There are plenty of eccentric Britons, too, but it’s the openness and enthusiasm of American loons that makes them seem uniquely whack-a-doodle.

Too funny!
Read it!

Planned Parenthood tops $1 billion in assets

Planned Parenthood tops $1 billion in assets - The Hill's Healthwatch
The nation’s largest abortion provider topped $1 billion in total net assets in 2009-2010, its first time reaching that mark, according to Planned Parenthood’s latest annual report.
...Almost half of the group’s annual revenue — 46 percent — comes from taxpayers in the form of grants, contracts and Medicaid payments

Two Models for Europe

Two Models for Europe - Hans-Werner Sinn - Project Syndicate
The printing presses at the Banque de France and the Banca d’Italia are working overtime to make up for the outflow of money.
But this only furthers the exodus, because creating more money prevents interest rates from rising to a point at which capital would find it attractive to stay.

A Free Website for Periodicals, Books, and Videos

A Free Website for Periodicals, Books, and Videos
This web site is intended to provide an extensive free library of written content to everyone on the Internet, eventually containing a comprehensive collection of high-quality books and periodical issues.

Since all this content is intended to be permanently and transparently available, students, academics, and journalists may freely use this valuable content, perhaps producing additional writings hyperlinked to these important source materials.

A written index for a book or a periodical is merely the precursor of a search-engine; a footnote in a book or article is merely the precursor of a hyperlink.
This web site might ultimately allow an unlimited amount of previously produced written content to be easily enhanced with these new capabilities.

Does Stripping Gender From Toys Really Make Sense?

Does Stripping Gender From Toys Really Make Sense? - NYTimes.com
Hamleys, which is London’s 251-year-old version of F.A.O. Schwarz, recently dismantled its pink “girls” and blue “boys” sections in favor of a gender-neutral store with red-and-white signage.
Rather than floors dedicated to Barbie dolls and action figures, merchandise is now organized by types (Soft Toys) and interests (Outdoor).

10 worst business predictions of 2011

10 worst business predictions of 2011 - The banks are healthy (1) - CNNMoney
From a muni meltdown to a recovery in bank stocks to a Yahoo turnaround, we were told a bunch of things would happen this year that didn't even come close.

P-38 was the First… | P-38 National Association

P-38 was the First… P-38 National Association
This short little video does an awesome job of pointing out all the “firsts” of the P-38 as well as so many other pluses that seem to get overlooked by some aviation historians.

Republican U.S. Senate candidates gathering Wednesday in Hart

HART — Five of the Republican candidates for U.S. Senate are expected to be in downtown Hart on Wednesday night for a candidate roundup hosted by the Oceana Tea Party.

Great opportunity to see who our next Senator will be.
It likely will boil down to Congressman Hoekstra or the non-Hoekstra, so here's your chance to see them in person.
I'll be there.
Dump Debbie!

Obama Recruits Qaradawi

Obama Recruits Qaradawi - Andrew C. McCarthy - National Review Online
The surrender is complete now.
The Hindu reports that the Obama administration has turned to Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi, the Muslim Brotherhood’s leading jurist, to mediate secret negotiations between the United States and the Taliban.
........For those who may be unfamiliar with him, he is the most influential Sunni Islamist in the world, thanks to such ventures as his al-Jazeera TV program (Sharia and Life) and website (IslamOnline.net).

In 2003, he issued a fatwa calling for the killing of American troops in Iraq.
As he put it,
"Those killed fighting the American forces are martyrs given their good intentions since they consider these invading troops an enemy within their territories but without their will. . . . Although they are seen by some as being wrong, those defending against attempts to control Islamic countries have the intention of jihad and bear a spirit of the defense of their homeland."

Qaradawi urges that Islam must dominate the world, under a global caliphate governed by sharia.
He maintains that Islam “will conquer Europe [and] will conquer America.”

Friday, December 30, 2011

How to master the art of passwords

How to master the art of passwords How To - CNET

Tasco to retire, but only for a day

Tasco to retire, but only for a day Philadelphia Inquirer 12/29/2011
Councilwoman Marian B. Tasco is retiring Friday, but only so she can collect a $478,057 pension check and return to work Monday, when she will be sworn in for her seventh term.
Tasco was one of six Council members to enroll in the city’s controversial Deferred Retirement Option Plan, better known as DROP.
She did not immediately return a request for comment.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

"A Tale of Two Missions" with Juan Williams promo

Even the Warmists Don't Believe In Global Warming

Even the Warmists Don't Believe In Global Warming - Forbes
The meeting in Durban provided an opportunity for Progressives to make their latest argument that ordinary people should surrender their freedom and hand all money and power over to unelected, unaccountable “experts” like, well, the people at the conference.
This is, of course, in order to “save the planet” from “climate change”.
(The issue that had for years been called “global warming” was rebranded as “climate change” when the most recent decade’s worth of data proved uncooperative.)

Public workers' perkhits taxpayers

Public workers' perkhits taxpayers - USATODAY.com
The practice, called buying "air time," lets state, municipal and school employees pay to add up to five years to their work history so they are eligible to retire and collect a lifetime pension.
Workers already eligible for retirement can buy extra years to boost a pension by up to 25%.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Ludington, Whitehall, Hart newspapers being sold to Illinois-based group

Ludington, Whitehall, Hart newspapers being sold to Illinois-based group MLive.com
The new ownership for the White Lake Beacon in Whitehall, Oceana's Herald-Journal in Hart and the Ludington Daily News will be effective Sunday.
West Frankfort, Ill.-based Community Media Group

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

WaPo Faith Section: 'Christmas Means the Redistribution of Wealth'

WaPo Faith Section: 'Christmas Means the Redistribution of Wealth' NewsBusters.org
The Christmas Eve article was headlined: “Christmas means the redistribution of wealth.”
The holy day certainly should lead us to share what we have, but socialists always mistake individual giving with government taking. Stevens-Arroyo lobbed this bomb: “Christmas 2011 comes on the eve of an election year when Catholic America is confronted with an escalation in society’s class divisions and a concentration of wealth worse than under the Roman Empire.”

Benched: Muskegon County District Court's old ones going up for sale

Benched: Muskegon County District Court's old ones going up for sale MLive.com
Buyers will be required to remove benches between 1 and 3 p.m. Jan. 19.
County staff will be available for questions but not to help with moving the benches.

Local gun shop reports near record sales for holiday

Local gun shop reports near record sales for holiday wzzm13.com
....the FBI is reporting dropping crime rates for the first six months of 2011.
Violent crime dropped six percent and property crimes dropped four percent.
Wokers at the Silver Bullet say they attribute the increases, not just to self protection, but people who like target shooting or hunting.

More guns in the hands of honest citizens results in lower crime.
I guess Holder and his neo-gun grabbers gotta come up with a new lie to disarm our American citizens.

Mom hopes new car will change her life

Mom hopes new car will change her life WOOD TV8
Unfortunately, not everybody was in the holiday spirit.
Before the giveaway, the car had a huge red ribbon on the hood, but somebody stole it.

Muskegon County moves toward net phones

Muskegon County moves toward net phones WOOD TV8
A number of agencies have signed on to participate to some degree.
They are the central dispatch board, the cities of Muskegon Heights and Norton Shores, Muskegon and Fruitport townships, and the White Lake Ambulance Authority.
Muskegon and other communities are considering joining.

Interesting that the near broke city of Muskegon holds out.

Holland to cut election sites in half

Holland to cut election sites in half
HOLLAND, Mich. (AP) - Holland is cutting the number of polling sites from 13 to seven as a way to save money on election day.

Deputy City Clerk Anna Perales says the western Michigan community won't save much in rental costs, because it only pays $60 for use of each site.

But she says there are greater savings in labor.
That's because each polling site needs three inspectors for local elections and as many as six or seven during state and national elections.

The Holland Sentinel says inspectors get $11 or $12 an hour.

Next year's elections are scheduled in February, May, August and November.

Smart move!

W Mich horticulturalists get $20k

W Mich horticulturalists get $20k
LANSING, Mich. (AP)
The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs has approved grants totaling $2.1 million to 221 nonprofit arts and cultural organizations, educational institutions and local governments.

The council is under the Michigan Economic Development Corp .

The grants announced last week include 173 for $1.3 million to go toward operations and project support.

Grants of $20,000 each are going to the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the West Michigan Horticultural Society in Grand Rapids and the Edison Institute in Dearborn.

The Detroit Recreation Department is getting $39,200 out of a $499,000 regional re-granting program.
The Detroit agency is to distribute the money to other arts and cultural projects in the area.

Noooo problem.
We've got LOTS of your moolah.......right.....

Monday, December 26, 2011

TSA

TSA Viper Units Ron Paul The Daily Caller
In 2012, the agency is planning to expand its operations at train stations, subway stations, ferry docks and other transportation hubs.

Race and Economics

RealClearPolitics - Race and Economics
Minimum wage laws are classic examples.
The last year in which the black unemployment rate was lower than the white unemployment rate was 1930.
That was also the last year in which there was no federal minimum wage law.

The Davis-Bacon Act of 1931 was in part a result of a series of incidents in which non-union black construction labor enabled various contractors from the South to underbid Northern contractors who used white, unionized construction labor.
The Davis-Bacon Act required that "prevailing wages" be paid on government construction projects-- "prevailing wages" almost always meaning in practice union wages.
Since blacks were kept out of construction unions then, and for decades thereafter, many black construction workers lost their jobs.

Minimum wages were required more broadly under the National Industrial Recovery Act of 1933 and under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, with negative consequences for black employment across a much wider range of industries.

Doctors, moms take on No. 1 polluter in Utah

My Way News - Doctors, moms take on No. 1 polluter in Utah
They have filed a lawsuit against Kennecott Utah Copper, accusing it of violating the U.S. Clean Air Act.

The enviro-cultists live and breath their own home brewed smog of ignorance and unearned hubris. They simply hate American industry, corporations and any hint of profit.
"Moms".....gimme a break!

And the headline writer's "No. 1 polluter...." lie is proof of the MSM's membership in this insane cult of morons.

Decades later, a Cold War secret is revealed

My Way News - Decades later, a Cold War secret is revealed
He recalls the very first briefing on Hexagon after Perkin-Elmer was awarded the top secret contract in 1966. Looking around the room at his 30 or so colleagues, Brickmeier thought, "How on Earth is this going to be possible?"

Photo of the Day: Last Dodge Caliber rolls off the assembly line

Photo of the Day: Last Dodge Caliber rolls off the assembly line MLive.com

from the comments:
craigyjoebob December 23, 2011 at 7:09PM "So they are flushing the Caliber to bring back a turd in the Dart?"

Gov. Rick Snyder signs bills on crime victim compensation

Gov. Rick Snyder signs bills on crime victim compensation MLive.com
Snyder signed three bills that clarify definitions and strengthens compensation requirements and programs for crime victims.
The bills were sponsored by fellow Republican state Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker of Lawton.

Snyder also has signed a bill that amends the Michigan Liquor Control Code.
The measure removes a barrel production limit and allows brewers that aren't licensed as micro brewers to sell their beer to the public for on-site drinking.
Republican state Rep. Margaret O'Brien of Portage is that measure's backer.

Good governance attracts businesses and innovators.
Good job GOPers!

Michigan State's football future remains bright with talent expected to return next season

Michigan State's football future remains bright with talent expected to return next season MLive.com
The Spartans have two reasons to wear sunglasses: Florida sunshine and their bright future in the new year and beyond.

Defense department agrees to allow Muslim cadets to wear hijabs

Defense department agrees to allow Muslim cadets to wear hijabs – The Religion World – Orlando Sentinel
CAIR requested constitutionally-protected religious accommodations for the girl and for future Muslim JROTC participants.

"Constitutionally-protected religious accommodations"?!!!!!!!!!!

California To Ban Police From Towing Cars Of Unlicensed Drivers

California To Ban Police From Towing Cars Of Unlicensed Drivers Fox News
Jan. 1 when a new law takes effect in California to prohibit police from impounding cars at sobriety checkpoints if a motorist's only offense is being an unlicensed driver.

Obamaland: American Mules Must Eat Certified Weed-Free Hay

Obamaland: American Mules Must Eat Certified Weed-Free Hay - Page 2 - Marita Noon - Townhall Finance
The Forest Service was willing to offer a conditional drilling permit. Among the conditions were these requirements:
The drill sites must be cleared using hand tools,
The drilling equipment and fuel must be transported to the site by a team of pack mules,
The mules must be fed certified weed-free hay, and
Drill site and trail reclamation must be done using hand tools.

The company gave up.

Ronald Reagan's 1981 Christmas Address

Ronald Reagan's 1981 Christmas Address ZeroHedge
"Things sure have changed in the past 30 years..."

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Michigan business tax incentives get D+ in report

Michigan business tax incentives get D+ in report (Rick Haglund column) MLive.com
Its report, “Money for Something,” gives Michigan’s business tax incentives a D+ for their effectiveness in producing good jobs.
The state ranked 33rd — tied with Montana and Ohio — in the quality of its incentive programs.

Ravenna teachers union votes to leave MEA-backed insurance plan

Ravenna teachers union votes to leave MEA-backed insurance plan MLive.com
Ravenna teachers have voted to leave the health insurance plan backed by the Michigan Education Association for a plan school officials said would save each family $1,000.
..... The district's contribution to teacher health insurance is capped at $14,000 for a family plan.

The 50 Best Political Quotes For 2011 (Third Annual)

The 50 Best Political Quotes For 2011 (Third Annual) Right Wing News

YouTube Christmas #3 - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - danielle...

Egypt Islamists take two-thirds of 2nd-round vote

Egypt Islamists take two-thirds of 2nd-round vote Reuters

"Arab spring" looking more like "springtime for Hitler".
Not good.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Michigan City of Troy, Led by Tea Party Mayor, Rejects Federal Dollars

Michigan City of Troy, Led by Tea Party Mayor, Rejects Federal Dollars - NYTimes.com
A city turns down $8.5 million in federal grant money.
In what could be a new high water mark of anti-Washington sentiment, the city of Troy, Mich., is rejecting a long-planned transportation center whose construction would have been fully financed with federal stimulus money.

BP solar business exit counters trend by Google, Buffett, TransCanada

BP solar business exit counters trend by Google, Buffett, TransCanada Alternative Energy Energy News Financial Post
BP Plc is exiting the solar business after 40 years

'Key Driving Sector': Greece Turns to Energy as its Economic Savior

'Key Driving Sector': Greece Turns to Energy as its Economic Savior - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News - International
Now, energy officials in the financially beleaguered nation are naming a major solar project after Helios and banking on energy more broadly as a possible way out of the financial crisis.

The EPA's Mercury Madness

The EPA's Mercury Madness - Investors.com
The EPA thinks it's worth spending billions of dollars each year to reduce already minuscule amounts of mercury in the outside air.
So why is it trying to shove mercury-laced fluorescent bulbs into everyone's homes?

College Football Wins Lower Guys' GPA

College Football Wins Lower Guys' GPA - Miller-McCune
The gap in grade point averages between male and female students widens when their college football team is winning.

Editorial: Even profitable firms fleeing California

Editorial: Even profitable firms fleeing California california, businesses, business - Opinion - The Orange County Register
While a limited number of businesses go through the trouble of pulling up stakes and high-tailing it to Texas, Nevada or Arizona, many others just quietly go out of business.
Others keep their headquarters here, but expand their operations elsewhere.
Many jobs are never created or opportunities pursued because of the punitive regulatory and tax climate in California, where Steinberg's true constituency – the public-sector unions that enforce the myriad regulations and laws – does its work.

Pakistan Military Tries to Quash Rumors of a Coup

Pakistan Military Tries to Quash Rumors of a Coup - NYTimes.com
But the focus in Pakistan on Friday was talk of a military coup.
The rumors were set off a day earlier when the prime minister, Yousaf Raza Gilani, warned publicly of a conspiracy to topple the government.

Mark Steyn: An upside-down family tree

Mark Steyn: An upside-down family tree people, women, percent - Opinion - The Orange County Register
In Greece, 100 grandparents have 42 grandchildren – i.e., the family tree is upside down. In a social democratic state where workers in "hazardous" professions (such as, er, hairdressing) retire at 50, there aren't enough young people around to pay for your three-decade retirement.
And there are unlikely ever to be again.
Look at it another way: Banks are a mechanism by which old people with capital lend to young people with energy and ideas.
The Western world has now inverted the concept.
If 100 geezers run up a bazillion dollars' worth of debt, is it likely that 42 youngsters will ever be able to pay it off?

First in-store Father Christmas was from Edinburgh

First in-store Father Christmas was from Edinburgh - Edinburgh, East & Fife - Scotsman.com
"he first took to dressing as Santa in 1890, inspired by the drawings of political illustrator Thomas Nast."

Michigan's Snow Cone Machines

Michigan's Snow Cone Machines - The Colbert Report - 2011-08-12 - Video Clip Comedy Central
Michigan's Snow Cone Machines
The soft-on-terror-crats mischaracterize Michigan's ice shaving machines as a frivolous waste of tax money, but there's no reason that fighting terror shouldn't be fun.

Funny...in a tragic way, video.

Snow Cone Machines for Homeland Security

Schneier on Security: Snow Cone Machines for Homeland Security
Snow Cone Machines for Homeland Security
When you give out money based on politics, without any accounting, this is what you get:
The West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission (WMSRDC) is a federal- and state-designated agency responsible for managing and administrating the homeland security program in Montcalm County and 12 other counties.
The WMSRDC recently purchased and transferred homeland security equipment to these counties -- including 13 snow cone machines at a total cost of $11,700.
Wait.
It gets funnier:
"It is used to attract people so they can be educated and prepared for homeland security," Dey said from his office in Muskegon.

"More importantly, they (homeland security officials) felt in a medical emergency the machine was capable of making ice packs which could be used for medical purposes."


We got one here in Muskegon!
Give Sheriff Roessler a call and ask him where it is!

IRS to Implement New 2% 'Recapture Tax' in Two-Month Payroll Tax Cut Extension

TaxProf Blog: IRS to Implement New 2% 'Recapture Tax' in Two-Month Payroll Tax Cut Extension
This provision imposes an additional income tax on these higher-income employees in an amount equal to 2% of the amount of wages they receive during the two-month period in excess of $18,350 (and not greater than $110,100).

New Air Jordans cause nationwide shopping frenzy

My Way News - New Air Jordans cause nationwide shopping frenzy
Fights, vandalism and arrests marked the release of Nike's new Air Jordan basketball shoes as a shopping rush on stores across the country led to unrest that nearly turned into rioting.

Ah yes, the starving 99%....right......
But what the heck is "nearly turned into rioting"?
I'm sitting at my computer kinda pissed off.
Am I "nearly turning to rioting"?
Rot!

Friday, December 23, 2011

Are Volts for dolts? It's starting to look that way

Are Volts for dolts? It's starting to look that way NJ.com
This is a pretty funny dispute.
The head of the American division of Audi called the sort of people who buy Chevy Volt's "idiots," upsetting a lot of people who like the new plug-in hybrid.
Whatever your opinion, the facts show that Volts aren't exactly selling like hotcakes.
It's not hard to see why.
As Audi’s president of North America Johan de Nysschen said, "No one is going to pay a $15,000 premium for a car that competes with a Corolla.”

China trade: Myths vs. reality

China trade: Myths vs. reality
Chinese goods account for 2.7 percent of U.S. personal consumption expenditures, about one-quarter of the 11.5 percent foreign share.
Chinese imported goods consist mainly of furniture and household equipment; other durables; and clothing and shoes.
In the clothing and shoes category, 35.6 percent of U.S. consumer purchases in 2010 were items with the “Made in China” label.
Much of what China sells us has considerable “local content.” Hale and Hobijn give the example of sneakers that might sell for $70.
They point out that most of that price goes for transportation in the U.S., rent for the store where they are sold, profits for shareholders of the U.S. retailer, and marketing costs, which include the salaries, wages and benefits paid to the U.S. workers and managers responsible for getting sneakers to consumers.
On average, 55 cents of every dollar spent on goods made in China goes for marketing services produced in the U.S.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Hate Crime at Williams?

Roger’s Rules » Hate Crime at Williams?
Think about it: A student expresses his opinion about something.
The administration doesn’t like his opinion. Ergo, the administration turns him over to the FBI for interrogation.
That was the way they did things in Stalin’s Russia, but many of us thought a different tradition regarding freedom of expression prevailed in American colleges.

Embarrassing family Christmas pictures show how festive season brings out the absurd

Embarrassing family Christmas pictures show how festive season brings out the absurd Mail Online

Dorothy Rabinowitz: What Ron Paul Thinks of America

Dorothy Rabinowitz: What Ron Paul Thinks of America - WSJ.com
It seemed improbable that the best-known American propagandist for our enemies could be near the top of the pack in the Iowa contest, but there it is.

FALSE FRONTS, AT HOME AND ABROAD

FALSE FRONTS, AT HOME AND ABROAD :: SteynOnline
Consider how utterly incomprehensible that headline would seem to an American from a mere 30 years ago.
Back then, the smart guys assured us that economic liberalization would force political liberalization upon China.
Instead, we helped them come up with the only economically viable form of Communism

The Donkey Whisperer

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

kim jong-il looking at things

kim jong-il looking at things

Grab a hankie and remember our dear leader......

Qantas QF72 accident | Plunge passengers win payout from Airbus

Qantas QF72 accident Plunge passengers win payout from Airbus
The amount is understood to run into the millions of dollars.
The highest individual payout is believed to be several million dollars.

Remembering Kim Jong-il’s Ventures Into the Sporting World

Remembering Kim Jong-il’s Ventures Into the Sporting World - NYTimes.com
In his first match at Pyongyang Lanes, Kim bowled a perfect 300, according to state-run news media, which did not say whether the bumpers were raised.
But that is nothing compared with the five holes in one and 38 under par that Kim reportedly shot in his maiden round of golf.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

EyeOnMuskegon 12-18-2011 Municipal consolidation

Tweedlemitt and Tweedlenewt

Tweedlemitt and Tweedlenewt - By Mark Steyn - The Corner - National Review Online
As I’ve said for years, government health care fundamentally (as Newt would say) redefines the relationship between the citizen and the state into one closer to junkie and pusher.
Once the Obamacare goodies kick in, getting back across the Rubicon will be a tough job.

The Astonishing Collapse of MF Global

The Astonishing Collapse of MF Global
In the chapters ahead, we will lay out the unraveling of MF Global, from the first major alarm bells heard during the 2008 wheat trading scandal to the broker's dying days and the revelation that a significant amount of customer money had disappeared.
We'll show how a once-venerable broker was thrust into a risk-heavy strategy by a deeply conflicted leader who was trying to play both CEO and chief trader.
We'll explore why internal risk controls, the company's board of directors, and outside regulators failed to curb the company's reckless direction and protect its customers.
And, finally, we'll discuss the lessons that can be gleaned from this collapse, as well as the changes needed to prevent a similar disaster.

Fascinating read!

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Radio Host Bill Press Tells Tebow: 'S-T-F-U!' About Jesus...

Radio Host Bill Press Tells Tebow: 'S-T-F-U!' About Jesus... National News - NEWS TALK 1090
The leftist commentator used this acronym (which stands for “shut the f**k up”) while speaking on his radio show this morning about his dislike for Tebow’s “in-your face” Christian faith.
“…And you know what I want to say, S.T.F.U. I’m tired of hearing Tim Tebow and all this Jesus Talk,” Press said.
”He better be praying hard this week, because he’s up against a real quarterback on Sunday — against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.”

Beach Boys announce a reunion tour, with Brian Wilson, to mark 50th anniversary

Beach Boys announce a reunion tour, with Brian Wilson, to mark 50th anniversary - The Washington Post
The founding members of the classic rock group — Brian Wilson, Mike Love and Al Jardine — announced Friday they are getting back together to celebrate their 50th anniversary.
They’re working on a new album and also plan a 50-date tour that will take them around the world

Pete Hoekstra questions U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow's 'cozy' past with MF Global CEO Jon Corzine

Pete Hoekstra questions U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow's 'cozy' past with MF Global CEO Jon Corzine MLive.com
Stabenow's campaign operatives sought donations from MF Global CEO Jon Corzine earlier this year and took $5,000 in campaign donations from Corzine and his wife in 2006 and 1999

Big Green's endangered species money machine

Big Green's endangered species money machine Ron Arnold Columnists Washington Examiner
"Based upon data collected from the PACER National Case Locator federal court data base, attorneys fees were paid in cases where there was no federal court decision, let alone a decision that the plaintiff was a prevailing party," Budd-Falen said.
That should be sufficient to raise suspicions of some sweetheart arrangement between supposedly opposing parties, but actually between blood brothers with the same ideology -- "you sue us, and we'll make sure you're taken care of, even if the court doesn't order it."

60 Minutes Broadcast Edits Out Laughable Obama Claim as 4th Best President

The issue here is not gonna be a list of accomplishments.
As you said yourself, Steve, you know, I would put our legislative and foreign policy accomplishments in our first two years against any president -- with the possible exceptions of Johnson, F.D.R., and Lincoln -- just in terms of what we've gotten done in modern history.

Rosemount principal apologizes

Rosemount principal apologizesfor parent-on-student kissing prank
Here's how the practical joke, originated by school staff members, played out during the assembly on Dec. 8.
The captains of the school's winter sports teams -- boys and girls -- were lined up and blindfolded.
They were told they would be kissed and then asked to guess who was on the other side of their lip....

12 Creatively Placed Street Art

12 Creatively Placed Street Art - Oddee.com (street art)

Thirty-three Year Temperature Update - Well Below Computer Model Predictions

Thirty-three Year Temperature Update - Well Below Computer Model Predictions - Hit & Run : Reason Magazine
While Earth’s climate has warmed in the last 33 years, the climb has been irregular.
There was little or no warming for the first 19 years of satellite data. Clear net warming did not occur until the El Niño Pacific Ocean “warming event of the century” in late 1997.
Since that upward jump, there has been little or no additional warming.

My Way - Sports News

My Way - Sports News: The Best Traditions in College Hoops

Friday, December 16, 2011

Congressmen can't say 'Merry Christmas' in mail

Congressmen can't say 'Merry Christmas' in mail Campaign 2012 Washington Examiner
Members who submit official mailings for review by the congressional franking commission that reviews all congressional mail to determine if it can be "franked," or paid for with tax dollars, are being told that no holiday greetings, including "Merry Christmas," can be sent in official mail.

Nanotechnology May Lead To The End Of Laundry - Forbes

Nanotechnology May Lead To The End Of Laundry - Forbes

Mark Steyn at Restoration Weekend

Mark Steyn at Restoration Weekend FrontPage Magazine
These are serious times.
Federal regulation accounts for 10 percent of GDP.
That’s to say we take the equivalent of the entire economy of India or Canada and throw it down the toilet every year just in complying with federal paperwork

Bracketology - NCAA College Basketball Brackets and Predictions - ESPN

Bracketology - NCAA College Basketball Brackets and Predictions - ESPN

Climategate Bombshell: Did U.S. Gov't Help Hide Climate Data?

Climategate Bombshell: Did U.S. Gov't Help Hide Climate Data? Fox News
Are your tax dollars helping hide global warming data from the public?
Internal emails leaked as part of “Climategate 2.0” indicate the answer may be "Yes."

Bill Banning the Use of Public Funds to Collect Union Dues Stalls in Senate

Bill Banning the Use of Public Funds to Collect Union Dues Stalls in Senate [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
There is disagreement in the Senate, apparently, since some Republican senators say they would vote “no” on the bill unless it applies to all labor unions.
It appears that there would be no chance of the bill passing, however, if the language in it was broadened in such a way.

Omnibus spending deal blocks funding for light bulb efficiency standards

Omnibus spending deal blocks funding for light bulb efficiency standards - The Hill's E2-Wire
The legislation, which would avert a government shutdown, prevents funding from being used for the implementation of certain Energy Department light bulb standards.
The standards would begin phasing in next year.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

A VOTERS' GUIDE TO REPUBLICANS

2012 Primary Schedule « 2012 Election Central

2012 Primary Schedule « 2012 Election Central

The 2012 GOP primary/caucus schedule is nearly set in stone.

The Volokh Conspiracy » Charles Murray on Elite Ignorance of Ordinary Americans

In his new book, Coming Apart: The State of White America, 1960–2010, Charles Murray argues that a new elite class has emerged that is much more ignorant about the lives of ordinary Americans than were the elites of earlier generations:

Tom Friedman Goes Mearsheimer and Walt

Tom Friedman Goes Mearsheimer and Walt Power Line
Support for Israel is strongest among conservatives, but the poll data suggest that it is likely the broadest bipartisan consensus that Americans share on any contentious issue.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

JustiaGate: 'Natural Born' Supreme Court Citations Disappear

Articles: JustiaGate: 'Natural Born' Supreme Court Citations Disappear
Did Justia.com deliberately aid Barack Obama in 2008 by helping to hide the one legal case that might prevent him from legally qualifying for the presidency?

Light rail dies a sudden, painful and expensive death in Detroit

Light rail dies a sudden, painful and expensive death in Detroit Crain's Detroit Business
After all, Detroit's finances are a nightmare:
The city expects to run out of cash by April. By the end of the fiscal year in June 2012, the shortfall is estimated to be $45 million.
The city has an accumulated deficit of about $180 million in its $1.2 billion general fund.