Sunday, March 24, 2013
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Cyprus Depositor Haircut: 25% Off the Top for the Rich
The PJ Tatler » Cyprus Depositor Haircut: 25% Off the Top for the Rich:
"He confirmed discussions were centered on a possible levy of around 25 percent on holdings of over 100,000 euros at Bank of Cyprus, and expressed hope that a package could be ready by the end of the day for approval by parliament.
Cyprus faces a Monday deadline to clinch a bailout deal with the EU or the European Central Bank says it will cut off emergency cash to the island’s over-sized and stricken banks, spelling certain collapse and a potential exit from Europe’s single currency."
"He confirmed discussions were centered on a possible levy of around 25 percent on holdings of over 100,000 euros at Bank of Cyprus, and expressed hope that a package could be ready by the end of the day for approval by parliament.
Cyprus faces a Monday deadline to clinch a bailout deal with the EU or the European Central Bank says it will cut off emergency cash to the island’s over-sized and stricken banks, spelling certain collapse and a potential exit from Europe’s single currency."
Rep. Levin: GOP 'extremism' halting budget process
Rep. Levin: GOP 'extremism' halting budget process - Washington Times:
"The top Democrat on the House Ways and Means Committee blames the budget impasse on a “radicalized” Republican Party that refuses to compromise.
“The distance [between the parties] has really widened dramatically, and it’s hard to know how to deal with [Republican] extremism,” Rep. Sander Levin of Michigan told MSNBC Friday.
“It doesn’t provide a basis for compromise.”
Mr. Levin said the level and productiveness of talks between Republicans and Democrats have never been worse during his 26 years on the powerful tax-writing panel.
“It’s really disturbing,” he said.
“The extremism that has captured the Republicans in the House I think creates a gap that I think is very difficult to bridge. [But] we have to try.”
"The top Democrat on the House Ways and Means Committee blames the budget impasse on a “radicalized” Republican Party that refuses to compromise.
“The distance [between the parties] has really widened dramatically, and it’s hard to know how to deal with [Republican] extremism,” Rep. Sander Levin of Michigan told MSNBC Friday.
“It doesn’t provide a basis for compromise.”
Mr. Levin said the level and productiveness of talks between Republicans and Democrats have never been worse during his 26 years on the powerful tax-writing panel.
“It’s really disturbing,” he said.
“The extremism that has captured the Republicans in the House I think creates a gap that I think is very difficult to bridge. [But] we have to try.”
Health Insurers Warn on Premiums
Health Insurers Warn on Premiums - WSJ.com:
"Health insurers are privately warning brokers that premiums for many individuals and small businesses could increase sharply next year because of the health-care overhaul law, with the nation's biggest firm projecting that rates could more than double for some consumers buying their own plans."
"Health insurers are privately warning brokers that premiums for many individuals and small businesses could increase sharply next year because of the health-care overhaul law, with the nation's biggest firm projecting that rates could more than double for some consumers buying their own plans."
Senate passes Democratic budget plan
Senate passes Democratic budget plan | Detroit Free Press | freep.com:
"An exhausted Senate gave pre-dawn approval today to a Democratic $3.7 trillion budget for next year that embraces nearly $1 trillion in tax increases over the coming decade but shelters domestic programs targeted for cuts by House Republicans.
While their victory was by a razor-thin 50-49, the vote let Democrats tout their priorities.
.....The Democratic budget's $975 billion in new taxes would be matched by an equal amount of spending reductions coming chiefly from health programs, defense and reduced interest payments as deficits get smaller than previously anticipated.
This year's projected deficit of nearly $900 billion would fall to around $700 billion next year and bottom out near $400 billion in 2016 before trending upward again.
Shoehorned into the package is $100 billion for public works projects and other programs aimed at creating jobs."
"An exhausted Senate gave pre-dawn approval today to a Democratic $3.7 trillion budget for next year that embraces nearly $1 trillion in tax increases over the coming decade but shelters domestic programs targeted for cuts by House Republicans.
While their victory was by a razor-thin 50-49, the vote let Democrats tout their priorities.
.....The Democratic budget's $975 billion in new taxes would be matched by an equal amount of spending reductions coming chiefly from health programs, defense and reduced interest payments as deficits get smaller than previously anticipated.
This year's projected deficit of nearly $900 billion would fall to around $700 billion next year and bottom out near $400 billion in 2016 before trending upward again.
Shoehorned into the package is $100 billion for public works projects and other programs aimed at creating jobs."
Biden's One-Night Paris Hotel Tab: $585,000.50
Biden's One-Night Paris Hotel Tab: $585,000.50 | The Weekly Standard:
"As it turns out, Vice President Joe Biden's London stay in February was not the most expensive part of his trip. A government document released on February 14, 2013 shows that the contract for the Hotel Intercontinental Paris Le Grand came in at $585,000.50."
"As it turns out, Vice President Joe Biden's London stay in February was not the most expensive part of his trip. A government document released on February 14, 2013 shows that the contract for the Hotel Intercontinental Paris Le Grand came in at $585,000.50."
Motorcycle fatalities up 18% in 2012; total number of crashes down 4%
Motorcycle fatalities up 18% in 2012; total number of crashes down 4% - Michigan State Police | MLive.com: "Motorcycle fatalities in Michigan increased by 18 percent in 2012 while the total number of vehicle crashes decreased 4 percent, according to new traffic crash data released Monday by the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP).
The 129 motorcycle deaths are part of the an overall increase in fatalities caused by crashes. The total number of fatalities increased 5 percent over 2011, from 889 to 936."
The 129 motorcycle deaths are part of the an overall increase in fatalities caused by crashes. The total number of fatalities increased 5 percent over 2011, from 889 to 936."
Michigan police heighten drunk driving enforcement during NCAA tournament
Michigan police heighten drunk driving enforcement during NCAA tournament | MLive.com:
"More than 155 agencies will have officers assigned to 13,200 hours of overtime to patrol for people driving while intoxicated.
The enforcement, which is funded by federal traffic safety money, began on March 13 and will continue through the end of the tournament."
"More than 155 agencies will have officers assigned to 13,200 hours of overtime to patrol for people driving while intoxicated.
The enforcement, which is funded by federal traffic safety money, began on March 13 and will continue through the end of the tournament."
U.S. Rep. Justin Amash reveals 3-legged stool of immigration reform in letter supporting Sen. Rand Paul
U.S. Rep. Justin Amash reveals 3-legged stool of immigration reform in letter supporting Sen. Rand Paul | MLive.com: "
"three-legged stool of systemic immigration reform." The legs are:
Border security, both the physical border and the "virtual" border of visa enforcement;
Expanding legal immigration to focus on encouraged highly-skilled workers educated in the United States to stay in the United States, expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs and allowing for migrant workers to support agriculture and tourism;
Addressing immigrants who came to the United States "knowingly and illegally - in a way that is best for all Americans."
"This means protecting the rights of those who are seeking and continue to seek to come here legally.
But it also may mean providing a legal status, upon certain conditions and that may not include full rights of citizenship, to people who are currently here," the letter stated."
"three-legged stool of systemic immigration reform." The legs are:
Border security, both the physical border and the "virtual" border of visa enforcement;
Expanding legal immigration to focus on encouraged highly-skilled workers educated in the United States to stay in the United States, expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs and allowing for migrant workers to support agriculture and tourism;
Addressing immigrants who came to the United States "knowingly and illegally - in a way that is best for all Americans."
"This means protecting the rights of those who are seeking and continue to seek to come here legally.
But it also may mean providing a legal status, upon certain conditions and that may not include full rights of citizenship, to people who are currently here," the letter stated."
I-69 freeway signs to get $3 million upgrade in Genesee, Lapeer counties
I-69 freeway signs to get $3 million upgrade in Genesee, Lapeer counties | MLive.com:
"The state is spending $3 million to change signs along eastbound Interstate 69 in Genesee and Lapeer counties.
The Michigan Department of Transportation released a statement, announcing crews will be setting up traffic control starting Monday, March 25, to place the new signs on the freeway.
Shoulder closures will take place in east and west directions of I-69 and lane closures could be required, according to the statement.
Electronic message boards on Interstate 75 and I-69 are being used to inform motorists of the work that will take place."
"The state is spending $3 million to change signs along eastbound Interstate 69 in Genesee and Lapeer counties.
The Michigan Department of Transportation released a statement, announcing crews will be setting up traffic control starting Monday, March 25, to place the new signs on the freeway.
Shoulder closures will take place in east and west directions of I-69 and lane closures could be required, according to the statement.
Electronic message boards on Interstate 75 and I-69 are being used to inform motorists of the work that will take place."
Who'll Check the Checkers?
Best of the Web Today: Revenge of the Nerds - WSJ.com:
"If it's opened up to all prospective sellers of guns--that is, to everybody--what's to prevent someone from abusing it, say by requesting a background check on Greg Sargent, who presumably has no interest in acquiring a gun?
The system only gives a yes-or-no answer as to whether the putative buyer is eligible to own firearms under federal law.
But if you're looking to dig up dirt on someone, a "no" answer on a firearms background check would give you a nice clump of it."
"If it's opened up to all prospective sellers of guns--that is, to everybody--what's to prevent someone from abusing it, say by requesting a background check on Greg Sargent, who presumably has no interest in acquiring a gun?
The system only gives a yes-or-no answer as to whether the putative buyer is eligible to own firearms under federal law.
But if you're looking to dig up dirt on someone, a "no" answer on a firearms background check would give you a nice clump of it."
Friday, March 22, 2013
Fan Base on Web Tips Scale to Fallon From Leno
Fan Base on Web Tips Scale to Fallon From Leno - WSJ.com:
"Messrs. Kimmel and Fallon also have built big social-media-followings.
Mr. Fallon has more than eight million followers on Twitter, for example, whereas Mr. Leno does not have a personal twitter account.
The Tonight Show's Twitter account has just over half a million followers."
"Messrs. Kimmel and Fallon also have built big social-media-followings.
Mr. Fallon has more than eight million followers on Twitter, for example, whereas Mr. Leno does not have a personal twitter account.
The Tonight Show's Twitter account has just over half a million followers."
Comcast Cable Bans All Firearm, Ammunition Advertisers
Comcast Cable Bans All Firearm, Ammunition Advertisers:
"This decision comes after Comcast has been running ads for some gun and hunting groups for decades."
"This decision comes after Comcast has been running ads for some gun and hunting groups for decades."
Teacher pension problems catch lawmakers' attention
Teacher pension problems catch lawmakers' attention - latimes.com:
"The teachers pension fund had an unfunded liability of $73 billion as of June 2012, an increase from $64.5 billion the year before. "
"The teachers pension fund had an unfunded liability of $73 billion as of June 2012, an increase from $64.5 billion the year before. "
FAU Student Claims He Was Suspended For Refusing To Step On Jesus
FAU Student Claims He Was Suspended For Refusing To Step On Jesus « CBS Miami:
"Rotella said he voiced his concerns to his teacher’s supervisor and later learned he was suspended from the class."
"Rotella said he voiced his concerns to his teacher’s supervisor and later learned he was suspended from the class."
Pelosi: ‘I Don’t Want Anybody to Lose’ in March Madness Tourney
Pelosi: ‘I Don’t Want Anybody to Lose’ in March Madness Tourney - By Andrew Johnson - The Corner - National Review Online:
"Sports fans across the country have filled out their March Madness brackets.
But not Nancy Pelosi: She’s no fan of the whole winner-loser part of sports.
The NCAA tournament may be the pinnacle of collegiate athletic competition, but Pelosi told reporters today that though she is “March mad” and “addicted to basketball,” she doesn’t “want anybody to lose” and is “just rooting for everybody.”"
"Sports fans across the country have filled out their March Madness brackets.
But not Nancy Pelosi: She’s no fan of the whole winner-loser part of sports.
The NCAA tournament may be the pinnacle of collegiate athletic competition, but Pelosi told reporters today that though she is “March mad” and “addicted to basketball,” she doesn’t “want anybody to lose” and is “just rooting for everybody.”"
Nine Percent of Yale Students Surveyed Say They’ve Accepted Money for Sex
Nine Percent of Yale Students Surveyed Say They’ve Accepted Money for Sex:
"Nine percent of Yale University students who participated in a recent survey on sexual behavior reported having been paid for sex at least once.
Three percent said they had participated in bestiality, and more than half said they had “engaged in consensual pain” during sex."
"Nine percent of Yale University students who participated in a recent survey on sexual behavior reported having been paid for sex at least once.
Three percent said they had participated in bestiality, and more than half said they had “engaged in consensual pain” during sex."
Study: Michigan will need more college graduates to remedy skills shortage
Study: Michigan will need more college graduates to remedy skills shortage | Crain's Detroit Business: "Michigan businesses are facing a shortage of applicants with the right experience and skills, and the state faces long-term challenges to produce enough educated workers, according to a study to be released Thursday by Business Leaders for Michigan."
House approves budget bill that can lead to forgiveness of Katrina disaster loans
House approves budget bill that can lead to forgiveness of Katrina disaster loans | NOLA.com:
"The House gave final congressional approval Thursday (March 21) to a spending bill that could lead to forgiveness of outstanding federal disaster loans from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita for Metro New Orleans school districts, government offices and law enforcement agencies.
Nearly, $500 million in loans are outstanding in Louisiana communities.
The bill passed 318-109."
"The House gave final congressional approval Thursday (March 21) to a spending bill that could lead to forgiveness of outstanding federal disaster loans from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita for Metro New Orleans school districts, government offices and law enforcement agencies.
Nearly, $500 million in loans are outstanding in Louisiana communities.
The bill passed 318-109."
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