Editorial: Even profitable firms fleeing California california, businesses, business - Opinion - The Orange County Register
While a limited number of businesses go through the trouble of pulling up stakes and high-tailing it to Texas, Nevada or Arizona, many others just quietly go out of business.
Others keep their headquarters here, but expand their operations elsewhere.
Many jobs are never created or opportunities pursued because of the punitive regulatory and tax climate in California, where Steinberg's true constituency – the public-sector unions that enforce the myriad regulations and laws – does its work.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Pakistan Military Tries to Quash Rumors of a Coup
Pakistan Military Tries to Quash Rumors of a Coup - NYTimes.com
But the focus in Pakistan on Friday was talk of a military coup.
The rumors were set off a day earlier when the prime minister, Yousaf Raza Gilani, warned publicly of a conspiracy to topple the government.
But the focus in Pakistan on Friday was talk of a military coup.
The rumors were set off a day earlier when the prime minister, Yousaf Raza Gilani, warned publicly of a conspiracy to topple the government.
Mark Steyn: An upside-down family tree
Mark Steyn: An upside-down family tree people, women, percent - Opinion - The Orange County Register
In Greece, 100 grandparents have 42 grandchildren – i.e., the family tree is upside down. In a social democratic state where workers in "hazardous" professions (such as, er, hairdressing) retire at 50, there aren't enough young people around to pay for your three-decade retirement.
And there are unlikely ever to be again.
Look at it another way: Banks are a mechanism by which old people with capital lend to young people with energy and ideas.
The Western world has now inverted the concept.
If 100 geezers run up a bazillion dollars' worth of debt, is it likely that 42 youngsters will ever be able to pay it off?
In Greece, 100 grandparents have 42 grandchildren – i.e., the family tree is upside down. In a social democratic state where workers in "hazardous" professions (such as, er, hairdressing) retire at 50, there aren't enough young people around to pay for your three-decade retirement.
And there are unlikely ever to be again.
Look at it another way: Banks are a mechanism by which old people with capital lend to young people with energy and ideas.
The Western world has now inverted the concept.
If 100 geezers run up a bazillion dollars' worth of debt, is it likely that 42 youngsters will ever be able to pay it off?
First in-store Father Christmas was from Edinburgh
First in-store Father Christmas was from Edinburgh - Edinburgh, East & Fife - Scotsman.com
"he first took to dressing as Santa in 1890, inspired by the drawings of political illustrator Thomas Nast."
"he first took to dressing as Santa in 1890, inspired by the drawings of political illustrator Thomas Nast."
Michigan's Snow Cone Machines
Michigan's Snow Cone Machines - The Colbert Report - 2011-08-12 - Video Clip Comedy Central
Michigan's Snow Cone Machines
The soft-on-terror-crats mischaracterize Michigan's ice shaving machines as a frivolous waste of tax money, but there's no reason that fighting terror shouldn't be fun.
Funny...in a tragic way, video.
Michigan's Snow Cone Machines
The soft-on-terror-crats mischaracterize Michigan's ice shaving machines as a frivolous waste of tax money, but there's no reason that fighting terror shouldn't be fun.
Funny...in a tragic way, video.
Snow Cone Machines for Homeland Security
Schneier on Security: Snow Cone Machines for Homeland Security
Snow Cone Machines for Homeland Security
When you give out money based on politics, without any accounting, this is what you get:
The West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission (WMSRDC) is a federal- and state-designated agency responsible for managing and administrating the homeland security program in Montcalm County and 12 other counties.
The WMSRDC recently purchased and transferred homeland security equipment to these counties -- including 13 snow cone machines at a total cost of $11,700.
Wait.
It gets funnier:
"It is used to attract people so they can be educated and prepared for homeland security," Dey said from his office in Muskegon.
"More importantly, they (homeland security officials) felt in a medical emergency the machine was capable of making ice packs which could be used for medical purposes."
We got one here in Muskegon!
Give Sheriff Roessler a call and ask him where it is!
Snow Cone Machines for Homeland Security
When you give out money based on politics, without any accounting, this is what you get:
The West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission (WMSRDC) is a federal- and state-designated agency responsible for managing and administrating the homeland security program in Montcalm County and 12 other counties.
The WMSRDC recently purchased and transferred homeland security equipment to these counties -- including 13 snow cone machines at a total cost of $11,700.
Wait.
It gets funnier:
"It is used to attract people so they can be educated and prepared for homeland security," Dey said from his office in Muskegon.
"More importantly, they (homeland security officials) felt in a medical emergency the machine was capable of making ice packs which could be used for medical purposes."
We got one here in Muskegon!
Give Sheriff Roessler a call and ask him where it is!
IRS to Implement New 2% 'Recapture Tax' in Two-Month Payroll Tax Cut Extension
TaxProf Blog: IRS to Implement New 2% 'Recapture Tax' in Two-Month Payroll Tax Cut Extension
This provision imposes an additional income tax on these higher-income employees in an amount equal to 2% of the amount of wages they receive during the two-month period in excess of $18,350 (and not greater than $110,100).
This provision imposes an additional income tax on these higher-income employees in an amount equal to 2% of the amount of wages they receive during the two-month period in excess of $18,350 (and not greater than $110,100).
New Air Jordans cause nationwide shopping frenzy
My Way News - New Air Jordans cause nationwide shopping frenzy
Fights, vandalism and arrests marked the release of Nike's new Air Jordan basketball shoes as a shopping rush on stores across the country led to unrest that nearly turned into rioting.
Ah yes, the starving 99%....right......
But what the heck is "nearly turned into rioting"?
I'm sitting at my computer kinda pissed off.
Am I "nearly turning to rioting"?
Rot!
Fights, vandalism and arrests marked the release of Nike's new Air Jordan basketball shoes as a shopping rush on stores across the country led to unrest that nearly turned into rioting.
Ah yes, the starving 99%....right......
But what the heck is "nearly turned into rioting"?
I'm sitting at my computer kinda pissed off.
Am I "nearly turning to rioting"?
Rot!
Friday, December 23, 2011
Are Volts for dolts? It's starting to look that way
Are Volts for dolts? It's starting to look that way NJ.com
This is a pretty funny dispute.
The head of the American division of Audi called the sort of people who buy Chevy Volt's "idiots," upsetting a lot of people who like the new plug-in hybrid.
Whatever your opinion, the facts show that Volts aren't exactly selling like hotcakes.
It's not hard to see why.
As Audi’s president of North America Johan de Nysschen said, "No one is going to pay a $15,000 premium for a car that competes with a Corolla.”
This is a pretty funny dispute.
The head of the American division of Audi called the sort of people who buy Chevy Volt's "idiots," upsetting a lot of people who like the new plug-in hybrid.
Whatever your opinion, the facts show that Volts aren't exactly selling like hotcakes.
It's not hard to see why.
As Audi’s president of North America Johan de Nysschen said, "No one is going to pay a $15,000 premium for a car that competes with a Corolla.”
China trade: Myths vs. reality
China trade: Myths vs. reality
Chinese goods account for 2.7 percent of U.S. personal consumption expenditures, about one-quarter of the 11.5 percent foreign share.
Chinese imported goods consist mainly of furniture and household equipment; other durables; and clothing and shoes.
In the clothing and shoes category, 35.6 percent of U.S. consumer purchases in 2010 were items with the “Made in China” label.
Much of what China sells us has considerable “local content.” Hale and Hobijn give the example of sneakers that might sell for $70.
They point out that most of that price goes for transportation in the U.S., rent for the store where they are sold, profits for shareholders of the U.S. retailer, and marketing costs, which include the salaries, wages and benefits paid to the U.S. workers and managers responsible for getting sneakers to consumers.
On average, 55 cents of every dollar spent on goods made in China goes for marketing services produced in the U.S.
Chinese goods account for 2.7 percent of U.S. personal consumption expenditures, about one-quarter of the 11.5 percent foreign share.
Chinese imported goods consist mainly of furniture and household equipment; other durables; and clothing and shoes.
In the clothing and shoes category, 35.6 percent of U.S. consumer purchases in 2010 were items with the “Made in China” label.
Much of what China sells us has considerable “local content.” Hale and Hobijn give the example of sneakers that might sell for $70.
They point out that most of that price goes for transportation in the U.S., rent for the store where they are sold, profits for shareholders of the U.S. retailer, and marketing costs, which include the salaries, wages and benefits paid to the U.S. workers and managers responsible for getting sneakers to consumers.
On average, 55 cents of every dollar spent on goods made in China goes for marketing services produced in the U.S.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Hate Crime at Williams?
Roger’s Rules » Hate Crime at Williams?
Think about it: A student expresses his opinion about something.
The administration doesn’t like his opinion. Ergo, the administration turns him over to the FBI for interrogation.
That was the way they did things in Stalin’s Russia, but many of us thought a different tradition regarding freedom of expression prevailed in American colleges.
Think about it: A student expresses his opinion about something.
The administration doesn’t like his opinion. Ergo, the administration turns him over to the FBI for interrogation.
That was the way they did things in Stalin’s Russia, but many of us thought a different tradition regarding freedom of expression prevailed in American colleges.
Dorothy Rabinowitz: What Ron Paul Thinks of America
Dorothy Rabinowitz: What Ron Paul Thinks of America - WSJ.com
It seemed improbable that the best-known American propagandist for our enemies could be near the top of the pack in the Iowa contest, but there it is.
It seemed improbable that the best-known American propagandist for our enemies could be near the top of the pack in the Iowa contest, but there it is.
FALSE FRONTS, AT HOME AND ABROAD
FALSE FRONTS, AT HOME AND ABROAD :: SteynOnline
Consider how utterly incomprehensible that headline would seem to an American from a mere 30 years ago.
Back then, the smart guys assured us that economic liberalization would force political liberalization upon China.
Instead, we helped them come up with the only economically viable form of Communism
Consider how utterly incomprehensible that headline would seem to an American from a mere 30 years ago.
Back then, the smart guys assured us that economic liberalization would force political liberalization upon China.
Instead, we helped them come up with the only economically viable form of Communism
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Qantas QF72 accident | Plunge passengers win payout from Airbus
Qantas QF72 accident Plunge passengers win payout from Airbus
The amount is understood to run into the millions of dollars.
The highest individual payout is believed to be several million dollars.
The amount is understood to run into the millions of dollars.
The highest individual payout is believed to be several million dollars.
Remembering Kim Jong-il’s Ventures Into the Sporting World
Remembering Kim Jong-il’s Ventures Into the Sporting World - NYTimes.com
In his first match at Pyongyang Lanes, Kim bowled a perfect 300, according to state-run news media, which did not say whether the bumpers were raised.
But that is nothing compared with the five holes in one and 38 under par that Kim reportedly shot in his maiden round of golf.
In his first match at Pyongyang Lanes, Kim bowled a perfect 300, according to state-run news media, which did not say whether the bumpers were raised.
But that is nothing compared with the five holes in one and 38 under par that Kim reportedly shot in his maiden round of golf.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Tweedlemitt and Tweedlenewt
Tweedlemitt and Tweedlenewt - By Mark Steyn - The Corner - National Review Online
As I’ve said for years, government health care fundamentally (as Newt would say) redefines the relationship between the citizen and the state into one closer to junkie and pusher.
Once the Obamacare goodies kick in, getting back across the Rubicon will be a tough job.
As I’ve said for years, government health care fundamentally (as Newt would say) redefines the relationship between the citizen and the state into one closer to junkie and pusher.
Once the Obamacare goodies kick in, getting back across the Rubicon will be a tough job.
The Astonishing Collapse of MF Global
The Astonishing Collapse of MF Global
In the chapters ahead, we will lay out the unraveling of MF Global, from the first major alarm bells heard during the 2008 wheat trading scandal to the broker's dying days and the revelation that a significant amount of customer money had disappeared.
We'll show how a once-venerable broker was thrust into a risk-heavy strategy by a deeply conflicted leader who was trying to play both CEO and chief trader.
We'll explore why internal risk controls, the company's board of directors, and outside regulators failed to curb the company's reckless direction and protect its customers.
And, finally, we'll discuss the lessons that can be gleaned from this collapse, as well as the changes needed to prevent a similar disaster.
Fascinating read!
In the chapters ahead, we will lay out the unraveling of MF Global, from the first major alarm bells heard during the 2008 wheat trading scandal to the broker's dying days and the revelation that a significant amount of customer money had disappeared.
We'll show how a once-venerable broker was thrust into a risk-heavy strategy by a deeply conflicted leader who was trying to play both CEO and chief trader.
We'll explore why internal risk controls, the company's board of directors, and outside regulators failed to curb the company's reckless direction and protect its customers.
And, finally, we'll discuss the lessons that can be gleaned from this collapse, as well as the changes needed to prevent a similar disaster.
Fascinating read!
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Radio Host Bill Press Tells Tebow: 'S-T-F-U!' About Jesus...
Radio Host Bill Press Tells Tebow: 'S-T-F-U!' About Jesus... National News - NEWS TALK 1090
The leftist commentator used this acronym (which stands for “shut the f**k up”) while speaking on his radio show this morning about his dislike for Tebow’s “in-your face” Christian faith.
“…And you know what I want to say, S.T.F.U. I’m tired of hearing Tim Tebow and all this Jesus Talk,” Press said.
”He better be praying hard this week, because he’s up against a real quarterback on Sunday — against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.”
The leftist commentator used this acronym (which stands for “shut the f**k up”) while speaking on his radio show this morning about his dislike for Tebow’s “in-your face” Christian faith.
“…And you know what I want to say, S.T.F.U. I’m tired of hearing Tim Tebow and all this Jesus Talk,” Press said.
”He better be praying hard this week, because he’s up against a real quarterback on Sunday — against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.”
Beach Boys announce a reunion tour, with Brian Wilson, to mark 50th anniversary
Beach Boys announce a reunion tour, with Brian Wilson, to mark 50th anniversary - The Washington Post
The founding members of the classic rock group — Brian Wilson, Mike Love and Al Jardine — announced Friday they are getting back together to celebrate their 50th anniversary.
They’re working on a new album and also plan a 50-date tour that will take them around the world
The founding members of the classic rock group — Brian Wilson, Mike Love and Al Jardine — announced Friday they are getting back together to celebrate their 50th anniversary.
They’re working on a new album and also plan a 50-date tour that will take them around the world
Pete Hoekstra questions U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow's 'cozy' past with MF Global CEO Jon Corzine
Pete Hoekstra questions U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow's 'cozy' past with MF Global CEO Jon Corzine MLive.com
Stabenow's campaign operatives sought donations from MF Global CEO Jon Corzine earlier this year and took $5,000 in campaign donations from Corzine and his wife in 2006 and 1999
Stabenow's campaign operatives sought donations from MF Global CEO Jon Corzine earlier this year and took $5,000 in campaign donations from Corzine and his wife in 2006 and 1999
Big Green's endangered species money machine
Big Green's endangered species money machine Ron Arnold Columnists Washington Examiner
"Based upon data collected from the PACER National Case Locator federal court data base, attorneys fees were paid in cases where there was no federal court decision, let alone a decision that the plaintiff was a prevailing party," Budd-Falen said.
That should be sufficient to raise suspicions of some sweetheart arrangement between supposedly opposing parties, but actually between blood brothers with the same ideology -- "you sue us, and we'll make sure you're taken care of, even if the court doesn't order it."
"Based upon data collected from the PACER National Case Locator federal court data base, attorneys fees were paid in cases where there was no federal court decision, let alone a decision that the plaintiff was a prevailing party," Budd-Falen said.
That should be sufficient to raise suspicions of some sweetheart arrangement between supposedly opposing parties, but actually between blood brothers with the same ideology -- "you sue us, and we'll make sure you're taken care of, even if the court doesn't order it."
60 Minutes Broadcast Edits Out Laughable Obama Claim as 4th Best President
The issue here is not gonna be a list of accomplishments.
As you said yourself, Steve, you know, I would put our legislative and foreign policy accomplishments in our first two years against any president -- with the possible exceptions of Johnson, F.D.R., and Lincoln -- just in terms of what we've gotten done in modern history.
As you said yourself, Steve, you know, I would put our legislative and foreign policy accomplishments in our first two years against any president -- with the possible exceptions of Johnson, F.D.R., and Lincoln -- just in terms of what we've gotten done in modern history.
Rosemount principal apologizes
Rosemount principal apologizesfor parent-on-student kissing prank
Here's how the practical joke, originated by school staff members, played out during the assembly on Dec. 8.
The captains of the school's winter sports teams -- boys and girls -- were lined up and blindfolded.
They were told they would be kissed and then asked to guess who was on the other side of their lip....
Here's how the practical joke, originated by school staff members, played out during the assembly on Dec. 8.
The captains of the school's winter sports teams -- boys and girls -- were lined up and blindfolded.
They were told they would be kissed and then asked to guess who was on the other side of their lip....
Thirty-three Year Temperature Update - Well Below Computer Model Predictions
Thirty-three Year Temperature Update - Well Below Computer Model Predictions - Hit & Run : Reason Magazine
While Earth’s climate has warmed in the last 33 years, the climb has been irregular.
There was little or no warming for the first 19 years of satellite data. Clear net warming did not occur until the El Niño Pacific Ocean “warming event of the century” in late 1997.
Since that upward jump, there has been little or no additional warming.
While Earth’s climate has warmed in the last 33 years, the climb has been irregular.
There was little or no warming for the first 19 years of satellite data. Clear net warming did not occur until the El Niño Pacific Ocean “warming event of the century” in late 1997.
Since that upward jump, there has been little or no additional warming.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Congressmen can't say 'Merry Christmas' in mail
Congressmen can't say 'Merry Christmas' in mail Campaign 2012 Washington Examiner
Members who submit official mailings for review by the congressional franking commission that reviews all congressional mail to determine if it can be "franked," or paid for with tax dollars, are being told that no holiday greetings, including "Merry Christmas," can be sent in official mail.
Members who submit official mailings for review by the congressional franking commission that reviews all congressional mail to determine if it can be "franked," or paid for with tax dollars, are being told that no holiday greetings, including "Merry Christmas," can be sent in official mail.
Mark Steyn at Restoration Weekend
Mark Steyn at Restoration Weekend FrontPage Magazine
These are serious times.
Federal regulation accounts for 10 percent of GDP.
That’s to say we take the equivalent of the entire economy of India or Canada and throw it down the toilet every year just in complying with federal paperwork
These are serious times.
Federal regulation accounts for 10 percent of GDP.
That’s to say we take the equivalent of the entire economy of India or Canada and throw it down the toilet every year just in complying with federal paperwork
Climategate Bombshell: Did U.S. Gov't Help Hide Climate Data?
Climategate Bombshell: Did U.S. Gov't Help Hide Climate Data? Fox News
Are your tax dollars helping hide global warming data from the public?
Internal emails leaked as part of “Climategate 2.0” indicate the answer may be "Yes."
Are your tax dollars helping hide global warming data from the public?
Internal emails leaked as part of “Climategate 2.0” indicate the answer may be "Yes."
Bill Banning the Use of Public Funds to Collect Union Dues Stalls in Senate
Bill Banning the Use of Public Funds to Collect Union Dues Stalls in Senate [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
There is disagreement in the Senate, apparently, since some Republican senators say they would vote “no” on the bill unless it applies to all labor unions.
It appears that there would be no chance of the bill passing, however, if the language in it was broadened in such a way.
There is disagreement in the Senate, apparently, since some Republican senators say they would vote “no” on the bill unless it applies to all labor unions.
It appears that there would be no chance of the bill passing, however, if the language in it was broadened in such a way.
Omnibus spending deal blocks funding for light bulb efficiency standards
Omnibus spending deal blocks funding for light bulb efficiency standards - The Hill's E2-Wire
The legislation, which would avert a government shutdown, prevents funding from being used for the implementation of certain Energy Department light bulb standards.
The standards would begin phasing in next year.
The legislation, which would avert a government shutdown, prevents funding from being used for the implementation of certain Energy Department light bulb standards.
The standards would begin phasing in next year.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
2012 Primary Schedule « 2012 Election Central
2012 Primary Schedule « 2012 Election Central
The 2012 GOP primary/caucus schedule is nearly set in stone.
The 2012 GOP primary/caucus schedule is nearly set in stone.
The Volokh Conspiracy » Charles Murray on Elite Ignorance of Ordinary Americans
In his new book, Coming Apart: The State of White America, 1960–2010, Charles Murray argues that a new elite class has emerged that is much more ignorant about the lives of ordinary Americans than were the elites of earlier generations:
Tom Friedman Goes Mearsheimer and Walt
Tom Friedman Goes Mearsheimer and Walt Power Line
Support for Israel is strongest among conservatives, but the poll data suggest that it is likely the broadest bipartisan consensus that Americans share on any contentious issue.
Support for Israel is strongest among conservatives, but the poll data suggest that it is likely the broadest bipartisan consensus that Americans share on any contentious issue.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
JustiaGate: 'Natural Born' Supreme Court Citations Disappear
Articles: JustiaGate: 'Natural Born' Supreme Court Citations Disappear
Did Justia.com deliberately aid Barack Obama in 2008 by helping to hide the one legal case that might prevent him from legally qualifying for the presidency?
Did Justia.com deliberately aid Barack Obama in 2008 by helping to hide the one legal case that might prevent him from legally qualifying for the presidency?
Light rail dies a sudden, painful and expensive death in Detroit
Light rail dies a sudden, painful and expensive death in Detroit Crain's Detroit Business
After all, Detroit's finances are a nightmare:
The city expects to run out of cash by April. By the end of the fiscal year in June 2012, the shortfall is estimated to be $45 million.
The city has an accumulated deficit of about $180 million in its $1.2 billion general fund.
After all, Detroit's finances are a nightmare:
The city expects to run out of cash by April. By the end of the fiscal year in June 2012, the shortfall is estimated to be $45 million.
The city has an accumulated deficit of about $180 million in its $1.2 billion general fund.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Scott Brown’s daughter reveals the key to singing the national anthem
Scott Brown’s daughter reveals the key to singing the national anthem - TheHill.com
The singer tells us she was about 16 years old and singing at a church festival when the lyrics suddenly slipped her mind.
Her solution?
“I just made them up. Made up the entire verse,” Brown says.
The singer tells us she was about 16 years old and singing at a church festival when the lyrics suddenly slipped her mind.
Her solution?
“I just made them up. Made up the entire verse,” Brown says.
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