BREAKING NEWS - Massive University of Wisconsin Slush Fund Discovered - Right Wisconsin - Conservative politics and perspective powered by Charlie Sykes:
"UPDATE: From a Legislative Fiscal Bureau memo confirming the existence of the massive UW Slush Fund:
The UW System had a tuition balance of $414.1 million as of June 30, 2012.
By comparison, the UW System's tuition balance was $212.8 million as of June 30, 2009.
During this time period, base resident undergraduate tuition increased by 5.5% annually.
It should be noted that the UW System's tuition balance increased significantly at the same time that the UW System has been subject to significant GPR funding reductions and lapses.
While the University of Wisconsin has been raising tuition and clamoring for more taxpayer support they have been stockpiling hundreds of millions of dollars in unspent tuition and federal grant monies.
Sources in Madison familiar with the discovery tell RightWisconsin that the total of non earmarked funds in the massive UW Slush Fund is at least $450 million."
Friday, April 19, 2013
Oops! Feds Underestimate Court Project by $2 Billion
Oops! Feds Underestimate Court Project by $2 Billion | Judicial Watch:
"For example the Federal Judiciary told Congress that 12 courthouse projects would cost around $1 billion when in fact it will take a whopping $3.2 billion to finish the job.
This means that the project masters likely planned to squeeze the extra $2.2 billion out of Congress mid construction, when lawmakers had little choice but to allocate the funds for completion.
The audit, conducted by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), flat out says that the document the judiciary uses to request money for courthouse construction projects “lacks transparency and key information” about their “cost.”
"For example the Federal Judiciary told Congress that 12 courthouse projects would cost around $1 billion when in fact it will take a whopping $3.2 billion to finish the job.
This means that the project masters likely planned to squeeze the extra $2.2 billion out of Congress mid construction, when lawmakers had little choice but to allocate the funds for completion.
The audit, conducted by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), flat out says that the document the judiciary uses to request money for courthouse construction projects “lacks transparency and key information” about their “cost.”
Unlike Boston, with Benghazi ...
Twitter / SharylAttkisson: Unlike Boston, with Benghazi ...:
Follow Sharyl Attkisson @SharylAttkisson
"Unlike Boston, with Benghazi the govt never released the promised surveillance video. And no suspects identified or arrests to date.
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Joe Bua @JoeWatchesTV 1h
.@SharylAttkisson That's quite the fixation you have. You must be reading your email from Tea Party Express.
'via Blog this'
Follow Sharyl Attkisson @SharylAttkisson
"Unlike Boston, with Benghazi the govt never released the promised surveillance video. And no suspects identified or arrests to date.
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203
RETWEETS
27
FAVORITES
7:17 AM - 19 Apr 13
Joe Bua @JoeWatchesTV 1h
.@SharylAttkisson That's quite the fixation you have. You must be reading your email from Tea Party Express.
'via Blog this'
Boston Bomber Could Have Been Deported After 2009 Conviction
Boston Bomber Could Have Been Deported After 2009 Conviction | Judicial Watch:
"Tamerlan Tsarnaev, the 26-year-old killed in a wild shootout with police, was a legal U.S. resident who nevertheless could have been removed from the country after a 2009 domestic violence conviction, according to a Judicial Watch source.
That means the Obama administration missed an opportunity to deport Tsarnaev but evidently didn’t feel he represented a big enough threat.
Adding insult to injury, the other bomber, little brother Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, was rewarded with American Citizenship on September 11, 2012 in Boston, according to JW’s source.
The 19-year-old, who is still on the run, was granted asylum in Arlington Virginia on September 27, 2002, JW’s source reveals."
"Tamerlan Tsarnaev, the 26-year-old killed in a wild shootout with police, was a legal U.S. resident who nevertheless could have been removed from the country after a 2009 domestic violence conviction, according to a Judicial Watch source.
That means the Obama administration missed an opportunity to deport Tsarnaev but evidently didn’t feel he represented a big enough threat.
Adding insult to injury, the other bomber, little brother Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, was rewarded with American Citizenship on September 11, 2012 in Boston, according to JW’s source.
The 19-year-old, who is still on the run, was granted asylum in Arlington Virginia on September 27, 2002, JW’s source reveals."
Zombie foreclosure statistics scary
Zombie foreclosure statistics scary - chicagotribune.com:
"In a zombie foreclosure, the owner has gotten a foreclosure notice and subsequently packed up and moved, apparently thinking it's over — the banks will finish the job.
But many banks, for various reasons, haven't followed through with the rest of the process, and the homes languish in the absent homeowners' names.
And the homeowners, sometimes years later, find out they're still on the hook for property taxes.
There are about 302,000 "zombies," according to RealtyTrac, a housing data company that studies foreclosure activity."
"In a zombie foreclosure, the owner has gotten a foreclosure notice and subsequently packed up and moved, apparently thinking it's over — the banks will finish the job.
But many banks, for various reasons, haven't followed through with the rest of the process, and the homes languish in the absent homeowners' names.
And the homeowners, sometimes years later, find out they're still on the hook for property taxes.
There are about 302,000 "zombies," according to RealtyTrac, a housing data company that studies foreclosure activity."
Twitter feed suggests Boston Marathon terrorist was an Obama supporter
Twitter feed suggests Boston Marathon terrorist was an Obama supporter « Bob Owens
"Boston Marathon terrorist suspect Dzhokhar A. Tsarnaev is still on the run, but his real Twitter feed @J_tsar has been discovered.
Most of it is the sort of superficial fluff you’d expect from someone his age, but he did make statements alluding to drug use, terrorist, and his political beliefs.
"Boston Marathon terrorist suspect Dzhokhar A. Tsarnaev is still on the run, but his real Twitter feed @J_tsar has been discovered.
Most of it is the sort of superficial fluff you’d expect from someone his age, but he did make statements alluding to drug use, terrorist, and his political beliefs.
Here are some supportive retweets he made in the wake of Barack Obama’s reelection.
Excerpt from November Twitter feed of terrorist Dzhokhar A. Tsarnaev.
They “are the ones we’ve been waiting for,” and they are both Islamic terrorists and leftists"
Excerpt from November Twitter feed of terrorist Dzhokhar A. Tsarnaev.
They “are the ones we’ve been waiting for,” and they are both Islamic terrorists and leftists"
Detroit 3 may be exempted from vehicle fees for Regional Transit Authority
Detroit 3 may be exempted from vehicle fees for Regional Transit Authority | Detroit Free Press | freep.com
"Critics are blasting a bill that would exempt thousands of automakers’ test vehicles that drive metro Detroit’s roadways from potential taxes meant to pay for southeast Michigan’s new Regional Transit Authority before the effort gets off the ground.
A bill introduced in the state Senate this week would exempt up to 11,000-12,000 General Motors vehicles alone registered in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb and Washtenaw counties from having to pay a tax that hasn’t been proposed yet.
Similar numbers for Ford and Chrysler weren’t immediately available."
"Critics are blasting a bill that would exempt thousands of automakers’ test vehicles that drive metro Detroit’s roadways from potential taxes meant to pay for southeast Michigan’s new Regional Transit Authority before the effort gets off the ground.
A bill introduced in the state Senate this week would exempt up to 11,000-12,000 General Motors vehicles alone registered in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb and Washtenaw counties from having to pay a tax that hasn’t been proposed yet.
Similar numbers for Ford and Chrysler weren’t immediately available."
Cellphone Video of Shootout with Boston Bombers, and Did the Younger Brother Tweet Supporting Gun Control?
The PJ Tatler » Cellphone Video of Shootout with Boston Bombers, and Did the Younger Brother Tweet Supporting Gun Control?:
"UPDATE: According to BuzzFeed, Dzhokhar is a registered voter.
Update: Both were evidently registered voters.
Neither were/are citizens of the US."
"UPDATE: According to BuzzFeed, Dzhokhar is a registered voter.
Update: Both were evidently registered voters.
Neither were/are citizens of the US."
CISPA passes U.S. House: Death of the Fourth Amendment?
CISPA passes U.S. House: Death of the Fourth Amendment? | ZDNet:
"CISPA will allow private sector firms to search personal and sensitive user data of ordinary U.S. residents to identify "threat information," which can then be shared with other opt-in firms and the U.S. government — without the need for a court-ordered warrant.
This means a company like Facebook, Twitter, Google, or any other technology or telecoms company, including your cell service provider, would be legally able to hand over vast amounts of data to the U.S. government and its law enforcement — for whatever purpose it deems necessary — and face no legal reprisals.
And despite numerous amendments and changes, there are no requirements that personal data, such as health records or banking information, should be anonymized before sharing it with the government."
"CISPA will allow private sector firms to search personal and sensitive user data of ordinary U.S. residents to identify "threat information," which can then be shared with other opt-in firms and the U.S. government — without the need for a court-ordered warrant.
This means a company like Facebook, Twitter, Google, or any other technology or telecoms company, including your cell service provider, would be legally able to hand over vast amounts of data to the U.S. government and its law enforcement — for whatever purpose it deems necessary — and face no legal reprisals.
And despite numerous amendments and changes, there are no requirements that personal data, such as health records or banking information, should be anonymized before sharing it with the government."
Thursday, April 18, 2013
An Indecent Proposal That Just Might Solve the Primary Care Crisis: Meet the 35 Hour Work Week
An Indecent Proposal That Just Might Solve the Primary Care Crisis: Meet the 35 Hour Work Week |
The Health Care Blog: "Structuring the job of Medicare PCPs into a 35 hour work week would probably attract more clinicians to the job.
It would also help PCPs maintain the cognitive and emotional resources needed to do the job consistently well, and could reduce burnout in this group of key clinicians."
The Health Care Blog: "Structuring the job of Medicare PCPs into a 35 hour work week would probably attract more clinicians to the job.
It would also help PCPs maintain the cognitive and emotional resources needed to do the job consistently well, and could reduce burnout in this group of key clinicians."
Former Muskegon Community College cashier charged with embezzling nearly $4,000
Former Muskegon Community College cashier charged with embezzling nearly $4,000 | MLive.com:
"According to Senior Assistant Muskegon County Prosecutor Matt Roberts, Boucher’s employers became suspicious when a bank deposit that should have been made, wasn’t.
Roberts said Boucher allegedly had been taking money from payments made to her at the college. "
"According to Senior Assistant Muskegon County Prosecutor Matt Roberts, Boucher’s employers became suspicious when a bank deposit that should have been made, wasn’t.
Roberts said Boucher allegedly had been taking money from payments made to her at the college. "
24 IRS workers in TN accused of theft
24 IRS workers in TN accused of theft | The Tennessean | tennessean.com:
"First it was the families of dead people and state employees.
Now, authorities say Internal Revenue Service employees in Tennessee were stealing unemployment and other benefits while fully employed.
On Thursday, 13 of those employees were indicted on federal charges that they lied to get unemployment, food stamps, welfare and housing vouchers.
An additional 11 have been indicted on state charges of theft greater than $1,000.
In all, authorities say the workers improperly received more than $250,000 in government benefits."
"First it was the families of dead people and state employees.
Now, authorities say Internal Revenue Service employees in Tennessee were stealing unemployment and other benefits while fully employed.
On Thursday, 13 of those employees were indicted on federal charges that they lied to get unemployment, food stamps, welfare and housing vouchers.
An additional 11 have been indicted on state charges of theft greater than $1,000.
In all, authorities say the workers improperly received more than $250,000 in government benefits."
Legislature targets drug users, lottery winners seeking state assistance
Legislature targets drug users, lottery winners seeking state assistance | Detroit Free Press | freep.com:
"Low-income people are a big topic of conversation in Lansing this week, from cracking down on public assistance recipients who happen to collect on winning lottery tickets, to impending discussion of bills that would require suspicion-based drug testing for people who are applying for public assistance.
Even store owners are facing harsher penalties if they continuously sell liquor or lottery tickets to people who are illegally paying for the goods with bridge cards, which replaced food stamps.
While the bills are labeled as commonsense solutions to fraud and abuse in the public assistance benefit rolls, other see them as the opening salvos of a war on poor people, punishing many for the sins of a few."
"Low-income people are a big topic of conversation in Lansing this week, from cracking down on public assistance recipients who happen to collect on winning lottery tickets, to impending discussion of bills that would require suspicion-based drug testing for people who are applying for public assistance.
Even store owners are facing harsher penalties if they continuously sell liquor or lottery tickets to people who are illegally paying for the goods with bridge cards, which replaced food stamps.
While the bills are labeled as commonsense solutions to fraud and abuse in the public assistance benefit rolls, other see them as the opening salvos of a war on poor people, punishing many for the sins of a few."
Poll: Most say redistribute wealth
Poll: Most say redistribute wealth - Kevin Robillard - POLITICO.com:
"Nearly 6 in 10 Americans say wealth is distributed unfairly in the United States, and a majority want the federal government to play Robin Hood to fix the problem, according to a poll released Thursday.
Only 33 percent of Americans think the current distribution of wealth in this country is fair, according to the Gallup Poll, while 59 percent say it is not.
Fifty-two percent said the United States should redistribute wealth through heavy taxes on the rich, while 45 percent disagreed.
While the percent of Americans who said the current distribution of wealth is unfair is down from 68 percent in 2008, the number of Americans who favor federal redistribution is at an all-time high."
"Nearly 6 in 10 Americans say wealth is distributed unfairly in the United States, and a majority want the federal government to play Robin Hood to fix the problem, according to a poll released Thursday.
Only 33 percent of Americans think the current distribution of wealth in this country is fair, according to the Gallup Poll, while 59 percent say it is not.
Fifty-two percent said the United States should redistribute wealth through heavy taxes on the rich, while 45 percent disagreed.
While the percent of Americans who said the current distribution of wealth is unfair is down from 68 percent in 2008, the number of Americans who favor federal redistribution is at an all-time high."
Your Tax Dollars at Work: Subsidizing the Security of Wealthy Allies
Your Tax Dollars at Work: Subsidizing the Security of Wealthy Allies | Cato Institute:
"The average American spends $2,300 on the military, based on the latest data available.
That is roughly four and a half times more than what the average person in other NATO countries spends.
These countries boast a collective GDP of approximately $19 trillion, 25 percent higher than the U.S.
They obviously can afford to spend more.
So why don’t they?
Because Uncle Sucker picks up nearly the entire tab.
Looked at another way, U.S. alliances constitute a massive wealth transfer from U.S. taxpayers (and their Chinese creditors) to bloated European welfare states and technologically-advanced Asian nations."
"The average American spends $2,300 on the military, based on the latest data available.
That is roughly four and a half times more than what the average person in other NATO countries spends.
These countries boast a collective GDP of approximately $19 trillion, 25 percent higher than the U.S.
They obviously can afford to spend more.
So why don’t they?
Because Uncle Sucker picks up nearly the entire tab.
Looked at another way, U.S. alliances constitute a massive wealth transfer from U.S. taxpayers (and their Chinese creditors) to bloated European welfare states and technologically-advanced Asian nations."
Times may be tough, but Green Bay schools still spending big on travel, cell phones and restaurant tabs
Times may be tough, but Green Bay schools still spending big on travel, cell phones and restaurant tabs - EAGnews.org :: Education Research, Reporting, Analysis and Commentary
That’s why the district was forced to make spending cuts and pay freezes in employee compensation in the current school year to erase a $9 million budget deficit
....That list includes nearly $200,000 for travel, mostly for hotel and airline costs; food service expenses that included more than $240,000 for restaurant-prepared pizza and Pepsi-Cola products; more than $112,000 on cell phones for school staff; nearly $300,000 in payments to law firms; and more than $30,000 spent at various restaurants.
That’s why the district was forced to make spending cuts and pay freezes in employee compensation in the current school year to erase a $9 million budget deficit
....That list includes nearly $200,000 for travel, mostly for hotel and airline costs; food service expenses that included more than $240,000 for restaurant-prepared pizza and Pepsi-Cola products; more than $112,000 on cell phones for school staff; nearly $300,000 in payments to law firms; and more than $30,000 spent at various restaurants.
The district also dropped more than $40,000 to hire a consultant that works with school staff on cultural sensitivity issues.
Muskegon Public Schools finances to be overseen by intermediate school district
Muskegon Public Schools finances to be overseen by intermediate school district | MLive.com:
"Muskegon Public Schools is turning its financial operations over to the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District, a move officials said isn’t directly related to the district’s budget deficit but one that will help address the deficit.
The board of education on Tuesday agreed to a “financial services agreement” with the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District.
The agreement will save the district between $100,000 and $200,000 per year, said Muskegon Public Schools Superintendent Jon Felske."
"Muskegon Public Schools is turning its financial operations over to the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District, a move officials said isn’t directly related to the district’s budget deficit but one that will help address the deficit.
The board of education on Tuesday agreed to a “financial services agreement” with the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District.
The agreement will save the district between $100,000 and $200,000 per year, said Muskegon Public Schools Superintendent Jon Felske."
Muskegon Public Schools are out of money, board approves $2.6 million budget deficit
Muskegon Public Schools are out of money, board approves $2.6 million budget deficit | MLive.com:
"The Muskegon school board originally adopted a $52.47 million budget last June that estimated the district’s fund balance at $545,546 at June 30, the end of this fiscal year.
However, the latest amendment, approved by the school board Tuesday, calls for $3.88 million more in spending – anticipated at $57.27 million – than revenues. That more than eats up the district’s $1.3 million fund balance.
Muskegon school board President Louis Churchwell said the community should be “aware, not alarmed,” by the budget crisis and said the board is ready to make the tough decisions necessary to eliminate the deficit.
“What the community needs to know is we’ll be OK,” Churchwell said.
“If we don’t do anything, it can become something bigger.”
"The Muskegon school board originally adopted a $52.47 million budget last June that estimated the district’s fund balance at $545,546 at June 30, the end of this fiscal year.
However, the latest amendment, approved by the school board Tuesday, calls for $3.88 million more in spending – anticipated at $57.27 million – than revenues. That more than eats up the district’s $1.3 million fund balance.
Muskegon school board President Louis Churchwell said the community should be “aware, not alarmed,” by the budget crisis and said the board is ready to make the tough decisions necessary to eliminate the deficit.
“What the community needs to know is we’ll be OK,” Churchwell said.
“If we don’t do anything, it can become something bigger.”
Michigan kids rank near bottom in improving test scores
Michigan kids rank near bottom in improving test scores | Detroit Free Press | freep.com:
■Michigan ranks 39th out of 50 states in overall improvement in fourth-grade reading
■Michigan ranks 41st out of 50 states in overall improvement in eighth-grade math
■Michigan’s ranking declined over time. In fourth-grade reading, for instance, Michigan went from being ranked 28th in 2003 to being ranked 30th in 2011. In contrast, Maryland’s rank rose from 30th to 3rd in the same time period."
■Michigan ranks 39th out of 50 states in overall improvement in fourth-grade reading
■Michigan ranks 41st out of 50 states in overall improvement in eighth-grade math
■Michigan’s ranking declined over time. In fourth-grade reading, for instance, Michigan went from being ranked 28th in 2003 to being ranked 30th in 2011. In contrast, Maryland’s rank rose from 30th to 3rd in the same time period."
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Dem proposes federal regulation of nurse-to-patient ratios in hospitals
Dem proposes federal regulation of nurse-to-patient ratios in hospitals - The Hill's Floor Action:
"Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) on Tuesday proposed legislation that would require hospitals to maintain a minimum nurse-to-patient ratio at all times, and allow the government to audit and penalize hospitals that fail to comply with this rule."
"Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) on Tuesday proposed legislation that would require hospitals to maintain a minimum nurse-to-patient ratio at all times, and allow the government to audit and penalize hospitals that fail to comply with this rule."
Republicans pull plug on Mark Sanford
Republicans pull plug on Mark Sanford - Alex Isenstadt - POLITICO.com:
"Republicans said they were caught off guard by news of Jenny Sanford’s complaint.
They worry other damaging revelations about Mark Sanford’s personal life that they aren’t aware of could come out in the coming weeks."
"Republicans said they were caught off guard by news of Jenny Sanford’s complaint.
They worry other damaging revelations about Mark Sanford’s personal life that they aren’t aware of could come out in the coming weeks."
New lithium-ion battery design that’s 2,000 times more powerful, recharges 1,000 times faster | ExtremeTech
New lithium-ion battery design that’s 2,000 times more powerful, recharges 1,000 times faster | ExtremeTech
"Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have developed a new lithium-ion battery technology that is 2,000 times more powerful than comparable batteries.
According to the researchers, this is not simply an evolutionary step in battery tech,
“It’s a new enabling technology… it breaks the normal paradigms of energy sources.
It’s allowing us to do different, new things.”
"Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have developed a new lithium-ion battery technology that is 2,000 times more powerful than comparable batteries.
According to the researchers, this is not simply an evolutionary step in battery tech,
“It’s a new enabling technology… it breaks the normal paradigms of energy sources.
It’s allowing us to do different, new things.”
2 dogs maul Detroit woman
2 dogs maul Detroit woman | Detroit Free Press | freep.com:
"A Detroit woman is in critical condition today after being attacked by two dogs in front of her house, according to police and a neighbor."
"A Detroit woman is in critical condition today after being attacked by two dogs in front of her house, according to police and a neighbor."
Napoleon's office isn't responding to 911, but 61 workers get cars in case of emergency
Napoleon's office isn't responding to 911, but 61 workers get cars in case of emergency | Detroit Free Press | freep.com
"The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office doesn’t take 911 calls, but 61 employees have take-home cars in case they’re called out to an emergency.
That total, which is down from 80 take-home cars just a few weeks ago, is equal to Oakland County and higher than Macomb County, which combined handle 911 calls from 22 cities, villages and townships with more than 535,000 residents.
The vast majority of the take-home cars in Wayne County are assigned to command staff — unlike the other two counties, where more cars are assigned to detectives and officers on specialized units.
Some civilian employees also receive cars in Wayne County, whereas only sworn officers get vehicles in Oakland and Macomb counties."
"The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office doesn’t take 911 calls, but 61 employees have take-home cars in case they’re called out to an emergency.
That total, which is down from 80 take-home cars just a few weeks ago, is equal to Oakland County and higher than Macomb County, which combined handle 911 calls from 22 cities, villages and townships with more than 535,000 residents.
The vast majority of the take-home cars in Wayne County are assigned to command staff — unlike the other two counties, where more cars are assigned to detectives and officers on specialized units.
Some civilian employees also receive cars in Wayne County, whereas only sworn officers get vehicles in Oakland and Macomb counties."
p r e s i d e n t i a l h a i k u
p r e s i d e n t i a l h a i k u:
Millard Fillmore:
Forgotten Millard
You will rock the mutton chops
And precede Pierce
Gerald Ford:
Named Leslie Lynch King
You changed your name to Gerald
Then fell off a plane
For the Yellow Jacket in my room:
stingy bug of hate
have you met my flyswatter?
death can be sudden
my eyes were too big
i am one with the desserts
now i must digest
Obama administration has SLASHED budget for domestic bombing prevention by 45 per cent, says former Homeland Security Assistant Secretary
Obama administration has SLASHED budget for domestic bombing prevention by 45 per cent, says former Homeland Security Assistant Secretary | Mail Online:
"$20 million budget under Bush became $11 million under Obama"
"$20 million budget under Bush became $11 million under Obama"
Let’s hope the Boston Marathon bomber is a white American
Let’s hope the Boston Marathon bomber is a white American - Salon.com:
"In those awful episodes, a religious or ethnic minority group lacking such privilege would likely be collectively slandered and/or targeted with surveillance or profiling (or worse) if some of its individuals comprised most of the mass shooters.
However, white male privilege means white men are not collectively denigrated/targeted for those shootings — even though most come at the hands of white dudes."
"In those awful episodes, a religious or ethnic minority group lacking such privilege would likely be collectively slandered and/or targeted with surveillance or profiling (or worse) if some of its individuals comprised most of the mass shooters.
However, white male privilege means white men are not collectively denigrated/targeted for those shootings — even though most come at the hands of white dudes."
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