Academic Crimethink - By Robert Weissberg - Phi Beta Cons - National Review Online
More important is how they promote academic self-censorship.
Step by step, academic novices learn the boundaries of permissible inquiry.
Imagine a fledging assistant professor circulating a meticulously researched, fact-laden article to colleagues concluding that European colonialism cannot explain the contemporary economic mess in Africa, a statement that clearly violates today’s academic orthodoxy.
Faced with a possible heresy in the making, a “helpful” more senior faculty would mentor him with, “I see your point, Smith, and I admire all your carefully assembled data, but let me advise you that this research on the impact of colonialism is very unsettled, is often controversial, and can easily promote stereotypes — perhaps even dangerous ones.”
Unless the fledging Professor Smith is a blockhead, he’ll get the message — don’t even think of going in there, and stick to the prevailing Marxist-favored pieties about the colonial legacy.
In a few short years the young Professor Smith will intuitively know the boundaries and, for good measure, not even think about venturing into taboo terrain.
No need for commissars.
Friday, April 06, 2012
Magazine publisher to launch new monthly covering West Michigan's high school sports scene
Magazine publisher to launch new monthly covering West Michigan's high school sports scene | MLive.com
Kelly Hill, a former contributor to The Grand Rapids Press and Advance Publications, will be managing editor of West Michigan Preps. Jayson Bussa, a former contributor to the Kalamazoo Gazette, will be the publication's associate editor and web editor.
Kelly Hill, a former contributor to The Grand Rapids Press and Advance Publications, will be managing editor of West Michigan Preps. Jayson Bussa, a former contributor to the Kalamazoo Gazette, will be the publication's associate editor and web editor.
Patient care priority as Cheboygan hospital closes
Patient care priority as Cheboygan hospital closes | Detroit Free Press | freep.com
With Cheboygan Memorial Hospital unlikely to reopen, officials said Thursday they are trying to make sure people in the area have access to doctors and other health services.
The hospital closed unexpectedly this week after a sale to Flint-based McLaren Health Care fell through over issues with federal licensing and certification for Medicare and Medicaid services.
With Cheboygan Memorial Hospital unlikely to reopen, officials said Thursday they are trying to make sure people in the area have access to doctors and other health services.
The hospital closed unexpectedly this week after a sale to Flint-based McLaren Health Care fell through over issues with federal licensing and certification for Medicare and Medicaid services.
Report: Michigan relies too much on nursing homes for poor seniors
Report: Michigan relies too much on nursing homes for poor seniors | Detroit Free Press | freep.com
In fact, 35 states spend fewer Medicaid dollars -- the bulk of state funding for long-term care -- on nursing homes, instead finding ways to help seniors age in place, said Lisa Dedden Cooper, author of the report and AARP Michigan manager of advocacy.
Those services include aides or nurses who visit seniors in their homes, for example.
Survey results are clear that seniors want to remain in their homes as long as possible, and by one estimate cited in the report, community-based services, on average, can save $57,338 per participant per year, Dedden Cooper said.
"We know what people want, and we know what costs less. ... What Michigan is doing is neither of these things," she said.
In fact, 35 states spend fewer Medicaid dollars -- the bulk of state funding for long-term care -- on nursing homes, instead finding ways to help seniors age in place, said Lisa Dedden Cooper, author of the report and AARP Michigan manager of advocacy.
Those services include aides or nurses who visit seniors in their homes, for example.
Survey results are clear that seniors want to remain in their homes as long as possible, and by one estimate cited in the report, community-based services, on average, can save $57,338 per participant per year, Dedden Cooper said.
"We know what people want, and we know what costs less. ... What Michigan is doing is neither of these things," she said.
Thursday, April 05, 2012
Marion Barry apologizes for anti-Asian remarks
UPDATE: Marion Barry apologizes for anti-Asian remarks - District of DeBonis - The Washington Post
WRC-TVcameras caught the remarks:
“We’ve got to do something about these Asians coming in, opening up businesses, those dirty shops. They ought to go, I’ll just say that right now, you know.
But we need African-American businesspeople to be able to take their places, too.”
WRC-TVcameras caught the remarks:
“We’ve got to do something about these Asians coming in, opening up businesses, those dirty shops. They ought to go, I’ll just say that right now, you know.
But we need African-American businesspeople to be able to take their places, too.”
Jesse Jackson Calls On Blacks To Wear Hoodies To Polling Places
Jesse Jackson Calls On Blacks To Wear Hoodies To Polling Places
Speaking to The Tom Joyner Morning Show on Wednesday, Jesse Jackson said:
"If a white kills a black we revolt, if a black kills a white it's jail time, we kill each other it's Miller time. It's as if somebody has the right to kill us."
Jackson then added "This right wing, we got to win the election, so wear your hoodie, put a voter registration card under your hoodie if you have a hoodie without a voter card you've been Hoodiewinked."
Speaking to The Tom Joyner Morning Show on Wednesday, Jesse Jackson said:
"If a white kills a black we revolt, if a black kills a white it's jail time, we kill each other it's Miller time. It's as if somebody has the right to kill us."
Jackson then added "This right wing, we got to win the election, so wear your hoodie, put a voter registration card under your hoodie if you have a hoodie without a voter card you've been Hoodiewinked."
Ratings: Stewart & Colbert Trounced By Cartoons, Reruns, 'Pawn Stars'
Ratings: Stewart & Colbert Trounced By Cartoons, Reruns, 'Pawn Stars'Jon Stewart pulled in a whopping 1.372 million viewers Monday, which only looks good when compared to Stephen Colbert, who pulled in less than a million.
Here's the list.
As you can see, something called "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" and "Bad Girls Club" beat both of America's satirists pretty handily.
So did cartoons ... and reruns of cartoons.
Man, 78, recounts assault by 6 youths in E. Toledo
Man, 78, recounts assault by 6 youths in E. Toledo - Toledo Blade
While Mr. Watts was down the boys kicked him, over and over, shouting, "[Get] that white [man].
This is for Trayvon ... Trayvon lives, white [man]. Kill that white [man]," according to a police report.
While Mr. Watts was down the boys kicked him, over and over, shouting, "[Get] that white [man].
This is for Trayvon ... Trayvon lives, white [man]. Kill that white [man]," according to a police report.
White House releases USD 1.5 bln aid to Egypt, meets Brotherhood figures
White House releases USD 1.5 bln aid to Egypt, meets Brotherhood figures
The White House defended the decision to release USD 1.5 billion in foreign aid to Egypt, on Thursday, following meetings between U.S. officials and lawmakers and representatives of the Muslim Brotherhood in Washington.
The White House defended the decision to release USD 1.5 billion in foreign aid to Egypt, on Thursday, following meetings between U.S. officials and lawmakers and representatives of the Muslim Brotherhood in Washington.
Undercover Voter ID Investigation: You’ll Never Guess Which Liberal Groups Are Demanding ID
PJ Media » From PJTV: Undercover Voter ID Investigation: You’ll Never Guess Which Liberal Groups Are Demanding ID
What’s wrong with showing identification when you vote?
That’s an egregious civil rights violation if you ask the Obama Administration and liberal groups like the Center for American Progress, and the Advancement Project.
So what happens if you show up at the front door of these groups without ID?
Find out on this PJTV undercover investigation.
What’s wrong with showing identification when you vote?
That’s an egregious civil rights violation if you ask the Obama Administration and liberal groups like the Center for American Progress, and the Advancement Project.
So what happens if you show up at the front door of these groups without ID?
Find out on this PJTV undercover investigation.
Heard on the Street: Planning lake's future, floating turbines and more
Heard on the Street: Planning lake's future, floating turbines and more | MLive.com
A diverse group of Muskegon leaders representing groups concerned with business and the environment are planning to make the future of the west end of Muskegon Lake a central community issue this year.
They are not just talking about the Sappi paper mill property that that has captured the community’s attention in the past few months.
This group is looking to repeat the downtown Imagine Muskegon process to elevate the public’s dreams for the future of the Muskegon Lake shoreline.
The focus could be on everything from the Lakeside business district to the future of the remaining Pigeon Hill property and, of course, the Sappi paper mill site.
Like was done for the downtown, the Imagine Muskegon Lake West effort would bring planning, architecture and design professionals together with interested citizens to brainstorm about the future.
The planning sessions would generate a consensus plan as to what elements should drive the future of the west end of the lake, which has such a huge impact on the overall community.
A diverse group of Muskegon leaders representing groups concerned with business and the environment are planning to make the future of the west end of Muskegon Lake a central community issue this year.
They are not just talking about the Sappi paper mill property that that has captured the community’s attention in the past few months.
This group is looking to repeat the downtown Imagine Muskegon process to elevate the public’s dreams for the future of the Muskegon Lake shoreline.
The focus could be on everything from the Lakeside business district to the future of the remaining Pigeon Hill property and, of course, the Sappi paper mill site.
Like was done for the downtown, the Imagine Muskegon Lake West effort would bring planning, architecture and design professionals together with interested citizens to brainstorm about the future.
The planning sessions would generate a consensus plan as to what elements should drive the future of the west end of the lake, which has such a huge impact on the overall community.
Union: Muskegon Heights school board unaware of right to advocate for district
Union: Muskegon Heights school board unaware of right to advocate for district | MLive.com
“The union has been banging on the door for over a month, saying we are willing to make concessions,” Kuiper said. “We have a plan.”
Employees had been asked, and refused, to take salary and benefits cuts ranging from 35 percent to 40 percent – the amount the interim administration said is needed to get the district back on track financially.
Kuiper asked for more time to figure out a plan to operate the district without an emergency manager.
“The union has been banging on the door for over a month, saying we are willing to make concessions,” Kuiper said. “We have a plan.”
Employees had been asked, and refused, to take salary and benefits cuts ranging from 35 percent to 40 percent – the amount the interim administration said is needed to get the district back on track financially.
Kuiper asked for more time to figure out a plan to operate the district without an emergency manager.
Muskegon County floats $2 million loan to Brookhaven in accounting move
Muskegon County floats $2 million loan to Brookhaven in accounting move | MLive.com
“This is being more transparent than it’s ever been,” Hammersley said of the concerns raised about the loan.
“This is being more transparent than it’s ever been,” Hammersley said of the concerns raised about the loan.
MEA calls on members to form 'Rapid Response Team' to express union view in online stories, back 'Protect Our Jobs' ballot drive
MEA calls on members to form 'Rapid Response Team' to express union view in online stories, back 'Protect Our Jobs' ballot drive | MLive.com
Michigan Education Association leaders are calling on teachers union members to form a “Rapid Response Team” to quickly respond to online news stories, especially about the union’s “Protect Our Jobs” petition drive.
Michigan Education Association leaders are calling on teachers union members to form a “Rapid Response Team” to quickly respond to online news stories, especially about the union’s “Protect Our Jobs” petition drive.
A sit-down with Muskegon's Sheriff: What should the county do with the existing jail if a new one is built?
A sit-down with Muskegon's Sheriff: What should the county do with the existing jail if a new one is built? | MLive.com
“My question is what are the county officials planning to do with the current jail once it builds a new facility?
Are they going to then find the funds to renovate it to another purpose or demolish it?”
Roesler said there are several options the county is considering regarding the existing jail
“My question is what are the county officials planning to do with the current jail once it builds a new facility?
Are they going to then find the funds to renovate it to another purpose or demolish it?”
Roesler said there are several options the county is considering regarding the existing jail
Muskegon County ranked last in Michigan in unhealthy behaviors and environment in national study | MLive.com
Muskegon County ranked last in Michigan in unhealthy behaviors and environment in national study | MLive.com
Although in the overall rankings for health outcomes and health factors Muskegon County moved up one position among the 82 Michigan counties surveyed, the county’s continued unhealthy behaviors and poor physical environment pose huge community challenges.
Although in the overall rankings for health outcomes and health factors Muskegon County moved up one position among the 82 Michigan counties surveyed, the county’s continued unhealthy behaviors and poor physical environment pose huge community challenges.
Video cameras for Muskegon County sheriff's cruisers closer to reality
Video cameras for Muskegon County sheriff's cruisers closer to reality | MLive.com
The Sheriff's Office has $167,000 budgeted under capital equipment for this purchase.
The Sheriff's Office has $167,000 budgeted under capital equipment for this purchase.
February local labor market improves; Muskegon County jobless rate down
February local labor market improves; Muskegon County jobless rate down | MLive.com
Muskegon’s overall employment rose in February by 1,000 jobs to 74,800 and is up 2,900 jobs from a year ago.
The unemployment rolls declined by 100 people to 7,700 in February, according to the state report.
Muskegon’s overall employment rose in February by 1,000 jobs to 74,800 and is up 2,900 jobs from a year ago.
The unemployment rolls declined by 100 people to 7,700 in February, according to the state report.
Muskegon County ranks high in health screenings, prevention care
Muskegon County ranks high in health screenings, prevention care | MLive.com
Muskegon County’s clinical care system ranked 13th out of 82 Michigan counties in a study by the University of Wisconsin, but 63rd in health outcomes and dead last in health behaviors.
Muskegon County’s clinical care system ranked 13th out of 82 Michigan counties in a study by the University of Wisconsin, but 63rd in health outcomes and dead last in health behaviors.
MAISD official: Muskegon Heights Head Start preschool needs improvement
MAISD official: Muskegon Heights Head Start preschool needs improvement | MLive.com
The decision to take over the program was made after classroom observations found the Muskegon Heights program to be lacking, Jones said.
“Their scores are far, far below the scores of other programs in Muskegon and Oceana counties,” Jones said.
“We are disappointed in those scores and we are making changes.
We need to improve the quality in our Head Start program in Muskegon Heights.”
The decision to take over the program was made after classroom observations found the Muskegon Heights program to be lacking, Jones said.
“Their scores are far, far below the scores of other programs in Muskegon and Oceana counties,” Jones said.
“We are disappointed in those scores and we are making changes.
We need to improve the quality in our Head Start program in Muskegon Heights.”
Teachers: It takes more than replacing teachers, principals to turn around struggling schools
Teachers: It takes more than replacing teachers, principals to turn around struggling schools | MLive.com
People working in the classroom say there are fewer ill-prepared teachers than some think, and federal reform efforts need a holistic approach without casting blame.
People working in the classroom say there are fewer ill-prepared teachers than some think, and federal reform efforts need a holistic approach without casting blame.
Muskegon's health improvement efforts stack up against communities across the country
Muskegon's health improvement efforts stack up against communities across the country | MLive.com
The One in 21 initiative was launched last spring to put Muskegon County in position to be the healthiest county in Michigan by 2021.
The coalition working on the health issues includes business, government, churches, education, health care and non-profit agencies.
The One in 21 initiative was launched last spring to put Muskegon County in position to be the healthiest county in Michigan by 2021.
The coalition working on the health issues includes business, government, churches, education, health care and non-profit agencies.
Wake-up call: Muskegon County leaders to continue to fight for healthier community
Wake-up call: Muskegon County leaders to continue to fight for healthier community | MLive.com
....teen pregnancy rates are heading in a positive direction.
The teen birth rate – babies born in Muskegon County based on 1,000 young women aged 15-19 – is listed as 52, down from 54 in last year’s rankings but much higher than Michigan’s 34 and the national average of 22.
....teen pregnancy rates are heading in a positive direction.
The teen birth rate – babies born in Muskegon County based on 1,000 young women aged 15-19 – is listed as 52, down from 54 in last year’s rankings but much higher than Michigan’s 34 and the national average of 22.
School employee unions file suit over law prohibiting dues collection through payroll deduction
School employee unions file suit over law prohibiting dues collection through payroll deduction | MLive.com
Four unions representing teachers and other school employees are challenging a new law prohibiting school districts from collecting union dues through payroll deduction, calling the ban unconstitutional.
Four unions representing teachers and other school employees are challenging a new law prohibiting school districts from collecting union dues through payroll deduction, calling the ban unconstitutional.
Would you sign a petition to get a Gov. Snyder recall question on the ballot? (poll)
Would you sign a petition to get a Gov. Snyder recall question on the ballot? (poll) | MLive.com: Michigan Rising members this week created buzz among MLive.com readers with a release saying that Snyder “abused children.”
“Gov. Snyder is bad for Michigan,” said Jan BenDor, the organization’s election specialist, in a release. “Our citizens cannot afford to wait another two years to get rid of this corporate monster; the recall will chop off its head.
Snyder and his cronies are destroying our cherished democratic institutions and democracy itself.
“Gov. Snyder is bad for Michigan,” said Jan BenDor, the organization’s election specialist, in a release. “Our citizens cannot afford to wait another two years to get rid of this corporate monster; the recall will chop off its head.
Snyder and his cronies are destroying our cherished democratic institutions and democracy itself.
CNN Enhances Zimmerman 911 Again, Finds He May Have Not Used Racial Slur
CNN Enhances Zimmerman 911 Again, Finds He May Have Not Used Racial Slur | Video | TheBlaze.com
Recently, CNN enhanced audio of George Zimmerman — the man who shot Trayvon Martin — to try and determine if he did, in fact, use a racial slur while calling police on the night of the shooting.
Back then, it sounded like Zimmerman might have used the phrase “fu**ing coons,” and his critics have cited it as evidence of a racially-motivated attack.
But now CNN has enhanced the audio again, and the reporter is casting doubts that the term was used.
“It certainly sounds like that word to me,” Gary Tuckman said when the audio was first enhanced. But after the latest enhancement, he’s not so sure:
Recently, CNN enhanced audio of George Zimmerman — the man who shot Trayvon Martin — to try and determine if he did, in fact, use a racial slur while calling police on the night of the shooting.
Back then, it sounded like Zimmerman might have used the phrase “fu**ing coons,” and his critics have cited it as evidence of a racially-motivated attack.
But now CNN has enhanced the audio again, and the reporter is casting doubts that the term was used.
“It certainly sounds like that word to me,” Gary Tuckman said when the audio was first enhanced. But after the latest enhancement, he’s not so sure:
“Now it does sound less like that racial slur. … From listening in this room, and this is a state-of-the-art room, it doesn’t sound like that slur anymore. It sounds like … we‘re hearing the swear word at first and then the word ’cold.’ And the reason some say that would be relevant, is because it was unseasonably cold in Florida that night and raining.”The audio expert agreed it sounded like “cold,” and said the new method gets rid of a lot more background noise but doesn’t change the voice or words.
£10bn refuel planes don’t work for RAF
£10bn refuel planes don’t work for RAF | The Sun |News
Tests have revealed the giant new Voyager air-to-air tankers are not compatible with RAF Tornados.
The connecting pipes which join aircraft together in flight LEAK when fuel is pumped through them.
Even more embarrassingly the system DOES work when it has been tried on US jets.
Tests have revealed the giant new Voyager air-to-air tankers are not compatible with RAF Tornados.
The connecting pipes which join aircraft together in flight LEAK when fuel is pumped through them.
Even more embarrassingly the system DOES work when it has been tried on US jets.
Germany set to tax young
Germany set to tax young
GERMANY is proposing to levy extra taxes on the young to pay for the costs of the country's growing numbers of old people, under government plans for a ''demographic reserve'' levy.
Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats have drafted proposals that, if law, would require all those over 25 to pay a proportion of their income to cushion Germany against a looming population crisis.
The German Chancellor's ruling party is seeking extra sources of revenue to pay for soaring pensions and bills for social care costs as Germany's ''baby boomer'' generation ages amid a decline in the birth rate
GERMANY is proposing to levy extra taxes on the young to pay for the costs of the country's growing numbers of old people, under government plans for a ''demographic reserve'' levy.
Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats have drafted proposals that, if law, would require all those over 25 to pay a proportion of their income to cushion Germany against a looming population crisis.
The German Chancellor's ruling party is seeking extra sources of revenue to pay for soaring pensions and bills for social care costs as Germany's ''baby boomer'' generation ages amid a decline in the birth rate
Carbon dioxide ended last Ice Age, scientists' new study says
Carbon dioxide ended last Ice Age, scientists' new study says | The Australian
Traces of CO2 - the principal greenhouse gas that traps solar heat - show that carbon concentrations in the atmosphere rose after temperatures were on the rise, not before.
Traces of CO2 - the principal greenhouse gas that traps solar heat - show that carbon concentrations in the atmosphere rose after temperatures were on the rise, not before.
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