How they voted: Michigan lawmakers OK increased hunting fees, loosen off-road vehicle regulations | MLive.com:
This is burried in the report:
"RETIRED CORRECTIONS OFFICERS: The House on Tuesday approved a bill that will extend a law allowing retired corrections officers to work part-time for another two years while still receiving their pensions.
State use of retired correction officers, first approved in 2012, was supposed to be a temporary way to reduce overtime costs for full-time officers, but the state says it has not been able to hire fast enough to replace retired workers.
HB 4664, sponsored by state Rep. Greg MacMaster, R-Kewadin, passed the House in a 58-50 vote and is now headed to the governor's desk."
Pure double-dipping!
Get yer full pension.
Get yer "part-time" pay.
Oh.
And remember we're havin' a tough time finding folks willing to work.....
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Charles Pugh resigns from Detroit City Council: 'It has been an honor to work with you,' he writes
Charles Pugh resigns from Detroit City Council: 'It has been an honor to work with you,' he writes | Crain's Detroit Business:
"Pugh, the former council president elected in 2009, submitted a letter of resignation to City Clerk Janice Winfrey today, stating that he has accepted a job elsewhere.
A former television journalist, Pugh has not attended a council meeting since June.
Local media has reported that Pugh has been seen in Seattle and New York City since his disappearance from the state.
On June 27, Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr signed an executive order stripping Pugh of his salary and benefits, as well as his power as city council president.
The council typically has nine members, but has been working with six since Pugh's absence, member Kwame Kenyatta's resignation and president pro tem Gary Brown's acceptance of a position as Orr's chief compliance officer. "
Yeah, the Detroit debacle is the fault of selfish white guys.
"Pugh, the former council president elected in 2009, submitted a letter of resignation to City Clerk Janice Winfrey today, stating that he has accepted a job elsewhere.
A former television journalist, Pugh has not attended a council meeting since June.
Local media has reported that Pugh has been seen in Seattle and New York City since his disappearance from the state.
On June 27, Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr signed an executive order stripping Pugh of his salary and benefits, as well as his power as city council president.
The council typically has nine members, but has been working with six since Pugh's absence, member Kwame Kenyatta's resignation and president pro tem Gary Brown's acceptance of a position as Orr's chief compliance officer. "
Yeah, the Detroit debacle is the fault of selfish white guys.
Victory: Wisconsin Teachers Just Voted to Disband Their Teachers Union
Victory: Wisconsin Teachers Just Voted to Disband Their Teachers Union:
"A lot of people don’t realize that most unions only exist because they are able to use government force to keep people in their union. When “Right to Work” policies are passed, the unions suddenly have to actually offer union members more than they can get individually — meaning many members leave because unions aren’t worth the money."
"A lot of people don’t realize that most unions only exist because they are able to use government force to keep people in their union. When “Right to Work” policies are passed, the unions suddenly have to actually offer union members more than they can get individually — meaning many members leave because unions aren’t worth the money."
Saturday, September 14, 2013
State Agency Approves Subsidy Deals Despite Repeated Shortcomings
State Agency Approves Subsidy Deals Despite Repeated Shortcomings [Michigan Capitol Confidential]:
"In 2003, the Hyundai Tech Center in Superior Township was approved for up to $22.2 million in state incentives with the claim 400 jobs would be created.
Two years later, Hyundai Tech Center officials announced they were going to expand the facility and add 600 more jobs; the state offered $32.6 million more in incentives.
However, only 124 jobs have come to fruition, according to company officials, far short of the projected 1,000 that were touted in the two deals with the Michigan Economic Development Corp.
"In 2003, the Hyundai Tech Center in Superior Township was approved for up to $22.2 million in state incentives with the claim 400 jobs would be created.
Two years later, Hyundai Tech Center officials announced they were going to expand the facility and add 600 more jobs; the state offered $32.6 million more in incentives.
However, only 124 jobs have come to fruition, according to company officials, far short of the projected 1,000 that were touted in the two deals with the Michigan Economic Development Corp.
Heritage Foundation gets tough: Think tank puts punch behind its conservative ideas
Heritage Foundation gets tough: Think tank puts punch behind its conservative ideas | WashingtonExaminer.com:
"The Heritage Foundation has decided it is better to be feared than loved.
The conservative think tank conducted private market research on Capitol Hill between 2008 and 2009, asking respondents whether they were ever worried about being on the wrong side of Heritage’s position.
“Overwhelmingly, nobody cared,” said Tim Chapman, now the chief operating officer of Heritage Action, the organization’s three-year-old advocacy arm.
To combat this, the think tank created Heritage Action to knock some skulls around. But by doing so, Heritage upset the traditionally cozy relationship the Heritage Foundation had with congressional Republicans."
Taxpayers and our silent majority of conservative, producing Americans need to learn from this.
"The Heritage Foundation has decided it is better to be feared than loved.
The conservative think tank conducted private market research on Capitol Hill between 2008 and 2009, asking respondents whether they were ever worried about being on the wrong side of Heritage’s position.
“Overwhelmingly, nobody cared,” said Tim Chapman, now the chief operating officer of Heritage Action, the organization’s three-year-old advocacy arm.
To combat this, the think tank created Heritage Action to knock some skulls around. But by doing so, Heritage upset the traditionally cozy relationship the Heritage Foundation had with congressional Republicans."
Taxpayers and our silent majority of conservative, producing Americans need to learn from this.
German-style green energy boondoggle averted when Michigan rejected renewable mandate
Ken Braun: German-style green energy boondoggle averted when Michigan rejected renewable mandate | MLive.com:
"By 2011, German industry was already forking over more than twice the price that Americans were paying for electricity.
German homes and small businesses were paying almost three times as much as Americans.
The rapid wind and solar expansion has created a convoluted system of green subsidies, industrial subsidies, and backup systems based on fossil fuels and more.
As a result, the nation saw a net increase in carbon dioxide emissions last year.
And a cross-subsidy forces households to absorb more of the higher energy costs so German industry can remain somewhat competitive."
"By 2011, German industry was already forking over more than twice the price that Americans were paying for electricity.
German homes and small businesses were paying almost three times as much as Americans.
The rapid wind and solar expansion has created a convoluted system of green subsidies, industrial subsidies, and backup systems based on fossil fuels and more.
As a result, the nation saw a net increase in carbon dioxide emissions last year.
And a cross-subsidy forces households to absorb more of the higher energy costs so German industry can remain somewhat competitive."
Government Seeking Inclusion of ‘Social and Behavioral’ in Health Records
Government Seeking Inclusion of ‘Social and Behavioral’ in Health Records | Washington Free Beacon:
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) wants to require health care providers to include “social and behavioral” data in Electronic Health Records (EHR) and to link patient’s records to public health departments, it was announced last week.
Health care experts say the proposal raises additional privacy concerns over Americans’ personal health information, on top of worries that the Obamacare “data hub” could lead to abuse by bureaucrats and identify theft.
If Bush had proposed this, the left and their propaganda arm (MSM) would have demanded free pitchforks and paid days off for marches in every city!
And rightly so!
Friday, September 13, 2013
13 Illinois Public Officials Indicted Including Rev. Wright's Daughter
13 Illinois Public Officials Indicted Including Rev. Wright's Daughter:
"Thirteen members of Illinois' powerful and elite political class have now been charged in fraud schemes by the U.S. Attorney’s office this year.
At least two have some form of connection to President Obama: Jeri L. Wright, daughter of the controversial Reverend Jeremiah Wright whose church Obama attended; and Quinshaunta R. Golden, former Department of Public Health chief of staff to President Obama’s longtime friend Eric E. Whitaker."
"Thirteen members of Illinois' powerful and elite political class have now been charged in fraud schemes by the U.S. Attorney’s office this year.
At least two have some form of connection to President Obama: Jeri L. Wright, daughter of the controversial Reverend Jeremiah Wright whose church Obama attended; and Quinshaunta R. Golden, former Department of Public Health chief of staff to President Obama’s longtime friend Eric E. Whitaker."
I will oppose and vote against any and all efforts to increase taxes.
Taxpayer Protection Pledge
I, ____________, pledge to the taxpayers of the _____ District of the
State of _________ and to all the people of this state,
that I will oppose and vote against any and all efforts to increase taxes.
2013 STATE LEGISLATIVE SIGNERS OF THE
TAXPAYER PROTECTION PLEDGE
1,030 Legislators as of Tuesday, June 25, 2013
14 Governors, 4 Lieutenant Governors, 4 Attorneys General, 3 Secretariesof State,
3 Treasurers, 1 Auditor, and 1 Board of Equalization Member
MICHIGAN
Atty. Gen. Bill Schuette
4 Senators of 38
Jack Brandenburg (S-11)
Patrick Colbeck (S-7)
Jim Marleau (S-12)
David B. Robertson (S-26)
14 House members of 110
Jon Bumstead (H-100)
Hugh Crawford (H-38)
Frank Foster (H-107)
Bob Genetski (H-88)
Ken Goike (H-33)
Gail Haines (H-43)
Thomas B. Hooker (H-77)
Eileen Kowall (H-44)
Pete Lund (H-36)
Tom McMillin (H-45)
Aric Nesbitt (H-80)
Lisa Posthumus Lyons (H-86)
Al Pscholka (H-79)
Roger Victory (H-88)
California poised to raise minimum wage to $10 an hour
California poised to raise minimum wage to $10 an hour - CBS News:
"SACRAMENTO, Calif. - California's minimum wage would rise to $10 an hour within three years under a bill that is all but certain to head to Gov. Jerry Brown on Thursday, giving the state one of the highest rates in the nation.
Washington state currently has the top minimum wage at $9.19 an hour, an amount that is pegged to rise with inflation. Some cities, including San Francisco, have slightly higher minimum wages.
The state Senate approved AB10 on a party-line 26-11 vote"
"SACRAMENTO, Calif. - California's minimum wage would rise to $10 an hour within three years under a bill that is all but certain to head to Gov. Jerry Brown on Thursday, giving the state one of the highest rates in the nation.
Washington state currently has the top minimum wage at $9.19 an hour, an amount that is pegged to rise with inflation. Some cities, including San Francisco, have slightly higher minimum wages.
The state Senate approved AB10 on a party-line 26-11 vote"
Mona Shores teachers contract includes concessions, retirement incentive
Mona Shores teachers contract includes concessions, retirement incentive | MLive.com:
"The 211 teachers will take a half-percent pay cut this year, saving the district $112,000, said Sue McAvoy, the district's human resources director. Next year, their salary will not change and in the third year, they will receive a 1 percent salary increase."
"The 211 teachers will take a half-percent pay cut this year, saving the district $112,000, said Sue McAvoy, the district's human resources director. Next year, their salary will not change and in the third year, they will receive a 1 percent salary increase."
Increased hunting, fishing license fees get final OK from Michigan House
Increased hunting, fishing license fees get final OK from Michigan House | MLive.com:
"If signed into law by Snyder, as expected, the new fees would take effect in March of 2014 and would vary by species.
A typical deer license currently costs $15 for most Michigan residents. It would cost $30 under the new system -– including a $10 base license plus a $20 deer license.
A hunter who wants to purchase a second deer license would pay an additional $20.
Costs for other hunting licenses would not rise as much.
On top of the $10 base license a hunter would pay $12 for a waterfowl license, $15 for turkey, $25 for bear and $100 for an elk or wolf license.
Most fishing fees would also rise. A 24-hour fishing license would go from $7 to $10 for most residents, and a 72-hour license would increase from $21 to $30.
The state would stop offering a $15 annual restricted fishing license but would reduce the cost of a year-long, all-species fishing license from $28 to $25."
"If signed into law by Snyder, as expected, the new fees would take effect in March of 2014 and would vary by species.
A typical deer license currently costs $15 for most Michigan residents. It would cost $30 under the new system -– including a $10 base license plus a $20 deer license.
A hunter who wants to purchase a second deer license would pay an additional $20.
Costs for other hunting licenses would not rise as much.
On top of the $10 base license a hunter would pay $12 for a waterfowl license, $15 for turkey, $25 for bear and $100 for an elk or wolf license.
Most fishing fees would also rise. A 24-hour fishing license would go from $7 to $10 for most residents, and a 72-hour license would increase from $21 to $30.
The state would stop offering a $15 annual restricted fishing license but would reduce the cost of a year-long, all-species fishing license from $28 to $25."
Google Founders' Jet Fleet Loses a Pentagon Fuel Perk
Google Founders' Jet Fleet Loses a Pentagon Fuel Perk - WSJ.com:
"Google Inc. founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin may have to dig deeper to operate their fleet of private jets, after the U.S. Department of Defense ended a little-known arrangement that for years allowed the tech billionaires to travel on sharply discounted jet fuel bought from the Pentagon."
"Google Inc. founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin may have to dig deeper to operate their fleet of private jets, after the U.S. Department of Defense ended a little-known arrangement that for years allowed the tech billionaires to travel on sharply discounted jet fuel bought from the Pentagon."
Official Arizona GOP Body Passes Formal Rebuke of John McCain
Official Arizona GOP Body Passes Formal Rebuke of John McCain:
"The Legislative District 26 Republican Party in Arizona has passed a formal rebuke of Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) for abdicating GOP principles in helping Senate Majority Leader Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) secure votes to approve several of President Barack Obama’s controversial nominees."
"The Legislative District 26 Republican Party in Arizona has passed a formal rebuke of Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) for abdicating GOP principles in helping Senate Majority Leader Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) secure votes to approve several of President Barack Obama’s controversial nominees."
Thursday, September 12, 2013
WEAC Official Admits Most Locals Will Not Re-certify
WEAC Official Admits Most Locals Will Not Re-certify - Right Wisconsin - Conservative politics and perspective powered by Charlie Sykes:
"Buried in coverage of the news that Kenosha's teachers' union has been decertified was this gem of a quote from a WEAC official: "It seems like the majority of our affiliates in the state aren't seeking re-certification," said Christina Brey.
Incredible.
Now that Wisconsin's educators have been given the right to choose whether or not to belong to a labor union, the unions are struggling to attract enough members to stay afloat. Proving all along that the union leaders didn't really represent their members, as much as sponge off of them."
"Buried in coverage of the news that Kenosha's teachers' union has been decertified was this gem of a quote from a WEAC official: "It seems like the majority of our affiliates in the state aren't seeking re-certification," said Christina Brey.
Incredible.
Now that Wisconsin's educators have been given the right to choose whether or not to belong to a labor union, the unions are struggling to attract enough members to stay afloat. Proving all along that the union leaders didn't really represent their members, as much as sponge off of them."
Bf 109 pilot Franz Stigler and B-17 pilot Charlie Brown's first meeting
This film was taken when Bf-109 ace Franz Stigler met B-17 pilot Charlie Brown for the first time since their encounter during WWII!
The complete story of Franz and Charlie is now available in the New York Times best-selling book, "A Higher Call," available nationwide!
Learn more at: www.valorstudios.com/a-higher-call
The complete story of Franz and Charlie is now available in the New York Times best-selling book, "A Higher Call," available nationwide!
Learn more at: www.valorstudios.com/a-higher-call
Democrats Block Cruz Resolution to Create Joint Select Committee to Investigate Benghazi Attacks
Senator Ted Cruz: "Democrats Block Cruz Resolution to Create Joint Select Committee to Investigate Benghazi Attacks"
Student Protestors Rip 2,977 American Flags Out of the Ground
Young America's Foundation:
"Unfortunately, five student protestors at Middlebury College ripped the flags out of the ground before 3:00 pm. "
"Unfortunately, five student protestors at Middlebury College ripped the flags out of the ground before 3:00 pm. "
Ignorance behind failure to see need for Voter I.D.
Ignorance behind failure to see need for Voter I.D. — Pratt on Texas:
"The problem with in-person vote fraud is that there is almost no way to detect it under the current system. Changing the system to require voters to present a trusted form of identification will put in place a manner whereby fraud can be detected.
Currently, the sheer number of registered voters on the rolls versus the number who actually vote makes it easy to impersonate other voters and very unlikely that anyone would notice.
And if they did?
It would only be noticed by the legitimate voter only after the fraud had occurred and the impersonator had long left the polling place.
There is no way for officials to know who the person was who committed the fraud and thus you get no meaningful investigation and prosecution."
"The problem with in-person vote fraud is that there is almost no way to detect it under the current system. Changing the system to require voters to present a trusted form of identification will put in place a manner whereby fraud can be detected.
Currently, the sheer number of registered voters on the rolls versus the number who actually vote makes it easy to impersonate other voters and very unlikely that anyone would notice.
And if they did?
It would only be noticed by the legitimate voter only after the fraud had occurred and the impersonator had long left the polling place.
There is no way for officials to know who the person was who committed the fraud and thus you get no meaningful investigation and prosecution."
OVERNIGHT TECH: Internet tax ban introduced in House
OVERNIGHT TECH: Internet tax ban introduced in House - The Hill's Hillicon Valley:
"THE LEDE: A bipartisan group of House lawmakers introduced legislation on Thursday to permanently ban state and local taxes on Internet service.
Their bill, the Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Forever Act, would also ban multiple and discriminatory taxes on digital items such as emails. It would not ban taxes on online sales.
Congress passed the Internet Tax Freedom Act in 1998 to put a moratorium on Internet service taxes. The law has been extended three times, but is scheduled to expire next year. The Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act would extend the law indefinitely. "
Why are Michigan republicans supporting a new tax increase just as national republicans are planning a permanent ban on internet connection taxes?
"THE LEDE: A bipartisan group of House lawmakers introduced legislation on Thursday to permanently ban state and local taxes on Internet service.
Their bill, the Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Forever Act, would also ban multiple and discriminatory taxes on digital items such as emails. It would not ban taxes on online sales.
Congress passed the Internet Tax Freedom Act in 1998 to put a moratorium on Internet service taxes. The law has been extended three times, but is scheduled to expire next year. The Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act would extend the law indefinitely. "
Why are Michigan republicans supporting a new tax increase just as national republicans are planning a permanent ban on internet connection taxes?
Hospitals in Toronto, Mississauga reviewing thousands of CT scans, mammograms
Hospitals in Toronto, Mississauga reviewing thousands of CT scans, mammograms - Yahoo! News Canada:
"TORONTO - A review of 3,500 CT scans and mammograms is being conducted at hospitals in Toronto and Mississauga for possible errors due to a "performance issue" with a radiologist."
"TORONTO - A review of 3,500 CT scans and mammograms is being conducted at hospitals in Toronto and Mississauga for possible errors due to a "performance issue" with a radiologist."
Americans in 'Poverty' Have TVs, VCRs, Cell Phones, Air Conditioning
Americans in 'Poverty' Have TVs, VCRs, Cell Phones, Air Conditioning:
"American poverty just ain’t what it used to be.
A new report from the Census Bureau found that 80.9% of households considered poverty stricken have cell phones along with their landline phones, and 58.2% have computers. 96.1% of those in “poverty” have televisions, and 83% have some sort of DVR."
"American poverty just ain’t what it used to be.
A new report from the Census Bureau found that 80.9% of households considered poverty stricken have cell phones along with their landline phones, and 58.2% have computers. 96.1% of those in “poverty” have televisions, and 83% have some sort of DVR."
Rep. Greg MacMaster's vote switch shows how political winds can blow
Tim Skubick: Rep. Greg MacMaster's vote switch shows how political winds can blow | MLive.com:
"If he believed all that stuff, why did he vote yes in the first place?"
"If he believed all that stuff, why did he vote yes in the first place?"
Internet sales tax: Michigan House leaders taking a wait-and-see approach as panel prepares to vote
Internet sales tax: Michigan House leaders taking a wait-and-see approach as panel prepares to vote | MLive.com:
"Former state Rep. Jack Hoogendyk, who now heads the Madison Project Michigan tea party group, blasted the internet sales tax proposal last week in an email sent to supporters, calling it "the next battle" within a Republican party still recovering from a bruising debate on Medicaid expansion.
"If you know anything about government, you know that when they say 'fairness' they are talking about taking more of your money in a misguided attempt to 'level the playing field,'" he wrote. "You also know that the most level playing field is the free market."
"Former state Rep. Jack Hoogendyk, who now heads the Madison Project Michigan tea party group, blasted the internet sales tax proposal last week in an email sent to supporters, calling it "the next battle" within a Republican party still recovering from a bruising debate on Medicaid expansion.
"If you know anything about government, you know that when they say 'fairness' they are talking about taking more of your money in a misguided attempt to 'level the playing field,'" he wrote. "You also know that the most level playing field is the free market."
Internet sales tax bill seeking collection from Amazon, Overstock heads to Michigan House
Internet sales tax bill seeking collection from Amazon, Overstock heads to Michigan House | MLive.com: "LANSING, MI -- A Michigan House panel on Wednesday approved legislation seeking to require out-of-state internet giants like Amazon and Overstock to collect sales tax on goods sold to residents here.
.....Three of five Democrats joined six of 10 Republicans in supporting the measure. State Rep. Aric Nesbitt, R-Lawton, was the only "no" vote."
.....Three of five Democrats joined six of 10 Republicans in supporting the measure. State Rep. Aric Nesbitt, R-Lawton, was the only "no" vote."
UAW: Majority at VW plant have signed union cards
UAW: Majority at VW plant have signed union cards | MLive.com:
"The UAW has tried to get away from that, portraying itself as an ally of the automakers as they try to boost productivity."
"The UAW has tried to get away from that, portraying itself as an ally of the automakers as they try to boost productivity."
Interpreters to be more available in Michigan courts after state supreme court issues order
Interpreters to be more available in Michigan courts after state supreme court issues order | MLive.com:
"There are an estimated 320,000 Michigan residents with limited English skills based on census data, the supreme court's information office said in a news release on the order."
"There are an estimated 320,000 Michigan residents with limited English skills based on census data, the supreme court's information office said in a news release on the order."
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Poll: Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder jumps ahead of likely Democratic opponent in 2014 race
Poll: Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder jumps ahead of likely Democratic opponent in 2014 race | Detroit Free Press | freep.com:
"The poll shows Snyder with 44% support, compared with 36% for former Democratic congressman Mark Schauer."
"The poll shows Snyder with 44% support, compared with 36% for former Democratic congressman Mark Schauer."
Earliest-ever holiday commercial gives new meaning to 'Christmas Creep,' retailers say
Earliest-ever holiday commercial gives new meaning to 'Christmas Creep,' retailers say | Crain's Detroit Business:
"In an unprecedented move, Kmart has aired its first holiday ad. The commercial, which promotes the retailer's layaway program, features a gingerbread man sneaking up on a woman working in an office cubicle.
A voiceover says: "Don't let the holidays sneak up on you."
"In an unprecedented move, Kmart has aired its first holiday ad. The commercial, which promotes the retailer's layaway program, features a gingerbread man sneaking up on a woman working in an office cubicle.
A voiceover says: "Don't let the holidays sneak up on you."
Detroit Power Outage Due To Public Lighting ‘System Overload’
Detroit Power Outage Due To Public Lighting ‘System Overload’ « CBS Detroit:
"Passengers aboard the People Mover were directed off at the nearest station.
The People Mover is closed until further notice."
Dumped in Detroit?!!!!
"Passengers aboard the People Mover were directed off at the nearest station.
The People Mover is closed until further notice."
Dumped in Detroit?!!!!
Obamacare Medical Device Tax Causes One Company to Lay Off Over 1,000 People
Obamacare Medical Device Tax Causes One Company to Lay Off Over 1,000 People | The Weekly Standard:
""There are also new taxes affecting West Michigan industry, in particular, that took effect this year," says a local reporter.
"There's a new 2.3 percent excise tax on medical device manufacturers.
According to some reports, Kalamazoo based Stryker has laid off more than a thousand people because of it--and owes the federal government upwards of $100 million dollars this year alone.
Late last week a Stryker spokesperson told me that Obamacare will cost the company fully 20 percent of its total research and development investments."
""There are also new taxes affecting West Michigan industry, in particular, that took effect this year," says a local reporter.
"There's a new 2.3 percent excise tax on medical device manufacturers.
According to some reports, Kalamazoo based Stryker has laid off more than a thousand people because of it--and owes the federal government upwards of $100 million dollars this year alone.
Late last week a Stryker spokesperson told me that Obamacare will cost the company fully 20 percent of its total research and development investments."
Increased hunting, fishing license fees get final OK from Michigan House
Increased hunting, fishing license fees get final OK from Michigan House | MLive.com:
"House Bill 4668, approved by the House in June but modified by the Senate later that month, is expected to generate close to $20 million in annual revenue, allowing the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to hire new conservation officers and make other improvements.
The Republican-led House concurred with Senate changes in a 72-36 vote."
"House Bill 4668, approved by the House in June but modified by the Senate later that month, is expected to generate close to $20 million in annual revenue, allowing the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to hire new conservation officers and make other improvements.
The Republican-led House concurred with Senate changes in a 72-36 vote."
Richest 1 percent earn biggest share since '20s
My Way News - Richest 1 percent earn biggest share since '20s:
"WASHINGTON (AP) - The gulf between the richest 1 percent and the rest of America is the widest it's been since the Roaring '20s.
The very wealthiest Americans earned more than 19 percent of the country's household income last year - their biggest share since 1928, the year before the stock market crash.
And the top 10 percent captured a record 48.2 percent of total earnings last year."
"WASHINGTON (AP) - The gulf between the richest 1 percent and the rest of America is the widest it's been since the Roaring '20s.
The very wealthiest Americans earned more than 19 percent of the country's household income last year - their biggest share since 1928, the year before the stock market crash.
And the top 10 percent captured a record 48.2 percent of total earnings last year."
A year after Benghazi, where is the justice?
A year after Benghazi, where is the justice? - Washington Times:
"For Charles E. Woods, mystery still shrouds the death of his son and of three other Americans in the Sept. 11, 2012, terrorist attack on the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya.
“It’s been almost a year, and very few questions have been answered,” said Mr. Woods, father of Tyrone Woods, one of two former Navy SEALs who died that day."
"For Charles E. Woods, mystery still shrouds the death of his son and of three other Americans in the Sept. 11, 2012, terrorist attack on the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya.
“It’s been almost a year, and very few questions have been answered,” said Mr. Woods, father of Tyrone Woods, one of two former Navy SEALs who died that day."
Russia 'to renew offer to supply S-300s to Iran'
Russia 'to renew offer to supply S-300s to Iran' - FRANCE 24:
"AFP - Russian President Vladimir Putin will offer to supply Iran S-300 air defence missile systems as well as build a second reactor at the Bushehr nuclear plant, the Kommersant business daily reported Wednesday.
Putin will renew an old offer to supply Iran with five of the sophisticated ground-to-air missile systems at a meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rowhani on Friday, Kommersant said, quoting a souce close to the Kremlin."
"AFP - Russian President Vladimir Putin will offer to supply Iran S-300 air defence missile systems as well as build a second reactor at the Bushehr nuclear plant, the Kommersant business daily reported Wednesday.
Putin will renew an old offer to supply Iran with five of the sophisticated ground-to-air missile systems at a meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rowhani on Friday, Kommersant said, quoting a souce close to the Kremlin."
2 Colo. Democratic lawmakers ousted in gun control recalls promoted by activists, NRA
2 Colo. Democratic lawmakers ousted in gun control recalls promoted by activists, NRA - The Washington Post:
"DENVER — Two Democratic state lawmakers who backed tighter gun laws in the aftermath of mass shootings have been kicked out of office in a recall election promoted by both grassroots activists and the National Rifle Association."
Oh yeah! Dis those who would support our 2nd Amendment and the pitchforks bloom!
"DENVER — Two Democratic state lawmakers who backed tighter gun laws in the aftermath of mass shootings have been kicked out of office in a recall election promoted by both grassroots activists and the National Rifle Association."
Oh yeah! Dis those who would support our 2nd Amendment and the pitchforks bloom!
Pre 9-11 "knowledge"
Wasn't George W president in 1994? No... it might have been that other guy.... Willie.....
Debt of Honor (1994) is a novel by Tom Clancy.
Debt of Honor - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: "In a parallel to the real-life September 11, 2001 attacks seven years after the book's publication, the book ends with an embittered Japanese airline pilot crashing his Boeing 747 into the U.S. Capitol building during a joint session of Congress with the President attending. He does this to avenge the deaths of his brother and son during the war. This paves the way for Ryan, who has just been appointed Vice President, to become President in the next book, Executive Orders."
September 11, 1994: Suicidal Man Attempts to Crash Small Airplane into White House
Frank Corder piloted this Cessna, which crashed into the White House lawn and skidded up to the side of the building. [Source: Getty Images]A suicidal and apparently apolitical pilot named Frank Corder steals a single-engine plane from an airport north of Baltimore, Maryland, and attempts to crash it into the White House. He crashes into a wall two stories below the presidential bedroom (President Clinton is not there at the time). Corder is killed on impact. . [Time, 9/26/1994; New York Times, 10/3/2001] A Time magazine story shortly after the incident notes, “The unlikely incident confirmed all too publicly what security officials have long feared in private: the White House is vulnerable to sneak attack from the air. ‘For years I have thought a terrorist suicide pilot could readily divert his flight from an approach to Washington to blow up the White House,’ said Richard Helms, CIA director from 1966 to 1972.” The article further notes that an attack of this type had been a concern since 1974, when a disgruntled US Army private staged an unauthorized helicopter landing on the South Lawn. Special communications lines were established between the Secret Service and Washington’s National Airport control tower to the Secret Service operations center, but the line is ineffective in this case because no flight controller pays attention to the flight in time. [Time, 9/26/1994]
Entity Tags: Secret Service, Richard Helms, William Jefferson ("Bill") Clinton, Frank Corder
Category Tags: Warning Signs
Debt of Honor - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: "In a parallel to the real-life September 11, 2001 attacks seven years after the book's publication, the book ends with an embittered Japanese airline pilot crashing his Boeing 747 into the U.S. Capitol building during a joint session of Congress with the President attending. He does this to avenge the deaths of his brother and son during the war. This paves the way for Ryan, who has just been appointed Vice President, to become President in the next book, Executive Orders."
September 11, 1994: Suicidal Man Attempts to Crash Small Airplane into White House
Frank Corder piloted this Cessna, which crashed into the White House lawn and skidded up to the side of the building. [Source: Getty Images]A suicidal and apparently apolitical pilot named Frank Corder steals a single-engine plane from an airport north of Baltimore, Maryland, and attempts to crash it into the White House. He crashes into a wall two stories below the presidential bedroom (President Clinton is not there at the time). Corder is killed on impact. . [Time, 9/26/1994; New York Times, 10/3/2001] A Time magazine story shortly after the incident notes, “The unlikely incident confirmed all too publicly what security officials have long feared in private: the White House is vulnerable to sneak attack from the air. ‘For years I have thought a terrorist suicide pilot could readily divert his flight from an approach to Washington to blow up the White House,’ said Richard Helms, CIA director from 1966 to 1972.” The article further notes that an attack of this type had been a concern since 1974, when a disgruntled US Army private staged an unauthorized helicopter landing on the South Lawn. Special communications lines were established between the Secret Service and Washington’s National Airport control tower to the Secret Service operations center, but the line is ineffective in this case because no flight controller pays attention to the flight in time. [Time, 9/26/1994]
Entity Tags: Secret Service, Richard Helms, William Jefferson ("Bill") Clinton, Frank Corder
Category Tags: Warning Signs
Join Our Premiere Catheter Club!
Join Our Premiere Catheter Club! | The Daily Caller:
Medical Skyboxes: The hospital where I was born–St. John’s in Santa Monica–has just opened new “VIP Caritas Suites,” which “offer an upgraded stay for patients who want additional amenities and a more restful atmosphere.”
“Absent are the clatter of computer keys and the rattle of food carts rumbling down hallways. Signs of comfort are everywhere, such as in the reception area where an artisan glass jug filled with lemon slices dispenses cool water. The fourth-floor windows offer a panoramic view of the city, and nurses sit quietly at the elegant wooden table at the nurses’ station–their noisy equipment stashed in a separate nearby room.“
Hmm. This sort of thing could detract from the socially-egalitarian, class-mixing experience of post-Obamacare medicine … P.S.: I should add that the regular rooms at St John’s are extremely nice and the nurses excellent. This looks like a way to extract a bit more money ($500/day) with over-the-top service and a few strategically placed artisanal jugs. But if the best nurses gravitate toward VIP-high roller duties the end result could eventually look a lot like the market segmentation of airlines. …
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Brawl for the Hall: New York Primary Election Day, Sept. 10, 2013
Brawl for the Hall: New York Primary Election Day, Sept. 10, 2013:
"THE POLLS HAVE CLOSED. HERE ARE OUR INITIAL PROJECTIONS:
Bill de Blasio has a large lead over Bill Thompson and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, according to an exit poll by Edison Research.
The pollster, who did an exit poll for the Daily News and other outlets said, "It is possible, but not certain that de Blasio could hit the 40% threshold and avoid a runoff."
Controller John Liu and former Rep. Anthony Weiner are "trailing in single digits."
State Sen. Daniel Squadron and Brooklyn Councilwoman Letitia James are the top two candidates for Public Advocate.
It is too early to determine whether either will hit the 40% needed to avoid a runoff.
The race for City Controller between candidates Eliot Spitzer and Scott Stringer is too close to call."
"THE POLLS HAVE CLOSED. HERE ARE OUR INITIAL PROJECTIONS:
Bill de Blasio has a large lead over Bill Thompson and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, according to an exit poll by Edison Research.
The pollster, who did an exit poll for the Daily News and other outlets said, "It is possible, but not certain that de Blasio could hit the 40% threshold and avoid a runoff."
Controller John Liu and former Rep. Anthony Weiner are "trailing in single digits."
State Sen. Daniel Squadron and Brooklyn Councilwoman Letitia James are the top two candidates for Public Advocate.
It is too early to determine whether either will hit the 40% needed to avoid a runoff.
The race for City Controller between candidates Eliot Spitzer and Scott Stringer is too close to call."
Dem Senator to MSNBC: ‘We Aren’t Trusting Assad, We’re Trusting the Russians’
Dem Senator to MSNBC: ‘We Aren’t Trusting Assad, We’re Trusting the Russians’ | Mediaite:
“Why would you trust Assad, Mitchell asked Heitkamp.(Sens. Heidi Heitkamp D-ND)
“Assad has, until this initiative, denied there was an attack, denied he was part of it, denied he has chemical weapons.
Why on earth would we trust this man to tell us he’s turned them all over to international monitoring and that he is signing a treaty that he’s never redesigned?”
“We’re not trusting Assad,” Heitkamp explained. “We’re trusting the Russians to come to the table…”
“Whoa,” Mitchell interjected. “You’re trusting the Russians?”"
“Why would you trust Assad, Mitchell asked Heitkamp.(Sens. Heidi Heitkamp D-ND)
“Assad has, until this initiative, denied there was an attack, denied he was part of it, denied he has chemical weapons.
Why on earth would we trust this man to tell us he’s turned them all over to international monitoring and that he is signing a treaty that he’s never redesigned?”
“We’re not trusting Assad,” Heitkamp explained. “We’re trusting the Russians to come to the table…”
“Whoa,” Mitchell interjected. “You’re trusting the Russians?”"
Seeing her for the first time again
"In response to all of the questions: I had a hernia repair to fix residual tears from a previous surgery.
I wish I could remember this but I was definitely out of it.
This was my fifth surgery within our six years of marriage and she's been by my side through all of it. In a previous surgery I suffered a severe complication and we didn't know if I'd ever function the same again. She is the love of my life.
Glad everyone is enjoying the video"
I wish I could remember this but I was definitely out of it.
This was my fifth surgery within our six years of marriage and she's been by my side through all of it. In a previous surgery I suffered a severe complication and we didn't know if I'd ever function the same again. She is the love of my life.
Glad everyone is enjoying the video"
Detroit slows Michigan muni-bond sales to fewest in a decade
Detroit slows Michigan muni-bond sales to fewest in a decade | Crain's Detroit Business:
"The smallest amount of municipal-bond issuance in Michigan in 10 years is threatening to derail the state's economic comeback, showing how Gov. Rick Snyder underestimated the fallout from Detroit's bankruptcy."
"The smallest amount of municipal-bond issuance in Michigan in 10 years is threatening to derail the state's economic comeback, showing how Gov. Rick Snyder underestimated the fallout from Detroit's bankruptcy."
The Next Battle Looms: Taxing "Purchases on the Internet"
The Next Battle Looms: Taxing "Purchases on the Internet":
"As reported at mackinac.org:
Both pieces of legislation ignore the direct benefits brick-and-mortar stores receive in exchange for the state sales taxes they collect; namely, the roads and other infrastructure that are not equally used by Internet retailers. Further, not every Internet retailer is a gigantic behemoth akin to Amazon or Overstock.com. Retailers who provide services from their respective home offices - and who barely scrape by under the current tax structure of over 7,000 U.S. tax jurisdictions - would find the collecting and remittance of sales taxes in-state or nationwide cumbersome, expensive and potentially fatal to their business.
These bills will do nothing to grow a business-friendly environment in Michigan. It will mean more government, more regulation, more compliance, and more tax collection. Please contact your legislators and ask them not to support HB 4202 and 4203. Find Rep. Kowall here and Rep. VerHeulen here."
"As reported at mackinac.org:
Both pieces of legislation ignore the direct benefits brick-and-mortar stores receive in exchange for the state sales taxes they collect; namely, the roads and other infrastructure that are not equally used by Internet retailers. Further, not every Internet retailer is a gigantic behemoth akin to Amazon or Overstock.com. Retailers who provide services from their respective home offices - and who barely scrape by under the current tax structure of over 7,000 U.S. tax jurisdictions - would find the collecting and remittance of sales taxes in-state or nationwide cumbersome, expensive and potentially fatal to their business.
These bills will do nothing to grow a business-friendly environment in Michigan. It will mean more government, more regulation, more compliance, and more tax collection. Please contact your legislators and ask them not to support HB 4202 and 4203. Find Rep. Kowall here and Rep. VerHeulen here."
Lengthy Senate report details EPA FOIA abuses
UPDATED: Lengthy Senate report details EPA FOIA abuses | WashingtonExaminer.com:
"The agency established an alias identity to hide the actions of the former administrator; has purposefully been unresponsive to FOIA request, oftentimes redacting information the public has a right to know; and mismanaged its electronic records system such that federal records have been jeopardized," the report said.
"Moreover, EPA’s leadership abandoned the historic model of a specialized public servant who seeks to fairly administer the law and has instead embraced a number of controversial tactics to advance a secretive agenda," the report said.
In addition to multiple abuses of the FOIA, the Senate report claims EPA officials have sought to cover up such activities when challenged by congressional oversight officials."
"The agency established an alias identity to hide the actions of the former administrator; has purposefully been unresponsive to FOIA request, oftentimes redacting information the public has a right to know; and mismanaged its electronic records system such that federal records have been jeopardized," the report said.
"Moreover, EPA’s leadership abandoned the historic model of a specialized public servant who seeks to fairly administer the law and has instead embraced a number of controversial tactics to advance a secretive agenda," the report said.
In addition to multiple abuses of the FOIA, the Senate report claims EPA officials have sought to cover up such activities when challenged by congressional oversight officials."
Jeb Bush to Award Hillary 'Liberty Medal' on Eve of Benghazi Anniversary
Jeb Bush to Award Hillary 'Liberty Medal' on Eve of Benghazi Anniversary:
"Upon the announcement of Clinton’s award in June, Gateway Pundit’s Jim Hoft wrote, “Really Jeb, no one else came to mind?"
"Upon the announcement of Clinton’s award in June, Gateway Pundit’s Jim Hoft wrote, “Really Jeb, no one else came to mind?"
Missouri Robbery | Store Clerk | Self Defense
Missouri Robbery | Store Clerk | Self Defense:
"Like Most Defensive Uses of Guns, Not a Shot Was Fired
It’s worth noting that this is how the vast majority of defensive uses of firearms end—without a shot being fired, the defensive display of the firearm being sufficient to defuse the situation without injury to either party.
Would Alexander Have Been Justified in Shooting?"
"Like Most Defensive Uses of Guns, Not a Shot Was Fired
It’s worth noting that this is how the vast majority of defensive uses of firearms end—without a shot being fired, the defensive display of the firearm being sufficient to defuse the situation without injury to either party.
Would Alexander Have Been Justified in Shooting?"
Michigan politics preview: Internet sales tax called 'the next battle' for tea party Republicans
Michigan politics preview: Internet sales tax called 'the next battle' for tea party Republicans | MLive.com:
"The "main street fairness" bills are similar to legislation approved earlier this year by the U.S. Senate. The federal legislation, which Republican Gov. Rick Snyder urged lawmakers to approve, is currently stalled in a House committee."
"The "main street fairness" bills are similar to legislation approved earlier this year by the U.S. Senate. The federal legislation, which Republican Gov. Rick Snyder urged lawmakers to approve, is currently stalled in a House committee."
Monday, September 09, 2013
Obama is a laughing stock
Obama is a laughing stock: Column:
"At least Hollywood is still behind the president -- or, anyway, is mostly keeping quiet about its opposition because, as old-line Hollywood liberal Ed Asner reports, they "don't want to feel anti-black."
So it's come to this -- while George W. Bush was savaged for "bombing brown people," now if you're against bombing brown people you're "anti-black.""
"At least Hollywood is still behind the president -- or, anyway, is mostly keeping quiet about its opposition because, as old-line Hollywood liberal Ed Asner reports, they "don't want to feel anti-black."
So it's come to this -- while George W. Bush was savaged for "bombing brown people," now if you're against bombing brown people you're "anti-black.""
What if we had a Bagel Czar?
What if we had a Bagel Czar? - Politics Blog - The Detroit News:
"Realistically, a bagel czar would have to tell us what kind of bagels we would be getting, and tell producers how many and what type of bagels they would have to make.
The czar would then tell us that we can’t have certain types of bagels because they are bad for us, or that we must buy a certain number of bagels each week. "
"Realistically, a bagel czar would have to tell us what kind of bagels we would be getting, and tell producers how many and what type of bagels they would have to make.
The czar would then tell us that we can’t have certain types of bagels because they are bad for us, or that we must buy a certain number of bagels each week. "
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: Advocate for anti-science and anti-vaccination.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: Advocate for anti-science and anti-vaccination.:
"Most of these issues are in the past. But there is an ongoing problem associated with a Kennedy, one I consider extremely troubling. Specifically it’s with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is an attorney, a radio host, and an environmental activist.
He is also, as it happens, a full-blown anti-vaccination conspiracy theorist.
And I do mean full-blown."
"Most of these issues are in the past. But there is an ongoing problem associated with a Kennedy, one I consider extremely troubling. Specifically it’s with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is an attorney, a radio host, and an environmental activist.
He is also, as it happens, a full-blown anti-vaccination conspiracy theorist.
And I do mean full-blown."
Final Tally: Americans Were 12 Times More Interested in Miley Cyrus Than Syria
Final Tally: Americans Were 12 Times More Interested in Miley Cyrus Than Syria - The Cut:
"Americans viewed twelve times as many pages about Miley Cyrus as they did about Syria — even though the news sources published 2.4 Syria articles for every one about Miley."
Proof we're on the brink of the Apocalypse.
We're doomed......
"Americans viewed twelve times as many pages about Miley Cyrus as they did about Syria — even though the news sources published 2.4 Syria articles for every one about Miley."
Proof we're on the brink of the Apocalypse.
We're doomed......
Companies and organizers prep for Michigan health insurance exchange rollout Oct. 1
Companies and organizers prep for Michigan health insurance exchange rollout Oct. 1 | Detroit Free Press | freep.com:
"Even those who understand the exchange might opt to pay the tax penalty that starts at just $95 the first year rather than pay an insurance premium, especially for these more generous policies.
By 2016, the penalty will be 2.5% of income or $695 per person, whichever is higher."
"Even those who understand the exchange might opt to pay the tax penalty that starts at just $95 the first year rather than pay an insurance premium, especially for these more generous policies.
By 2016, the penalty will be 2.5% of income or $695 per person, whichever is higher."
Michigan State learns from weather delay in season opener, improves Spartan Stadium evacuation process
Michigan State learns from weather delay in season opener, improves Spartan Stadium evacuation process | MLive.com:
"There have been just two evacuations in the 90-year history of Spartan Stadium.
Both have come within the past eight days."
"There have been just two evacuations in the 90-year history of Spartan Stadium.
Both have come within the past eight days."
The Pension Crisis is Worse Than We Thought
The Pension Crisis is Worse Than We Thought | Via Meadia:
"America’s pension crisis may be much worse than we thought.
A new report from State Budget Solutions looks at each state’s pension liabilities using a lower estimate of the rate of return than the states use themselves, and found that the country’s plans are underfunded by $4.1 trillion, and only 39 percent funded overall. "
"America’s pension crisis may be much worse than we thought.
A new report from State Budget Solutions looks at each state’s pension liabilities using a lower estimate of the rate of return than the states use themselves, and found that the country’s plans are underfunded by $4.1 trillion, and only 39 percent funded overall. "
Your tax (and tuition) dollars at work
RightMichigan.com || Your tax (and tuition) dollars at work:
"Meanwhile the university is on the hook for approximately $200,000 in salary and benefits for a tenured professor whose carcass it couldn't dispense with even if it wanted to, which, of course, it doesn't--bird of a feather and all that.
Danny Guthrie, the soft porn photography professor might be gone these days, and so too might be a closet Marxist here and there after serving a lifetime in academia working for the movement, but Penn will remain employed by the tax and tuition payers of Michigan for as long as he feels compelled to rape those for whom he is committed to serve and, uncomfortably, sometimes to offend. (Though once again, only out of class!)
Its the new American way."
"Meanwhile the university is on the hook for approximately $200,000 in salary and benefits for a tenured professor whose carcass it couldn't dispense with even if it wanted to, which, of course, it doesn't--bird of a feather and all that.
Danny Guthrie, the soft porn photography professor might be gone these days, and so too might be a closet Marxist here and there after serving a lifetime in academia working for the movement, but Penn will remain employed by the tax and tuition payers of Michigan for as long as he feels compelled to rape those for whom he is committed to serve and, uncomfortably, sometimes to offend. (Though once again, only out of class!)
Its the new American way."
Obama administration had restrictions on NSA reversed in 2011
Obama administration had restrictions on NSA reversed in 2011 - The Washington Post:
"The Obama administration secretly won permission from a surveillance court in 2011 to reverse restrictions on the National Security Agency’s use of intercepted phone calls and e-mails, permitting the agency to search deliberately for Americans’ communications in its massive databases, according to interviews with government officials and recently declassified material.
In addition, the court extended the length of time that the NSA is allowed to retain intercepted U.S. communications from five years to six years — and more under special circumstances, according to the documents, which include a recently released 2011 opinion by U.S. District Judge John D. Bates, then chief judge of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court."
"The Obama administration secretly won permission from a surveillance court in 2011 to reverse restrictions on the National Security Agency’s use of intercepted phone calls and e-mails, permitting the agency to search deliberately for Americans’ communications in its massive databases, according to interviews with government officials and recently declassified material.
In addition, the court extended the length of time that the NSA is allowed to retain intercepted U.S. communications from five years to six years — and more under special circumstances, according to the documents, which include a recently released 2011 opinion by U.S. District Judge John D. Bates, then chief judge of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court."
RUMBLINGS: RoboCop statue has good timing |
RUMBLINGS: RoboCop statue has good timing | Crain's Detroit Business:
"A 10-foot crowdfunded RoboCop statue is currently being bronzed at Venus Bronze Works in Detroit before an unveiling later this year. A Kickstarter campaign raised more than $60,000 for the statue. "
"A 10-foot crowdfunded RoboCop statue is currently being bronzed at Venus Bronze Works in Detroit before an unveiling later this year. A Kickstarter campaign raised more than $60,000 for the statue. "
Sunday, September 08, 2013
How America's Amazing Car Recovery Explains the U.S. Economy
Overdrive: How America's Amazing Car Recovery Explains the U.S. Economy - Derek Thompson - The Atlantic:
"Young vs. old might not be the most important binary for car companies.
That would be rich vs. poor.
The U.S. is beginning to look like the aristocratic auto market we're used to seeing in Europe, McAlinden said, where the top 25 percent buys most of the new cars and the bottom 75 percent only buys old and used."
"Young vs. old might not be the most important binary for car companies.
That would be rich vs. poor.
The U.S. is beginning to look like the aristocratic auto market we're used to seeing in Europe, McAlinden said, where the top 25 percent buys most of the new cars and the bottom 75 percent only buys old and used."
Left with nothing
Left with nothing | The Washington Post:
"All because he didn’t pay a $134 property tax bill.
The retired Marine sergeant lost his house on that summer day two years ago through a tax lien sale — an obscure program run by D.C. government that enlists private investors to help the city recover unpaid taxes.
For decades, the District placed liens on properties when homeowners failed to pay their bills, then sold those liens at public auctions to mom-and-pop investors who drew a profit by charging owners interest on top of the tax debt until the money was repaid.
But under the watch of local leaders, the program has morphed into a predatory system of debt collection for well-financed, out-of-town companies that turned $500 delinquencies into $5,000 debts — then foreclosed on homes when families couldn’t pay, a Washington Post investigation found."
"All because he didn’t pay a $134 property tax bill.
The retired Marine sergeant lost his house on that summer day two years ago through a tax lien sale — an obscure program run by D.C. government that enlists private investors to help the city recover unpaid taxes.
For decades, the District placed liens on properties when homeowners failed to pay their bills, then sold those liens at public auctions to mom-and-pop investors who drew a profit by charging owners interest on top of the tax debt until the money was repaid.
But under the watch of local leaders, the program has morphed into a predatory system of debt collection for well-financed, out-of-town companies that turned $500 delinquencies into $5,000 debts — then foreclosed on homes when families couldn’t pay, a Washington Post investigation found."
Michigan State University has abysmal transparency record
Steve Miller: Michigan State University has abysmal transparency record | MLive.com
But that “erosion” hasn’t halted the school from spending freely when it comes to attempting to prevent taxpayers from seeing public records.
The Lansing State Journal wondered earlier this year just how much the university was
getting for those luxury suites at Spartan Stadium. The newspaper reported in 2005 that a $64 million stadium upgrade included 24 suites that were to go for $80,000 a crack.
The paper wanted to see just what the return on that investment was, so it filed an open records request to find out who was paying what for the suites.
getting for those luxury suites at Spartan Stadium. The newspaper reported in 2005 that a $64 million stadium upgrade included 24 suites that were to go for $80,000 a crack.
The paper wanted to see just what the return on that investment was, so it filed an open records request to find out who was paying what for the suites.
But rather than deliver the records in accordance with the law, the school took six months to deliver the information, said attorney Herschel Fink, who represented the State Journal in a series of communications with the university over the matter.
Fink, considered widely as one of the state's premier First Amendment lawyers, told me
that “It seems I am always dealing with Michigan State over something.”
that “It seems I am always dealing with Michigan State over something.”
For the university, such a needless ordeal carries a price tag, money that could be passed
along in the name of education rather than obfuscation.
along in the name of education rather than obfuscation.
Michigan State, like so many other governmental units in the state, spends tens of thousands of dollars of taxpayer money attempting to hold onto information it is legally obligated to provide to the public.
This Day in History
My Way - My Way Today - This Day in History:
"1997 America Online acquired CompuServe."
Time does move quickly.....
"1997 America Online acquired CompuServe."
Time does move quickly.....
SHARIA IN THE MARKETPLACE: WAL-MART MANAGER FIRED FOR BURKA JOKE ON FACEBOOK
SHARIA IN THE MARKETPLACE: WAL-MART MANAGER FIRED FOR BURKA JOKE ON FACEBOOK (Geller, Atlas Shrugs) |:
"Wal-Mart, a company I have long defended against attacks from leftists and statists, has lost its way.
There is no other explanation for the firing of an employee at the behest of a Muslim Brotherhood group, an unindicted co-conspirator in the nation’s largest terror finding trial, CAIR.
Once of Wal-Mart’s employees published a silly and crass Facebook joke about the burka.
So what?
He made a remark on Facebook, not to them, not at them.
Hamas-CAIR bullied Wal-Mart into firing him.
No warning, no policy citations — just surrender to the sharia and the Islamic supremacists who enforce it in this country."
"Wal-Mart, a company I have long defended against attacks from leftists and statists, has lost its way.
There is no other explanation for the firing of an employee at the behest of a Muslim Brotherhood group, an unindicted co-conspirator in the nation’s largest terror finding trial, CAIR.
Once of Wal-Mart’s employees published a silly and crass Facebook joke about the burka.
So what?
He made a remark on Facebook, not to them, not at them.
Hamas-CAIR bullied Wal-Mart into firing him.
No warning, no policy citations — just surrender to the sharia and the Islamic supremacists who enforce it in this country."
Global cooling: Arctic ice caps grows by 60% against global warming predictions
Global cooling: Arctic ice caps grows by 60% against global warming predictions | Mail Online:
"A chilly Arctic summer has left nearly a million more square miles of ocean covered with ice than at the same time last year – an increase of 60 per cent.
The rebound from 2012’s record low comes six years after the BBC reported that global warming would leave the Arctic ice-free in summer by 2013.
Instead, days before the annual autumn re-freeze is due to begin, an unbroken ice sheet more than half the size of Europe already stretches from the Canadian islands to Russia’s northern shores."
"A chilly Arctic summer has left nearly a million more square miles of ocean covered with ice than at the same time last year – an increase of 60 per cent.
The rebound from 2012’s record low comes six years after the BBC reported that global warming would leave the Arctic ice-free in summer by 2013.
Instead, days before the annual autumn re-freeze is due to begin, an unbroken ice sheet more than half the size of Europe already stretches from the Canadian islands to Russia’s northern shores."
Worse than Jimmy Carter
Worse than Jimmy Carter | New York Post:
"The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Friday job numbers show the nation’s “labor force participation rate” — i.e., the percentage of Americans over 16 who have jobs, or are looking for one — dipped to 63.2 percent.
That beats the sad record of 63.4 percent set in 1978, a harbinger of the Carter-era stagflation and malaise to come.
.......The BLS reports that a record 90 million Americans eligible for work are sitting on the sidelines.
These workers don’t count as “unemployed,” hence the lower unemployment rate."
"The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Friday job numbers show the nation’s “labor force participation rate” — i.e., the percentage of Americans over 16 who have jobs, or are looking for one — dipped to 63.2 percent.
That beats the sad record of 63.4 percent set in 1978, a harbinger of the Carter-era stagflation and malaise to come.
.......The BLS reports that a record 90 million Americans eligible for work are sitting on the sidelines.
These workers don’t count as “unemployed,” hence the lower unemployment rate."
Numbers continue to be Stunning. 96 percent of net jobs added this year have been part-time jobs
John Lott's Website: Numbers continue to be Stunning. 96 percent of net jobs added this year have been part-time jobs:
"So far this year there have been 848,000 new jobs.
Of those, 813,000 are part time jobs (for both economic reasons and noneconomic reasons).
As can be seen in the above screen shots the BLS.gov, the total part-time jobs changed from 26.437 million in January to 27.250 million in August.
To put it differently, an incredible 96% of the jobs added this year were part-time jobs. "
"So far this year there have been 848,000 new jobs.
Of those, 813,000 are part time jobs (for both economic reasons and noneconomic reasons).
As can be seen in the above screen shots the BLS.gov, the total part-time jobs changed from 26.437 million in January to 27.250 million in August.
To put it differently, an incredible 96% of the jobs added this year were part-time jobs. "
When Tom Izzo speaks, Michigan State students listen
During a lightning delay at the Spartans football game, the students section refused to leave. Tom Izzo convinced them to. Because Tom Izzo is a legend.
Nearly $1 billion in bonuses paid from ailing Detroit pension fund
Nearly $1 billion in bonuses paid from ailing Detroit pension fund | Detroit Free Press | freep.com:
"One of Detroit’s two pension funds handed out nearly $1 billion in bonus cash payments over two decades to retirees and active employees’ retirement accounts instead of reinvesting the extra earnings for the future, according to a Free Press review of city records."
"One of Detroit’s two pension funds handed out nearly $1 billion in bonus cash payments over two decades to retirees and active employees’ retirement accounts instead of reinvesting the extra earnings for the future, according to a Free Press review of city records."
Saturday, September 07, 2013
Anti-War Celebs M.I.A. on Obama's Syria War Threat
Anti-War Celebs M.I.A. on Obama's Syria War Threat:
"Differences certainly exist between the drumbeat to war against Syria and the military action in Iraq. What's notable, however, is the lack of support Obama brings to the current potential conflict.
While Bush rallied dozens of nations for his war moves, this president has only France at his side."
"Differences certainly exist between the drumbeat to war against Syria and the military action in Iraq. What's notable, however, is the lack of support Obama brings to the current potential conflict.
While Bush rallied dozens of nations for his war moves, this president has only France at his side."
Prescription drugs found in Lake Michigan in high levels, new study shows
Prescription drugs found in Lake Michigan in high levels, new study shows | MLive.com: "The compounds were detected as far as two miles away from the treatment plant's discharge point, the study states."
Hey, if we give these guys more money, they'll fix it ......right?
Hey, if we give these guys more money, they'll fix it ......right?
Appeals court lifts injunction on Michigan law blocking union agreements on public construction projects
Appeals court lifts injunction on Michigan law blocking union agreements on public construction projects | MLive.com:
"LANSING -- Building and construction unions lost a key court decision Friday when a federal appeals panel upheld a Michigan law prohibiting public agencies from entering labor agreements for public construction projects."
BIG!
"LANSING -- Building and construction unions lost a key court decision Friday when a federal appeals panel upheld a Michigan law prohibiting public agencies from entering labor agreements for public construction projects."
BIG!
Post Proposal 2: Cities drop affirmative action tracking, with exception of Grand Rapids
Post Proposal 2: Cities drop affirmative action tracking, with exception of Grand Rapids | MLive.com:
"The Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion released the report Friday.
The study examines the effect of the 2006 amendment to the Michigan constitution which eliminated affirmative action programs in education, state contracts and government employment.
One of the chief conclusions is that state and local governments are not tracking diversity statistics, particularly for law enforcement agencies outside the Michigan State Police."
The QuotaCowboyz are at it again!
"The Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion released the report Friday.
The study examines the effect of the 2006 amendment to the Michigan constitution which eliminated affirmative action programs in education, state contracts and government employment.
One of the chief conclusions is that state and local governments are not tracking diversity statistics, particularly for law enforcement agencies outside the Michigan State Police."
The QuotaCowboyz are at it again!
Rep. Levin blasts Upton letter to Obamacare 'navigators'
Rep. Levin blasts Upton letter to Obamacare 'navigators' | Crain's Detroit Business:
"The four-page letter was sent to organizations that received federal grant money this summer to educate the public about the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
The letter asked the organizations for detailed accounting on how they will spend the federal grant money, how they will protect personal information during enrollment and for descriptions on training, supervision of employees and full documentation on how the organization received the grant.
"If you read this letter … its purpose is clear to make it more difficult for navigators to do this work," said Levin, who was chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee when Obamacare was approved in 2010."
"The four-page letter was sent to organizations that received federal grant money this summer to educate the public about the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
The letter asked the organizations for detailed accounting on how they will spend the federal grant money, how they will protect personal information during enrollment and for descriptions on training, supervision of employees and full documentation on how the organization received the grant.
"If you read this letter … its purpose is clear to make it more difficult for navigators to do this work," said Levin, who was chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee when Obamacare was approved in 2010."
Michigan road funding: Medicaid deal offers one-time fix but may hurt odds of long-term solution
Michigan road funding: Medicaid deal offers one-time fix but may hurt odds of long-term solution | MLive.com:
"Those savings -- likely to be smaller than initial projections because the Senate delayed implementation for three months -- may end up going to roads."
What a crock of lies dressed up as promises!
"Those savings -- likely to be smaller than initial projections because the Senate delayed implementation for three months -- may end up going to roads."
What a crock of lies dressed up as promises!
Kansas Changes Welfare Law, Will Cut An Estimated 20,000 People Off Welfare
Kansas Changes Welfare Law, Will Cut An Estimated 20,000 People Off Welfare:
"Kansas Governor Sam Brownback announced today that an estimated 20,000 Kansas residents will soon have to work at least 20 hours per-week in order to continue receiving food stamps."
"Kansas Governor Sam Brownback announced today that an estimated 20,000 Kansas residents will soon have to work at least 20 hours per-week in order to continue receiving food stamps."
Energy Department loses $42 million on loan to Michigan company VPG
Energy Department loses $42 million on loan to Michigan company VPG - Washington Times:
"The Energy Department conceded Friday that the federal government will lose $42 million on a loan to a shuttered Michigan van manufacturer — part of the same program that provided a $529 million loan to an electric car maker that also has gone under.
Vehicle Production Group (VPG), which made vans for the disabled, ceased operations in February and laid off 100 workers, two years after receiving a $50 million federal loan under the same clean-energy program that provided a $529 million loan to electric car maker Fisker Automotive Inc."
"The Energy Department conceded Friday that the federal government will lose $42 million on a loan to a shuttered Michigan van manufacturer — part of the same program that provided a $529 million loan to an electric car maker that also has gone under.
Vehicle Production Group (VPG), which made vans for the disabled, ceased operations in February and laid off 100 workers, two years after receiving a $50 million federal loan under the same clean-energy program that provided a $529 million loan to electric car maker Fisker Automotive Inc."
IRS spent $10,000 to make parody of Trump's 'Apprentice'
IRS spent $10,000 to make parody of Trump's 'Apprentice' - Washington Times:
"In 2012, the agency spent $2.2 million on videos, but will spend an estimated $139,000 this year."
"In 2012, the agency spent $2.2 million on videos, but will spend an estimated $139,000 this year."
U.S. Failed to Reduce ‘Food Insecurity’ Despite Spending Billions More
U.S. Failed to Reduce ‘Food Insecurity’ Despite Spending Billions More | Washington Free Beacon:
"The USDA says its food programs “increase food security.” However, the agency’s spending through the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) increased by $6.4 billion from 2011 to 2012 with no statistically significant change in the level of food insecurity.
“Food and nutrition assistance programs of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) increase food security by providing low-income households access to food, a healthful diet, and nutrition education,” the USDA said in a report released this week.
By the agency’s own measure the change in food insecurity from 2011 to 2012 was near zero."
"The USDA says its food programs “increase food security.” However, the agency’s spending through the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) increased by $6.4 billion from 2011 to 2012 with no statistically significant change in the level of food insecurity.
“Food and nutrition assistance programs of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) increase food security by providing low-income households access to food, a healthful diet, and nutrition education,” the USDA said in a report released this week.
By the agency’s own measure the change in food insecurity from 2011 to 2012 was near zero."
Detroit Meijer store stalled
Detroit Meijer store stalled | The Detroit News
Grand Rapids-based grocer Meijer Inc.’s plans for a second Detroit store have been stalled by the city’s bankruptcy case.
...... The company cannot move forward on developing a lot in northwest Detroit for a superstore because of “private use restrictions” that limit the site’s use to residential purposes
Production halted at Holland LG Chem plant
Production halted at Holland LG Chem plant | wzzm13.com:
"HOLLAND, Mich. (WZZM) -- Battery production at LG Chem's Holland plant is at a standstill again.
In a statement sent to WZZM 13 News, company spokesman Jeremy Hagemeyer says LG Chem Michigan Inc. is temporarily suspending production of lithium ion batteries, after finding out an ingredient used in the batteries may not be properly registered with the Environmental Protection Agency.
The production delay is expected to last about six weeks while the EPA reviews the registration status.
Hagemeyer says during the delay, LG Chem workers will take part in improvement projects and specialized training. "
"HOLLAND, Mich. (WZZM) -- Battery production at LG Chem's Holland plant is at a standstill again.
In a statement sent to WZZM 13 News, company spokesman Jeremy Hagemeyer says LG Chem Michigan Inc. is temporarily suspending production of lithium ion batteries, after finding out an ingredient used in the batteries may not be properly registered with the Environmental Protection Agency.
The production delay is expected to last about six weeks while the EPA reviews the registration status.
Hagemeyer says during the delay, LG Chem workers will take part in improvement projects and specialized training. "
Bill would exempt Mich. seniors from buying unlimited no-fault medical coverage
Bill would exempt Mich. seniors from buying unlimited no-fault medical coverage | Detroit Free Press | freep.com:
"Michigan lawmakers are working to exempt senior citizens from a state requirement that all drivers purchase unlimited medical coverage through their auto insurers.
Rep. Jeff Farrington, R-Utica, introduced a bill this week to change Michigan’s controversial no-fault law and make personal injury protection — the mandatory medical coverage — optional for Michigan drivers who are 65 or older and on Medicare."
"Michigan lawmakers are working to exempt senior citizens from a state requirement that all drivers purchase unlimited medical coverage through their auto insurers.
Rep. Jeff Farrington, R-Utica, introduced a bill this week to change Michigan’s controversial no-fault law and make personal injury protection — the mandatory medical coverage — optional for Michigan drivers who are 65 or older and on Medicare."
Our drop from 8.1% unemployment to 7.3% is analogous to losing 20 pounds by cutting off a body part.
Charlie Foxtrot: Another Rube Bites The Dust:
"However, the best takedown of the recent "improvement" in unemployment is offered by @travesham in under 140 characters:
Our drop from 8.1% unemployment to 7.3% is analogous to losing 20 pounds by cutting off a body part.
And Obama will call it a dieting success!"
And his media comrades celebrate the "fit n trim" jobs report.......
"However, the best takedown of the recent "improvement" in unemployment is offered by @travesham in under 140 characters:
Our drop from 8.1% unemployment to 7.3% is analogous to losing 20 pounds by cutting off a body part.
And Obama will call it a dieting success!"
And his media comrades celebrate the "fit n trim" jobs report.......
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