News from The Associated Press
China Meteorological Administration on Friday said the national average was -3.8 degrees Celsius (25 degrees Fahrenheit) since late November, the coldest in nearly three decades.
Saturday, January 05, 2013
Longer expiration date, no inactivity fees add to gift card boom
Longer expiration date, no inactivity fees add to gift card boom | Business | Detroit City And Press
Prior to 2008, if a gift card went unclaimed past its expiration date, the retailer was required to report it as abandoned and the money
went to the state as unclaimed property, Hallan said.
After 2008, laws said the gift cards no longer can have expiration dates of less than five years.
In addition, the retailers can't change the terms and conditions during that time period and can't charge inactivity fees or service fees, although Hallan said there can still be an activation fee.
In addition, retailers — not the state — retains the money if cards go unused for longer than five years.
"It's kind of a win-win for consumers and retailers," Hallan said.
From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130105/BIZ/301050328#ixzz2H8rRMhrW
Prior to 2008, if a gift card went unclaimed past its expiration date, the retailer was required to report it as abandoned and the money
went to the state as unclaimed property, Hallan said.After 2008, laws said the gift cards no longer can have expiration dates of less than five years.
In addition, the retailers can't change the terms and conditions during that time period and can't charge inactivity fees or service fees, although Hallan said there can still be an activation fee.
In addition, retailers — not the state — retains the money if cards go unused for longer than five years.
"It's kind of a win-win for consumers and retailers," Hallan said.
From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130105/BIZ/301050328#ixzz2H8rRMhrW
At 27, David Flynn is youngest chair of Macomb County Board of Commissioners
At 27, David Flynn is youngest chair of Macomb County Board of Commissioners | Crain's Detroit Business
Flynn, a member of Crain's 2010 class of 20 in their 20s, was the executive director of "Charter = County Executive," which collected 35,000 signatures to establish a county executive form of government with a reduced number of commissioners.
The charter form of government, approved in 2009 by voters, cut the number of commissioners from 26 to 13.
Flynn, a member of Crain's 2010 class of 20 in their 20s, was the executive director of "Charter = County Executive," which collected 35,000 signatures to establish a county executive form of government with a reduced number of commissioners.
The charter form of government, approved in 2009 by voters, cut the number of commissioners from 26 to 13.
12 Detroit homes accidentally demolished
12 Detroit homes accidentally demolished | Crain's Detroit Business
The Detroit News reported that the structure had been demolished by the state's Land Bank Fast Track Authority as part of a program to eliminate blight near three schools.
City official Karla Henderson said at least 11 other properties also were demolished by mistake. They were purchased by a local investor.
City and state officials said mistakes like these are rare.
The Detroit News reported that the structure had been demolished by the state's Land Bank Fast Track Authority as part of a program to eliminate blight near three schools.
City official Karla Henderson said at least 11 other properties also were demolished by mistake. They were purchased by a local investor.
City and state officials said mistakes like these are rare.
Migration study: Despite population gain, Michigan still losing more residents in moves to other states
Migration study: Despite population gain, Michigan still losing more residents in moves to other states | MLive.com
The estimates, released last month, indicate that Michigan's population grew in 2012 for the first time since 2004, inching upwards from 9,876,801 in 2011 to 9,883,360.
Most of that growth was natural, as births outnumbered deaths.
But state demographer Ken Darga attributed some of the gains to shifting migration patterns, noting that increased international immigration is offsetting continued domestic losses.
Michigan was the only state to lose population between the 2000 and 2010 Census.
The estimates, released last month, indicate that Michigan's population grew in 2012 for the first time since 2004, inching upwards from 9,876,801 in 2011 to 9,883,360.
Most of that growth was natural, as births outnumbered deaths.
But state demographer Ken Darga attributed some of the gains to shifting migration patterns, noting that increased international immigration is offsetting continued domestic losses.
Michigan was the only state to lose population between the 2000 and 2010 Census.
Desperate Spain Raids Pension Fund
Desperate Spain Raids Pension Fund | Via Meadia
“Most of the [Spanish] fund is an accounting trick,” said Javier Díaz-Giménez, an economics professor in Spain’s IESE business school.
“The government is lending money to another branch of government.” .
[S]ome analysts say Spain will have trouble finding buyers for the estimated €207 billion in debt it plans to issue in 2013, up from €186 billion in 2012, to cover central-government operations, debt maturities of 17 regional administrations, and overdue energy bills.
“Most of the [Spanish] fund is an accounting trick,” said Javier Díaz-Giménez, an economics professor in Spain’s IESE business school.
“The government is lending money to another branch of government.” .
[S]ome analysts say Spain will have trouble finding buyers for the estimated €207 billion in debt it plans to issue in 2013, up from €186 billion in 2012, to cover central-government operations, debt maturities of 17 regional administrations, and overdue energy bills.
GUNS: Woman hiding with kids shoots intruder.
Instapundit » Blog Archive » GUNS: Woman hiding with kids shoots intruder.
A woman hiding in her attic with children shot an intruder multiple times before fleeing to safety Friday.
The incident happened at a home on Henderson Ridge Lane in Loganville around 1 p.m.
The woman was working in an upstairs office when she spotted a strange man outside a window, according to Walton County Sheriff Joe Chapman.
He said she took her 9-year-old twins to a crawlspace before the man broke in using a crowbar.
But the man eventually found the family.
“The perpetrator opens that door.
Of course, at that time he’s staring at her, her two children and a .38 revolver,” Chapman told Channel 2’s Kerry Kavanaugh.
The woman then shot him five times, but he survived, Chapman said.
He said the woman ran out of bullets but threatened to shoot the intruder if he moved.
“She’s standing over him, and she realizes she’s fired all six rounds.
And the guy’s telling her to quit shooting,” Chapman said.
The woman ran to a neighbor’s home with her children.
The intruder attempted to flee in his car but crashed into a wooded area and collapsed in a nearby driveway, Chapman said.
See, this is where one of those “assault weapons” might have come in handy.
UPDATE: A reader emails: “When some politician starts pontificating that no one needs more than a 10 round clip capacity (or 5, or 3) this is the story that should be shoved in their faces.
She fired 6 shots, put 5 in the attacker and he was still kicking.
What if there had been multiple attackers.
Then that 30 round clip suddenly seems appropriate.”
A woman hiding in her attic with children shot an intruder multiple times before fleeing to safety Friday.
The incident happened at a home on Henderson Ridge Lane in Loganville around 1 p.m.
The woman was working in an upstairs office when she spotted a strange man outside a window, according to Walton County Sheriff Joe Chapman.
He said she took her 9-year-old twins to a crawlspace before the man broke in using a crowbar.
But the man eventually found the family.
“The perpetrator opens that door.
Of course, at that time he’s staring at her, her two children and a .38 revolver,” Chapman told Channel 2’s Kerry Kavanaugh.
The woman then shot him five times, but he survived, Chapman said.
He said the woman ran out of bullets but threatened to shoot the intruder if he moved.
“She’s standing over him, and she realizes she’s fired all six rounds.
And the guy’s telling her to quit shooting,” Chapman said.
The woman ran to a neighbor’s home with her children.
The intruder attempted to flee in his car but crashed into a wooded area and collapsed in a nearby driveway, Chapman said.
See, this is where one of those “assault weapons” might have come in handy.
UPDATE: A reader emails: “When some politician starts pontificating that no one needs more than a 10 round clip capacity (or 5, or 3) this is the story that should be shoved in their faces.
She fired 6 shots, put 5 in the attacker and he was still kicking.
What if there had been multiple attackers.
Then that 30 round clip suddenly seems appropriate.”
Reality Comes To Low-Information Voters
SILVER LININGS: Reality Comes To Low-Information Voters
If you go on Twitter you’ll find lots of stuff like this.
The clueless-cool set who voted overwhelmingly for Obama are now wondering how come he said taxes weren’t going to go up on 98 percent of the American people when here’s their first paycheck and taxes went up.
If you go on Twitter you’ll find lots of stuff like this.
The clueless-cool set who voted overwhelmingly for Obama are now wondering how come he said taxes weren’t going to go up on 98 percent of the American people when here’s their first paycheck and taxes went up.
GOP's Camp: Obama's 'spending problem is getting worse, not better'
GOP's Camp: Obama's 'spending problem is getting worse, not better' by Andrew Malcolm - Investors.com
Unfortunately, the spending problem is getting worse, not better.
Under President Obama we've had four straight years of trillion dollar deficits.
Our national debt is now over $16 trillion.
We're crushing today's small businesses and the next generation of Americans under a mountain of debt. We're selling their future, and our country's financial independence, to China.
Unfortunately, the spending problem is getting worse, not better.
Under President Obama we've had four straight years of trillion dollar deficits.
Our national debt is now over $16 trillion.
We're crushing today's small businesses and the next generation of Americans under a mountain of debt. We're selling their future, and our country's financial independence, to China.
Nearly half of Kalamazoo-area public schools students participating in subsidized lunch program
Nearly half of Kalamazoo-area public schools students participating in subsidized lunch program | MLive.com
About 44 percent of the Kalamazoo County public school students are enrolled in the federal subsidized lunch program this year, according to data collected by MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette.
About 44 percent of the Kalamazoo County public school students are enrolled in the federal subsidized lunch program this year, according to data collected by MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette.
Cooling Down the Fears of Climate Change
Matt Ridley: Cooling Down the Fears of Climate Change - WSJ.com
Mr. Lewis tells me that the latest observational estimates of the effect of aerosols (such as sulfurous particles from coal smoke) find that they have much less cooling effect than thought when the last IPCC report was written.
The rate at which the ocean is absorbing greenhouse-gas-induced warming is also now known to be fairly modest.
In other words, the two excuses used to explain away the slow, mild warming we have actually experienced—culminating in a standstill in which global temperatures are no higher than they were 16 years ago—no longer work.
In short: We can now estimate, based on observations, how sensitive the temperature is to carbon dioxide.
We do not need to rely heavily on unproven models.
Comparing the trend in global temperature over the past 100-150 years with the change in "radiative forcing" (heating or cooling power) from carbon dioxide, aerosols and other sources, minus ocean heat uptake, can now give a good estimate of climate sensitivity.
The conclusion—taking the best observational estimates of the change in decadal-average global temperature between 1871-80 and 2002-11, and of the corresponding changes in forcing and ocean heat uptake—is this: A doubling of CO2 will lead to a warming of 1.6°-1.7°C (2.9°-3.1°F).
This is much lower than the IPCC's current best estimate, 3°C (5.4°F).
Mr. Lewis is an expert reviewer of the recently leaked draft of the IPCC's WG1 Scientific Report. The IPCC forbids him to quote from it, but he is privy to all the observational best estimates and uncertainty ranges the draft report gives.
What he has told me is dynamite.
Given what we know now, there is almost no way that the feared large temperature rise is going to happen.
Mr. Lewis tells me that the latest observational estimates of the effect of aerosols (such as sulfurous particles from coal smoke) find that they have much less cooling effect than thought when the last IPCC report was written.
The rate at which the ocean is absorbing greenhouse-gas-induced warming is also now known to be fairly modest.
In other words, the two excuses used to explain away the slow, mild warming we have actually experienced—culminating in a standstill in which global temperatures are no higher than they were 16 years ago—no longer work.
In short: We can now estimate, based on observations, how sensitive the temperature is to carbon dioxide.
We do not need to rely heavily on unproven models.
Comparing the trend in global temperature over the past 100-150 years with the change in "radiative forcing" (heating or cooling power) from carbon dioxide, aerosols and other sources, minus ocean heat uptake, can now give a good estimate of climate sensitivity.
The conclusion—taking the best observational estimates of the change in decadal-average global temperature between 1871-80 and 2002-11, and of the corresponding changes in forcing and ocean heat uptake—is this: A doubling of CO2 will lead to a warming of 1.6°-1.7°C (2.9°-3.1°F).
This is much lower than the IPCC's current best estimate, 3°C (5.4°F).
Mr. Lewis is an expert reviewer of the recently leaked draft of the IPCC's WG1 Scientific Report. The IPCC forbids him to quote from it, but he is privy to all the observational best estimates and uncertainty ranges the draft report gives.
What he has told me is dynamite.
Given what we know now, there is almost no way that the feared large temperature rise is going to happen.
The EPA's Tainted Fracking Tests
Keith Mauck: The EPA's Tainted Fracking Tests - WSJ.com
Hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking," uses water and trace amounts of chemicals to create tiny fissures in deep-rock formations and coax energy-laden molecules to flow toward the surface. Fracking technology is driving America's oil and shale-gas boom, yet a White House executive order from April directs no fewer than 13 federal agencies to consider new regulations on fracking—even as it is already regulated by the states.
In recent years the federal Environmental Protection Agency has investigated fracking in three locations. In Texas and Pennsylvania, the EPA was unable to establish a link between fracking and groundwater contamination, the main ill effect that critics warn against. (Fracking contamination is the theme of "Promised Land," a movie starring Matt Damon that opened last week.)
But the agency claims to have found a smoking gun at its third test site, in Pavillion, Wyo. There, according to draft findings, EPA investigators found "compounds likely associated with gas production practices, including hydraulic fracturing" appearing at levels "below established health and safety standards."
The Pavillion study involves two water wells drilled by the agency in 2010 to test groundwater quality. Experts from the Wyoming Water Development Commission and elsewhere sharply criticized the EPA's results on several grounds, including that EPA investigators didn't follow their own guidelines on the timeliness of the testing and the purity of the water samples. The federal Bureau of Land Management said that "much more robust" testing would be needed to properly draw conclusions.
So the EPA agreed to test the wells again, in April and May of last year 2012. In October, it claimed again to have found contaminated water. But this time there was a new wrinkle: The U.S. Geological Survey had conducted tests alongside the EPA, and its investigators reported different results. Unlike the EPA, the USGS failed to find any traces of glycols or 2-butoxyethanol, fracking-related chemicals that could cause serious health issues if they entered the water supply at levels the EPA considers contamination.
Meanwhile, the USGS found significantly lower concentrations of other materials identified by the EPA—including phenol, potassium and diesel-range organics—which might not have resulted from the fracking at all. The phenols were likely introduced accidentally in the laboratory, for example, and potassium might be naturally occurring or the result of potash contained in the cement used to build the EPA wells.
The USGS also noted that in constructing the monitoring wells, the EPA used a "black painted/coated carbon steel casing," and EPA photographs show that investigators used a painted device to catch sand from the wells. The problem is that paint can contain a variety of compounds that distort test results—so it is poor scientific practice to use painted or coated materials in well-monitoring tests.
After initially neglecting to disclose this information, the EPA eventually acknowledged it, but only while attempting to deflect criticism by releasing more test results and claiming that its data are "generally consistent" with the USGS findings. These actions only muddied the matter and postponed the peer-review process until after Jan. 15.
As the Tulsa-based energy and water-management firm ALL Consulting concluded: "Close review of the EPA draft report and associated documents reveals a number of concerns about the methodology, sampling results, and study findings and conclusions. These concerns stem from apparent errors in sampling and laboratory analysis, incomplete information that makes it difficult to assess the validity of the results, and EPA's failure to seriously consider alternative explanations for the results of its investigation. . . . Taken together, these concerns call into question the validity of EPA's analytical results and their conclusions regarding the sources of the reported contamination."
With no clear connection between fracking and groundwater contamination, it is premature and counterproductive to propose new federal regulations on the practice. Shoddy science should not form the basis of federal policy.
The fracking-facilitated development of shale gas and oil could create two million new jobs and billions in tax revenue over the next two decades, according to the research firm IHS Global Insight. Rather than look for reasons to stand in its way, the federal government should embrace hydraulic fracturing and take full advantage of its economic and security benefits.
Mr. Mauck is publisher of GoMarcellusShale.com.
By KEITH MAUCK
It has been four decades since Richard Nixon launched "Project Independence" with the goal of making the United States energy independent. All presidents since then have said they shared that goal, yet never has it been within reach as it is today—thanks to domestic natural gas and especially to the extraction method known as hydraulic fracturing. The International Energy Agency estimates that such technologies could allow the U.S. to supplant Saudi Arabia as the world's largest oil producer by 2020. But, as ever, government regulation may stand in the way.Hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking," uses water and trace amounts of chemicals to create tiny fissures in deep-rock formations and coax energy-laden molecules to flow toward the surface. Fracking technology is driving America's oil and shale-gas boom, yet a White House executive order from April directs no fewer than 13 federal agencies to consider new regulations on fracking—even as it is already regulated by the states.
In recent years the federal Environmental Protection Agency has investigated fracking in three locations. In Texas and Pennsylvania, the EPA was unable to establish a link between fracking and groundwater contamination, the main ill effect that critics warn against. (Fracking contamination is the theme of "Promised Land," a movie starring Matt Damon that opened last week.)
But the agency claims to have found a smoking gun at its third test site, in Pavillion, Wyo. There, according to draft findings, EPA investigators found "compounds likely associated with gas production practices, including hydraulic fracturing" appearing at levels "below established health and safety standards."
The Pavillion study involves two water wells drilled by the agency in 2010 to test groundwater quality. Experts from the Wyoming Water Development Commission and elsewhere sharply criticized the EPA's results on several grounds, including that EPA investigators didn't follow their own guidelines on the timeliness of the testing and the purity of the water samples. The federal Bureau of Land Management said that "much more robust" testing would be needed to properly draw conclusions.
So the EPA agreed to test the wells again, in April and May of last year 2012. In October, it claimed again to have found contaminated water. But this time there was a new wrinkle: The U.S. Geological Survey had conducted tests alongside the EPA, and its investigators reported different results. Unlike the EPA, the USGS failed to find any traces of glycols or 2-butoxyethanol, fracking-related chemicals that could cause serious health issues if they entered the water supply at levels the EPA considers contamination.
Meanwhile, the USGS found significantly lower concentrations of other materials identified by the EPA—including phenol, potassium and diesel-range organics—which might not have resulted from the fracking at all. The phenols were likely introduced accidentally in the laboratory, for example, and potassium might be naturally occurring or the result of potash contained in the cement used to build the EPA wells.
The USGS also noted that in constructing the monitoring wells, the EPA used a "black painted/coated carbon steel casing," and EPA photographs show that investigators used a painted device to catch sand from the wells. The problem is that paint can contain a variety of compounds that distort test results—so it is poor scientific practice to use painted or coated materials in well-monitoring tests.
After initially neglecting to disclose this information, the EPA eventually acknowledged it, but only while attempting to deflect criticism by releasing more test results and claiming that its data are "generally consistent" with the USGS findings. These actions only muddied the matter and postponed the peer-review process until after Jan. 15.
As the Tulsa-based energy and water-management firm ALL Consulting concluded: "Close review of the EPA draft report and associated documents reveals a number of concerns about the methodology, sampling results, and study findings and conclusions. These concerns stem from apparent errors in sampling and laboratory analysis, incomplete information that makes it difficult to assess the validity of the results, and EPA's failure to seriously consider alternative explanations for the results of its investigation. . . . Taken together, these concerns call into question the validity of EPA's analytical results and their conclusions regarding the sources of the reported contamination."
With no clear connection between fracking and groundwater contamination, it is premature and counterproductive to propose new federal regulations on the practice. Shoddy science should not form the basis of federal policy.
The fracking-facilitated development of shale gas and oil could create two million new jobs and billions in tax revenue over the next two decades, according to the research firm IHS Global Insight. Rather than look for reasons to stand in its way, the federal government should embrace hydraulic fracturing and take full advantage of its economic and security benefits.
Mr. Mauck is publisher of GoMarcellusShale.com.
Study: Eco-Friendly Light Bulbs May Put Health At Risk
Study: Eco-Friendly Light Bulbs May Put Health At Risk « CBS Miami
"Money saving, compact fluorescent light bulbs emit high levels of ultra violet radiation, according to a new study. Research at Long Island’s Stony Brook found that the bulbs emit rays so strong that they can actually burn skin and skin cells.
“The results were that you could actually initiate cell death,” said Marcia Simon, a Professor of Dermatology."
"Money saving, compact fluorescent light bulbs emit high levels of ultra violet radiation, according to a new study. Research at Long Island’s Stony Brook found that the bulbs emit rays so strong that they can actually burn skin and skin cells.
“The results were that you could actually initiate cell death,” said Marcia Simon, a Professor of Dermatology."
Crony Capitalist Blowout
Review & Outlook: Crony Capitalist Blowout - WSJ.com
"In praising Congress's huge new tax increase, President Obama said Tuesday that "millionaires and billionaires" will finally "pay their fair share."
That is, unless you are a Nascar track owner, a wind-energy company or the owners of StarKist Tuna, among many others who managed to get their taxes reduced in Congress's New Year celebration."
"In praising Congress's huge new tax increase, President Obama said Tuesday that "millionaires and billionaires" will finally "pay their fair share."
That is, unless you are a Nascar track owner, a wind-energy company or the owners of StarKist Tuna, among many others who managed to get their taxes reduced in Congress's New Year celebration."
The astonishing Aeroscraft - a new type of rigid airship that's set to revolutionise haulage, tourism... and warfare
The astonishing Aeroscraft - a new type of rigid airship that's set to revolutionise haulage, tourism... and warfare | Mail Online
The Aeroscraft can carry three times more than the biggest military cargo planes over thousands of miles
Heavily backed by the U.S. military, it is now at the prototype stage and is set for its first test flight
It is capable of vertical take off and landing and doesn't even need a landing strip
The Aeroscraft can carry three times more than the biggest military cargo planes over thousands of miles
Heavily backed by the U.S. military, it is now at the prototype stage and is set for its first test flight
It is capable of vertical take off and landing and doesn't even need a landing strip
City of Muskegon raises several fees for municipal services in 2013 to reflect rising costs
City of Muskegon raises several fees for municipal services in 2013 to reflect rising costs | MLive.com
• A reduction in slip rentals at Hartshorn Marina of 13 percent for 30-foot slips to $1,740 a season, 21 percent for 40-foot slips to $2,400 a season and 27 percent for 60-foot slips to $3,900 a season. The reductions are in hopes of increasing the number of marina rentals, city officials said.
• Seasonal beach catamaran dry storage rentals will go up 20 percent a season to $161 for residents and $239 for nonresidents.
• The stormwater “cross connection” with sewer lines violation fee has gone from $6.05 a day to $7.69 a day with no charges if the correction is made within 90 days of discovery.
• A new fee has been imposed on large water main taps of $200 each, plus the cost of the city’s time and materials.
• Planned Unit Development requests for the special zoning designation have gone from $500 to $600. The charges now will be $300 for preliminary approvals and $300 for final approvals.
• Requests to vacate a city street have gone from $300 to $400.
• Flat sewer rate fees (for those without water meters) are now $29.70 a month for residential customers and $36.15 a month for commercial customers.
• Requests for a zoning change have gone from $300 to $400.
• A reduction in slip rentals at Hartshorn Marina of 13 percent for 30-foot slips to $1,740 a season, 21 percent for 40-foot slips to $2,400 a season and 27 percent for 60-foot slips to $3,900 a season. The reductions are in hopes of increasing the number of marina rentals, city officials said.
• Seasonal beach catamaran dry storage rentals will go up 20 percent a season to $161 for residents and $239 for nonresidents.
• The stormwater “cross connection” with sewer lines violation fee has gone from $6.05 a day to $7.69 a day with no charges if the correction is made within 90 days of discovery.
• A new fee has been imposed on large water main taps of $200 each, plus the cost of the city’s time and materials.
• Planned Unit Development requests for the special zoning designation have gone from $500 to $600. The charges now will be $300 for preliminary approvals and $300 for final approvals.
• Requests to vacate a city street have gone from $300 to $400.
• Flat sewer rate fees (for those without water meters) are now $29.70 a month for residential customers and $36.15 a month for commercial customers.
• Requests for a zoning change have gone from $300 to $400.
Obama's High Taxes And The Myths Of The 1950s Tax Rates
Obama's High Taxes And The Myths Of The 1950s Tax Rates - Investors.com
A final reason that the 1950s were different from today was American primacy.
In those years the U.S. might set its taxes, nominal or real, at whatever level it liked.
The only competition it confronted, after all, was from Europe, still recovering from World War II, or Britain, whose tax regime was even more confiscatory than our own.
Now, however, the U.S. must compete.
And this is where the U.S., with some of the world's highest corporate taxes, flunks.
A final reason that the 1950s were different from today was American primacy.
In those years the U.S. might set its taxes, nominal or real, at whatever level it liked.
The only competition it confronted, after all, was from Europe, still recovering from World War II, or Britain, whose tax regime was even more confiscatory than our own.
Now, however, the U.S. must compete.
And this is where the U.S., with some of the world's highest corporate taxes, flunks.
Chevy Volt sales triple
Chevy Volt sales triple - Jan. 3, 2013
Sales there jumped thanks to a few engineering tweaks that made the Volt eligible for California's highly desirable carpool lane stickers for the first time.
"More than half of all Volt sales are in California," said Alec Guitierrez, an analyst with Kelley Blue Book.
The car has also been catching on in other markets, however, including Michigan and in the Chicago area, according to GM.
Besides the carpool lane stickers, the Volt has also been helped by aggressive leasing incentives offered in 2012.
Last year, GM was offering the car for $289 a month with a $2,800 down payment.
That was far less than a car with the Volt's nearly $40,000 purchase price would ordinarily lease for, even factoring in a $7,500 plug-in car tax credit
Sales there jumped thanks to a few engineering tweaks that made the Volt eligible for California's highly desirable carpool lane stickers for the first time.
"More than half of all Volt sales are in California," said Alec Guitierrez, an analyst with Kelley Blue Book.
The car has also been catching on in other markets, however, including Michigan and in the Chicago area, according to GM.
Besides the carpool lane stickers, the Volt has also been helped by aggressive leasing incentives offered in 2012.
Last year, GM was offering the car for $289 a month with a $2,800 down payment.
That was far less than a car with the Volt's nearly $40,000 purchase price would ordinarily lease for, even factoring in a $7,500 plug-in car tax credit
Woman hiding with kids shoots intruder
Woman hiding with kids shoots intruder | www.wsbtv.com
"The perpetrator opens that door.
Of course, at that time he's staring at her, her two children and a .38 revolver,"
"The perpetrator opens that door.
Of course, at that time he's staring at her, her two children and a .38 revolver,"
Barack Obama’s $7 million Hawaii vacation is an insult to America’s struggling middle class
Barack Obama’s $7 million Hawaii vacation is an insult to America’s struggling middle class – Telegraph Blogs
In a move that is rich in irony, President Obama agreed Tuesday night to sign an emergency deficit reduction bill that does almost nothing to rein in spending and then jetted out to Hawaii to resume his vacation at an extra cost of more than $3 million to taxpayers.
The price tag is in addition to more than $4 million that is already being spent on the Obamas’ Hawaii idyll, bringing the total cost of the excursion to well over $7 million.
In a move that is rich in irony, President Obama agreed Tuesday night to sign an emergency deficit reduction bill that does almost nothing to rein in spending and then jetted out to Hawaii to resume his vacation at an extra cost of more than $3 million to taxpayers.
The price tag is in addition to more than $4 million that is already being spent on the Obamas’ Hawaii idyll, bringing the total cost of the excursion to well over $7 million.
Friday, January 04, 2013
New Civil Rights Group Joins Affirmative Action Case
New Civil Rights Group Joins Affirmative Action Case [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
The XIV Foundation was founded shortly after the 6th Circuit Court decision.
It took the name XIV, in reference to the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
The organization's motto is: "Equal Treatment is the Essence of Equal Rights."
The XIV Foundation was founded shortly after the 6th Circuit Court decision.
It took the name XIV, in reference to the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
The organization's motto is: "Equal Treatment is the Essence of Equal Rights."
2012 was Detroit's most violent in 20 years; shootings, bloodshed have 'become the norm'
http://tinyurl.com/aytkgkj
Already this week, a mother has been charged with fatally stabbing her 8-year-old daughter, and a cab driver was shot to death.
Already this week, a mother has been charged with fatally stabbing her 8-year-old daughter, and a cab driver was shot to death.
New Civil Rights Group Joins Affirmative Action Case
New Civil Rights Group Joins Affirmative Action Case [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
Voters in 2006 passed the constitutional amendment that prohibited the state from discriminating against, or granting preferential treatment to, any group or individual on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin by a 58 percent to 42 percent margin.
However, on Nov. 15, eight federal judges on the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals struck the initiative down.
Voters in 2006 passed the constitutional amendment that prohibited the state from discriminating against, or granting preferential treatment to, any group or individual on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin by a 58 percent to 42 percent margin.
However, on Nov. 15, eight federal judges on the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals struck the initiative down.
Bridge Card error affects 85,000 Michigan families receiving food assistance; state working to fix problem
Bridge Card error affects 85,000 Michigan families receiving food assistance; state working to fix problem | MLive.com
Thousands of Michigan families are temporarily unable to get their food assistance benefits because of a Bridge Card error that state officials are working to fix.
Thousands of Michigan families are temporarily unable to get their food assistance benefits because of a Bridge Card error that state officials are working to fix.
What was cost to protect right-to-work demonstrators, Capitol building last month?
Tim Skubick: What was cost to protect right-to-work demonstrators, Capitol building last month?
MLive.com
......so far nobody knows how many were spent to deploy 500 Michigan State Police officers to guard the state capitol and Right to Work demonstrators last month.
Five hundred is darn close close to half the entire force.
MLive.com
......so far nobody knows how many were spent to deploy 500 Michigan State Police officers to guard the state capitol and Right to Work demonstrators last month.
Five hundred is darn close close to half the entire force.
Armed guards at NY paper that reported gun info
Armed guards at NY paper that reported gun info
...publisher Janet Hasson said. “The safety of my staff is my top priority,” she told The New York Times
...publisher Janet Hasson said. “The safety of my staff is my top priority,” she told The New York Times
Review & Outlook: Crony Capitalist Blowout - WSJ.com
Review & Outlook: Crony Capitalist Blowout - WSJ.com
But a special award goes to Chris Dodd, the former Senator who now roams Gucci Gulch lobbying for Hollywood's movie studios.
The Senate summary of his tax victory is worth quoting in full: "The bill extends for two years, through 2013, the provision that allows film and television producers to expense the first $15 million of production costs incurred in the United States ($20 million if the costs are incurred in economically depressed areas in the United States)."
You gotta love that "depressed areas" bit.
The impoverished impresarios of Brentwood get an extra writeoff if they take their film crews into, say, deepest Flatbush.
Is that because they have to pay extra to the caterers from Dean & DeLuca to make the trip?
It sure can't be because they hire the jobless locals for the production crew.
Those are union jobs, mate, and don't you forget it.
But a special award goes to Chris Dodd, the former Senator who now roams Gucci Gulch lobbying for Hollywood's movie studios.
The Senate summary of his tax victory is worth quoting in full: "The bill extends for two years, through 2013, the provision that allows film and television producers to expense the first $15 million of production costs incurred in the United States ($20 million if the costs are incurred in economically depressed areas in the United States)."
You gotta love that "depressed areas" bit.
The impoverished impresarios of Brentwood get an extra writeoff if they take their film crews into, say, deepest Flatbush.
Is that because they have to pay extra to the caterers from Dean & DeLuca to make the trip?
It sure can't be because they hire the jobless locals for the production crew.
Those are union jobs, mate, and don't you forget it.
Muskegon official: Abortion clinic was 'a filthy mess,' won't reopen | MLive.com#incart_river
Muskegon official: Abortion clinic was 'a filthy mess,' won't reopen
It’s just ridiculous,” Alexander said Monday.
“At this point, they (anti-abortion activists) win.
this point, I’m not going to open back up.”
Lewis released a redacted list of what city Fire Marshal Major Metcalf called 11 “violations noted during my assessment,” performed after Muskegon police investigated a reported break-in at the clinic.
It’s just ridiculous,” Alexander said Monday.
“At this point, they (anti-abortion activists) win.
this point, I’m not going to open back up.”
Lewis released a redacted list of what city Fire Marshal Major Metcalf called 11 “violations noted during my assessment,” performed after Muskegon police investigated a reported break-in at the clinic.
Armed Woman Stops Shooter in TX
Armed Woman Stops Shooter in TX
“On Sunday, 2 days after the CT shooting, a man went to a restaurant in San Antonio to kill his X-girlfriend.
After he shot her, most of the people in the restaurant fled next door to a theater.
The gunman followed them and entered the theater so he could shoot more people. He started shooting and people in the theater started running and screaming.
It’s like the Aurora, CO theater story plus a restaurant!
Now aren’t you wondering why this isn’t a lead story in the national media along with the school shooting?
There was an off duty county deputy at the theater.
SHE pulled out her gun and shot the man 4 times before he had a chance to kill anyone. So since this story makes the point that the best thing to stop a bad person with a gun is a good person with a gun, the media is treating it like it never happened.
Only the local media covered it.
“On Sunday, 2 days after the CT shooting, a man went to a restaurant in San Antonio to kill his X-girlfriend.
After he shot her, most of the people in the restaurant fled next door to a theater.
The gunman followed them and entered the theater so he could shoot more people. He started shooting and people in the theater started running and screaming.
It’s like the Aurora, CO theater story plus a restaurant!
Now aren’t you wondering why this isn’t a lead story in the national media along with the school shooting?
There was an off duty county deputy at the theater.
SHE pulled out her gun and shot the man 4 times before he had a chance to kill anyone. So since this story makes the point that the best thing to stop a bad person with a gun is a good person with a gun, the media is treating it like it never happened.
Only the local media covered it.
Thursday, January 03, 2013
Your Favorites: Our Top 10 Stories of 2012
Your Favorites: Our Top 10 Stories of 2012 [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
A 'horseshoer' with no horses, drunk teachers and right-to-work coverage were some of the most popular articles
A 'horseshoer' with no horses, drunk teachers and right-to-work coverage were some of the most popular articles
FBI: More People Killed with Hammers, Clubs Each Year than Rifles
FBI: More People Killed with Hammers, Clubs Each Year than Rifles
According to the FBI annual crime statistics, the number of murders committed annually with hammers and clubs far outnumbers the number of murders committed with a rifle.
According to the FBI annual crime statistics, the number of murders committed annually with hammers and clubs far outnumbers the number of murders committed with a rifle.
Michelle Suggests Republicans are Liars
Michelle Suggests Republicans are Liars | The Blog on Obama: White House Dossier
First Lady Michelle Obama Thursday suggested Republicans are engaged in rampant lying as they debate the issues with President Obama.
“People have to stay focused on what’s going on, because it’s easy to get confused in all the back and forth that goes on, and there’s a whole lot of not-truth telling going on, if you know what I mean,” Michelle said during a radio appearance on the The Tom Joyner Show.
Mrs. Obama also charged that voter suppression during the 2012 election was widespread.
Michelle said Republicans sought to win the election by spending “unprecedented amounts of money,” running negative advertising, and committing voter suppression.
“Voter suppression was in full force in so many states all over this country,” Mrs. Obama said.
First Lady Michelle Obama Thursday suggested Republicans are engaged in rampant lying as they debate the issues with President Obama.
“People have to stay focused on what’s going on, because it’s easy to get confused in all the back and forth that goes on, and there’s a whole lot of not-truth telling going on, if you know what I mean,” Michelle said during a radio appearance on the The Tom Joyner Show.
Mrs. Obama also charged that voter suppression during the 2012 election was widespread.
Michelle said Republicans sought to win the election by spending “unprecedented amounts of money,” running negative advertising, and committing voter suppression.
“Voter suppression was in full force in so many states all over this country,” Mrs. Obama said.
Michigan Congressional Republicans Split On 'Fiscal Cliff' Vote
Michigan Congressional Republicans Split On 'Fiscal Cliff' Vote [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
Republicans voting “yes“ were U.S. Representatives Dan Benishek, R-Crystal Falls; Dave Camp, R-Midland; Candice Miller, R-Harrison Township.; Mike Rogers, R-Howell; and Fred Upton, R-St Joseph
Republicans voting “yes“ were U.S. Representatives Dan Benishek, R-Crystal Falls; Dave Camp, R-Midland; Candice Miller, R-Harrison Township.; Mike Rogers, R-Howell; and Fred Upton, R-St Joseph
Wednesday, January 02, 2013
A Voyage to Laputa
A Voyage to Laputa - By Michael Walsh - The Corner - National Review Online
Conservatives understand, to their chagrin, that Obamaism cannot be defeated and rolled back until the GOP undergoes the same sort of ideological transformation that the Left effected upon the Democrats between 1968 and 1972.
Sure, the donkeys lost for a while, and lost bad — Nixon wiped out McGovern in ‘72 and Reagan destroyed Mondale in 1984.
But that was a price they were willing to pay for eventual victory
Conservatives understand, to their chagrin, that Obamaism cannot be defeated and rolled back until the GOP undergoes the same sort of ideological transformation that the Left effected upon the Democrats between 1968 and 1972.
Sure, the donkeys lost for a while, and lost bad — Nixon wiped out McGovern in ‘72 and Reagan destroyed Mondale in 1984.
But that was a price they were willing to pay for eventual victory
What global warming? Alaska is headed for an ice age as scientists report state's steady temperature decline
What global warming? Alaska is headed for an ice age as scientists report state's steady temperature decline | Mail Online
Since 2000, temperatures in Alaska have dropped by 2.4 degrees Fahrenheit
Scientists reviewed weather reports from 20 climate stations operated by the National Weather Service located across Alaska, 19 of the 20 weather stations reported falling temperatures
An ocean phenomenon has disrupted a storm regulating system thus allowing cold winter storms to linger longer and bring a deep chill
Local residents have noticed the colder temps but say its no big deal since they are already bundled up for 20-below zero temperatures
Since 2000, temperatures in Alaska have dropped by 2.4 degrees Fahrenheit
Scientists reviewed weather reports from 20 climate stations operated by the National Weather Service located across Alaska, 19 of the 20 weather stations reported falling temperatures
An ocean phenomenon has disrupted a storm regulating system thus allowing cold winter storms to linger longer and bring a deep chill
Local residents have noticed the colder temps but say its no big deal since they are already bundled up for 20-below zero temperatures
County Prevailing Wage Law Could Add Millions To Taxpayer Costs
County Prevailing Wage Law Could Add Millions To Taxpayer Costs [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
The Mackinac Center for Public Policy has researched the costs of prevailing wage laws in Michigan.
It has concluded that prevailing wage laws can add 10 percent to 15 percent to the cost of construction projects.
If Muskegon County's prevailing wage ordinance were to add 10 percent to the cost of the jail project, the ordinance would put local taxpayers on the hook for an additional $2.3 million to $4.7 million.
The Mackinac Center for Public Policy has researched the costs of prevailing wage laws in Michigan.
It has concluded that prevailing wage laws can add 10 percent to 15 percent to the cost of construction projects.
If Muskegon County's prevailing wage ordinance were to add 10 percent to the cost of the jail project, the ordinance would put local taxpayers on the hook for an additional $2.3 million to $4.7 million.
Hollywood: Cinema attendance plummets to 25-year low
Hollywood: Cinema attendance plummets to 25-year low | Mail Online
The golden age of the silver screen may be coming to a close.
Attendance at movie theatres is at a 25-year low, with young consumers – those who often see the most films – down 40 per cent since 2002.
The golden age of the silver screen may be coming to a close.
Attendance at movie theatres is at a 25-year low, with young consumers – those who often see the most films – down 40 per cent since 2002.
‘Cliff’ bill is a bitter pill for House’s tea party adherents to swallow
‘Cliff’ bill is a bitter pill for House’s tea party adherents to swallow - The Washington Post
The bill was 153 pages long. t was written only the day before, by Washington insiders working in the dark of night.
It was crammed with giveaways and legislative spare parts: tax breaks for wind farms and racetracks.
A change to nuclear-weapons policy.
Government payments for cheese.
And, most significantly, the bill will raise taxes but do relatively little to cut government spending or the massive federal deficit.
The bill was 153 pages long. t was written only the day before, by Washington insiders working in the dark of night.
It was crammed with giveaways and legislative spare parts: tax breaks for wind farms and racetracks.
A change to nuclear-weapons policy.
Government payments for cheese.
And, most significantly, the bill will raise taxes but do relatively little to cut government spending or the massive federal deficit.
Tuesday, January 01, 2013
Sperm donor ordered to pay child support to lesbian couple despite him giving up rights to the child
Sperm donor ordered to pay child support to lesbian couple despite him giving up rights to the child | Mail Online
The legal agreement that the three made in 2009 was deemed invalid by Kansas state because they did not use a certified doctor for the insemination.
The legal agreement that the three made in 2009 was deemed invalid by Kansas state because they did not use a certified doctor for the insemination.
"Stockton tries a Chrysler"
Fix Pacifica: Bakersfield bankruptcy in stalemate
Wall Street Journal/Review and Outlook/Top Stories in Opinion, 12/31/12. "Stockton tries a Chrysler"
The municipal bankruptcy unfolding in Stockton, California is giving investors a bad case of deja vu. Just as the Obama Administration bailed out the United Auto Workers in Chrysler's bankruptcy while hanging bondholders out to dry, the city of Stockton is subordinating its bond debt to worker pensions.
But what's really scary is that the Stockton case could be replayed in dozens of California cities.
The San Joaquin Valley's second largest city filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy this summer after a three-month mediation with creditors and unions ended in stalemate.
Bond insurers that guarantee about $200 million in debt wouldn't submit to a haircut unless the rich pensions that helped drive the city to bankruptcy were also clipped.
Yet unions wouldn't countenance an even modest reduction to their pensions.
.... Ratings agencies downplay the "systemic risk" that the Stocktons of the United States pose to the $3.7 trillion municipal bond market.
But then they also said mortgage-backed securities were Triple-A.
While the market may not be in danger of blowing up soon, bondholders face a very real danger of being blown off to preserve worker pensions.
Wall Street Journal/Review and Outlook/Top Stories in Opinion, 12/31/12. "Stockton tries a Chrysler"
The municipal bankruptcy unfolding in Stockton, California is giving investors a bad case of deja vu. Just as the Obama Administration bailed out the United Auto Workers in Chrysler's bankruptcy while hanging bondholders out to dry, the city of Stockton is subordinating its bond debt to worker pensions.
But what's really scary is that the Stockton case could be replayed in dozens of California cities.
The San Joaquin Valley's second largest city filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy this summer after a three-month mediation with creditors and unions ended in stalemate.
Bond insurers that guarantee about $200 million in debt wouldn't submit to a haircut unless the rich pensions that helped drive the city to bankruptcy were also clipped.
Yet unions wouldn't countenance an even modest reduction to their pensions.
.... Ratings agencies downplay the "systemic risk" that the Stocktons of the United States pose to the $3.7 trillion municipal bond market.
But then they also said mortgage-backed securities were Triple-A.
While the market may not be in danger of blowing up soon, bondholders face a very real danger of being blown off to preserve worker pensions.
Gunman shoots one outside San Antonio movie theater
Gunman shoots one outside San Antonio movie theater | The Desert Sun | mydesert.com:
The gunman entered the theater and fired a shot but struck no one, Antu said.
An off-duty sheriff’s deputy working security then shot the gunman.
The gunman entered the theater and fired a shot but struck no one, Antu said.
An off-duty sheriff’s deputy working security then shot the gunman.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Muskegon County officials to be sworn in Thursday; Organizational meeting to follow
Muskegon County officials to be sworn in Thursday; Organizational meeting to follow | MLive.com
The reciting of the oath of office for several county officials, including newcomers such as Prosecutor-elect D.J. Hilson and two members of the County Board of Commissioners, is scheduled for 3 p.m. Thursday in Circuit Court Judge William C. Marietti’s courtroom on the fourth floor of the Michael E. Kobza Hall of Justice, 990 Terrace St.
The event, basically a kickoff to the new terms of those selected by voters in November, also features the organizational meeting for the County Board of Commissioners and a community open house for all of those elected officials.
The organizational meeting is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. in the County Board of Commissioners meeting room on the fourth floor of the Hall of Justice.
The community open house is set to follow from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the board room.
The reciting of the oath of office for several county officials, including newcomers such as Prosecutor-elect D.J. Hilson and two members of the County Board of Commissioners, is scheduled for 3 p.m. Thursday in Circuit Court Judge William C. Marietti’s courtroom on the fourth floor of the Michael E. Kobza Hall of Justice, 990 Terrace St.
The event, basically a kickoff to the new terms of those selected by voters in November, also features the organizational meeting for the County Board of Commissioners and a community open house for all of those elected officials.
The organizational meeting is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. in the County Board of Commissioners meeting room on the fourth floor of the Hall of Justice.
The community open house is set to follow from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the board room.
If aliens exist, they probably want to destroy us
Study: If aliens exist, they probably want to destroy us - CSMonitor.com
When considering the prospect of alien life, humankind should prepare for the worst, according to a new study:
Either we're alone, or any aliens out there are acquisitive and resource-hungry, just like us.
When considering the prospect of alien life, humankind should prepare for the worst, according to a new study:
Either we're alone, or any aliens out there are acquisitive and resource-hungry, just like us.
Brace For an Avalanche of Unfunded Debt
Mort Zuckerman: Brace For an Avalanche of Unfunded Debt - US News and World Report
The greatest fiscal challenge to the U.S. government is not just its annual deficit but its total liabilities. Our federal balance sheet does not include the unfunded social insurance obligations of Medicare, Social Security, and the future retirement benefits of federal employees.
Only in the small print of the financial statements do you get some idea of the enormous size of the unfunded commitments.
Today the estimated unfunded total is more than $87 trillion, or 550 percent of our GDP.
And the debt per household is more than 10 times the median family income.
The greatest fiscal challenge to the U.S. government is not just its annual deficit but its total liabilities. Our federal balance sheet does not include the unfunded social insurance obligations of Medicare, Social Security, and the future retirement benefits of federal employees.
Only in the small print of the financial statements do you get some idea of the enormous size of the unfunded commitments.
Today the estimated unfunded total is more than $87 trillion, or 550 percent of our GDP.
And the debt per household is more than 10 times the median family income.
The USS Scorpion Buried at Sea
The USS Scorpion Buried at Sea
Despite official denials, several informed sources allege the top-secret Sound Surveillance System (SOSUS) had indeed recorded an underwater duel between Scorpion and a Soviet submarine that ended when the Soviet launched a torpedo that struck and sank the American submarine.
One former SOSUS operator, Vince Collier, came forward decades later to tell in chilling detail how he and other sailors in SOSUS School were shown a bootleg copy of the tape that graphically depicted the death of Scorpion.
Despite official denials, several informed sources allege the top-secret Sound Surveillance System (SOSUS) had indeed recorded an underwater duel between Scorpion and a Soviet submarine that ended when the Soviet launched a torpedo that struck and sank the American submarine.
One former SOSUS operator, Vince Collier, came forward decades later to tell in chilling detail how he and other sailors in SOSUS School were shown a bootleg copy of the tape that graphically depicted the death of Scorpion.
Northern Michigan commissioner blocks Planned Parenthood grant request, says they 'kill babies'
Northern Michigan commissioner blocks Planned Parenthood grant request, says they 'kill babies' | MLive.com
A county commissioner successfully blocked a casino profit sharing request by Planned Parenthood for sex education money this week in northern Michigan, saying the organization exists to “kill babies.”
The Traverse City Record-Eagle reported that Grand Traverse County Commissioner Jason Gillman, a Tea Party adherent who publishes the blog Right Michigan, convinced fellow commissioners to spike a $12,500 grant application for abstinence-based sex education in area schools.
"The organization is designed to kill babies," Gillman reportedly said.
The nicer side of it is only there to mask its evil intent.
is to kill babies."
A county commissioner successfully blocked a casino profit sharing request by Planned Parenthood for sex education money this week in northern Michigan, saying the organization exists to “kill babies.”
The Traverse City Record-Eagle reported that Grand Traverse County Commissioner Jason Gillman, a Tea Party adherent who publishes the blog Right Michigan, convinced fellow commissioners to spike a $12,500 grant application for abstinence-based sex education in area schools.
"The organization is designed to kill babies," Gillman reportedly said.
The nicer side of it is only there to mask its evil intent.
is to kill babies."
Thanks to Congress's Incompetence, Milk Prices Are About to Double
Thanks to Congress's Incompetence, Milk Prices Are About to Double - Jordan Weissmann - The Atlantic
To give you a sense of how farcical this situation is, it's not even clear that the government has enough storage space to stow away all the dry milk, cheese blocks, and butter tubs it will have to purchase for absolutely no reason.
To give you a sense of how farcical this situation is, it's not even clear that the government has enough storage space to stow away all the dry milk, cheese blocks, and butter tubs it will have to purchase for absolutely no reason.
8 College Degrees with the Worst Return on Investment
8 College Degrees with the Worst Return on Investment - Salary.com
These Careers Might Make You Happy, But Fail the Tuition ROI Test
By Dawn Dugan, Salary.com contributing writer.
1. Communications
You'd think the ink-stained newsrooms and TV studios are full of wealthy and famous journalists.
Not quite.
Although these skills require lots of education and training, they buried the lead regarding the lack of payoff.
These Careers Might Make You Happy, But Fail the Tuition ROI Test
By Dawn Dugan, Salary.com contributing writer.
1. Communications
You'd think the ink-stained newsrooms and TV studios are full of wealthy and famous journalists.
Not quite.
Although these skills require lots of education and training, they buried the lead regarding the lack of payoff.
Let's create a Michigan debate commission and pressure candidates to come face-to-face
Tim Skubick: Let's create a Michigan debate commission and pressure candidates to come face-to-face | MLive.com
First it must be a bipartisan panel of souls whom the political parties, the candidates and the public will trust.
The candidates must pledge to buy into whatever decisions are made.
First it must be a bipartisan panel of souls whom the political parties, the candidates and the public will trust.
The candidates must pledge to buy into whatever decisions are made.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Uncle Sam’s sorry day of reckoning
Uncle Sam’s sorry day of reckoning - NYPOST.com
Monday is Debt Ceiling Day! According to the best guesstimate by Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, the federal government on Monday will reach its statutory borrowing limit of $16.4 trillion — or roughly 104 percent of America’s total economic output.
A legal limit on federal debt was first enacted during World War I and has been increased 13 times since 1995.
The most recent increase came after a major political battle in the summer of 2011 — a conflict that also led Standard & Poor’s to strip the United States of its AAA credit rating.
Now we’re back up against it again, thanks to a year when Uncle Sam spent more than $1.3 trillion more than he took in.
Monday is Debt Ceiling Day! According to the best guesstimate by Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, the federal government on Monday will reach its statutory borrowing limit of $16.4 trillion — or roughly 104 percent of America’s total economic output.
A legal limit on federal debt was first enacted during World War I and has been increased 13 times since 1995.
The most recent increase came after a major political battle in the summer of 2011 — a conflict that also led Standard & Poor’s to strip the United States of its AAA credit rating.
Now we’re back up against it again, thanks to a year when Uncle Sam spent more than $1.3 trillion more than he took in.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
The Auto Bailout Failure Is Now Complete
Harsanyi: The Auto Bailout Failure Is Now Complete - Conservative News
But the more immediate problem is that we will never get our money back, anyway.
GM’s labor costs, estimated at $56 an hour, still are higher than any of its competitors.
Since the Obama administration cajoled the normal bankruptcy hearings and eradicated the pensions of nonunion workers to ensure union success, employees, like the ones at Delphi, the auto parts manufacturer and one-time GM subsidiary, took it on the chin while $26 billion of taxpayer funds were used to keep United Auto Workers in a secure position.
The Treasury Department has just revised its estimate upward to $25 billion in losses, and it will probably be more than that when it’s all said and done.
Taxpayers also suffered a $2.9 billion loss in Chrysler (the carmaker had received $12.5 billion through TARP programs) in 2011.
But the more immediate problem is that we will never get our money back, anyway.
GM’s labor costs, estimated at $56 an hour, still are higher than any of its competitors.
Since the Obama administration cajoled the normal bankruptcy hearings and eradicated the pensions of nonunion workers to ensure union success, employees, like the ones at Delphi, the auto parts manufacturer and one-time GM subsidiary, took it on the chin while $26 billion of taxpayer funds were used to keep United Auto Workers in a secure position.
The Treasury Department has just revised its estimate upward to $25 billion in losses, and it will probably be more than that when it’s all said and done.
Taxpayers also suffered a $2.9 billion loss in Chrysler (the carmaker had received $12.5 billion through TARP programs) in 2011.
EyeOnMuskegon: Call 'em! They work for YOU!
EyeOnMuskegon: Call 'em! They work for YOU!
County commissioner contact info (Call them! They work for YOU!):
KENNETH MAHONEY (231) 894-8608
TERRY SABO (231) 740-2724
JAMES DEREZINSKI (H) (231) 788-4849
MARVIN ENGLE (H) (231) 865-6116
SUSIE HUGHES (H) (231) 343-4092
CHARLES NASH (H) (231) 767-2345
RILLASTINE R. WILKINS (H) (231) 733-1581
BENJAMIN E. CROSS (H) (231) 670-6047
ROBERT SCOLNIK (H) (231) 798-2828
County commissioner contact info (Call them! They work for YOU!):
KENNETH MAHONEY (231) 894-8608
TERRY SABO (231) 740-2724
JAMES DEREZINSKI (H) (231) 788-4849
MARVIN ENGLE (H) (231) 865-6116
SUSIE HUGHES (H) (231) 343-4092
CHARLES NASH (H) (231) 767-2345
RILLASTINE R. WILKINS (H) (231) 733-1581
BENJAMIN E. CROSS (H) (231) 670-6047
ROBERT SCOLNIK (H) (231) 798-2828
Connecticut attorney asks to sue state after elementary school shooting
Connecticut attorney asks to sue state after elementary school shooting | Fox News
A New Haven attorney is asking permission to sue the state for $100 million on behalf of a student who survived the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.
A New Haven attorney is asking permission to sue the state for $100 million on behalf of a student who survived the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.
Muskegon County Republican Party elects 'Tea Party, Ron Paul-types' as executive officers, goes more conservative
Muskegon County Republican Party elects 'Tea Party, Ron Paul-types' as executive officers, goes more conservative | MLive.com
The election of officers marks a change for the Muskegon County Republican Party.
County Commissioner Bob Scolnik, the senior elected Republican in the county, called it a “direction I’m not 100 percent in favor with."
“It’s pretty much taken over by the Tea Party, Ron Paul-types and Libertarians,” Scolnik said. “I’m more of a moderate, Ronald Reagan-type Republican.
I do not believe they represent the mainstream Republican thought.”
Fink previously served as vice chairman of the party, but the others are new to formal leadership in the party.
Rothoff, who actively follows Muskegon County government activities, ran unsuccessfully for county treasurer, losing in the general election.
The Republicans fared poorly in the election, losing races for clerk, treasurer and several County Board of Commissioners seats.
The election of officers marks a change for the Muskegon County Republican Party.
County Commissioner Bob Scolnik, the senior elected Republican in the county, called it a “direction I’m not 100 percent in favor with."
“It’s pretty much taken over by the Tea Party, Ron Paul-types and Libertarians,” Scolnik said. “I’m more of a moderate, Ronald Reagan-type Republican.
I do not believe they represent the mainstream Republican thought.”
Fink previously served as vice chairman of the party, but the others are new to formal leadership in the party.
Rothoff, who actively follows Muskegon County government activities, ran unsuccessfully for county treasurer, losing in the general election.
The Republicans fared poorly in the election, losing races for clerk, treasurer and several County Board of Commissioners seats.
Black judge commutes four killers’ sentences based on race
Black judge commutes four killers’ sentences based on race
Commuting a black man’s death sentence to life in prison, the judge cited “the persistent, distorting role of race in jury selection in North Carolina.”
He never argued the man – found guilty of kidnapping and robbing a teenager before shooting him in the face – might be innocent.
Since the Racial Justice Act gave him the discretion, he simply declared prosecutors were racist and gave a murderer a get-out-of-death-row-free card.
Commuting a black man’s death sentence to life in prison, the judge cited “the persistent, distorting role of race in jury selection in North Carolina.”
He never argued the man – found guilty of kidnapping and robbing a teenager before shooting him in the face – might be innocent.
Since the Racial Justice Act gave him the discretion, he simply declared prosecutors were racist and gave a murderer a get-out-of-death-row-free card.
Numbers Game
Numbers Game [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
And yet, if the lower estimates are the correct ones, this would be the second indication in the past two months that the political appeal and power of unions here is much less than imagined.
And yet, if the lower estimates are the correct ones, this would be the second indication in the past two months that the political appeal and power of unions here is much less than imagined.
Here's One Reason Why Someone Would Need To Own An 'Assault' Rifle
Here's One Reason Why Someone Would Need To Own An 'Assault' Rifle - Investors.com
Consider that, according to FBI data, in 2007, there were 453 homicides by rifle in the U.S.
Yes, that's too many. But compare that number to a few other methods of homicide employed that year.
In 2007, there were 1,817 homicides committed with "knives or cutting instruments"; "blunt objects (clubs, hammers, etc.)" killed 674; while "personal weapons (hands, fists, feet, etc.)" were the choices in 869 homicides.
The number of rifle homicides has fallen steadily since then to 323 last year, as have the other three weapon classes, though each still remains a more common choice than the rifle.
In fact, when added together, knives, blunt instruments and the human body were responsible for more than nine times as many homicides as rifles in 2011.
Consider that, according to FBI data, in 2007, there were 453 homicides by rifle in the U.S.
Yes, that's too many. But compare that number to a few other methods of homicide employed that year.
In 2007, there were 1,817 homicides committed with "knives or cutting instruments"; "blunt objects (clubs, hammers, etc.)" killed 674; while "personal weapons (hands, fists, feet, etc.)" were the choices in 869 homicides.
The number of rifle homicides has fallen steadily since then to 323 last year, as have the other three weapon classes, though each still remains a more common choice than the rifle.
In fact, when added together, knives, blunt instruments and the human body were responsible for more than nine times as many homicides as rifles in 2011.
Stigmatizing Gun Owners Makes Civil Debate Impossible
Stigmatizing Gun Owners Makes Civil Debate Impossible « Commentary Magazine
Rather, this was about the desire on the part of some in the liberal mainstream media to stigmatize legal gun ownership and to whip up sentiment for not just tighter controls but an eventual ban.
This makes it easier to understand why the National Rifle Association fiercely resists even the most reasonable gun control measures.
If even those who have jumped through the not inconsiderable hoops erected by the authorities to gain a legal gun permit in New York are now to be treated as if they were the moral equivalent of sex offenders, it’s clear the goal of the anti-gun media is not just to focus discussion on assault weapons and large ammunition clips but to ban individual gun ownership altogether.
Rather, this was about the desire on the part of some in the liberal mainstream media to stigmatize legal gun ownership and to whip up sentiment for not just tighter controls but an eventual ban.
This makes it easier to understand why the National Rifle Association fiercely resists even the most reasonable gun control measures.
If even those who have jumped through the not inconsiderable hoops erected by the authorities to gain a legal gun permit in New York are now to be treated as if they were the moral equivalent of sex offenders, it’s clear the goal of the anti-gun media is not just to focus discussion on assault weapons and large ammunition clips but to ban individual gun ownership altogether.
No heir to run the company? Why adult ‘adoption’ is big business in Japan
No heir to run the company? Why adult ‘adoption’ is big business in Japan - Asia - World - The Independent
The practice of adopting men in their 20s and 30s is used to rescue biologically ill-fated families and ensure a business heir,
....... "We haven't come across this custom in any other part of the world," he says.
The practice of adopting men in their 20s and 30s is used to rescue biologically ill-fated families and ensure a business heir,
....... "We haven't come across this custom in any other part of the world," he says.
COMMENT OF THE DAY
Instapundit » Blog Archive » COMMENT OF THE DAY
"For ten years we have been told that the Bush tax cuts applied mostly to the rich.
Now it is imperative that we extend them further or the middle class is going to take a big hit.”
"For ten years we have been told that the Bush tax cuts applied mostly to the rich.
Now it is imperative that we extend them further or the middle class is going to take a big hit.”
Friday, December 28, 2012
101 of the Best Gun Quotes Ever
101 of the Best Gun Quotes Ever
"54.”The right of self-defense never ceases. It is among the most sacred, and alike necessary to nations and to individuals.”
~James Monroe"
"54.”The right of self-defense never ceases. It is among the most sacred, and alike necessary to nations and to individuals.”
~James Monroe"
Senate Approves Warrantless Phone Tapping for Next Five Years
Senate Approves Warrantless Phone Tapping for Next Five Years
"The FISA Amendments Act continues to be controversial; key portions of it were challenged in a case before the U.S. Supreme Court this term.
In brief, the law allows the government to get secret FISA court orders-orders that do not require probable cause like regular warrants-for any emails or phone calls going to and from overseas.
The communications only have to deal with "foreign intelligence information," a broad term that can mean virtually anything.
And one secret FISA order can be issued against groups or categories of people-potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of Americans at once."
"The FISA Amendments Act continues to be controversial; key portions of it were challenged in a case before the U.S. Supreme Court this term.
In brief, the law allows the government to get secret FISA court orders-orders that do not require probable cause like regular warrants-for any emails or phone calls going to and from overseas.
The communications only have to deal with "foreign intelligence information," a broad term that can mean virtually anything.
And one secret FISA order can be issued against groups or categories of people-potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of Americans at once."
Taxpayer-Funded Stadiums a Lose-Lose Proposition
Taxpayer-Funded Stadiums a Lose-Lose Proposition [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
Flashy projects have not helped the city in the past. Remember the Renaissance Center, which was supposed to “anchor Detroit’s revival”?
How about the money taxpayers put up for the stadiums for the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers?
State and local citizens are still subsidizing the local teams.
Flashy projects have not helped the city in the past. Remember the Renaissance Center, which was supposed to “anchor Detroit’s revival”?
How about the money taxpayers put up for the stadiums for the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers?
State and local citizens are still subsidizing the local teams.
Michigan Makes It Illegal To Ask For Employees' Facebook Logins
Michigan Makes It Illegal To Ask For Employees' Facebook Logins - Slashdot:
""Michigan joins Maryland as a state where employers may not ask employees or job applicants to divulge login information for Facebook and other social media sites.
From the article: 'Under the law, employers cannot discipline employees or decline to hire job applicants because they do not give them access information, including user names, passwords, login information, or "other security information that protects access to a personal internet account," according to the bill.
Universities and schools cannot discipline or fail to admit students if they do not give similar information.'
There is one exception, however: 'However, accounts owned by a company or educational institution, such as e-mail, can be requested.'""
""Michigan joins Maryland as a state where employers may not ask employees or job applicants to divulge login information for Facebook and other social media sites.
From the article: 'Under the law, employers cannot discipline employees or decline to hire job applicants because they do not give them access information, including user names, passwords, login information, or "other security information that protects access to a personal internet account," according to the bill.
Universities and schools cannot discipline or fail to admit students if they do not give similar information.'
There is one exception, however: 'However, accounts owned by a company or educational institution, such as e-mail, can be requested.'""
Citizens claims about cold, unheated Muskegon County Jail are false, sheriff says
Citizens claims about cold, unheated Muskegon County Jail are false, sheriff says | MLive.com
“It isn’t like we have a thermostat and can just dial it up. We run on a boiler and it takes a while for the boiler to increase its temperature,” he said.
“It has to circulate through the whole facility and it's against the law to use space heaters.”
“It isn’t like we have a thermostat and can just dial it up. We run on a boiler and it takes a while for the boiler to increase its temperature,” he said.
“It has to circulate through the whole facility and it's against the law to use space heaters.”
Chicago reaches 500 homicides with fatal shooting
Chicago reaches 500 homicides with fatal shooting - Yahoo! News
Chicago has logged its 500th homicide of 2012.
The last time the city reached the 500-homicide mark was in 2008, when the year ended with 512 killings.
Last year, city records show Chicago had 435 homicides.
Chicago has logged its 500th homicide of 2012.
The last time the city reached the 500-homicide mark was in 2008, when the year ended with 512 killings.
Last year, city records show Chicago had 435 homicides.
Bob Hope Christmas
Bob Hope Christmas
Bob Hope was without a doubt one of the greatest entertainers of all time.
A wonderful look at some special moments Bob spent with the troops during his many Christmas performances.
Thank You to all the Veterans that ever spent a Christmas away from their family and to Bob Hope for spending his with them.
Grab a hankie and love this great patriot.
Bob Hope was without a doubt one of the greatest entertainers of all time.
A wonderful look at some special moments Bob spent with the troops during his many Christmas performances.
Thank You to all the Veterans that ever spent a Christmas away from their family and to Bob Hope for spending his with them.
Grab a hankie and love this great patriot.
Obama Claus Gives You 90 More Days To Collect Your $50,000 Reparations Check
Obama Claus Gives You 90 More Days To Collect Your $50,000 Reparations Check
Circle March 25, 2013 on your calendar.
That's the last day you can submit your claim form from this official U.S. government website to collect fifty thousand tax-free American dollars, courtesy of the Obama administration in its current multi-billion giveaway scheme.
No, you don't need a potted plant and you don't even to be black or even Hispanic; as long as you are a woman (or related to one) and you fill out the forms correctly, you can collect the money because nobody will verify your information.
Circle March 25, 2013 on your calendar.
That's the last day you can submit your claim form from this official U.S. government website to collect fifty thousand tax-free American dollars, courtesy of the Obama administration in its current multi-billion giveaway scheme.
No, you don't need a potted plant and you don't even to be black or even Hispanic; as long as you are a woman (or related to one) and you fill out the forms correctly, you can collect the money because nobody will verify your information.
URGENT UPDATE on Connecticut Shooting
URGENT UPDATE on Connecticut Shooting « Short Little Rebel
I looked at my husband and said, “Cal, this thing is starting to stink.
By now, there should be many eye-witness accounts of the actual gunman.
There should be breathless survivors talking about how this guy walked by their room, etc.
About how they narrowly escaped.
But so far, it looks like every single eye-witness is dead.
That is IMPOSSIBLE!”
I looked at my husband and said, “Cal, this thing is starting to stink.
By now, there should be many eye-witness accounts of the actual gunman.
There should be breathless survivors talking about how this guy walked by their room, etc.
About how they narrowly escaped.
But so far, it looks like every single eye-witness is dead.
That is IMPOSSIBLE!”
HOW’S THAT “SMART DIPLOMACY” WORKIN’ OUT FOR YA?
Instapundit » Blog Archive » HOW’S THAT “SMART DIPLOMACY” WORKIN’ OUT FOR YA?
AFRICA IN CRISIS: U.S. Abandons Embassy, France Won’t Intervene.
“The last time the U.S. abandoned an embassy?
Syria.”
According to a State Department spokesperson, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was unable to comment, because “she fell and twisted her cankle.”
UPDATE: Related: NPR Covering For Hillary on Benghazi.
In a story by Michelle Kelemen, with an assist from Aaron David Miller, vice president of the of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.
AFRICA IN CRISIS: U.S. Abandons Embassy, France Won’t Intervene.
“The last time the U.S. abandoned an embassy?
Syria.”
According to a State Department spokesperson, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was unable to comment, because “she fell and twisted her cankle.”
UPDATE: Related: NPR Covering For Hillary on Benghazi.
In a story by Michelle Kelemen, with an assist from Aaron David Miller, vice president of the of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.
Union, fired teachers sue Chicago for racial discrimination
Union, fired teachers sue Chicago for racial discrimination | The Daily Caller
Robin Potter, an attorney for CTU, said in a statement that the city’s policies run afoul of those laws by primarily impacting black faculty and staff.
“We’re now at a crossroads in Chicago. …
The racial impact of the policies and practices of this Board of Education have devastated the African-American teaching force in that community,” she said in the statement.
The suit, which seeks class-action status, was filed on behalf of all black teachers who lost their jobs in June 2010 because of turnaround restructuring.
Robin Potter, an attorney for CTU, said in a statement that the city’s policies run afoul of those laws by primarily impacting black faculty and staff.
“We’re now at a crossroads in Chicago. …
The racial impact of the policies and practices of this Board of Education have devastated the African-American teaching force in that community,” she said in the statement.
The suit, which seeks class-action status, was filed on behalf of all black teachers who lost their jobs in June 2010 because of turnaround restructuring.
Kenyan economics expert: Development aid is one reason for Africa’s problems, so for ‘God’s sake, please just stop’
Kenyan economics expert: Development aid is one reason for Africa’s problems, so for ‘God’s sake, please just stop’ | AEIdeas
Shikwati: Such intentions have been damaging our continent for the past 40 years. I
f the industrial nations really want to help the Africans, they should finally terminate this awful aid.
The countries that have collected the most development aid are also the ones that are in the worst shape.
Despite the billions that have poured in to Africa, the continent remains poor.
SPIEGEL: Do you have an explanation for this paradox?
Shikwati: Huge bureaucracies are financed (with the aid money), corruption and complacency are promoted, Africans are taught to be beggars and not to be independent.
In addition, development aid weakens the local markets everywhere and dampens the spirit of entrepreneurship that we so desperately need.
As absurd as it may sound: Development aid is one of the reasons for Africa’s problems.
If the West were to cancel these payments, normal Africans wouldn’t even notice.
Only the functionaries would be hard hit.
Which is why they maintain that the world would stop turning without this development aid.
Shikwati: Such intentions have been damaging our continent for the past 40 years. I
f the industrial nations really want to help the Africans, they should finally terminate this awful aid.
The countries that have collected the most development aid are also the ones that are in the worst shape.
Despite the billions that have poured in to Africa, the continent remains poor.
SPIEGEL: Do you have an explanation for this paradox?
Shikwati: Huge bureaucracies are financed (with the aid money), corruption and complacency are promoted, Africans are taught to be beggars and not to be independent.
In addition, development aid weakens the local markets everywhere and dampens the spirit of entrepreneurship that we so desperately need.
As absurd as it may sound: Development aid is one of the reasons for Africa’s problems.
If the West were to cancel these payments, normal Africans wouldn’t even notice.
Only the functionaries would be hard hit.
Which is why they maintain that the world would stop turning without this development aid.
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