Too Big To Fail Is Now Bigger Than Ever Before |:
" The six largest banks in the United States have gotten 37 percent larger over the past five years.
Meanwhile, 1,400 smaller banks have disappeared from the banking industry during that time.
What this means is that the health of JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citigroup, Wells Fargo, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley is more critical to the U.S. economy than ever before.
If they were “too big to fail” back in 2008, then now they must be “too colossal to collapse”.
Saturday, September 21, 2013
US nearly detonated atomic bomb over North Carolina
US nearly detonated atomic bomb over North Carolina – secret document | World news | The Guardian:
"Journalist uses Freedom of Information Act to disclose 1961 accident in which one switch averted catastrophe"
"Journalist uses Freedom of Information Act to disclose 1961 accident in which one switch averted catastrophe"
10 States That Said No To American Cars
10 States That Said No To American Cars | Bankrate.com:
"We've all heard the slogan "Buy American," but loyalty to American cars and trucks can vary widely from state to state.
The auto pricing website TrueCar.com recently looked at new-car sales data to rank the states, as well as the District of Columbia, that posted the lowest percentage of American-brand car purchases in 2012. Here are those states."
Take a look at #2
"We've all heard the slogan "Buy American," but loyalty to American cars and trucks can vary widely from state to state.
The auto pricing website TrueCar.com recently looked at new-car sales data to rank the states, as well as the District of Columbia, that posted the lowest percentage of American-brand car purchases in 2012. Here are those states."
Take a look at #2
House CR Forks Over $174,000 for Late Senator's Wife
House CR Forks Over $174,000 for Late Senator's Wife | 218:
"The death gratuity — a long-practiced, little-known, unofficial perk of office — has been a staple of congressional deaths. A Congressional Research Service report on members who die in office says:
“…it has been the typical practice of the House to provide a death gratuity equal to the member’s annual salary, payable to the deceased member’s widow or widower, or children either in the annual legislative branch appropriations act or a measure providing supplemental funds for the legislative branch. By statute, a death gratuity is considered a gift.”
Before Lautenberg’s death, he was No. 8 on Roll Call’s 50 Richest Members of Congress with a net worth of at least $56.8 million."
"The death gratuity — a long-practiced, little-known, unofficial perk of office — has been a staple of congressional deaths. A Congressional Research Service report on members who die in office says:
“…it has been the typical practice of the House to provide a death gratuity equal to the member’s annual salary, payable to the deceased member’s widow or widower, or children either in the annual legislative branch appropriations act or a measure providing supplemental funds for the legislative branch. By statute, a death gratuity is considered a gift.”
Before Lautenberg’s death, he was No. 8 on Roll Call’s 50 Richest Members of Congress with a net worth of at least $56.8 million."
10 'Poorest' Members of Congress Owe Big
10 'Poorest' Members of Congress Owe Big : Roll Call News:
"3. Debbie Wasserman Schultz: -$1.04 million
The chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, Wasserman Schultz has spent most of her career in political office, starting as a state legislator in her home state of Florida.
She has two mortgages with a combined worth of at least $750,000, plus $350,000 in home equity and personal loans.
She also carried more than $50,000 in credit card debt in 2012.
Her assets include a spouse-held $100,000 stock in the community bank where her husband works and several small bank accounts including college savings plans for her children.
......Democrat Debbie Stabenow of Michigan is the poorest member of the Senate, with a net worth of -$585,000. "
"3. Debbie Wasserman Schultz: -$1.04 million
The chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, Wasserman Schultz has spent most of her career in political office, starting as a state legislator in her home state of Florida.
She has two mortgages with a combined worth of at least $750,000, plus $350,000 in home equity and personal loans.
She also carried more than $50,000 in credit card debt in 2012.
Her assets include a spouse-held $100,000 stock in the community bank where her husband works and several small bank accounts including college savings plans for her children.
......Democrat Debbie Stabenow of Michigan is the poorest member of the Senate, with a net worth of -$585,000. "
CNN’s Don Lemon: You Have a Better Chance Of Getting Shot in a Black City Than Being Killed in a Mass Shooting
CNN’s Don Lemon: You Have a Better Chance Of Getting Robbed in a Black City Than Being Killed in a Mass Shooting | breakingbrown.com:
"He concluded: “You have a better chance of getting shot walking down your street, getting into an altercation, or getting robbed in cities like New Orleans, Detroit, Baltimore, Miami, D.C., Atlanta or Cleveland than you do getting shot or killed in a mass shooting.”
"He concluded: “You have a better chance of getting shot walking down your street, getting into an altercation, or getting robbed in cities like New Orleans, Detroit, Baltimore, Miami, D.C., Atlanta or Cleveland than you do getting shot or killed in a mass shooting.”
Obama struggles with debt talk at Ford plant: 'If we don't raise the debt ceiling, we're deadbeats'
Obama struggles with debt talk at Ford plant: 'If we don't raise the debt ceiling, we're deadbeats' - Washington Times:
"“This is important,” Mr. Obama said. “Raising the debt ceiling is not the same as approving more spending, any more than making your monthly payments adds to the total cost of your truck.”
Plowing ahead, Mr. Obama said, “I — you don’t say, well, I’m not going — I’m not going to pay my — my — my bill, my note for my truck because I’m going to save money. No, you’re not saving money. You already bought the truck, right? You have to pay the bills. You — you are not — you’re not saving money.”"
"“This is important,” Mr. Obama said. “Raising the debt ceiling is not the same as approving more spending, any more than making your monthly payments adds to the total cost of your truck.”
Plowing ahead, Mr. Obama said, “I — you don’t say, well, I’m not going — I’m not going to pay my — my — my bill, my note for my truck because I’m going to save money. No, you’re not saving money. You already bought the truck, right? You have to pay the bills. You — you are not — you’re not saving money.”"
Friday, September 20, 2013
More Flops in Electric Car Industry
More Flops in Electric Car Industry | Via Meadia:
"It looks as though the federal grant was the only thing keeping the company afloat for the past few years: the company cites the cancellation of government payments as the main reason for its bankruptcy."
"It looks as though the federal grant was the only thing keeping the company afloat for the past few years: the company cites the cancellation of government payments as the main reason for its bankruptcy."
Next stop, banana republic
Mark Steyn: Next stop, banana republic | banana, republic, government - Opinion - The Orange County Register:
"“This is the United States of America,” declared President Obama to the burghers of Liberty, Missouri, on Friday.
“We’re not some banana republic.”
He was talking about the Annual Raising of the Debt Ceiling, which glorious American tradition seems to come round earlier every year.
“This is not a deadbeat nation,” President Obama continued.
“We don’t run out on our tab.”
True.
But we don’t pay it off, either.
We just keep running it up, ever higher. "
"“This is the United States of America,” declared President Obama to the burghers of Liberty, Missouri, on Friday.
“We’re not some banana republic.”
He was talking about the Annual Raising of the Debt Ceiling, which glorious American tradition seems to come round earlier every year.
“This is not a deadbeat nation,” President Obama continued.
“We don’t run out on our tab.”
True.
But we don’t pay it off, either.
We just keep running it up, ever higher. "
KU Professor Placed On Administrative Leave After Tweet
KU Professor Placed On Administrative Leave After Tweet - KMBZ:
"MISSION - University of Kansas journalism professor David Guth has been placed on administrative leave following a tweet he made on Monday about the shooting at the Washington Navy Yard in reference to the National Rifle Association.
Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little announced the decision on Friday.
"In order to prevent disruptions to the learning environment for students, the School of Journalism and the university, I have directed Provost Jeffrey Vitter to place Associate Professor Guth on indefinite administrative leave pending a review of the entire situation. Professor Guth’s classes will be taught by other faculty members," Gray-Little said in a statement.
After the Navy Yard shootings Monday, David Guth tweeted out "#NavyYardShooting The blood is on the hands of the #NRA. Next time, let it be YOUR sons and daughters. Shame on you. May God damn you.""
"MISSION - University of Kansas journalism professor David Guth has been placed on administrative leave following a tweet he made on Monday about the shooting at the Washington Navy Yard in reference to the National Rifle Association.
Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little announced the decision on Friday.
"In order to prevent disruptions to the learning environment for students, the School of Journalism and the university, I have directed Provost Jeffrey Vitter to place Associate Professor Guth on indefinite administrative leave pending a review of the entire situation. Professor Guth’s classes will be taught by other faculty members," Gray-Little said in a statement.
After the Navy Yard shootings Monday, David Guth tweeted out "#NavyYardShooting The blood is on the hands of the #NRA. Next time, let it be YOUR sons and daughters. Shame on you. May God damn you.""
Obamacare Raising Health Care Spending by $621,000,000,000
Obamacare Raising Health Care Spending by $621,000,000,000:
"However, econometric and actuarial analysis by the CMS Office of the Actuary of the past fifty years of National Health Expenditure Accounts data…suggests that health spending growth is likely to accelerate once economic conditions improve significantly."
"However, econometric and actuarial analysis by the CMS Office of the Actuary of the past fifty years of National Health Expenditure Accounts data…suggests that health spending growth is likely to accelerate once economic conditions improve significantly."
Rescued Baby Hummingbird
from site:
"This is a baby hummingbird I rescued after it was attacked.
The song is "Better Together" by Jack Johnson.
UPDATE!!! when she thought she was ready to leave (and she was) she flew off to her favorite patch of the back yard, and her instincts instantly kicked in, and now she's just like all the other hummingbirds. for those that are concerned that she has imprinted on humans and wouldn't survive in the wild, don't worry, she is thriving. she has even successfully migrated and returned back to my yard. and for those who think i didn't know what i was doing, i did NOT feed her plain sugar water. i went outside 3 times a day and caught flies from my compost bin (be green people) in big bags, crushed them, and mixed them in as well. I also helped her learn to catch flies while flying (not in the video because the flies were too small). It was a pretty hectic but very rewarding experience and, in the end, i don't think it could have worked out any better :)"
Why does Obama's Justice Department want to send poor, black kids to failing schools?
Why does Obama's Justice Department want to send poor, black kids to failing schools? | Fox News:
"The Obama Justice Department filed a civil rights lawsuit last month to stop Louisiana from giving vouchers to poor students in failing schools.
The Justice Department claims that the vouchers disrupt racial balance in schools."
"The Obama Justice Department filed a civil rights lawsuit last month to stop Louisiana from giving vouchers to poor students in failing schools.
The Justice Department claims that the vouchers disrupt racial balance in schools."
Safe Passage Worker Hit Woman, Stole Benefits Card
Safe Passage Worker Hit Woman, Stole Benefits Card: Authorities « CBS Chicago:
"A Safe Passage worker for Chicago Public Schools allegedly struck a woman and stole her Link benefits card, authorities say.
Lashia Brown, 22, has been charged with misdemeanor battery and felony ID theft.
Police confirmed Brown has a prior criminal record that includes possessing a weapon without a Firearm Owners Identification Card, an offense for which she pleaded guilty.
Brown allegedly struck the victim in the face and used her Link card to withdraw money. "
"safe passage worker"?
"A Safe Passage worker for Chicago Public Schools allegedly struck a woman and stole her Link benefits card, authorities say.
Lashia Brown, 22, has been charged with misdemeanor battery and felony ID theft.
Police confirmed Brown has a prior criminal record that includes possessing a weapon without a Firearm Owners Identification Card, an offense for which she pleaded guilty.
Brown allegedly struck the victim in the face and used her Link card to withdraw money. "
"safe passage worker"?
5th-Generation Fighter, 1st-Generation Tires?
5th-Generation Fighter, 1st-Generation Tires? | Defense Tech:
"Air Force Lt. Gen. Christopher Bogdan, who oversees the Defense Department’s Joint Strike Fighter program, this week said some parts of the plane break down too frequently.
When a reporter asked for examples, Bogdan cited a seemingly mundane component: the tires"
"Air Force Lt. Gen. Christopher Bogdan, who oversees the Defense Department’s Joint Strike Fighter program, this week said some parts of the plane break down too frequently.
When a reporter asked for examples, Bogdan cited a seemingly mundane component: the tires"
City Sued Over FOIA Fees
City Sued Over FOIA Fees [Michigan Capitol Confidential]:
"Westland charges $1 per page, $45 per hour to gather public information"
Make no mistake, it's them against us!
"Westland charges $1 per page, $45 per hour to gather public information"
Make no mistake, it's them against us!
Ex-NFL star Brian Holloway may be sued by parents of teens who allegedly trashed his upstate NY home
Ex-NFL star Brian Holloway may be sued by parents of teens who allegedly trashed his upstate NY home - NY Daily News:
"If Brian Holloway thought the hundreds of teenagers who destroyed his home were ruthless, wait until their families are through with him.
Several parents are reportedly considering lawsuits against the former NFL star after he posted their children's names on a website created in the wake of the Labor Day weekend house party."
The website, www.helpmesave300.com, identifies over 100 of the estimated 300 house-crashers who trashed his upstate New York residence, and includes photos and tweets that documented the reckless destruction.
"If Brian Holloway thought the hundreds of teenagers who destroyed his home were ruthless, wait until their families are through with him.
Several parents are reportedly considering lawsuits against the former NFL star after he posted their children's names on a website created in the wake of the Labor Day weekend house party."
The website, www.helpmesave300.com, identifies over 100 of the estimated 300 house-crashers who trashed his upstate New York residence, and includes photos and tweets that documented the reckless destruction.
But rather than apologize to Holloway for their children's behavior, some parents have contacted their lawyers to see what legal action they can take against the former Patriots and Raiders offensive lineman, local affiliate ABC News 10 reported.
Going for broke: The multiple lost decades of US household income. Is it possible to have a recovery while the standard of living collapses?
Going for broke: The multiple lost decades of US household income. Is it possible to have a recovery while the standard of living collapses?:
"Adjusting for inflation, American families are making what they did in 1989.
How long ago was this?
The most popular shows on TV were The Cosby Show and Roseanne.
In other words, this was a generation ago.
The standard of living continues to decline for many but for others the bailouts are working out magnificently like rubbing on a central bank genie lamp.
The Fed is going for broke here but only a small portion of our population is really coming out ahead."
"Adjusting for inflation, American families are making what they did in 1989.
How long ago was this?
The most popular shows on TV were The Cosby Show and Roseanne.
In other words, this was a generation ago.
The standard of living continues to decline for many but for others the bailouts are working out magnificently like rubbing on a central bank genie lamp.
The Fed is going for broke here but only a small portion of our population is really coming out ahead."
Developers of new Detroit office tower seek $27M in tax incentives
Developers of new Detroit office tower seek $27M in tax incentives | Crain's Detroit Business:
"The Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Authority board could vote as soon as Wednesday afternoon on whether to approve $27 million in tax incentives for the first new major office building in the Central Business District since the completion of One Kennedy Square in 2006.
Plans for the 320,000-square-foot Schostak Bros. & Co. "
Hmmm.....$27 million to the family of the chairman of the Michigan Republican party....... hmmmmmm......
"The Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Authority board could vote as soon as Wednesday afternoon on whether to approve $27 million in tax incentives for the first new major office building in the Central Business District since the completion of One Kennedy Square in 2006.
Plans for the 320,000-square-foot Schostak Bros. & Co. "
Hmmm.....$27 million to the family of the chairman of the Michigan Republican party....... hmmmmmm......
See which Michigan cities have highest child poverty rates
See which Michigan cities have highest child poverty rates | MLive.com:
"The latest Census release included data on cities and counties with a population of 65,000 or more.
Flint had the second-highest child poverty rate at 57.6 percent, followed by Lansing at 50.1 percent, Grand Rapids at 42 percent, Dearborn at 40 percent and Kalamazoo at 38 percent. "
"The latest Census release included data on cities and counties with a population of 65,000 or more.
Flint had the second-highest child poverty rate at 57.6 percent, followed by Lansing at 50.1 percent, Grand Rapids at 42 percent, Dearborn at 40 percent and Kalamazoo at 38 percent. "
Behind the Curtain: Nancy Pelosi unplugged
Unplugged?
Unhinged!
Behind the Curtain: Nancy Pelosi unplugged - POLITICO.com
Striking a tone of disgust, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi ridicules the GOP as obsessed with its loathing of President Obama and hell-bent on hurting him politically, regardless the cost. She assigns little to no blame to the president (even though Democrats privately say that’s laughable) and instead portrays him as saintly, above reproach and the victim of jealousy or something worse.
After 26 years in the House, she says, “I haven’t seen anything like it. I haven’t seen anything like it.” (Never heard of George Bush?)
Unhinged!
Behind the Curtain: Nancy Pelosi unplugged - POLITICO.com
Striking a tone of disgust, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi ridicules the GOP as obsessed with its loathing of President Obama and hell-bent on hurting him politically, regardless the cost. She assigns little to no blame to the president (even though Democrats privately say that’s laughable) and instead portrays him as saintly, above reproach and the victim of jealousy or something worse.
After 26 years in the House, she says, “I haven’t seen anything like it. I haven’t seen anything like it.” (Never heard of George Bush?)
Throughout a 50-minute interview on Thursday in her second-floor Capitol office, where the late Speaker Tip O’Neill used to receive supplicants, Pelosi was sharply derisive about the scorn Republicans have for this president.
“You know why it is,” she said. “You know why it is. He’s brilliant, … he thinks in a strategic way in how to get something done … and he’s completely eloquent. That’s a package that they don’t like.
..Then she added a line that she has used before, that drives Republicans batty: “He has been … open, practically apolitical, certainly nonpartisan, in terms of welcoming every idea and solution. I think that’s one of the reasons the Republicans want to take him down politically, because they know he is a nonpartisan president, and that’s something very hard for them to cope with.”
“You know why it is,” she said. “You know why it is. He’s brilliant, … he thinks in a strategic way in how to get something done … and he’s completely eloquent. That’s a package that they don’t like.
..Then she added a line that she has used before, that drives Republicans batty: “He has been … open, practically apolitical, certainly nonpartisan, in terms of welcoming every idea and solution. I think that’s one of the reasons the Republicans want to take him down politically, because they know he is a nonpartisan president, and that’s something very hard for them to cope with.”
Wal-Mart site plan approval appeal going before Whitehall Township board Sept. 23
Wal-Mart site plan approval appeal going before Whitehall Township board Sept. 23 | MLive.com:
"WHITEHALL, MI – What could be the last public meeting on the controversial plan to build a Wal-Mart “supercenter” in Whitehall Township will be held Monday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m."
"WHITEHALL, MI – What could be the last public meeting on the controversial plan to build a Wal-Mart “supercenter” in Whitehall Township will be held Monday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m."
Earth Has More Sea Ice Than 1990: ‘Earth currently has 333,000 Manhattans of sea ice, which is more ice than on the same date in 1990′
Climate Depot | A project of CFACT:
"Thomas touts Climate Depot: Marc Morano, a former staff member of the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (whose web page climatedepot.com offers numerous scientific articles debunking climate change), emails me:
"As a long observer of the global weather movement, I can say that the events of 2013 have been one of the most devastating to the movement.
Both poles have record expanding ice.
Global temperatures have failed to rise for 15 plus years, sea level rise is failing to accelerate, tornadoes are at record lows, hurricanes are near record low activity ... 2013 may be the year in which man-made global warming fears enter the dustbin of history.'"
"Thomas touts Climate Depot: Marc Morano, a former staff member of the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (whose web page climatedepot.com offers numerous scientific articles debunking climate change), emails me:
"As a long observer of the global weather movement, I can say that the events of 2013 have been one of the most devastating to the movement.
Both poles have record expanding ice.
Global temperatures have failed to rise for 15 plus years, sea level rise is failing to accelerate, tornadoes are at record lows, hurricanes are near record low activity ... 2013 may be the year in which man-made global warming fears enter the dustbin of history.'"
My Favorite SR-71 Story
My Favorite SR-71 Story | The Lexicans:
"So it was with great surprise, when, at the end of one of my presentations, someone asked:
What was the slowest you ever flew the Blackbird.?
This was a first.
After giving it some thought, I was reminded of a story I had never shared before, and relayed the following:"
Amazing memories!
"So it was with great surprise, when, at the end of one of my presentations, someone asked:
What was the slowest you ever flew the Blackbird.?
This was a first.
After giving it some thought, I was reminded of a story I had never shared before, and relayed the following:"
Amazing memories!
Thursday, September 19, 2013
The Decline of College
The Decline of College | RealClearPolitics:
"The four-year campus experience is simply vanishing.
At the California State University system, the largest university complex in the world, well under 20 percent of students graduate in four years despite massive student aid.
Fewer than half graduate in six years."
"The four-year campus experience is simply vanishing.
At the California State University system, the largest university complex in the world, well under 20 percent of students graduate in four years despite massive student aid.
Fewer than half graduate in six years."
This Is Why Most Military Personnel Aren’t Armed on Military Bases — and It’s Not Clinton’s Fault
This Is Why Most Military Personnel Aren’t Armed on Military Bases — and It’s Not Clinton’s Fault | TheBlaze.com:
Monday’s deadly shooting at the Washington Navy Yard has renewed interest in why most military personnel are forbidden from carrying firearms on military bases.
In the aftermath, some have pointed fingers at former President Bill Clinton, but is he really to blame?
Not according to what we found.
The question of why military members aren’t armed on base garnered attention back in November 2009 when Army Maj. Nidal Hasan opened fire at Ft. Hood and killed 13 people. He was sentenced to death on August 28. Now, nearly four years later, many are asking the same question.
So what’s the answer?
It appears this “gun-free zone” type policy can actually be traced back toDepartment of Defense (DoD) Directive 5210.56, signed into effect in February 1992 by Donald J. Atwood, deputy secretary of defense under President George H.W. Bush.
Spitting on Their Graves: Democrats Leave Benghazi Hearing Before Testimony From Families of Victims
Spitting on Their Graves: Democrats Leave Benghazi Hearing Before Testimony From Families of Victims - Katie Pavlich:
"During the second portion of a House Oversight and Government Reform hearing about Benghazi Thursday on Capitol Hill, the majority of Democrats on the Committee left the room and refused to listen to the testimony of Patricia Smith and Charles Woods. Ms. Smith is the mother of Sean Smith, an information management officer killed in the 9/11 Benghazi attack. Charles Woods is the father of Navy SEAL Tyrone Woods, who was also killed."
"During the second portion of a House Oversight and Government Reform hearing about Benghazi Thursday on Capitol Hill, the majority of Democrats on the Committee left the room and refused to listen to the testimony of Patricia Smith and Charles Woods. Ms. Smith is the mother of Sean Smith, an information management officer killed in the 9/11 Benghazi attack. Charles Woods is the father of Navy SEAL Tyrone Woods, who was also killed."
University of Michigan athletics paid for 'Go Blue' skywriting over Spartan Stadium
University of Michigan athletics paid for 'Go Blue' skywriting over Spartan Stadium | MLive.com:
"EAST LANSING --“ University of Michigan athletics paid thousands of dollars for a skywriter to etch "Go Blue" in the skies over East Lansing before Michigan State kicked off against Youngstown State on Saturday, MLive has learned exclusively."
"EAST LANSING --“ University of Michigan athletics paid thousands of dollars for a skywriter to etch "Go Blue" in the skies over East Lansing before Michigan State kicked off against Youngstown State on Saturday, MLive has learned exclusively."
Australia shows us all the way by sacking its useless, pointless Climate Commissioner
Australia shows us all the way by sacking its useless, pointless Climate Commissioner Tim Flannery – Telegraph Blogs:
""G'day mate, would you like fries with that?
G'day mate, would you like fries with that?
G'day mate, would you like fries with that?"
Oh to be a fly on the wall at Tim Flannery's waterside property as he practises in the mirror for a job more suited to his talents.
This time last week he was Australia's Climate Commissioner, on an A$180,000 a year salary which required him to work just three days a week.
But incoming premier Tony Abbott's night of the green knives has put paid to that. Flannery's Mickey Mouse job has gone; so too has Australia's Climate Commission"
""G'day mate, would you like fries with that?
G'day mate, would you like fries with that?
G'day mate, would you like fries with that?"
Oh to be a fly on the wall at Tim Flannery's waterside property as he practises in the mirror for a job more suited to his talents.
This time last week he was Australia's Climate Commissioner, on an A$180,000 a year salary which required him to work just three days a week.
But incoming premier Tony Abbott's night of the green knives has put paid to that. Flannery's Mickey Mouse job has gone; so too has Australia's Climate Commission"
Cops at Ohio State have an armored fighting vehicle now
Cops at Ohio State have an armored fighting vehicle now | The Daily Caller:
"The Ohio State University Department of Public Safety has acquired an armored military vehicle that looks like it belongs in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Gary Lewis, a senior director of media relations at OSU, told The Daily Caller via email that the “unique, special-purpose vehicle is a replacement” for the “police fleet.”
He called the armored jalopy “an all-hazard, all-purpose, public safety-response vehicle” with “obviously enhanced capabilities.”
"The Ohio State University Department of Public Safety has acquired an armored military vehicle that looks like it belongs in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Gary Lewis, a senior director of media relations at OSU, told The Daily Caller via email that the “unique, special-purpose vehicle is a replacement” for the “police fleet.”
He called the armored jalopy “an all-hazard, all-purpose, public safety-response vehicle” with “obviously enhanced capabilities.”
The Price of Politics
The Price of Politics | National Review Online:
"We have entered the realm of the vicious circle: Debt and deficits will slow down economic growth, and slower economic growth will make our debt and deficits worse."
"We have entered the realm of the vicious circle: Debt and deficits will slow down economic growth, and slower economic growth will make our debt and deficits worse."
AP Tests: Waste of Tax Money?
AP Tests: Waste of Tax Money? | Heartlander Magazine:
"From the article comes an explanation of how “students don’t reap any measurable benefit from AP classes unless they do well enough to pass the $89 end-of-course exam.”
This hasn’t stopped the federal government from spending $275 million in recent years “to promote the classes and subsidize exam fees for low-income students; states have spent many millions more.”
"From the article comes an explanation of how “students don’t reap any measurable benefit from AP classes unless they do well enough to pass the $89 end-of-course exam.”
This hasn’t stopped the federal government from spending $275 million in recent years “to promote the classes and subsidize exam fees for low-income students; states have spent many millions more.”
The Hotties and the Notties
The Hotties and the Notties — The Monkey Cage:
"In 2006, James Felton, Peter T. Koper, John Mitchell and Michael Stinson have conducted research that sought to establish, inter alia how perceived hotness of professors affected their RateMyProfessors evaluations for teaching quality.
As part of this exercise, Felton et al. ranked (Table 2 in their paper) the relative hotness quotients of 36 different academic disciplines.
My estimable colleague Professor Sides has prepared a nice graph of the data (see below)."
"In 2006, James Felton, Peter T. Koper, John Mitchell and Michael Stinson have conducted research that sought to establish, inter alia how perceived hotness of professors affected their RateMyProfessors evaluations for teaching quality.
As part of this exercise, Felton et al. ranked (Table 2 in their paper) the relative hotness quotients of 36 different academic disciplines.
My estimable colleague Professor Sides has prepared a nice graph of the data (see below)."
Internet Sales Tax One Step Closer to Reality in Michigan
Internet Sales Tax One Step Closer to Reality in Michigan [Michigan Capitol Confidential]:
"The six Republican committee members who voted “yes” on the bills last week were Reps. Kevin Cotter, R-Mt. Pleasant; Frank Foster, R-Pellston; Tim Kelly, R-Saginaw Township.; Lisa Posthumus Lyons, R-Aldo; Margaret O'Brien, R-Portage; and Amanda Price, R-Holland."
Why is it the collaborators always seem to be GOPers?
"The six Republican committee members who voted “yes” on the bills last week were Reps. Kevin Cotter, R-Mt. Pleasant; Frank Foster, R-Pellston; Tim Kelly, R-Saginaw Township.; Lisa Posthumus Lyons, R-Aldo; Margaret O'Brien, R-Portage; and Amanda Price, R-Holland."
Why is it the collaborators always seem to be GOPers?
Police Chief James Craig reacts to Detroit ranking as 2nd most violent city in U.S.
Police Chief James Craig reacts to Detroit ranking as 2nd most violent city in U.S. | MLive.com:
"Using FBI crime data and population estimates, in 2012, citizens had varying odds of becoming crime victims. Here's a look:
Flint: 1 in 37 chance of being a victim of violence
Saginaw: 1 in 42 chance of being a victim of violence
Detroit: 1 in 47 chance of being a victim of violence"
"Using FBI crime data and population estimates, in 2012, citizens had varying odds of becoming crime victims. Here's a look:
Flint: 1 in 37 chance of being a victim of violence
Saginaw: 1 in 42 chance of being a victim of violence
Detroit: 1 in 47 chance of being a victim of violence"
Three things you should know about Muskegon County's proposed 2014 budget
Three things you should know about Muskegon County's proposed 2014 budget | MLive.com:
"The department would a cost 1.25 million -- about $200,000 more than the current system."
Hey, it's only someone else's money....
"The department would a cost 1.25 million -- about $200,000 more than the current system."
Hey, it's only someone else's money....
Egelston Township fire service invoices going unpaid, board considers what to do
Egelston Township fire service invoices going unpaid, board considers what to do | MLive.com:
"Egelston Township has had a policy to charge for fire department services since the mid- to late-1990s, Brentana said. But the fire department didn't get "serious about it" until 2010, he said."
What the heck do they pay taxes for?
"Egelston Township has had a policy to charge for fire department services since the mid- to late-1990s, Brentana said. But the fire department didn't get "serious about it" until 2010, he said."
What the heck do they pay taxes for?
IRS spied on tea party after granting tax-exempt status
IRS spied on tea party after granting tax-exempt status - Washington Times:
"Republicans investigating the IRS targeting scandal said Wednesday that the agency continued to conduct secret surveillance on tea party groups even after approving them for tax-exempt status."
Big Brother is OK if you're a democrat.
"Republicans investigating the IRS targeting scandal said Wednesday that the agency continued to conduct secret surveillance on tea party groups even after approving them for tax-exempt status."
Big Brother is OK if you're a democrat.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Aaron Alexis Enlisted In Navy During Period Of Criminal Record Waivers
Aaron Alexis Enlisted In Navy During Period Of Criminal Record Waivers:
"In 2007, the year that the Navy accepted Alexis into its ranks, the military services together enlisted 909 recruits with felony convictions, including burglary, grand larceny, aggravated assault, child molestation, narcotics possession and arson, according to Defense Department data provided to Congress.
Included among the Navy's new recruits in 2007 were 42 people with felony convictions."
"In 2007, the year that the Navy accepted Alexis into its ranks, the military services together enlisted 909 recruits with felony convictions, including burglary, grand larceny, aggravated assault, child molestation, narcotics possession and arson, according to Defense Department data provided to Congress.
Included among the Navy's new recruits in 2007 were 42 people with felony convictions."
FBI: Chicago passes New York as murder capital of U.S.
FBI: Chicago passes New York as murder capital of U.S.:
"The city of Chicago registered more homicides than any city in the nation in 2012, surpassing even New York — despite the fact that the Second City has only one third as many residents as the Big Apple.
...But residents of Chicago and New York were much less likely to be victims of a homicide than residents of Flint, Mich.
Sixty-three murders occurred in 2012 in Flint, a city of 101,632, meaning one in every 1,613 city residents were homicide victims.
Detroit, which experienced 386 homicides in 2012, was almost as unsafe; that’s enough murders to account for one in every 1,832 residents."
"The city of Chicago registered more homicides than any city in the nation in 2012, surpassing even New York — despite the fact that the Second City has only one third as many residents as the Big Apple.
...But residents of Chicago and New York were much less likely to be victims of a homicide than residents of Flint, Mich.
Sixty-three murders occurred in 2012 in Flint, a city of 101,632, meaning one in every 1,613 city residents were homicide victims.
Detroit, which experienced 386 homicides in 2012, was almost as unsafe; that’s enough murders to account for one in every 1,832 residents."
'New' Dow vs. Current Dow
'New' Dow vs. Current Dow:
"On September 10, three component changes were announced for the Dow Jones industrial average.
Effective September 23, Alcoa, Bank of America and Hewlett-Packard will be replaced by Goldman Sachs, Nike and Visa.
On this page, we're showing you how the "new" Dow would be performing if the changes became effective on the morning they were announced."
"On September 10, three component changes were announced for the Dow Jones industrial average.
Effective September 23, Alcoa, Bank of America and Hewlett-Packard will be replaced by Goldman Sachs, Nike and Visa.
On this page, we're showing you how the "new" Dow would be performing if the changes became effective on the morning they were announced."
Probe launched over claim that elite Capitol Police unit blocked from Navy Yard massacre
Probe launched over claim that elite Capitol Police unit blocked from Navy Yard massacre | Fox News:
"The board that oversees the U.S. Capitol Police has opened an investigation into whether a tactical team of officers that was one of the first on the scene during the Washington Navy Yard shooting was ordered to stand down. "
"The board that oversees the U.S. Capitol Police has opened an investigation into whether a tactical team of officers that was one of the first on the scene during the Washington Navy Yard shooting was ordered to stand down. "
Climate Change Reconsidered Presents Mountains of Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Climate Change Reconsidered Presents Mountains of Peer-Reviewed Evidence | Heartlander Magazine:
"The new report, known as CCR-2, includes more than 1,000 pages documenting the evidence that anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions are not causing a global warming crisis.
The report contains literally thousands of citations to the peer-reviewed literature."
"The new report, known as CCR-2, includes more than 1,000 pages documenting the evidence that anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions are not causing a global warming crisis.
The report contains literally thousands of citations to the peer-reviewed literature."
It's Not About The Nail
"Don't try to fix it. I just need you to listen."
Every man has heard these words.
And they are the law of the land.
No matter what."
Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce: We want 'fairness and equity' in Detroit projects
Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce: We want 'fairness and equity' in Detroit projects | Detroit Free Press | freep.com:
"As Detroit seeks to revitalize and redevelop, the Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce — and other groups representing minority businesses owners — plans to make a case for more inclusion in these projects.
“Or goal is to make sure there is fairness and equity,” said Ken Harris, president and CEO of the chamber.
“We must make it a priority that we are included, and the processes are inclusive.
It makes sense to have minority and African-American firms at the table.”
He added: “We find it deplorable if they are not.”
"As Detroit seeks to revitalize and redevelop, the Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce — and other groups representing minority businesses owners — plans to make a case for more inclusion in these projects.
“Or goal is to make sure there is fairness and equity,” said Ken Harris, president and CEO of the chamber.
“We must make it a priority that we are included, and the processes are inclusive.
It makes sense to have minority and African-American firms at the table.”
He added: “We find it deplorable if they are not.”
More than $500K awarded for Great Lakes projects
More than $500K awarded for Great Lakes projects | Lansing State Journal | lansingstatejournal.com:
"The money is provided in part by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. A full list of projects is posted online."
"The money is provided in part by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. A full list of projects is posted online."
GVSU students protest removal of sculpture used in nude parody of Miley Cyrus ‘Wrecking Ball’ video
GVSU students protest removal of sculpture used in nude parody of Miley Cyrus ‘Wrecking Ball’ video | MLive.com:
"The university removed the sculpture – essentially a large, metal ball hanging from a steel cable – Tuesday morning, saying it needed to verify the “structural integrity” to ensure it wouldn’t collapse under the weight of multiple students."
"The university removed the sculpture – essentially a large, metal ball hanging from a steel cable – Tuesday morning, saying it needed to verify the “structural integrity” to ensure it wouldn’t collapse under the weight of multiple students."
Student Indoctrination
Student Indoctrination — The Patriot Post:
"You ask, “Williams, what can be done?”
Students should record classroom professorial propaganda and give it wide distribution over the Internet.
I've taught for more than 45 years and routinely invited students to record my lectures so they don't have to be stenographers during class.
I have no idea of where those recordings have wound up, but if you find them, you'll hear zero proselytization or discussion of my political and personal preferences.
To use a classroom to propagate one's personal beliefs is academic dishonesty.
Vladimir Lenin said, “Give me four years to teach the children and the seed I have sown will never be uprooted.” That's the goal of the leftist teaching agenda."
"You ask, “Williams, what can be done?”
Students should record classroom professorial propaganda and give it wide distribution over the Internet.
I've taught for more than 45 years and routinely invited students to record my lectures so they don't have to be stenographers during class.
I have no idea of where those recordings have wound up, but if you find them, you'll hear zero proselytization or discussion of my political and personal preferences.
To use a classroom to propagate one's personal beliefs is academic dishonesty.
Vladimir Lenin said, “Give me four years to teach the children and the seed I have sown will never be uprooted.” That's the goal of the leftist teaching agenda."
The N-Word & the L-Word
The N-Word & the L-Word — The Patriot Post:
"We have been told time and again that the world will stop spinning if white people utter the word that's tossed around like a Frisbee in the black community.
Blacks never explain why the word that's supposed to be the worst obscenity imaginable has such wide currency within their own ranks. "
"We have been told time and again that the world will stop spinning if white people utter the word that's tossed around like a Frisbee in the black community.
Blacks never explain why the word that's supposed to be the worst obscenity imaginable has such wide currency within their own ranks. "
Muskegon schools boss says special-education students from Muskegon Heights straining budget
Muskegon schools boss says special-education students from Muskegon Heights straining budget | MLive.com:
"Muskegon Superintendent Jon Felske said 80 students who had qualified for special-education services at Muskegon Heights have enrolled at Muskegon this year.
"Everybody knows special-education students cost more than the state and federal dollars that are available to support those students," Felske said. "So it's a reduction in the general fund to support those students."
"Muskegon Superintendent Jon Felske said 80 students who had qualified for special-education services at Muskegon Heights have enrolled at Muskegon this year.
"Everybody knows special-education students cost more than the state and federal dollars that are available to support those students," Felske said. "So it's a reduction in the general fund to support those students."
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Giving
This is a wonderful 3 minutes.
Grab a hankie....
"The Thai telecommunications conglomerate True is getting rave reviews worldwide for its latest spot, "Giving," which tells the story of a man unexpectedly rewarded for a lifetime of good deeds he performed without expecting anything in return."
Grab a hankie....
"The Thai telecommunications conglomerate True is getting rave reviews worldwide for its latest spot, "Giving," which tells the story of a man unexpectedly rewarded for a lifetime of good deeds he performed without expecting anything in return."
Yesterday, Obama Was Not My President--or Yours
Yesterday, Obama Was Not My President--or Yours:
"It was also an act that places Obama's passivity during the Benghazi attacks--and his decision to fly to Las Vegas the next day for a campaign fundraiser--in perspective.
This is a president who, even as Navy Seals approached Osama bin Laden's hideout, retired to play cards with his pals.
The image is of a man with little regard for the lives of Americans in "his" military, or their families, beyond their use as campaign props."
"It was also an act that places Obama's passivity during the Benghazi attacks--and his decision to fly to Las Vegas the next day for a campaign fundraiser--in perspective.
This is a president who, even as Navy Seals approached Osama bin Laden's hideout, retired to play cards with his pals.
The image is of a man with little regard for the lives of Americans in "his" military, or their families, beyond their use as campaign props."
Aaron Alexis and the war on standards
Aaron Alexis and the war on standards | Power Line:
"According to reports, Alexis was arrested in Seattle in 2004 for shooting out the tires of a parked car. Apparently, he did so in a rage because he felt two construction workers had disrespected him.
The Seattle police said today that it referred Alexis’ case to the Seattle Municipal Court for charges of property damage and discharge of a firearm.
But there’s no indication that Alexis was ever prosecuted. "
"According to reports, Alexis was arrested in Seattle in 2004 for shooting out the tires of a parked car. Apparently, he did so in a rage because he felt two construction workers had disrespected him.
The Seattle police said today that it referred Alexis’ case to the Seattle Municipal Court for charges of property damage and discharge of a firearm.
But there’s no indication that Alexis was ever prosecuted. "
Thirteen killed at Navy Shipyard by a crazy person (and William Jefferson Clinton)
Blog: Thirteen killed at Navy Shipyard by a crazy person (and William Jefferson Clinton):
President Clinton?
In 1993, Clinton issued an order banning guns from US military bases.
Excepting military police and troops shooting under supervision at practice ranges, no person (regardless of rank) is today allowed to carry any weapon (including standard service pistols) onto any US military base or to keep any weapon, even stored securely, in his office or personal quarters.
Prior to that order, officers of certain ranks were required to wear side arms.
Anyone who watched more than a few minutes of the extensive television coverage of yesterday's attack at the Navy Shipyard saw multiple accounts by senior Navy officers who described running for their lives after others nearby them fell or hiding under their desks, desperately texting colleagues seeking and offering reassurance that they had escaped the shooter thus far.
Think about that.
Career commissioned officers of the United States Navy--the Navy of "I have not yet begun to fight!" and "Don't give up the ship!"--the Navy of "We have met the enemy and they are ours!" and "Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!"--the Navy of which George Washington said "[W]ithout a decisive Naval force we can do nothing definitive, and with it, everything honorable and glorious!"--had no choice but to "shelter in place," cowering despite their proven personal courage and the best training in human history, while a lone gunman without benefit of body armor calmly executed 12 of their colleagues and wounded as many others.
NAVSEA has been described as the beating heart of the US Navy. (It might be better to say that it is the Navy's brain.) Our response to this attack should not be to lament (as one hospital spokeswoman, Dr. Janice Orlowski, said) that "there is something evil at the heart of American society that we as Americans have to work to try to eradicate." We should re-arm the officers commissioned to defend America so that they can in turn defend themselves.
It happened once because we were foolish. Twice because we were too politically correct to learn from the Fort Hood attack.
What will it make of us if we allow this to happen again?
When Men Hoist the Pirate Flag
When Men Hoist the Pirate Flag | According To Hoyt:
"Chivalry and the code thereof was the laying down of those good reproductive (and civilizational) rules that make for a functioning society that passes on its values to its young: men who put their strength at the service of the weaker; women who praised them and admired them for it; and children who were raised to do the same.
Tearing it down might seem like freedom, but you can’t remove the walls and wish the roof would remain standing."
"Chivalry and the code thereof was the laying down of those good reproductive (and civilizational) rules that make for a functioning society that passes on its values to its young: men who put their strength at the service of the weaker; women who praised them and admired them for it; and children who were raised to do the same.
Tearing it down might seem like freedom, but you can’t remove the walls and wish the roof would remain standing."
Global warming report could backfire on environmentalists
Global warming report could backfire on environmentalists | WashingtonExaminer.com:
"HOLDING CLIMATE CHANGE DENIERS ACCOUNTABLE" read the headline of a League of Conservation Voters press release announcing a $2 million barrage of ads aimed at Republican Sen. Ron Johnson, as well as GOP Reps. Mike Coffman, Dan Benishek and Rodney Davis.
"We're changing the terms of the climate change debate," said an LCV spokesman. "It's no longer acceptable to be a member of Congress and deny basic science."
"HOLDING CLIMATE CHANGE DENIERS ACCOUNTABLE" read the headline of a League of Conservation Voters press release announcing a $2 million barrage of ads aimed at Republican Sen. Ron Johnson, as well as GOP Reps. Mike Coffman, Dan Benishek and Rodney Davis.
"We're changing the terms of the climate change debate," said an LCV spokesman. "It's no longer acceptable to be a member of Congress and deny basic science."
wait but why: Why Generation Y Yuppies Are Unhappy
You MUST click link to see the entire excellent fable:
wait but why: Why Generation Y Yuppies Are Unhappy:
"Paul Harvey, a University of New Hampshire professor and GYPSY expert, has researched this, finding that Gen Y has "unrealistic expectations and a strong resistance toward accepting negative feedback," and "an inflated view of oneself." He says that "a great source of frustration for people with a strong sense of entitlement is unmet expectations. They often feel entitled to a level of respect and rewards that aren’t in line with their actual ability and effort levels, and so they might not get the level of respect and rewards they are expecting."
For those hiring members of Gen Y, Harvey suggests asking the interview question, “Do you feel you are generally superior to your coworkers/classmates/etc., and if so, why?” He says that “if the candidate answers yes to the first part but struggles with the ‘why,’ there may be an entitlement issue. This is because entitlement perceptions are often based on an unfounded sense of superiority and deservingness. They’ve been led to believe, perhaps through overzealous self-esteem building exercises in their youth, that they are somehow special but often lack any real justification for this belief.""
wait but why: Why Generation Y Yuppies Are Unhappy:"Paul Harvey, a University of New Hampshire professor and GYPSY expert, has researched this, finding that Gen Y has "unrealistic expectations and a strong resistance toward accepting negative feedback," and "an inflated view of oneself." He says that "a great source of frustration for people with a strong sense of entitlement is unmet expectations. They often feel entitled to a level of respect and rewards that aren’t in line with their actual ability and effort levels, and so they might not get the level of respect and rewards they are expecting."
For those hiring members of Gen Y, Harvey suggests asking the interview question, “Do you feel you are generally superior to your coworkers/classmates/etc., and if so, why?” He says that “if the candidate answers yes to the first part but struggles with the ‘why,’ there may be an entitlement issue. This is because entitlement perceptions are often based on an unfounded sense of superiority and deservingness. They’ve been led to believe, perhaps through overzealous self-esteem building exercises in their youth, that they are somehow special but often lack any real justification for this belief.""
Sun Mysteriously Goes All Quiet Just When Its Activity Should Be Highest
Sun Mysteriously Goes All Quiet Just When Its Activity Should Be Highest - Wired Science:
"Almost every measure of solar activity flatlined over the weekend.
The event, though not unprecedented, is odd considering that our local star has just passed what is supposed to be the peak of its solar cycle, when activity is at its highest."
"Almost every measure of solar activity flatlined over the weekend.
The event, though not unprecedented, is odd considering that our local star has just passed what is supposed to be the peak of its solar cycle, when activity is at its highest."
Sugar is 'addictive and the most dangerous drug of the times'
Sugar is 'addictive and the most dangerous drug of the times' - Telegraph:"Obesity hit the headlines in July when police arrested three people from the town of Alkmaar for abusing Shetland ponies by filming them while they ridden by obese women clad in erotic clothing and wielding whips."
Yeah, yeah.
Sugar is bad, big deal.
But fat women on tiny horses with whips............
....ummmmm.......tiny horses......squished by fat women......ummmmmm
Monday, September 16, 2013
Palin firefighter copyright lawsuit Complaint — no proof of “fundraising” off photo
Sarah Palin | SarahPAC | Firefighter Photo | Ground Zero:
"Another media meme is created. Plus — some legal lessons."
Never trust the MSM.
NEVER!
"Another media meme is created. Plus — some legal lessons."
Never trust the MSM.
NEVER!
Congress’s Exemption from Obamacare
Congress’s Exemption from Obamacare | National Review Online:"Senator David Vitter, a Louisiana Republican, has demanded a floor vote on his bill to end an exemption that members of Congress and their staffs are slated to get that will make them the only participants in the new Obamacare exchanges to receive generous subsidies from their employer to pay for their health insurance.
Angry Senate Democrats have drafted legislation that dredges up a 2007 prostitution scandal involving Vitter. The confrontation is a perfect illustration of just how wide the gulf in attitudes is between the Beltway and the rest of the country — and how viciously Capitol Hill denizens will fight for their privileges"
Washington really is like Heaven for our elected "betters".
'Hot dog seasoning emergencies' and other stupid Illinois political tricks
Blog: 'Hot dog seasoning emergencies' and other stupid Illinois political tricks:
"The Illinois Department of Corrections declared a "hot dog seasoning emergency" when the department ran out of seasoning at the Menard Correctional Center meat shop.
They resorted to an emergency $15,000, no-bid contract to restock their supply to end the crisis.
This isn't an isolated incident.
For the fiscal year that ended June 30, Gov. Pat Quinn's administration approved more than $135 million in no-bid, emergency purchases.
The practice has continued into the current fiscal year, with Illinois Medicaid officials awarding no-bid ObamaCare contracts that could be valued as high as $190 million.
These aren't real emergencies.
This is mismanagement and failure to plan ahead.
Mismanagement shouldn't be used as an excuse for government to give out emergency, no-bid contracts that skirt the regular competitive bidding rules.
The problem with competitive bids, of course, is that the wrong people might bid too low, and favored vendors, those rich sources of patronage jobs, campaign donations, and what the Chicago vernacular calls "clout," might have to make do with the diminished profit opportunities offered by the free markets for their goods and services."
.........Now that Illinois has given us Barack Obama as president, crony capitalism is alive well beyond the dreams of Gilded Age robber barons.
"The Illinois Department of Corrections declared a "hot dog seasoning emergency" when the department ran out of seasoning at the Menard Correctional Center meat shop.
They resorted to an emergency $15,000, no-bid contract to restock their supply to end the crisis.
This isn't an isolated incident.
For the fiscal year that ended June 30, Gov. Pat Quinn's administration approved more than $135 million in no-bid, emergency purchases.
The practice has continued into the current fiscal year, with Illinois Medicaid officials awarding no-bid ObamaCare contracts that could be valued as high as $190 million.
These aren't real emergencies.
This is mismanagement and failure to plan ahead.
Mismanagement shouldn't be used as an excuse for government to give out emergency, no-bid contracts that skirt the regular competitive bidding rules.
The problem with competitive bids, of course, is that the wrong people might bid too low, and favored vendors, those rich sources of patronage jobs, campaign donations, and what the Chicago vernacular calls "clout," might have to make do with the diminished profit opportunities offered by the free markets for their goods and services."
.........Now that Illinois has given us Barack Obama as president, crony capitalism is alive well beyond the dreams of Gilded Age robber barons.
The Price of Non-Victory
The Price of Non-Victory | National Review Online
There’s a detail deep in this Washington Post story that deserves to be more widely known:
As it intensifies its withdrawal from Afghanistan, the U.S. military is being forced to fly massive amounts of gear and equipment out of the country instead of using cheaper overland and sea routes, according to Pentagon officials.
Military logisticians would like to send home 60 percent of their equipment and vehicles by trucking them into Pakistan and then loading them onto ships — the least expensive method by far. But cargo is flowing out on that route at only one-third the planned rate, the officials said.
They’re right. Flying the stuff out – to prevent the Taliban getting hold of them – is up to seven times as expensive. So what’s the problem with the land routes? Well, the political class that’s spent a decade blathering about an “exit strategy” apparently failed to anticipate an exit fee:
The government of Afghanistan closed the border this summerafter a dispute over whether the Pentagon and its contractors should have to pay $70 million in customs “fines” for taking the military gear out of the country. The Pentagon has refused to pay, calling the penalties a thinly veiled attempt at a shakedown.
There’s a price for everything – except for incurring the displeasure of the superpower. From kleptocrat clients in Kabul to war criminals in Damascus, no one has to worry about that. Imagine what Karzai must think of the guys who’ve kept him alive for 12 years even to attempt this shakedown.
We’ve wasted much of the last month bleating about how some pointless strike on Syria is necessary to maintain America’s credibility. But the biggest blow to that global credibility is the superpower’s inability to win wars.
The American way of war doesn’t work; around the world everybody knows it; and we on the right need to address it.
Obama: An American Chamberlain
Blog: Obama: An American Chamberlain:"It is, in short, not too much to speak of the week just past as another Munich.
In particular, one could fairly quote Winston Churchill's bitter speech to the House of Commons after that false peace:
"We have sustained a total and unmitigated defeat...
We are in the presence of a disaster of the first magnitude...
[O]ur loyal, brave people...should know the truth.
They...should know that we have sustained a defeat without a war, the consequences of which will travel far with us along our road; they should know that we have passed an awful milestone in our history;
..and that the terrible words have for the time being been pronounced against the Western democracies:
"'Thou are weighed in the balance and found wanting.'"
Boston Marathon Charity Funds Pose New Challenges for Victims
Boston Marathon Charity Funds Pose New Challenges for Victims - Brian Feldman - The Atlantic Wire:
"Two victims of the Boston marathon bombing, J.P. and Paul Norden, were each awarded $1.2 million dollars from the One Fund, but they are wary to spend it.
....Technically becoming a millionaire overnight has brought its own of complications for their recovery. For instance:
The payments are tax-free, but they will force the Norden brothers off the state health insurance program for the poor.
At the end of the year, they must begin buying their own medical insurance.
Coverage for prosthetics varies from policy to policy, but doctors and prosthetists agree that the lifetime cost of a new limb — especially for Paul Norden — easily could be more than the Norden brothers were awarded.
The devices, which wear out, must be replaced every few years and regularly maintained."
"Two victims of the Boston marathon bombing, J.P. and Paul Norden, were each awarded $1.2 million dollars from the One Fund, but they are wary to spend it.
....Technically becoming a millionaire overnight has brought its own of complications for their recovery. For instance:
The payments are tax-free, but they will force the Norden brothers off the state health insurance program for the poor.
At the end of the year, they must begin buying their own medical insurance.
Coverage for prosthetics varies from policy to policy, but doctors and prosthetists agree that the lifetime cost of a new limb — especially for Paul Norden — easily could be more than the Norden brothers were awarded.
The devices, which wear out, must be replaced every few years and regularly maintained."
Wind farms and renewable energy: a modern version of a medieval scam
Wind farms and renewable energy: a modern version of a medieval scam – Telegraph Blogs:
"It is difficult to think of a more medieval technology than wind mills.
They were cutting edge when Henry II was king and Richard the Lionheart was launching crusades.
The first certain reference to a wind mill in Europe dates from 1185AD Yorkshire, apparently.
Of course, the climate was warmer back then, as even the UN's International Panel on Climate Change now accepts.
Perhaps Ed Davey might like to try to tell us that's why our medieval fore bearers went for wind."
.....Unlike solar, which, thanks to innovation, will soon be cost effective, wind farms look like they be harvesting subsidies for a generation to come.
Far from progressive, they seem to be about rent seeking.
And what could be more atavistic than that?
Through every age, a tiny parasitical elite seeks to game the system to transfer wealth from the many to the few.
"It is difficult to think of a more medieval technology than wind mills.
They were cutting edge when Henry II was king and Richard the Lionheart was launching crusades.
The first certain reference to a wind mill in Europe dates from 1185AD Yorkshire, apparently.
Of course, the climate was warmer back then, as even the UN's International Panel on Climate Change now accepts.
Perhaps Ed Davey might like to try to tell us that's why our medieval fore bearers went for wind."
.....Unlike solar, which, thanks to innovation, will soon be cost effective, wind farms look like they be harvesting subsidies for a generation to come.
Far from progressive, they seem to be about rent seeking.
And what could be more atavistic than that?
Through every age, a tiny parasitical elite seeks to game the system to transfer wealth from the many to the few.
The more I think about it, the more the renewable energy scam seems just a contemporary manifestation of this ancient, hideous idea.
Matthew Shepard, Trayvon Martin, Brandon Darby and the Power of Leftist Mythmaking
Matthew Shepard, Trayvon Martin, Brandon Darby and the Power of Leftist Mythmaking:
Despite the clear evidence that the story that Shepard was done in by deadly homophobia was inaccurate and that Shepard was instead killled in a meth-fueled bender by another man who was bisexual, Hicklin states:
There are valuable reasons for telling certain stories in a certain way at pivotal times, but that doesn’t mean we have to hold on to them once they’ve outlived their usefulness.
Take a moment and read that quote again, because it's one of the clearest statements ever written on how the left sees "the narrative." It's moral relativism applied to epistemology and metaphysics. There is no such thing as truth to the left. There are "certain stories" that can be told "a certain way." The story tellers, whether they are artist or journalist, simply pick and choose which story they will tell which way depending upon whether it's a "pivotal time."
This philosophy explains why in so many cases you get a story that is heavily hyped in the culture at one point and then later the real story comes out. While trying to drive a gay rights agenda, the myth of Matthew Shepard was useful, so that's what ended up getting reported. If it's useful to say that Shepard was killed by homophobic good ol' boys in Wyoming, the news media and the arts go all in on that story.
.....The Matthew Shepard case proved that America was so homophobic that gay men could be crucified by straight men just for being gay. Except the story we were sold wasn't true.
The Trayvon Martin myth proved that America was so racist that young black men can't walk the streets without fear of being racially profiled and murdered. Except it wasn't true.
The Steubenville myth proved that America is so sexist and sports-obsessed that a small town covers up a brutal rape. Except it wasn't true.
The Brandon Darby myth proves that America uses entrapment to make up stories about a terrorism threat that doesn't really exist. Except it wasn't true.
Obama Then and Now: the Rashomon Effect (first in a series)
Roger’s Rules » Obama Then and Now: the Rashomon Effect (first in a series):
“Fundamentally transforming the United States of America” appeared to mean one thing in October 2008.
It means something quite different now, in 2013.
The words are the same, but the meaning has changed, changed utterly."
.....Obama’s statement from a speech about the future of America’s economy in September 2010:
"We can’t tell them [i.e., other nations], don’t grow.
We can’t — drive our SUVs and you know, eat as much as we want and keep our homes on you know, 72 degrees at all times, and whether we’re living in the desert or we’re living in the tundra, and then just expect that every other country’s going say OK."
I know that that speech was widely criticized on the right back in 2010.
But somehow it just slid down the memory hole.
“We can’t drive our SUVs and eat as much as we want and keep our homes [at] 72 degrees at all times and then just expect that every other country’s going say OK.”
How does that sound today?
We can’t drive our cars, eat what we want, and heat our houses because other countries may not like it.
That’s what the president of the United States said.
“Other countries” tell Americans whether and what they can drive, eat, and to how warm or cool they can keep their houses.
It was meant to be a “Green” speech, a “leading-from-behind” speech, a speech that would reinforce the idea that America was not special, not “exceptional” (just as Obama, and now Vladimir Putin, said!), not in charge of its own destiny because, whatever advantages we enjoyed, “You didn’t build that.”
There is a species of the anti-American left, consisting of about 95 percent of the professoriate and miscellaneous other elements, who find such rhetoric inspiring.
“Fundamentally transforming the United States of America” appeared to mean one thing in October 2008.
It means something quite different now, in 2013.
The words are the same, but the meaning has changed, changed utterly."
.....Obama’s statement from a speech about the future of America’s economy in September 2010:
"We can’t tell them [i.e., other nations], don’t grow.
We can’t — drive our SUVs and you know, eat as much as we want and keep our homes on you know, 72 degrees at all times, and whether we’re living in the desert or we’re living in the tundra, and then just expect that every other country’s going say OK."
I know that that speech was widely criticized on the right back in 2010.
But somehow it just slid down the memory hole.
“We can’t drive our SUVs and eat as much as we want and keep our homes [at] 72 degrees at all times and then just expect that every other country’s going say OK.”
How does that sound today?
We can’t drive our cars, eat what we want, and heat our houses because other countries may not like it.
That’s what the president of the United States said.
“Other countries” tell Americans whether and what they can drive, eat, and to how warm or cool they can keep their houses.
It was meant to be a “Green” speech, a “leading-from-behind” speech, a speech that would reinforce the idea that America was not special, not “exceptional” (just as Obama, and now Vladimir Putin, said!), not in charge of its own destiny because, whatever advantages we enjoyed, “You didn’t build that.”
There is a species of the anti-American left, consisting of about 95 percent of the professoriate and miscellaneous other elements, who find such rhetoric inspiring.
What really drove Colorado recall vote -- hint: it wasn't 'voter suppression'
What really drove Colorado recall vote -- hint: it wasn't 'voter suppression' | Fox News:
"The American people will tolerate many things but as history has shown, the one thing that can serve as a catalyst for revolution is action without representation.
We have a fervent belief in our right to be heard.
The entire idea of our democracy is predicated on the notion that our representatives have an obligation to at least listen to their constituents before taking action on their behalf."
"The American people will tolerate many things but as history has shown, the one thing that can serve as a catalyst for revolution is action without representation.
We have a fervent belief in our right to be heard.
The entire idea of our democracy is predicated on the notion that our representatives have an obligation to at least listen to their constituents before taking action on their behalf."
Global warming is just HALF what we said: World's top climate scientists admit computers got the effects of greenhouse gases wrong
Global warming is just HALF what we said: World's top climate scientists admit computers got the effects of greenhouse gases wrong | Mail Online:
"They recognise the global warming ‘pause’ first reported by The Mail on Sunday last year is real – and concede that their computer models did not predict it.
But they cannot explain why world average temperatures have not shown any statistically significant increase since 1997.
They admit large parts of the world were as warm as they are now for decades at a time between 950 and 1250 AD – centuries before the Industrial Revolution, and when the population and CO2 levels were both much lower.
The IPCC admits that while computer models forecast a decline in Antarctic sea ice, it has actually grown to a new record high.
Again, the IPCC cannot say why.
A forecast in the 2007 report that hurricanes would become more intense has simply been dropped, without mention.
This year has been one of the quietest hurricane seasons in history and the US is currently enjoying its longest-ever period – almost eight years – without a single hurricane of Category 3 or above making landfall."
"They recognise the global warming ‘pause’ first reported by The Mail on Sunday last year is real – and concede that their computer models did not predict it.
But they cannot explain why world average temperatures have not shown any statistically significant increase since 1997.
They admit large parts of the world were as warm as they are now for decades at a time between 950 and 1250 AD – centuries before the Industrial Revolution, and when the population and CO2 levels were both much lower.
The IPCC admits that while computer models forecast a decline in Antarctic sea ice, it has actually grown to a new record high.
Again, the IPCC cannot say why.
A forecast in the 2007 report that hurricanes would become more intense has simply been dropped, without mention.
This year has been one of the quietest hurricane seasons in history and the US is currently enjoying its longest-ever period – almost eight years – without a single hurricane of Category 3 or above making landfall."
Employment gap between rich, poor widest on record
My Way News - Employment gap between rich, poor widest on record:
"The gap in employment rates between America's highest- and lowest-income families has stretched to its widest levels since officials began tracking the data a decade ago, according to an analysis of government data conducted for The Associated Press."
"The gap in employment rates between America's highest- and lowest-income families has stretched to its widest levels since officials began tracking the data a decade ago, according to an analysis of government data conducted for The Associated Press."
How best to fix roads after funding deal is a no-go? Grab a shovel and some asphalt
Tim Skubick: How best to fix roads after funding deal is a no-go? Grab a shovel and some asphalt | MLive.com:
"His admission comes in the wake of numerous published reports that the much celebrated $1.2 billion figure was not going to be much celebrated by stingy lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. "
"His admission comes in the wake of numerous published reports that the much celebrated $1.2 billion figure was not going to be much celebrated by stingy lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. "
Obamacare will question your sex life | New York Post
Obamacare will question your sex life | New York Post:
‘Are you sexually active? If so, with one partner, multiple partners or same-sex partners?”
Be ready to answer those questions and more the next time you go to the doctor, whether it’s the dermatologist or the cardiologist and no matter if the questions are unrelated to why you’re seeking medical help. And you can thank the Obama health law.
“This is nasty business,” says New York cardiologist Dr. Adam Budzikowski. He called the sex questions “insensitive, stupid and very intrusive.” He couldn’t think of an occasion when a cardiologist would need such information — but he knows he’ll be pushed to ask for it.
The president’s “reforms” aim to turn doctors into government agents, pressuring them financially to ask questions they consider inappropriate and unnecessary, and to violate their Hippocratic Oath to keep patients’ records confidential.
Embarrassing though it may be, you confide things to a doctor you wouldn’t tell anyone else. But this is entirely different.
Doctors and hospitals who don’t comply with the federal government’s electronic-health-records requirements forgo ince.ntive payments now; starting in 2015, they’ll face financial penalties from Medicare and Medicaid
Florida official tells Christian charity to choose between Jesus and cheese
Florida official tells Christian charity to choose between Jesus and cheese | Fox News
For the past 31 years, the Christian ministry has been providing food to the hungry in Lake City, Fla. without any problems. But all that changed when they said a state government worker showed up to negotiate a new contract.
“The (person) told us there was a slight change in the contract,” Daly told me. “They said we could no longer have religious information where the USDA food is being distributed. They told us we had to take that stuff down.”
Daly said it’s no secret that the Christian Service Center is a Christian ministry.
“We’ve got pictures of Christ on more than one wall,” she said. “It’s very clear we are not social services. We are a Christian ministry.”
Daly and her staff sat in stunned disbelief as the government agents also informed them that the Christian Service Center could no longer pray or provide Bibles to those in need. The government contract also forbade any references to the ministry’s chapel.
“We asked if we had to change the name of the organization but that said we could leave that,” Daly said. “But we had to take our religious stuff down.”
Sunday, September 15, 2013
In Defense of Diana West
In Defense of Diana West | CNS News:
"Far from being lowly spear carriers on the fringes, pro-Soviet operatives in case after case ascended to posts of great power and influence.
Among the most famous-though only three of a considerable number-were Alger Hiss at the State Department, Harry D. White at the Treasury and Lauchlin Currie at the White House.
All of these, as we now know, were Soviet agents, well positioned to affect the course of American policy in matters of concern to Soviet dictator Stalin."
This is really, really INTERESTING!
Well worth your time.
So much disinformation, so little time to inform ourselves.
"Far from being lowly spear carriers on the fringes, pro-Soviet operatives in case after case ascended to posts of great power and influence.
Among the most famous-though only three of a considerable number-were Alger Hiss at the State Department, Harry D. White at the Treasury and Lauchlin Currie at the White House.
All of these, as we now know, were Soviet agents, well positioned to affect the course of American policy in matters of concern to Soviet dictator Stalin."
This is really, really INTERESTING!
Well worth your time.
So much disinformation, so little time to inform ourselves.
The lopsided outrage over racially motivated crimes
DIMOND: The lopsided outrage over racially motivated crimes | Rare:
"It keeps happening. Nearly every week there are more brutal crimes that bear all the earmarks of being racially motivated but because the victims are white, you will probably never hear about them.
We’ve all seen the rallies around black victims of white-perpetrated violent crime — and that’s cool.
It’s the right of every American citizen to peacefully protest.
But when did it become acceptable to ignore the same types of crime when the roles are reversed and the victim is white?
Why is it that we hear so little hue-and-cry on behalf of Caucasians who are victimized by blacks?"
"It keeps happening. Nearly every week there are more brutal crimes that bear all the earmarks of being racially motivated but because the victims are white, you will probably never hear about them.
We’ve all seen the rallies around black victims of white-perpetrated violent crime — and that’s cool.
It’s the right of every American citizen to peacefully protest.
But when did it become acceptable to ignore the same types of crime when the roles are reversed and the victim is white?
Why is it that we hear so little hue-and-cry on behalf of Caucasians who are victimized by blacks?"
The parbuckling project
The parbuckling project:
"Parbuckling operations of the Costa Concordia will begin tomorrow, Monday 16 September.
"Parbuckling operations of the Costa Concordia will begin tomorrow, Monday 16 September.
"the parbuckling or rotation will take about a couple of days, as the movement has to be extremely delicate and constantly monitored.
The parbuckling will be performed using strand jacks which will be tightening several cables attached to the top of the caissons and to the platforms, which will be pulled seawards, while the cables attached to the starboard turrets will be used for balancing.
This is a very delicate phase, during which the forces involved have to be offset carefully to rotate the wreck without deforming the hull."
House Committee Votes To Define 'Journalists' and Delay Access to Certain Public Records
House Committee Votes To Define 'Journalists' and Delay Access to Certain Public Records [Michigan Capitol Confidential]:
"The measure is part of three-bill package aimed at impeding so-called “ambulance chasing” law firms.
"The measure is part of three-bill package aimed at impeding so-called “ambulance chasing” law firms.
Within the package, the legislation is apparently an attempt to deny "ambulance chasers” quick access to accident reports.
However, in that effort the bill sets out to define what does and doesn’t qualify as a “news publication.”
....The bill considers a journalist to be "an employee of a radio or television station licensed by the Federal Communications Commission" or "an employee of a newspaper."
A "newspaper" is said to include, "a newspaper of general circulation that is published at least once a week, include stories of general interest to the public, is used primarily for the dissemination of news, and may be published in hard copy form or on the Internet."
....The bill considers a journalist to be "an employee of a radio or television station licensed by the Federal Communications Commission" or "an employee of a newspaper."
A "newspaper" is said to include, "a newspaper of general circulation that is published at least once a week, include stories of general interest to the public, is used primarily for the dissemination of news, and may be published in hard copy form or on the Internet."
MiChild Reimbursement Rate Being Cut
MiChild Reimbursement Rate Being Cut [Michigan Capitol Confidential]:
"As of Oct. 1, Michigan doctors and medical facilities will be receiving less for treating children who are in the MiChild program, which is the State of Michigan's health care program for uninsured children of working families.
According to the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH), 37,503 Michigan children are currently covered by MiChild.
.....“Low reimbursement rates are really having a negative impact on those in the vulnerable portion of our population.
That's why the whole thing with Medicaid expansion is wrong.
And it's really too bad because there are things that could be done to improve care for these people.”
“The quality of care falls off with a lower reimbursement rate,” Edison added. "
"As of Oct. 1, Michigan doctors and medical facilities will be receiving less for treating children who are in the MiChild program, which is the State of Michigan's health care program for uninsured children of working families.
According to the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH), 37,503 Michigan children are currently covered by MiChild.
.....“Low reimbursement rates are really having a negative impact on those in the vulnerable portion of our population.
That's why the whole thing with Medicaid expansion is wrong.
And it's really too bad because there are things that could be done to improve care for these people.”
“The quality of care falls off with a lower reimbursement rate,” Edison added. "
Muskegon County's $39M bond sale for jail may be state's biggest after Detroit bankruptcy
Muskegon County's $39M bond sale for jail may be state's biggest after Detroit bankruptcy | MLive.com:"MUSKEGON, MI – Muskegon County’s financing for the new Jail and Juvenile Transition Center could set an important precedent for municipal bond sales across Michigan.
Muskegon County Commissioners, who earlier gave the go-ahead for staff to negotiate a bond sale, on Tuesday, Sept. 10 approved a final sale.
At an Oct. 2 closing, the county will sell nearly $39 million in 20-year bonds, with a fixed rate of 4.75 percent, to the Huntington Investment Co."Much more to come on this "Detroit style" scam.
The lies will come out!
How Detroit went broke: The answers may surprise you — and don't blame Coleman Young
"Instead, amid a huge exodus of residents, plummeting tax revenues and skyrocketing home abandonment, Detroit’s leaders engaged in a billion-dollar borrowing binge, created new taxes and failed to cut expenses when they needed to.
Simultaneously, they gifted workers and retirees with generous bonuses.
And under pressure from unions and, sometimes, arbitrators, they failed to cut health care benefits — saddling the city with staggering costs that today threaten the safety and quality of life of people who live here."
MUST READ-A primer on how to destroy ANY municipality!
Bombshell Book: Matthew Shepard Tortured, Murdered by Gay Lover
No H8? -- Bombshell Book: Matthew Shepard Tortured, Murdered by Gay Lover:
"But what really happened to Matthew Shepard?
He was beaten, tortured, and killed by one or both of the men now serving life sentences. But it turns out, according to Jiminez, that Shepard was a meth dealer himself and he was friends and sex partners with the man who led in his killing. Indeed, his killer may have killed him because Shepard allegedly came into possession of a large amount of methamphetamine and refused to give it up.
The book also shows that Shepard’s killer was on a five-day meth binge at the time of the killing."
Interesting.
Sure changes the narrative.
If true.
"But what really happened to Matthew Shepard?
He was beaten, tortured, and killed by one or both of the men now serving life sentences. But it turns out, according to Jiminez, that Shepard was a meth dealer himself and he was friends and sex partners with the man who led in his killing. Indeed, his killer may have killed him because Shepard allegedly came into possession of a large amount of methamphetamine and refused to give it up.
The book also shows that Shepard’s killer was on a five-day meth binge at the time of the killing."
Interesting.
Sure changes the narrative.
If true.
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