A Very Special Holiday E-Reader Roundup
"however, it's an important point and has already caused a stir after a prominent author agreed to an exclusive e-book deal with Amazon. Since you have been warned, hit the jump to see our picks and pans."
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Mona Shores students demonstrate the true meaning of Christmas | Muskegon News - - MLive.com
Mona Shores students demonstrate the true meaning of Christmas
"became a schoolwide project with 27 first-hour classes going above and beyond for people they’ve never met.
So with all the draconian "cuts" facing "education", we simply blow out 1st hour for a photo op and feel good conspicuous compassion.
Ain't leernin' great?
"became a schoolwide project with 27 first-hour classes going above and beyond for people they’ve never met.
So with all the draconian "cuts" facing "education", we simply blow out 1st hour for a photo op and feel good conspicuous compassion.
Ain't leernin' great?
Corrections officials: Michigan will make money on Pennsylvania inmate transfer
Corrections officials: Michigan will make money on Pennsylvania inmate transfer
"“It seems to be percolating and resonating, that we’re losing money,” said Russ Marlan, spokesman for the Michigan Deparment of Corrections.
“We’re a little bit smarter than that.
We’re not going to get into a deal that costs the state.
“Not only are we preserving jobs, and allowing those people who keep their jobs to continue to buy goods in the Muskegon area, and all the economic impact they have — we’re also making money on the deal,” Marlan said."
Right.
Letting out 1000 Michigan prisoners, back to Michigan cities.....yeah, that's gonna save LOTS of money......right.....
"“It seems to be percolating and resonating, that we’re losing money,” said Russ Marlan, spokesman for the Michigan Deparment of Corrections.
“We’re a little bit smarter than that.
We’re not going to get into a deal that costs the state.
“Not only are we preserving jobs, and allowing those people who keep their jobs to continue to buy goods in the Muskegon area, and all the economic impact they have — we’re also making money on the deal,” Marlan said."
Right.
Letting out 1000 Michigan prisoners, back to Michigan cities.....yeah, that's gonna save LOTS of money......right.....
We Interrupt this Socialization of Medicine to Bring You an Abdication of Our National Defense . . .
We Interrupt this Socialization of Medicine to Bring You an Abdication of Our National Defense . . . - Andy McCarthy - The Corner on National Review Online
"But the release announced this past weekend is just appalling.
The twelve detainees have been transferred to: Yemen, an al-Qaeda hotbed whose government makes common cause with jihadists (and has a history of allowing them to escape — or of releasing them outright);
Afghanistan, which is so ungovernable and rife with jihadism that we're surging thousands of troops there (troops the jihadists are targeting);
and Somaliland, which is not even a country,"
"But the release announced this past weekend is just appalling.
The twelve detainees have been transferred to: Yemen, an al-Qaeda hotbed whose government makes common cause with jihadists (and has a history of allowing them to escape — or of releasing them outright);
Afghanistan, which is so ungovernable and rife with jihadism that we're surging thousands of troops there (troops the jihadists are targeting);
and Somaliland, which is not even a country,"
"Change… Obama Now More Loathed Than Bush at End of His Second Term"
Gateway Pundit
"Change… Obama Now More Loathed Than Bush at End of His Second Term"
A Good Solid B+
Barack Obama’s approval index number dropped to a new low today.
Rasmussen reported:
The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Tuesday shows that 25% of the nation’s voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as President.
Forty-six percent (46%) Strongly Disapprove giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -21 That’s the lowest Approval Index rating yet recorded for this President (see trends).
At the end of his second term President George W. Bush had a 43% disapproval rating.
In less than one year Barack Obama managed to pi$$ off more people than George W. Bush.
Nice work, Barack."
"Change… Obama Now More Loathed Than Bush at End of His Second Term"
A Good Solid B+
Barack Obama’s approval index number dropped to a new low today.
Rasmussen reported:
The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Tuesday shows that 25% of the nation’s voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as President.
Forty-six percent (46%) Strongly Disapprove giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -21 That’s the lowest Approval Index rating yet recorded for this President (see trends).
At the end of his second term President George W. Bush had a 43% disapproval rating.
In less than one year Barack Obama managed to pi$$ off more people than George W. Bush.
Nice work, Barack."
Obama's replacement
The Weekly Standard
"Senator Roland Burris is claiming credit for a provision in Harry Reid's 'manager's amendment,' unveiled Saturday morning, that could funnel money to ACORN through the health care bill.
On December 9, Burris, an Illinois Democrat, pledged that he would filibuster a health care bill without a public option. 'If we have to get 60 and it comes back and it does not have a public option in it, I will not vote for it,' he said. Then early last week he said he could vote for the bill if there were changes made to achieve the goals of the public option: 'until this bill addresses cost, competition, and accountability in a meaningful way—it will not win [my vote].'"
"Senator Roland Burris is claiming credit for a provision in Harry Reid's 'manager's amendment,' unveiled Saturday morning, that could funnel money to ACORN through the health care bill.
On December 9, Burris, an Illinois Democrat, pledged that he would filibuster a health care bill without a public option. 'If we have to get 60 and it comes back and it does not have a public option in it, I will not vote for it,' he said. Then early last week he said he could vote for the bill if there were changes made to achieve the goals of the public option: 'until this bill addresses cost, competition, and accountability in a meaningful way—it will not win [my vote].'"
Crowdsourcing The Contract With America 2.0
Chicago Boyz » Blog Archive » Crowdsourcing The Contract With America 2.0
"The GOP is not exactly the sharpest bunch of elephants on the savannah.
They are looking at a historic threat, and a historic opportunity, with the Democrats making massive and unpopular changes to the foundations of our economy and our government.
But I am seeking just about zero leadership in the opposition ranks. Gov. Palin, who is now a bystanderer, has accomplished more with her Facebook page than most of the elected legislators have managed to do from their roost in DC.
In the run-up to the 1994 takeover of Congress by the GOP, New Gingrich came up with his Contract with America, which nationalized the election.
We need an equivalent program now.
Question for our dear readers: What should CWA 2.0 have in it?
I suggest some possible items:"
"The GOP is not exactly the sharpest bunch of elephants on the savannah.
They are looking at a historic threat, and a historic opportunity, with the Democrats making massive and unpopular changes to the foundations of our economy and our government.
But I am seeking just about zero leadership in the opposition ranks. Gov. Palin, who is now a bystanderer, has accomplished more with her Facebook page than most of the elected legislators have managed to do from their roost in DC.
In the run-up to the 1994 takeover of Congress by the GOP, New Gingrich came up with his Contract with America, which nationalized the election.
We need an equivalent program now.
Question for our dear readers: What should CWA 2.0 have in it?
I suggest some possible items:"
We Are No Longer a Nation of Laws. Senate Sets Up Requirement for Super-Majority to Ever Repeal Obamacare
We Are No Longer a Nation of Laws. Senate Sets Up Requirement for Super-Majority to Ever Repeal Obamacare
Erick’s blog - RedState:
"Section 3403 of Senator Harry Reid’s amendment requires that “it shall not be in order in the Senate or the House of Representatives to consider any bill, resolution, amendment, or conference report that would repeal or otherwise change this subsection.”
The good news is that this only applies to one section of the Obamacare legislation.
The bad news is that it applies to regulations imposed on doctors and patients by the Independent Medicare Advisory Boards a/k/a the Death Panels."
Erick’s blog - RedState:
"Section 3403 of Senator Harry Reid’s amendment requires that “it shall not be in order in the Senate or the House of Representatives to consider any bill, resolution, amendment, or conference report that would repeal or otherwise change this subsection.”
The good news is that this only applies to one section of the Obamacare legislation.
The bad news is that it applies to regulations imposed on doctors and patients by the Independent Medicare Advisory Boards a/k/a the Death Panels."
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
The firefighter longevity myth surfaces again
The firefighter longevity myth surfaces again - America's Finest - SignOnSanDiego.com
"There is no difference at all -- no matter what people trying to justify their outrageous and unaffordable benefits tell you."
"There is no difference at all -- no matter what people trying to justify their outrageous and unaffordable benefits tell you."
Beware the Taxpayer Bailout of Underfunded Teamsters Pension Funds
Mish's Global Economic Trend Analysis: Beware the Taxpayer Bailout of Underfunded Teamsters Pension Funds
"Replenishing Pension Funds From Taxpayer Pockets
It should be no surprise that the Teamsters (or any union) would want taxpayer handouts, or that Congress would buy votes giving away handouts."
"Replenishing Pension Funds From Taxpayer Pockets
It should be no surprise that the Teamsters (or any union) would want taxpayer handouts, or that Congress would buy votes giving away handouts."
Lefty: 10 reasons to kill Obamacare
Lefty: 10 reasons to kill Obamacare « Don Surber
"From her Web site, her reasons for opposing Obamacare:
1. Forces you to pay up to 8% of your income to private insurance corporations — whether you want to or not.
2. If you refuse to buy the insurance, you’ll have to pay penalties of up to 2% of your annual income to the IRS.
3. Many will be forced to buy poor-quality insurance they can’t afford to use, with $11,900 in annual out-of-pocket expenses over and above their annual premiums.
4. Massive restriction on a woman’s right to choose, designed to trigger a challenge to Roe v. Wade in the Supreme Court.
5. Paid for by taxes on the middle class insurance plan you have right now through your employer, causing them to cut back benefits and increase co-pays.
6. Many of the taxes to pay for the bill start now, but most Americans won’t see any benefits — like an end to discrimination against those with preexisting conditions — until 2014 when the program begins.
7. Allows insurance companies to charge people who are older 300% more than others.
8. Grants monopolies to drug companies that will keep generic versions of expensive biotech drugs from ever coming to market.
9. No re-importation of prescription drugs, which would save consumers $100 billion over 10 years.
10. The cost of medical care will continue to rise, and insurance premiums for a family of four will rise an average of $1,000 a year — meaning in 10 years, your family’s insurance premium will be $10,000 more annually than it is right now."
"From her Web site, her reasons for opposing Obamacare:
1. Forces you to pay up to 8% of your income to private insurance corporations — whether you want to or not.
2. If you refuse to buy the insurance, you’ll have to pay penalties of up to 2% of your annual income to the IRS.
3. Many will be forced to buy poor-quality insurance they can’t afford to use, with $11,900 in annual out-of-pocket expenses over and above their annual premiums.
4. Massive restriction on a woman’s right to choose, designed to trigger a challenge to Roe v. Wade in the Supreme Court.
5. Paid for by taxes on the middle class insurance plan you have right now through your employer, causing them to cut back benefits and increase co-pays.
6. Many of the taxes to pay for the bill start now, but most Americans won’t see any benefits — like an end to discrimination against those with preexisting conditions — until 2014 when the program begins.
7. Allows insurance companies to charge people who are older 300% more than others.
8. Grants monopolies to drug companies that will keep generic versions of expensive biotech drugs from ever coming to market.
9. No re-importation of prescription drugs, which would save consumers $100 billion over 10 years.
10. The cost of medical care will continue to rise, and insurance premiums for a family of four will rise an average of $1,000 a year — meaning in 10 years, your family’s insurance premium will be $10,000 more annually than it is right now."
Recovery not as strong as previously thought
Recovery not as strong as previously thought
"The economy grew at a 2.2 percent pace in the third quarter, as the recovery got off to a weaker start than previously thought."
"The economy grew at a 2.2 percent pace in the third quarter, as the recovery got off to a weaker start than previously thought."
Exclusive: Rep. Parker Griffith switches to GOP - - POLITICO.com
Exclusive: Rep. Parker Griffith switches to GOP - - POLITICO.com
"POLITICO has learned that Rep. Parker Griffith, a freshman Democrat from Alabama, will announce today that he’s switching parties to become a Republican."
"POLITICO has learned that Rep. Parker Griffith, a freshman Democrat from Alabama, will announce today that he’s switching parties to become a Republican."
The Best Notable Quotables of 2009
The Best Notable Quotables of 2009
"Andrea Mitchell (2755 Votes)
“What a day it was. It may take days or years to really absorb the significance of what happened to America today....When he [Barack Obama] finally emerged, he seemed, even in this throng, so solitary, somber, perhaps already feeling the weight of the world, even before he was transformed into the leader of the free world....The mass flickering of cell phone cameras on the Mall seemed like stars shining back at him.”
— NBC’s Andrea Mitchell on the January 20 Nightly News."
Grab a barf bag and read the rest.....
"Andrea Mitchell (2755 Votes)
“What a day it was. It may take days or years to really absorb the significance of what happened to America today....When he [Barack Obama] finally emerged, he seemed, even in this throng, so solitary, somber, perhaps already feeling the weight of the world, even before he was transformed into the leader of the free world....The mass flickering of cell phone cameras on the Mall seemed like stars shining back at him.”
— NBC’s Andrea Mitchell on the January 20 Nightly News."
Grab a barf bag and read the rest.....
What recovery? Budget deficits get worse for states.
What recovery? Budget deficits get worse for states.
CSMonitor.com: "Budget deficits for 2010 have worsened in 39 states in the past two or three months, according to a new analysis by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities."
CSMonitor.com: "Budget deficits for 2010 have worsened in 39 states in the past two or three months, according to a new analysis by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities."
Steven Greenhut exposes clout of government unions
Steven Greenhut exposes clout of government unions
"former Register editorial writer Steven Greenhut has just released his book, 'Plunder! How Public Employee Unions Are Raiding Treasuries, Controlling Our Lives and Bankrupting the Nation.'
For the vast majority of ordinary citizens who toil in the private sector, this book will produce more than outrage – it is likely to spur many to take up the cause of stopping these corrupting influences on our systems of governance.
The real outrage will kick in at Chapter Two, entitled 'Unbelievable Pay and Benefits.' It is here that Greenhut catalogs the shocking abuses of public employee compensation."
"former Register editorial writer Steven Greenhut has just released his book, 'Plunder! How Public Employee Unions Are Raiding Treasuries, Controlling Our Lives and Bankrupting the Nation.'
For the vast majority of ordinary citizens who toil in the private sector, this book will produce more than outrage – it is likely to spur many to take up the cause of stopping these corrupting influences on our systems of governance.
The real outrage will kick in at Chapter Two, entitled 'Unbelievable Pay and Benefits.' It is here that Greenhut catalogs the shocking abuses of public employee compensation."
'Morning Joe' Team Takes Direction From WH
The Radio Equalizer: Brian Maloney: MSNBC Libtalker: 'Morning Joe' Team Takes Direction From WH
"For anyone wondering why an increasing number of conservatives now use the term 'state-controlled media' to refer to television networks and newspapers, here's one that drives the point home.
During his syndicated radio show Friday, libtalker and MSNBC host Ed Schultz relayed to listeners how he observed 'Morning Joe' Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski take feedback directly from the White House during their program last week"
And the rest of the lib MSM get's their talking points via fax and e-mail... from the White House.
"For anyone wondering why an increasing number of conservatives now use the term 'state-controlled media' to refer to television networks and newspapers, here's one that drives the point home.
During his syndicated radio show Friday, libtalker and MSNBC host Ed Schultz relayed to listeners how he observed 'Morning Joe' Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski take feedback directly from the White House during their program last week"
And the rest of the lib MSM get's their talking points via fax and e-mail... from the White House.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Why the Reid Bill is Unconstitutional
PointOfLaw Columns: Impermissible Ratemaking in Health-Insurance Reform: Why the Reid Bill is Unconstitutional
"This action is not only a source of real anxiety but also a decision of constitutional proportions, for it systematically strips the regulated health-insurance issuers of their constitutional entitlement to earn a reasonable rate of return on the massive amounts of capital that they have already invested in building out their businesses."
Interesting.
I wonder if the constitutional questions will be addressed BEFORE the bill's provisions start their mayhem.
(via InstaPundit)
"This action is not only a source of real anxiety but also a decision of constitutional proportions, for it systematically strips the regulated health-insurance issuers of their constitutional entitlement to earn a reasonable rate of return on the massive amounts of capital that they have already invested in building out their businesses."
Interesting.
I wonder if the constitutional questions will be addressed BEFORE the bill's provisions start their mayhem.
(via InstaPundit)
Report: Michigan gas prices up 1.2 cents
Report: Michigan gas prices up 1.2 cents
"AAA Michigan says gasoline prices are up 1.2 cents per gallon over the past week to a statewide average of $2.55."
One year ago gas was about $1.60/gal.
Seems like the Obama supporting libs in the MSM don't want us to remember that.
"AAA Michigan says gasoline prices are up 1.2 cents per gallon over the past week to a statewide average of $2.55."
One year ago gas was about $1.60/gal.
Seems like the Obama supporting libs in the MSM don't want us to remember that.
Gordon Brown calls for new group to police global environment issues
Gordon Brown calls for new group to police global environment issues
"A new global body dedicated to environmental stewardship is needed to prevent a repeat of the deadlock which undermined the Copenhagen climate change summit, Gordon Brown will say tomorrow.
The UN’s consensual method of negotiation, which requires all 192 countries to reach agreement, needs to be reformed to ensure that the will of the majority prevails, he feels.
....... One of the frustrations for me was the lack of a global body with the sole responsibility for environmental stewardship."
"A new global body dedicated to environmental stewardship is needed to prevent a repeat of the deadlock which undermined the Copenhagen climate change summit, Gordon Brown will say tomorrow.
The UN’s consensual method of negotiation, which requires all 192 countries to reach agreement, needs to be reformed to ensure that the will of the majority prevails, he feels.
....... One of the frustrations for me was the lack of a global body with the sole responsibility for environmental stewardship."
Right,we want these criminal fools to vote our money to themselves.
check out just who they are:
English Channel trains halted indefinitely
English Channel trains halted indefinitely
"The French government on Monday announced a thorough investigation into the shutdown of the Eurostar, as the suspension of the only passenger rail link between Britain and continental Europe entered its third day, hitting holiday travel plans for some 55,000 people."
I thought the european train systems were SO much better than our transportation systems.
Something to be admired and emulated...... like their health care systems.....and military.....
"The French government on Monday announced a thorough investigation into the shutdown of the Eurostar, as the suspension of the only passenger rail link between Britain and continental Europe entered its third day, hitting holiday travel plans for some 55,000 people."
I thought the european train systems were SO much better than our transportation systems.
Something to be admired and emulated...... like their health care systems.....and military.....
Wind-farm developers face hurdles before project can become reality
Wind-farm developers face hurdles before project can become reality
"There was an audible gasp at a public hearing Tuesday when the audience saw what the proposed Aegir Offshore Wind Farm would look like from Mears State Park in Pentwater."
Wait till they see how much it costs!
"There was an audible gasp at a public hearing Tuesday when the audience saw what the proposed Aegir Offshore Wind Farm would look like from Mears State Park in Pentwater."
Wait till they see how much it costs!
...and all those dead birdies......
Fruitport Township, county, Indian tribe set up account for casino-related expenses
Fruitport Township, county, Indian tribe set up account for casino-related expenses
"The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians has proposed constructing a casino on the property near I-96 and U.S. 31. The tribe, which operates Little River Casino in Manistee, purchased the former Great Lakes Downs racetrack in 2008 and acquired additional adjacent property for a 233-acre site."
Not really noteworthy except for a comment by a friend yesterday.
"When is it gonna open?"
Lots of hurdles still remain before the fat lady sings and we may have a whole new state government elected in about 10 months.
"The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians has proposed constructing a casino on the property near I-96 and U.S. 31. The tribe, which operates Little River Casino in Manistee, purchased the former Great Lakes Downs racetrack in 2008 and acquired additional adjacent property for a 233-acre site."
Not really noteworthy except for a comment by a friend yesterday.
"When is it gonna open?"
Lots of hurdles still remain before the fat lady sings and we may have a whole new state government elected in about 10 months.
Muskegon Public Schools award $2.4 million in construction contracts
Muskegon Public Schools award $2.4 million in construction contracts
"But the work does not include about $50,000 in lighting improvements to the district’s two middle school swimming pools — work the school board dropped after Superintendent Colin Armstrong indicated the pools could be closed as part of cost-cutting measures for next year."
Hmmm.
For teachers union members:
The automatic annual "step-up" pay increases continue.
The automatic "cost of living" pay increase continue.
The featherbedding in classrooms continues.
But children swimming in the two swimming pools won't continue.
I guess the phrase "it's for the children" only matters when the teacher's union bosses demand more money and benefits for teachers.
"But the work does not include about $50,000 in lighting improvements to the district’s two middle school swimming pools — work the school board dropped after Superintendent Colin Armstrong indicated the pools could be closed as part of cost-cutting measures for next year."
Hmmm.
For teachers union members:
The automatic annual "step-up" pay increases continue.
The automatic "cost of living" pay increase continue.
The featherbedding in classrooms continues.
But children swimming in the two swimming pools won't continue.
I guess the phrase "it's for the children" only matters when the teacher's union bosses demand more money and benefits for teachers.
more:
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Lawrence Solomon: Wikipedia’s climate doctor
Lawrence Solomon: Wikipedia’s climate doctor
"The Climategate Emails reveal something else, too: the enlistment of the most widely read source of information in the world — Wikipedia — in the wholesale rewriting of this history.
The Medieval Warm Period, which followed the meanness and cold of the Dark Ages, was a great time in human history — it allowed humans around the world to bask in a glorious warmth that vastly improved agriculture, increased life spans and otherwise bettered the human condition.
But the Medieval Warm Period was not so great for some humans in our own time — the same small band that believes the planet has now entered an unprecedented and dangerous warm period. As we now know from the Climategate Emails, this band saw the Medieval Warm Period as an enormous obstacle in their mission of spreading the word about global warming. If temperatures were warmer 1,000 years ago than today, the Climategate Emails explain in detail, their message that we now live in the warmest of all possible times would be undermined. As put by one band member, a Briton named Folland at the Hadley Centre, a Medieval Warm Period “dilutes the message rather significantly.”"
"The Climategate Emails reveal something else, too: the enlistment of the most widely read source of information in the world — Wikipedia — in the wholesale rewriting of this history.
The Medieval Warm Period, which followed the meanness and cold of the Dark Ages, was a great time in human history — it allowed humans around the world to bask in a glorious warmth that vastly improved agriculture, increased life spans and otherwise bettered the human condition.
But the Medieval Warm Period was not so great for some humans in our own time — the same small band that believes the planet has now entered an unprecedented and dangerous warm period. As we now know from the Climategate Emails, this band saw the Medieval Warm Period as an enormous obstacle in their mission of spreading the word about global warming. If temperatures were warmer 1,000 years ago than today, the Climategate Emails explain in detail, their message that we now live in the warmest of all possible times would be undermined. As put by one band member, a Briton named Folland at the Hadley Centre, a Medieval Warm Period “dilutes the message rather significantly.”"
Climategate: What's the "trick" and what did it "hide"?
Climategate: What's the "trick" and what did it "hide"?
"In a new famous email, Phil Jones, then head of the Climactic Research Unit at the University of East Anglia, wrote on Nov. 16 to climate research colleagues in the United States and at his own CRU:
'Dear Ray, Mike and Malcolm,
Once Tim's got a diagram here we'll send that either later today or first thing tomorrow.
I've just completed Mike's Nature trick of adding in the real temps to each series for the last 20 years (ie from 1981 onwards) and (sic) from 1961 for Keith's to hide the decline...'
What's the trick and what did it hide?"
"In a new famous email, Phil Jones, then head of the Climactic Research Unit at the University of East Anglia, wrote on Nov. 16 to climate research colleagues in the United States and at his own CRU:
'Dear Ray, Mike and Malcolm,
Once Tim's got a diagram here we'll send that either later today or first thing tomorrow.
I've just completed Mike's Nature trick of adding in the real temps to each series for the last 20 years (ie from 1981 onwards) and (sic) from 1961 for Keith's to hide the decline...'
What's the trick and what did it hide?"
Michigan's Fire Safe Cigarette Law Takes Effect January 1, 2010 Manufacturers Required to Certify Self-Extinguishing Cigarettes with State
DELEG - Michigan's Fire Safe Cigarette Law Takes Effect January 1, 2010 Manufacturers Required to Certify Self-Extinguishing Cigarettes with State
"State Fire Marshal Ronald R. Farr today announced that cigarette manufacturers must certify their brand families and associated styles as fire safe in order to sell them in Michigan after January 1, 2010. The Fire Standard Compliant (FSC) mark approval process for manufacturers begins today."
"State Fire Marshal Ronald R. Farr today announced that cigarette manufacturers must certify their brand families and associated styles as fire safe in order to sell them in Michigan after January 1, 2010. The Fire Standard Compliant (FSC) mark approval process for manufacturers begins today."
Shocker: Medicare Has A Higher Claim Denial Rate Than Private Sector Employers
Shocker: Medicare Has A Higher Claim Denial Rate Than Private Sector Employers
"under the government health care we already have Americans are denied far more often than the private sector."
Why are we learning this now?
A bit late, eh.
"under the government health care we already have Americans are denied far more often than the private sector."
Why are we learning this now?
A bit late, eh.
Payoffs for states get Harry Reid to 60 votes
Payoffs for states get Harry Reid to 60 votes
"Ben Nelson’s “Cornhusker Kickback,” as the GOP is calling it, got all the attention Saturday, but other senators lined up for deals as Majority Leader Harry Reid corralled the last few votes for a health reform package.
Nelson’s might be the most blatant – a deal carved out for a single state, a permanent exemption from the state share of Medicaid expansion for Nebraska, meaning federal taxpayers have to kick in an additional $45 million in the first decade.
But another Democratic holdout, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), took credit for $10 billion in new funding for community health centers, while denying it was a “sweetheart deal.” He was clearly more enthusiastic about a bill he said he couldn’t support just three days ago.
Nelson and Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.) carved out an exemption for non-profit insurers in their states from a hefty excise tax. Similar insurers in the other 48 states will pay the tax.
Vermont and Massachusetts were given additional Medicaid funding, another plus for Sanders and Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.)
Three states – Pennsylvania, New York and Florida – all won protections for their Medicare Advantage beneficiaries at a time when the program is facing cuts nationwide.
All of this came on top of a $300 million increase for Medicaid in Louisiana, designed to win the vote of Democratic Sen. Mary Landrieu."
"Ben Nelson’s “Cornhusker Kickback,” as the GOP is calling it, got all the attention Saturday, but other senators lined up for deals as Majority Leader Harry Reid corralled the last few votes for a health reform package.
Nelson’s might be the most blatant – a deal carved out for a single state, a permanent exemption from the state share of Medicaid expansion for Nebraska, meaning federal taxpayers have to kick in an additional $45 million in the first decade.
But another Democratic holdout, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), took credit for $10 billion in new funding for community health centers, while denying it was a “sweetheart deal.” He was clearly more enthusiastic about a bill he said he couldn’t support just three days ago.
Nelson and Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.) carved out an exemption for non-profit insurers in their states from a hefty excise tax. Similar insurers in the other 48 states will pay the tax.
Vermont and Massachusetts were given additional Medicaid funding, another plus for Sanders and Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.)
Three states – Pennsylvania, New York and Florida – all won protections for their Medicare Advantage beneficiaries at a time when the program is facing cuts nationwide.
All of this came on top of a $300 million increase for Medicaid in Louisiana, designed to win the vote of Democratic Sen. Mary Landrieu."
Friday, December 18, 2009
Wannabe Pundits
Wannabe Pundits
See if you can guess the topics of the New York Times articles from which the following two excerpts are drawn:
'These are all minor annoyances, mind you, in a world with daily reminders that an embittered, small-hearted senator from Connecticut can hold up health care for millions.'
'President Obama and the Congressional leadership have repeatedly stressed their commitment to wresting the wealth of the nation from the hands of a few.'
Actually, don't even try; you'll never get it.
The first article, by Timothy Egan, is about Costco opening a store in Manhattan; the second, by a Paul Greenberg (though we're pretty sure it's not the Paul Greenberg), is about--no joke--fish oil.
To be sure, both appear in the Times's opinion section, so the 'Wannabe Pundits' designation isn't totally fair.
But the political references are just so bizarre and off topic.
It's as if we were to mention, apropos of absolutely nothing, that John Kerry has the hat to this day."
See if you can guess the topics of the New York Times articles from which the following two excerpts are drawn:
'These are all minor annoyances, mind you, in a world with daily reminders that an embittered, small-hearted senator from Connecticut can hold up health care for millions.'
'President Obama and the Congressional leadership have repeatedly stressed their commitment to wresting the wealth of the nation from the hands of a few.'
Actually, don't even try; you'll never get it.
The first article, by Timothy Egan, is about Costco opening a store in Manhattan; the second, by a Paul Greenberg (though we're pretty sure it's not the Paul Greenberg), is about--no joke--fish oil.
To be sure, both appear in the Times's opinion section, so the 'Wannabe Pundits' designation isn't totally fair.
But the political references are just so bizarre and off topic.
It's as if we were to mention, apropos of absolutely nothing, that John Kerry has the hat to this day."
Proud Flag-Waving Communists and Socialists March in Copenhagen to Stop Global Warming
Watemelons, green on the outside.
Red on the inside.
Deep, rich, dark red.
Murderous red.
A dog is a rat is a doctor is a vet
Classical Values :: A dog is a rat is a doctor is a vet
"I want to return briefly to a point made in a hard-hitting post from Canadian blogger Blazingcatfur about the awful treatment his mother received:
With barely contained anger I informed the nurse that keeping an ill, 84 year old woman in a hospital corridor for 18 hours was not the type of care that anyone should be expected to tolerate. In fact my cat receives better treatment from his vet.
This is not the first time I've seen the point raised about veterinary care being better than health care for humans.
And you don't have to compare veterinary care to health care under socialized medicine to see the difference, although it becomes particularly glaring if you do.
Under our 'system' of veterinary health care, there's generally little or no wait, they're invariably friendly (because you could always grab your dog or cat and take it to another vet), and as to the prices?"
"I want to return briefly to a point made in a hard-hitting post from Canadian blogger Blazingcatfur about the awful treatment his mother received:
With barely contained anger I informed the nurse that keeping an ill, 84 year old woman in a hospital corridor for 18 hours was not the type of care that anyone should be expected to tolerate. In fact my cat receives better treatment from his vet.
This is not the first time I've seen the point raised about veterinary care being better than health care for humans.
And you don't have to compare veterinary care to health care under socialized medicine to see the difference, although it becomes particularly glaring if you do.
Under our 'system' of veterinary health care, there's generally little or no wait, they're invariably friendly (because you could always grab your dog or cat and take it to another vet), and as to the prices?"
Nine Months After Stimulus 49 of 50 States Have Lost Jobs
Nine Months After Stimulus 49 of 50 States Have Lost Jobs
"Only North Dakota and the District of Columbia have seen net job creation following the February 2009 stimulus (though both fall short of seeing the promised level of job creation)."
"Only North Dakota and the District of Columbia have seen net job creation following the February 2009 stimulus (though both fall short of seeing the promised level of job creation)."
Islamic mosque built at 9/11 Ground Zero
Islamic mosque built at 9/11 Ground Zero
"A new Islamic mosque will open its doors just steps from Ground Zero where Muslim terrorists murdered 2,751 people in the name of Allah on Sept. 11, 2001 – and its leading imam, who conducts sensitivity training sessions for the FBI, has reportedly blamed Christians for starting mass attacks on civilians."
(HT-WSB via M-Live)
"A new Islamic mosque will open its doors just steps from Ground Zero where Muslim terrorists murdered 2,751 people in the name of Allah on Sept. 11, 2001 – and its leading imam, who conducts sensitivity training sessions for the FBI, has reportedly blamed Christians for starting mass attacks on civilians."
(HT-WSB via M-Live)
12 Creepiest Children's Books
12 Creepiest Children's Books
"The Gas We Pass: The Story of Farts, written by Shinta Cho, explores all forms of flatulence."
"The Gas We Pass: The Story of Farts, written by Shinta Cho, explores all forms of flatulence."
TaxProf Blog: Estate Tax News
TaxProf Blog: Estate Tax News
"Following up on recent estate tax posts (here, here, and here):"
Lots going on...or not.
But lots of links to the future of the death tax.
"Following up on recent estate tax posts (here, here, and here):"
Lots going on...or not.
But lots of links to the future of the death tax.
Laughing at the Left
The American Spectator : Laughing at the Left
"They believe we can spend our way out of debt.
They believe taking money from one part of the economy to give to another part somehow makes the economy bigger.
They believe people who have never run a business can run a business better than people who have spent their whole lives running businesses."
This "left lunacy" list goes on and on...it's scary...and there are SO many of them around.....
Read it and be armed against idiocy.
"They believe we can spend our way out of debt.
They believe taking money from one part of the economy to give to another part somehow makes the economy bigger.
They believe people who have never run a business can run a business better than people who have spent their whole lives running businesses."
This "left lunacy" list goes on and on...it's scary...and there are SO many of them around.....
Read it and be armed against idiocy.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Are first shoes really closer to a girl's heart than her first kiss?
Are first shoes really closer to a girl's heart than her first kiss?
"Some 92 per cent of women remember the first shoes they bought with their own money - whether they were Carrie Bradshaw-inspired Manolo Blahniks or Jimmy Choos, or simply a high street bargain."
This explains a lot!
"Some 92 per cent of women remember the first shoes they bought with their own money - whether they were Carrie Bradshaw-inspired Manolo Blahniks or Jimmy Choos, or simply a high street bargain."
This explains a lot!
Congress Travels More, Public Pays
Congress Travels More, Public Pays
"The expenses racked up by U.S. lawmakers traveling here for a conference last month included one for the 'control room.'
Besides rooms for sleeping, the 12 members of the House of Representatives rented their hotel's fireplace-equipped presidential suite and two adjacent rooms.
The hotel cleared out the beds and in their place set up a bar, a snack room and office space.
The three extra rooms -- stocked with liquor, Coors beer, chips and salsa, sandwiches, Mrs. Fields cookies and York Peppermint Patties -- cost a total of about $1,500 a night.
They were rented for five nights.
While in Scotland, the House members toured historic buildings.
Some shopped for Scotch whisky and visited the hotel spa.
They capped the trip with a dinner at one of the region's finest restaurants, paid for by the legislators, who got $118 daily stipends for meals and incidentals.
Eleven of the 12 legislators then left the five-day conference two days early.
.......The cost they reported for such travel abroad was $13 million in 2008, a 70% jump from 2005, "
This is disgusting!
They are disgusting!
And the fact that the WSJ doesn't report the names of the congressional scum who "attended" this debacle is also disgusting.
"The expenses racked up by U.S. lawmakers traveling here for a conference last month included one for the 'control room.'
Besides rooms for sleeping, the 12 members of the House of Representatives rented their hotel's fireplace-equipped presidential suite and two adjacent rooms.
The hotel cleared out the beds and in their place set up a bar, a snack room and office space.
The three extra rooms -- stocked with liquor, Coors beer, chips and salsa, sandwiches, Mrs. Fields cookies and York Peppermint Patties -- cost a total of about $1,500 a night.
They were rented for five nights.
While in Scotland, the House members toured historic buildings.
Some shopped for Scotch whisky and visited the hotel spa.
They capped the trip with a dinner at one of the region's finest restaurants, paid for by the legislators, who got $118 daily stipends for meals and incidentals.
Eleven of the 12 legislators then left the five-day conference two days early.
.......The cost they reported for such travel abroad was $13 million in 2008, a 70% jump from 2005, "
This is disgusting!
They are disgusting!
And the fact that the WSJ doesn't report the names of the congressional scum who "attended" this debacle is also disgusting.
Climategate goes SERIAL: now the Russians confirm that UK climate scientists manipulated data to exaggerate global warming
Climategate goes SERIAL: now the Russians confirm that UK climate scientists manipulated data to exaggerate global warming
"On Tuesday, the Moscow-based Institute of Economic Analysis (IEA) issued a report claiming that the Hadley Center for Climate Change based at the headquarters of the British Meteorological Office in Exeter (Devon, England) had probably tampered with Russian-climate data.
The IEA believes that Russian meteorological-station data did not substantiate the anthropogenic global-warming theory.
Analysts say Russian meteorological stations cover most of the country’s territory, and that the Hadley Center had used data submitted by only 25% of such stations in its reports.
Over 40% of Russian territory was not included in global-temperature calculations for some other reasons, rather than the lack of meteorological stations and observations."
"On Tuesday, the Moscow-based Institute of Economic Analysis (IEA) issued a report claiming that the Hadley Center for Climate Change based at the headquarters of the British Meteorological Office in Exeter (Devon, England) had probably tampered with Russian-climate data.
The IEA believes that Russian meteorological-station data did not substantiate the anthropogenic global-warming theory.
Analysts say Russian meteorological stations cover most of the country’s territory, and that the Hadley Center had used data submitted by only 25% of such stations in its reports.
Over 40% of Russian territory was not included in global-temperature calculations for some other reasons, rather than the lack of meteorological stations and observations."
MTA Approves Doomsday Cuts
MTA Approves Doomsday Cuts
"The MTA board has approved its 2010 doomsday budget. It includes service cuts and could leave New York City children without free rides to their public schools if it is implemented.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the nation's largest transportation agency, is facing a $383 million budget shortfall."
Remember this EVERY time a democrat (or anyone else) tells you how much better off we would be if we just had more public transportation.
"The MTA board has approved its 2010 doomsday budget. It includes service cuts and could leave New York City children without free rides to their public schools if it is implemented.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the nation's largest transportation agency, is facing a $383 million budget shortfall."
Remember this EVERY time a democrat (or anyone else) tells you how much better off we would be if we just had more public transportation.
59% Say Average Government Worker Earns More Than Average Taxpayer - Rasmussen Reports™
59% Say Average Government Worker Earns More Than Average Taxpayer
"Among those who have close friends or relatives who work for the government, the belief is even stronger: 61% say the average government worker earns more than the average taxpayer."
"Among those who have close friends or relatives who work for the government, the belief is even stronger: 61% say the average government worker earns more than the average taxpayer."
Misusing knowledge to expand government power
Misusing knowledge to expand government power
"Underlying the angry responses in focus groups and tea parties is an appreciation that problems can best be addressed by widely dispersed people with specialized knowledge operating in a predictable framework.
Not by central planners acting in ignorance of or by manipulating specialized knowledge."
"Underlying the angry responses in focus groups and tea parties is an appreciation that problems can best be addressed by widely dispersed people with specialized knowledge operating in a predictable framework.
Not by central planners acting in ignorance of or by manipulating specialized knowledge."
Obama’s Gift To Republicans:
Obama’s Gift To Republicans
"PETER WEHNER: Obama’s Gift To Republicans: Their Resurgence.
“From strictly a governing and competence perspective, the health-care process that is unfolding has been one of the worst — and maybe the worst — we have ever seen.
Democrats are pushing for legislation that would take over one-sixth of the American economy — and they are doing it in a manner that insults the memory of Mo, Larry, and Curly.”"
I seem to remember Bill Clinton had the same effect a few years back.
"PETER WEHNER: Obama’s Gift To Republicans: Their Resurgence.
“From strictly a governing and competence perspective, the health-care process that is unfolding has been one of the worst — and maybe the worst — we have ever seen.
Democrats are pushing for legislation that would take over one-sixth of the American economy — and they are doing it in a manner that insults the memory of Mo, Larry, and Curly.”"
I seem to remember Bill Clinton had the same effect a few years back.
Luggage Limits - Airline Baggage Allowance Policies
Luggage Limits - Airline Baggage Allowance Policies
"FREE Search Tool for Flight-Specific Baggage Information
Detailed baggage allowance information is available on all routes and ticket classes for over 100 airlines! All of the information you need to avoid expensive airline luggage fees is provided along with helpful airport specific links."
(HT Kim Komando today!)
"FREE Search Tool for Flight-Specific Baggage Information
Detailed baggage allowance information is available on all routes and ticket classes for over 100 airlines! All of the information you need to avoid expensive airline luggage fees is provided along with helpful airport specific links."
(HT Kim Komando today!)
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Climategate goes SERIAL: now the Russians confirm that UK climate scientists manipulated data to exaggerate global warming – Telegraph Blogs
Climategate goes SERIAL: now the Russians confirm that UK climate scientists manipulated data to exaggerate global warming
"Climategate just got much, much bigger.
And all thanks to the Russians who, with perfect timing, dropped this bombshell just as the world’s leaders are gathering in Copenhagen to discuss ways of carbon-taxing us all back to the dark ages.
Feast your eyes on this news release from Rionovosta, via the Ria Novosti agency, posted on Icecap. (Hat Tip: Richard North)"
read it!
"Climategate just got much, much bigger.
And all thanks to the Russians who, with perfect timing, dropped this bombshell just as the world’s leaders are gathering in Copenhagen to discuss ways of carbon-taxing us all back to the dark ages.
Feast your eyes on this news release from Rionovosta, via the Ria Novosti agency, posted on Icecap. (Hat Tip: Richard North)"
read it!
The fairness problem with cost shifting in health care
Bookworm Room » The fairness problem with cost shifting in health care
"One of the things that ObamaCare proponents keep saying (and please add a whining note in your mind as you read the following) is that “the current system isn’t fair.”
It’s not right, they say, that, in a rich country, some people have premium health care, while others are forced to go to a free clinic or an emergency room (or possibly back to their native Mexico).
What all these fairness proponents forget is that there is nothing fair about socialized medicine."
.....(http://www.zombietime.com/zomblog/?p=1224 )
It’s not just me saying this.
Indeed, even though I had inchoate thoughts on precisely this topic, I didn’t put it together until Zombie sent me a link to a comprehensive article spelling out everything that’s wrong with the universality of universal health care.
Please read it.
Think about it.
Forward it to friends.
Use it as the basis for letters to your Congressman or woman, or as the talking point for a friendly discussion at work
"One of the things that ObamaCare proponents keep saying (and please add a whining note in your mind as you read the following) is that “the current system isn’t fair.”
It’s not right, they say, that, in a rich country, some people have premium health care, while others are forced to go to a free clinic or an emergency room (or possibly back to their native Mexico).
What all these fairness proponents forget is that there is nothing fair about socialized medicine."
.....(http://www.zombietime.com/zomblog/?p=1224 )
It’s not just me saying this.
Indeed, even though I had inchoate thoughts on precisely this topic, I didn’t put it together until Zombie sent me a link to a comprehensive article spelling out everything that’s wrong with the universality of universal health care.
Please read it.
Think about it.
Forward it to friends.
Use it as the basis for letters to your Congressman or woman, or as the talking point for a friendly discussion at work
U.S. gave up billions in tax money in deal for Citigroup's bailout repayment
U.S. gave up billions in tax money in deal for Citigroup's bailout repayment
"The federal government quietly agreed to forgo billions of dollars in potential tax payments from Citigroup as part of the deal announced this week to wean the company from the massive taxpayer bailout that helped it survive the financial crisis.....
"The government is consciously forfeiting future tax revenues.
It's another form of assistance, maybe not as obvious as direct assistance but certainly another form," said Robert Willens, an expert on tax accounting who runs a firm of the same name.
"I've been doing taxes for almost 40 years, and I've never seen anything like this, where the IRS and Treasury acted unilaterally on so many fronts."
"The federal government quietly agreed to forgo billions of dollars in potential tax payments from Citigroup as part of the deal announced this week to wean the company from the massive taxpayer bailout that helped it survive the financial crisis.....
"The government is consciously forfeiting future tax revenues.
It's another form of assistance, maybe not as obvious as direct assistance but certainly another form," said Robert Willens, an expert on tax accounting who runs a firm of the same name.
"I've been doing taxes for almost 40 years, and I've never seen anything like this, where the IRS and Treasury acted unilaterally on so many fronts."
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