Stockton, Calif. Goes Bankrupt, Raising Question: Who Gets Paid? | CNS News:
"But the case is also being watched closely because it could answer the significant question of who gets paid first by financially strapped cities — retirement funds or creditors.
"I don't know whether spiked pensions can be reeled back in," U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Klein said while making the ruling.
"There are very complex and difficult questions of law that I can see out there on the horizon."
The potential constitutional question in the Stockton case is whether federal bankruptcy law trumps a California law that says money owed to the state pension fund must be paid."
Wednesday, April 03, 2013
Obama’s continued use of the claim that 40 percent of gun sales lack background checks
Obama’s continued use of the claim that 40 percent of gun sales lack background checks - The Washington Post:
Why wouldn’t we want to close the loophole that allows as many as 40 percent of all gun purchases to take place without a background check?”
— President Obama, remarks on gun safety, March 28, 2013
“FACT: Nearly 40% of all gun sales don't require a background check under current law. #DemandAction”
— tweet from @BarackObama, March 28
The Facts
There are two key problems with the president’s use of this statistic:
The numbers are about two decades old, yet he acts as if they are fresh, and he refers to “purchases” or “sales” when in fact the original report concerned “gun acquisitions” and “transactions.”
Those are much broader categories of data.
.....Digging deeper, we found that the survey sample was just 251 people.
(The survey was done by telephone, using a random-digit-dial method, with a response rate of 50 percent.)
With this sample size, the 95 percent confidence interval will be plus or minus six percentage points.
Moreover, when asked whether the respondent bought from a licensed firearms dealer, the possible answers included “probably was/think so” and “probably not,” leaving open the possibility the purchaser was mistaken. (The “probably not” answers were counted as “no.”)
The numbers are about two decades old, yet he acts as if they are fresh, and he refers to “purchases” or “sales” when in fact the original report concerned “gun acquisitions” and “transactions.”
Those are much broader categories of data.
.....Digging deeper, we found that the survey sample was just 251 people.
(The survey was done by telephone, using a random-digit-dial method, with a response rate of 50 percent.)
With this sample size, the 95 percent confidence interval will be plus or minus six percentage points.
Moreover, when asked whether the respondent bought from a licensed firearms dealer, the possible answers included “probably was/think so” and “probably not,” leaving open the possibility the purchaser was mistaken. (The “probably not” answers were counted as “no.”)
Maryland Moves Forward with Controversial Chicken-Waste Electricity Project
Maryland Moves Forward with Controversial Chicken-Waste Electricity Project | Heartlander Magazine:
“Wide-Ranging Economic Harm
In addition to taxpayers and consumers worrying about the negative economic impacts of taxpayer subsidies and higher electricity prices, farmers fear the diversion of rich organic fertilizer to electricity production will create fertilizer scarcity and drive up fertilizer prices.....
...“I have a positive opinion of turning poultry waste into energy where it is cost-effective,” said Daniel Simmons, director of regulatory and state affairs at the Institute for Energy Research.
“Wide-Ranging Economic Harm
In addition to taxpayers and consumers worrying about the negative economic impacts of taxpayer subsidies and higher electricity prices, farmers fear the diversion of rich organic fertilizer to electricity production will create fertilizer scarcity and drive up fertilizer prices.....
...“I have a positive opinion of turning poultry waste into energy where it is cost-effective,” said Daniel Simmons, director of regulatory and state affairs at the Institute for Energy Research.
“But the real key is that these projects should compete in the market for electricity like everyone else and not receive above-market rates for their electricity.
“Sadly, it looks like Maryland is subsidizing waste-to-energy and costing Marylanders in the process,” Simmons added.
“This facility would not be built if government allowed free-market pricing mechanisms to work without government intrusion.”
Tonight is the last night of 'Doggy Style' gathering for Detroit's gay community and friends
Tonight is the last night of 'Doggy Style' gathering for Detroit's gay community and friends | MLive.com
"DETROIT, MI - Tonight is the last night of Doggy Style at the Park Bar – at least until the end of October.
During Major League Baseball’s off-season, Tuesday nights at the Park Bar in downtown Detroit bar have been known as Doggy Style nights, a weekly party for Detroit's gay community.
Joe Posch, owner of Midtown's Hugh, founded Doggy Style night at The Park Bar with Canine to Five owner Liz Blondy in 2007 because of what he says is "disjointed" gay community.
There's a relatively strong gay presence in Ferndale, but the city of Detroit itself lacks any cohesive or strong LGBT community, he said."
"DETROIT, MI - Tonight is the last night of Doggy Style at the Park Bar – at least until the end of October.
During Major League Baseball’s off-season, Tuesday nights at the Park Bar in downtown Detroit bar have been known as Doggy Style nights, a weekly party for Detroit's gay community.
Joe Posch, owner of Midtown's Hugh, founded Doggy Style night at The Park Bar with Canine to Five owner Liz Blondy in 2007 because of what he says is "disjointed" gay community.
There's a relatively strong gay presence in Ferndale, but the city of Detroit itself lacks any cohesive or strong LGBT community, he said."
Detroit Electric to unveil first EV sports car tonight
Detroit Electric to unveil first EV sports car tonight | MLive.com:
"When announcing the vehicle and company last month, Graunstadt said the vehicles will be produced in Metro Detroit, and the production facility is expected to have an annual capacity of 2,500 sports cars and about 180 employees."
"When announcing the vehicle and company last month, Graunstadt said the vehicles will be produced in Metro Detroit, and the production facility is expected to have an annual capacity of 2,500 sports cars and about 180 employees."
Widespread arsons in Flint rarely result in criminal charges
Widespread arsons in Flint rarely result in criminal charges | MLive.com:
"Over a five-year span that saw 1,631 suspicious fires to vacant buildings in the city and more than 1,000 confirmed arson cases reported to the state, just 135 arson-related charges were filed in Flint District Court."
"Over a five-year span that saw 1,631 suspicious fires to vacant buildings in the city and more than 1,000 confirmed arson cases reported to the state, just 135 arson-related charges were filed in Flint District Court."
Michigan Reps. Collene Lamonte, Brandon Dillon pitch House Democrats' Middle Class Plan
Michigan Reps. Collene Lamonte, Brandon Dillon pitch House Democrats' Middle Class Plan | MLive.com:
"At a press conference April 2, state Reps. Collene Lamonte, D-Montague, and Brandon Dillon, D-Grand Rapids, promoted the plan, which includes repealing a tax on seniors’ retirement income, and an increase of $320 per student in the state’s dollars-per-student funding.
“We heard these deep concerns over and over again at all of our stops,” Lamonte said.
Lamonte and Dillon declined to talk about how the changes would be paid for, saying that the information would be made public when House Democrats release their budget priorities next week.
But Dillion said the reforms could be accomplished “without raising taxes one penny.”
"At a press conference April 2, state Reps. Collene Lamonte, D-Montague, and Brandon Dillon, D-Grand Rapids, promoted the plan, which includes repealing a tax on seniors’ retirement income, and an increase of $320 per student in the state’s dollars-per-student funding.
“We heard these deep concerns over and over again at all of our stops,” Lamonte said.
Lamonte and Dillon declined to talk about how the changes would be paid for, saying that the information would be made public when House Democrats release their budget priorities next week.
But Dillion said the reforms could be accomplished “without raising taxes one penny.”
Tuesday, April 02, 2013
Muskegon man, 25, faces trial for allegedly shooting man's abdomen
Muskegon man, 25, faces trial for allegedly shooting man's abdomen | MLive.com:
"The Muskegon County Prosecutor’s Office also added two new counts Tuesday: being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a firearm while committing a felony."
"The Muskegon County Prosecutor’s Office also added two new counts Tuesday: being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a firearm while committing a felony."
Those Courageous Racists
Best of the Web Today: Those Courageous Racists - WSJ.com:
Their website informs visitors that the twins "received close to a million dollars in grants from the National Science Foundation."
"The NSF is a federal agency, so your tax dollars have subsidized the authors of what can only be described as a racist rant. Here's the opening:
Imagine if African American men and boys were committing mass shootings month after month, year after year. Articles and interviews would flood the media, and we'd have political debates demanding that African Americans be "held accountable."
Then, if an atrocity such as the Newtown, Conn., shootings took place and African American male leaders held a news conference to offer solutions, their credibility would be questionable.
The public would tell these leaders that they need to focus on problems in their own culture and communities.
But when the criminals and leaders are white men, race and gender become the elephant in the room.
Nearly all of the mass shootings in this country in recent years--not just Newtown, Aurora, Fort Hood, Tucson and Columbine--have been committed by white men and boys.
Yet when the National Rifle Association (NRA), led by white men, held a news conference after the Newtown massacre to advise Americans on how to reduce gun violence, its leaders' opinions were widely discussed."
There is so much wrong with this, we could write a column about it.
Which, come to think of it, is exactly what we are doing even as we type.
Their website informs visitors that the twins "received close to a million dollars in grants from the National Science Foundation."
"The NSF is a federal agency, so your tax dollars have subsidized the authors of what can only be described as a racist rant. Here's the opening:
Imagine if African American men and boys were committing mass shootings month after month, year after year. Articles and interviews would flood the media, and we'd have political debates demanding that African Americans be "held accountable."
Then, if an atrocity such as the Newtown, Conn., shootings took place and African American male leaders held a news conference to offer solutions, their credibility would be questionable.
The public would tell these leaders that they need to focus on problems in their own culture and communities.
But when the criminals and leaders are white men, race and gender become the elephant in the room.
Nearly all of the mass shootings in this country in recent years--not just Newtown, Aurora, Fort Hood, Tucson and Columbine--have been committed by white men and boys.
Yet when the National Rifle Association (NRA), led by white men, held a news conference after the Newtown massacre to advise Americans on how to reduce gun violence, its leaders' opinions were widely discussed."
There is so much wrong with this, we could write a column about it.
Which, come to think of it, is exactly what we are doing even as we type.
Sen. Malcolm Smith Arrested In Alleged Plot To Rig NYC Mayor’s Race
Sen. Malcolm Smith Arrested In Alleged Plot To Rig NYC Mayor’s Race « CBS New York:
“The charges we unsealed today demonstrate once again that a ‘show me the money’ culture seems to pervade every level of New York government,” U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said."
“The charges we unsealed today demonstrate once again that a ‘show me the money’ culture seems to pervade every level of New York government,” U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said."
Is Disability the New Welfare?
Is Disability the New Welfare? | RealClearPolitics:
"The government in Britain recently did something interesting.
It asked everyone receiving an "incapacity benefit" — a disability program slowly being phased out under new reforms — to submit to a medical test to confirm they were too disabled to work.
A third of recipients (878,000 people) didn't even bother and dropped out of the program rather than be examined.
Of those tested, more than half (55%) were found fit for work and a quarter were found fit for some work."
"The government in Britain recently did something interesting.
It asked everyone receiving an "incapacity benefit" — a disability program slowly being phased out under new reforms — to submit to a medical test to confirm they were too disabled to work.
A third of recipients (878,000 people) didn't even bother and dropped out of the program rather than be examined.
Of those tested, more than half (55%) were found fit for work and a quarter were found fit for some work."
Associated Press bans the phrase 'illegal immigrant' -
Associated Press bans the phrase 'illegal immigrant' - Washington Times:
“It’s ‘illegal immigrant’ no more” says the Associated Press, which banished the phrase from its usage guide on Tuesday - the latest stylistic edict for journalists who have for years juggled such terms as “undocumented worker” or “illegal alien,” its politically incorrect variant.
“The Stylebook no longer sanctions the term ‘illegal immigrant’ or the use of ‘illegal’ to describe a person. Instead, it tells users that ‘illegal’ should describe only an action, such as living in or immigrating to a country illegally,” said the senior vice president and executive editor Kathleen Carroll.
The wire service’s rationale goes on for many paragraphs before offering the actual Stylebook entry for earnest journalists to consider.
“It’s ‘illegal immigrant’ no more” says the Associated Press, which banished the phrase from its usage guide on Tuesday - the latest stylistic edict for journalists who have for years juggled such terms as “undocumented worker” or “illegal alien,” its politically incorrect variant.
“The Stylebook no longer sanctions the term ‘illegal immigrant’ or the use of ‘illegal’ to describe a person. Instead, it tells users that ‘illegal’ should describe only an action, such as living in or immigrating to a country illegally,” said the senior vice president and executive editor Kathleen Carroll.
The wire service’s rationale goes on for many paragraphs before offering the actual Stylebook entry for earnest journalists to consider.
It reads:
“Illegal immigration
: Entering or residing in a country in violation of civil or criminal law.
“Illegal immigration
: Entering or residing in a country in violation of civil or criminal law. Except in direct quotes essential to the story, use illegal only to refer to an action, not a person: illegal immigration, but not illegal immigrant.
Acceptable variations include living in or entering a country illegally or without legal permission.’
“Except in direct quotations, do not use the terms illegal alien, an illegal, illegals or undocumented.”
“Except in direct quotations, do not use the terms illegal alien, an illegal, illegals or undocumented.”
How Liberal Art Majors Destroyed Stockton
Captain Capitalism: How Liberal Art Majors Destroyed Stockton:
"I pointed this out a while ago, but it needs repeating.
You cannot expect a group of adults whose only experiences are in the non-profit/government/education industries to lead with any measure of competence in that they are politicians first and foremost and have not the ability nor care to adhere to mathematical and financial reality.
They are mentally spoiled little children who just happened to be in adult bodies that purposely and consciously chose weak degrees requiring no rigor, effort or thought, and consequently chose easy "careers."
It should be no shock that Stockton, or any city or organization, led by such weak and talentless people went bankrupt."
"I pointed this out a while ago, but it needs repeating.
You cannot expect a group of adults whose only experiences are in the non-profit/government/education industries to lead with any measure of competence in that they are politicians first and foremost and have not the ability nor care to adhere to mathematical and financial reality.
They are mentally spoiled little children who just happened to be in adult bodies that purposely and consciously chose weak degrees requiring no rigor, effort or thought, and consequently chose easy "careers."
It should be no shock that Stockton, or any city or organization, led by such weak and talentless people went bankrupt."
U.N. passes sweeping international arms regulation viewed by some as Second Amendment overrid
U.N. passes sweeping international arms regulation viewed by some as Second Amendment override - Washington Times:
"American gun rights activists, though, insist the treaty is riddled with loopholes and is unworkable in part because it includes “small arms and light weapons” in its list of weaponry subject to international regulations. They do not trust U.N. assertions that the pact is meant to regulate only cross-border trade and would have no impact on domestic U.S. laws and markets."
"American gun rights activists, though, insist the treaty is riddled with loopholes and is unworkable in part because it includes “small arms and light weapons” in its list of weaponry subject to international regulations. They do not trust U.N. assertions that the pact is meant to regulate only cross-border trade and would have no impact on domestic U.S. laws and markets."
Wal-Mart opponents in White Lake offer free viewing of film critical of the mega retailer (videos)
Wal-Mart opponents in White Lake offer free viewing of film critical of the mega retailer (videos) | MLive.com:
"The national retailer would have a staff of 300 and expect to invest $14 million in the new store.
Whitehall Township officials are expected to begin a site plan review process of the store in May."
"The national retailer would have a staff of 300 and expect to invest $14 million in the new store.
Whitehall Township officials are expected to begin a site plan review process of the store in May."
Resolution opposing Whitehall Township Wal-Mart turned down by deadlocked Montague City Council
Resolution opposing Whitehall Township Wal-Mart turned down by deadlocked Montague City Council | MLive.com:
"“We are two municipalities over from them,” Erb said.
“What gives us the right to act on what they do or what they don’t do on their municipality?”
Three Montague council members voted for the resolution while three voted against it and one did not vote.
The tie means the resolution was defeated."
"“We are two municipalities over from them,” Erb said.
“What gives us the right to act on what they do or what they don’t do on their municipality?”
Three Montague council members voted for the resolution while three voted against it and one did not vote.
The tie means the resolution was defeated."
Monday, April 01, 2013
Court okays adult teacher-student sex in Arkansas
Court okays adult teacher-student sex in Arkansas | The Daily Caller:
"Under an Arkansas statute, no elementary or high school teacher may engage in a sexual relationship with a student who is younger than 21.
But the court disagreed, ruling that the statute had the effect of criminalizing sex between consenting adults and was unconstitutional."
"Under an Arkansas statute, no elementary or high school teacher may engage in a sexual relationship with a student who is younger than 21.
But the court disagreed, ruling that the statute had the effect of criminalizing sex between consenting adults and was unconstitutional."
Michigan State gets $24.5 million from federal government to improve farming, nutrition in Africa, Central America, U.S.
Michigan State gets $24.5 million from federal government to improve farming, nutrition in Africa, Central America, U.S. | MLive.com:
" The U.S. Agency for International Development has awarded Michigan State University $24.5 million to improve farming and nutrition in Africa, Central America and the U.S."
" The U.S. Agency for International Development has awarded Michigan State University $24.5 million to improve farming and nutrition in Africa, Central America and the U.S."
UN Arms Trade Treaty Calls for Disarmament of Persons 55 and Older
UN Arms Trade Treaty Calls for Disarmament of Persons 55 and Older - Guns.com:
“Along with the mentally ill, preventing those who are advancing in age from gaining easy access to firearms is a common sense way to save lives,” concluded Chase."
“Along with the mentally ill, preventing those who are advancing in age from gaining easy access to firearms is a common sense way to save lives,” concluded Chase."
State auditor: California's net worth at negative $127.2 billion
Capitol Alert: State auditor: California's net worth at negative $127.2 billion:
"The report, which covers the fiscal year ending June 30, 2012, says that the state's negative status -- all of its assets minus all of its liabilities -- increased that year, largely because it spent more than it received in revenue."
"The report, which covers the fiscal year ending June 30, 2012, says that the state's negative status -- all of its assets minus all of its liabilities -- increased that year, largely because it spent more than it received in revenue."
1 in 5 Boys Now Diagnosed With ADHD -- Are We Overdrugging Our Kids?
1 in 5 Boys Now Diagnosed With ADHD -- Are We Overdrugging Our Kids? | Alternet:
"The data reveals that an estimated 6.4 million children aged 4 to 17 have received the diagnosis, which is a 16 percent increase from 2007.
The 6.4 million children diagnosed is also a 53 percent rise over the last decade. "
"The data reveals that an estimated 6.4 million children aged 4 to 17 have received the diagnosis, which is a 16 percent increase from 2007.
The 6.4 million children diagnosed is also a 53 percent rise over the last decade. "
Toy model of Jabba The Hutt's palace resembles a mosque, group says
Toy model of Jabba The Hutt's palace resembles a mosque, group says - World News:
"MUNICH – Danish toy maker Lego is to stop selling a model of the “palace” of slug-like Star Wars character Jabba The Hutt after complaints that it resembles a revered mosque, according to a group that raised the grievance."
"MUNICH – Danish toy maker Lego is to stop selling a model of the “palace” of slug-like Star Wars character Jabba The Hutt after complaints that it resembles a revered mosque, according to a group that raised the grievance."
Frontier Airlines says it will end service to Grand Rapids this summer
Frontier Airlines says it will end service to Grand Rapids this summer | MLive.com:
"In this case – particularly considering the large number of future opportunities we see as we continue to evolve the Frontier business – we reached the conclusion that the best course of action for Frontier was to discontinue service to GRR."
O'Malley said the move will not affect affect passengers who have already purchased tickets because Frontier's schedule only goes to Sept. 8 now."
"In this case – particularly considering the large number of future opportunities we see as we continue to evolve the Frontier business – we reached the conclusion that the best course of action for Frontier was to discontinue service to GRR."
O'Malley said the move will not affect affect passengers who have already purchased tickets because Frontier's schedule only goes to Sept. 8 now."
Hillary Clinton to give first paid speech since leaving State Dept.
Hillary Clinton to give first paid speech since leaving State Dept. - The Hill's Blog Briefing Room:
"The agency also represents her husband and former president Bill Clinton, who is estimated to have pulled in nearly $100 million in speaking fees since leaving office in 1999."
"The agency also represents her husband and former president Bill Clinton, who is estimated to have pulled in nearly $100 million in speaking fees since leaving office in 1999."
Consensus for new Muskegon farmers market building, city commissioners to address plan in April
Consensus for new Muskegon farmers market building, city commissioners to address plan in April | MLive.com:
"An unscientific MLive poll March 21 on the market plans and relocation showed support for the current proposal. Of the 3,355 online votes, MLive readers supported city endorsement of the new market plans by a thin 52.9 to 47.1 percent margin."
"An unscientific MLive poll March 21 on the market plans and relocation showed support for the current proposal. Of the 3,355 online votes, MLive readers supported city endorsement of the new market plans by a thin 52.9 to 47.1 percent margin."
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