Friday, October 31, 2008
The Pension Fund Problem to Come at The Brian Sullivan Blog
The Pension Fund Problem to Come at The Brian Sullivan Blog: "According to a new report from Mercer, large corporations saw their pension plans lose a collective $70 billion off their combined funded status during the volatile first quarter. Adrian Hartshorn, a principal in Mercer’s financial strategy group, pointed out that pension plans sponsored by S&P 1500 companies are now only 98% funded."
Pension Time Bomb
Pension Time Bomb
"Mayor Osby Davis, who has lived in this waterfront city across San Pablo Bay from San Francisco for 60 of his 62 years, says: 'If you have a can that's leaking two ounces a minute and you put an ounce a minute in it, it's going to get empty.' He is describing his city's coffers."
"Mayor Osby Davis, who has lived in this waterfront city across San Pablo Bay from San Francisco for 60 of his 62 years, says: 'If you have a can that's leaking two ounces a minute and you put an ounce a minute in it, it's going to get empty.' He is describing his city's coffers."
Erica Jong Tells Italians Obama Loss 'Will Spark the Second American Civil War. Blood Will Run in the Streets' | The New York Observer
Erica Jong Tells Italians Obama Loss 'Will Spark the Second American Civil War. Blood Will Run in the Streets'
"'The record shows that voting machines in America are rigged.'
'My friends Ken Follett and Susan Cheever are extremely worried. Naomi Wolf calls me every day. Yesterday, Jane Fonda sent me an email to tell me that she cried all night and can't cure her ailing back for all the stress that has reduces her to a bundle of nerves.'
'My back is also suffering from spasms, so much so that I had to see an acupuncturist and get prescriptions for Valium.'
'After having stolen the last two elections, the Republican Mafia…'
'If Obama loses it will spark the second American Civil War. Blood will run in the streets, believe me. And it's not a coincidence that President Bush recalled soldiers from Iraq for Dick Cheney to lead against American citizens in the streets.'
'Bush has transformed America into a police state, from torture to the imprisonment of reporters, to the Patriot Act.'"
"'The record shows that voting machines in America are rigged.'
'My friends Ken Follett and Susan Cheever are extremely worried. Naomi Wolf calls me every day. Yesterday, Jane Fonda sent me an email to tell me that she cried all night and can't cure her ailing back for all the stress that has reduces her to a bundle of nerves.'
'My back is also suffering from spasms, so much so that I had to see an acupuncturist and get prescriptions for Valium.'
'After having stolen the last two elections, the Republican Mafia…'
'If Obama loses it will spark the second American Civil War. Blood will run in the streets, believe me. And it's not a coincidence that President Bush recalled soldiers from Iraq for Dick Cheney to lead against American citizens in the streets.'
'Bush has transformed America into a police state, from torture to the imprisonment of reporters, to the Patriot Act.'"
California Cities Cut Police Budgets - WSJ.com
California Cities Cut Police Budgets - WSJ.com: "When the economic crisis deepened this fall, this city already was losing scores of police and firefighters because it could no longer afford the rich salaries and benefits it offered after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Now, with crime on the rise and tax revenue sinking, this San Francisco Bay area city faces more cuts in police and fire department budgets."
If GM-Chrysler merge, more state retraining
If GM-Chrysler merge, more state retraining: "Granholm says the state can cope with a smaller domestic auto industry but has to deal with the fallout of laid-off workers who will need retraining and other help."
Flint spends $6,000 on ceremonial keys to city
Flint spends $6,000 on ceremonial keys to city
"The struggling industrial city has shelled out $6,000 over the past year to a pawn shop owned by the mayor's wife to buy at least 200 ceremonial keys to the city as gifts."
"The struggling industrial city has shelled out $6,000 over the past year to a pawn shop owned by the mayor's wife to buy at least 200 ceremonial keys to the city as gifts."
What you were never intended to know in this election
What you were never intended to know in this election
"The Bradley Effect. Don’t believe these polls for a second. I just went over our numbers and found that we have next to no chance in the following states: Missouri, Indiana, North Carolina, Florida, New Hampshire and Nevada. Ohio leans heavily to McCain, but is too close to call it for him. Virginia, Pennsylvania, Colorado, New Mexico and Iowa are the true “toss up states”. The only two of these the campaign feels “confident” in are Iowa and New Mexico. The reason for such polling discrepancy is the Bradley Effect, and this is a subject of much discussion in the campaign. In general, we tend to take a -10 point percentage in allowing for this, and are not comfortable until the polls give us a spread well over this mark. This is why we are still campaigning in Virginia and Pennsylvania! This is why Ohio is such a desperate hope for us! What truly bothers this campaign is the fact that some pollsters get up to an 80% “refuse to respond” result. You can’t possibly include these into the polls. The truth is, people are afraid to let people know who they are voting for. The vast majority of these respondents are McCain supporters. Obama is the “hip” choice, and we all know it."
"The Bradley Effect. Don’t believe these polls for a second. I just went over our numbers and found that we have next to no chance in the following states: Missouri, Indiana, North Carolina, Florida, New Hampshire and Nevada. Ohio leans heavily to McCain, but is too close to call it for him. Virginia, Pennsylvania, Colorado, New Mexico and Iowa are the true “toss up states”. The only two of these the campaign feels “confident” in are Iowa and New Mexico. The reason for such polling discrepancy is the Bradley Effect, and this is a subject of much discussion in the campaign. In general, we tend to take a -10 point percentage in allowing for this, and are not comfortable until the polls give us a spread well over this mark. This is why we are still campaigning in Virginia and Pennsylvania! This is why Ohio is such a desperate hope for us! What truly bothers this campaign is the fact that some pollsters get up to an 80% “refuse to respond” result. You can’t possibly include these into the polls. The truth is, people are afraid to let people know who they are voting for. The vast majority of these respondents are McCain supporters. Obama is the “hip” choice, and we all know it."
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Kentucky.com State & Regional - Wire
Kentucky.com State & Regional - Wire: "A University of Kentucky student and another man were arrested Thursday, accused of hanging a life-sized likeness of Barack Obama from a tree on the campus."
How Detroit Drove Into a Ditch
How Detroit Drove Into a Ditch
"With little fanfare, a new car factory opened in America earlier this month. The new Honda assembly plant in Greensburg, Ind., will produce 200,000 compact Civic models annually after reaching full capacity late next year. The contrast couldn't be starker between Detroit's woes and the continuing U.S. expansion of Japanese, German and Korean car companies -- in both market share and manufacturing capacity. There are two American auto industries, one generally thriving and the other drastically shrinking."
That's Indiana, not India!
Maybe Jenny ought to talk to some of the folks down south of our Michigan border?
Ya think!
"With little fanfare, a new car factory opened in America earlier this month. The new Honda assembly plant in Greensburg, Ind., will produce 200,000 compact Civic models annually after reaching full capacity late next year. The contrast couldn't be starker between Detroit's woes and the continuing U.S. expansion of Japanese, German and Korean car companies -- in both market share and manufacturing capacity. There are two American auto industries, one generally thriving and the other drastically shrinking."
That's Indiana, not India!
Maybe Jenny ought to talk to some of the folks down south of our Michigan border?
Ya think!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
What It Will Take to Build a Rightroots Movement | The Next Right
What It Will Take to Build a Rightroots Movement The Next Right: "Put more succinctly, I've had people tell me conservative bloggers feel 'dirty' asking for money. This sense of modesty and restraint is not felt by the likes of Daily Kos, MyDD, and Open Left. Note the huge blue fundraising graphics that are the first thing you see when you visit their sites. And I'm sure you're probably thinking: 'Well, we don't want to be like Kos.' Well, if not being like Kos means not winning, then I certainly can appreciate the intellectual rectitude at play here. But for those of you who want to move the Republican Party in a different direction, you might want to try something else.
Ace encapsulates the right's reluctance to engage electorally, and what I suspect is going to be the rude awakening that comes as a result of that approach:
I never was all that big into this idea. I think it's now necessary if we're ever going to start winning like we used to.
The GOP needs to do its part, too. It shouldn't be up to John Hawkins to compile a list of House GOP challengers. The GOP needs a permanent online liaison, not just charged with sending out press releases and that sort of thing, but with providing information about candidates -- who's vulnerable, who's a solid challenger, etc."
Ace encapsulates the right's reluctance to engage electorally, and what I suspect is going to be the rude awakening that comes as a result of that approach:
I never was all that big into this idea. I think it's now necessary if we're ever going to start winning like we used to.
The GOP needs to do its part, too. It shouldn't be up to John Hawkins to compile a list of House GOP challengers. The GOP needs a permanent online liaison, not just charged with sending out press releases and that sort of thing, but with providing information about candidates -- who's vulnerable, who's a solid challenger, etc."
Althouse: If Obama is so far ahead...
Althouse: If Obama is so far ahead...: "If Obama is so far ahead...
... why isn't he that far ahead?
How weird would it be if McCain won? How would people go about absorbing it?"
A McCain/Palin win could make Bush Derangement Syndrome look like a sad day for a Cubs fan.
... why isn't he that far ahead?
How weird would it be if McCain won? How would people go about absorbing it?"
A McCain/Palin win could make Bush Derangement Syndrome look like a sad day for a Cubs fan.
CARPE DIEM: King Dollar Hits A 30-Month High
CARPE DIEM: King Dollar Hits A 30-Month High
"The dollar is king of the hill again -- at least for now.
Amid the cascading credit crisis, the U.S. currency has reclaimed its status as the world's haven in tumultuous times."
"The dollar is king of the hill again -- at least for now.
Amid the cascading credit crisis, the U.S. currency has reclaimed its status as the world's haven in tumultuous times."
The U.S. dollar index (vs. major currencies) hit a 30-month high today, reaching the highest level since April 14, 2006 (see chart above).
No MSM coverage here....
The October Surprise—Suit To Remove Barack Obama From The Ballot. Barack Obama Is A Citizen Of ?
Watch it!
Obama could end this now but won't.
Why?
Bra-Stuffing Bribe Scandal Probe Grows
Bra-Stuffing Bribe Scandal Probe Grows
"The federal probe into an embattled Massachusetts state senator who was clandestinely videotaped stuffing alleged bribe money into her bra by the FBI has expanded to include three Boston City Council members, the state senate president and several state liquor board officials, ABC News has learned."
Giving new meaning to the term "falsies".
(yes, she is a democrat)
"... are those guns or am I gonna be happy to see you....?"
"The federal probe into an embattled Massachusetts state senator who was clandestinely videotaped stuffing alleged bribe money into her bra by the FBI has expanded to include three Boston City Council members, the state senate president and several state liquor board officials, ABC News has learned."
Giving new meaning to the term "falsies".
(yes, she is a democrat)
"... are those guns or am I gonna be happy to see you....?"
Rally At Trinity Protests Racially Offensive Web Post
Rally At Trinity Protests Racially Offensive Web Post
"If the college wishes to end hate on campus, Williams said, it could, by changing its policies to not admit students who are intolerant, increasing student and faculty diversity, and making diversity a central goal."
"If the college wishes to end hate on campus, Williams said, it could, by changing its policies to not admit students who are intolerant, increasing student and faculty diversity, and making diversity a central goal."
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
25 Worst Markets to Find a Job
25 Worst Markets to Find a Job
"7. Visalia, Calif.
Unemployment rate: 11 percent
Last year: 8.9 percent
Job growth: 0.3 percent
15. Muskegon, Mich.
Unemployment rate: 9.9 percent
Last year: 8.1 percent
Job growth: -0.3 percent"
"7. Visalia, Calif.
Unemployment rate: 11 percent
Last year: 8.9 percent
Job growth: 0.3 percent
15. Muskegon, Mich.
Unemployment rate: 9.9 percent
Last year: 8.1 percent
Job growth: -0.3 percent"
The Columbus Dispatch : Judge rules Ohio homeless voters may list park benches as addresses
The Columbus Dispatch : Judge rules Ohio homeless voters may list park benches as addresses: "A federal judge in Ohio has ruled that counties must allow homeless voters to list park benches and other locations that aren't buildings as their addresses.
U.S. District Judge Edmund Sargus also ruled that provisional ballots can't be invalidated because of poll worker errors."
U.S. District Judge Edmund Sargus also ruled that provisional ballots can't be invalidated because of poll worker errors."
No worries!
Voter fraud don't exist!
Effigy of Sarah Palin hanging by a noose creates uproar in West Hollywood - Los Angeles Times
Effigy of Sarah Palin hanging by a noose creates uproar in West Hollywood
"'While these residents have the legal right to display Senator John McCain and Governor Sarah Palin in effigy, I strongly oppose political speech that references violence -- real or perceived,' Prang said in a statement. 'I urge these residents to take down their display and find more constructive ways to express their opinion.'
Whitmore said that potential hate crimes are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. If the same display had been made of a Barack Obama-like doll, for example, authorities would have to evaluate it independently, Whitmore said."
Different laws for different races?
Nothing new here.....and how sick is that?
"'While these residents have the legal right to display Senator John McCain and Governor Sarah Palin in effigy, I strongly oppose political speech that references violence -- real or perceived,' Prang said in a statement. 'I urge these residents to take down their display and find more constructive ways to express their opinion.'
Whitmore said that potential hate crimes are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. If the same display had been made of a Barack Obama-like doll, for example, authorities would have to evaluate it independently, Whitmore said."
Different laws for different races?
Nothing new here.....and how sick is that?
Thomas Sowell : Obama and the Law
Thomas Sowell : Obama and the Law
"One of the biggest and most long-lasting 'change' to expect if Barack Obama becomes President of the United States is in the kinds of federal judges he appoints. These include Supreme Court justices, as well as other federal justices all across the country, all of whom will have lifetime tenure.
Senator Obama has stated very clearly what kinds of Supreme Court justices he wants-- those with 'the empathy to understand what it's like to be poor, or African-American, or gay, or disabled, or old.'
Like so many things that Obama says, it may sound nice if you don't stop and think-- and chilling if you do stop and think. Do we really want judges who decide cases based on who you are, rather than on the facts and the law?
If the case involves a white man versus a black woman, should the judge decide that case differently than if both litigants are of the same race or sex?"
If you are still "on the fence" remember that many of Obama's (Rev Wright's?) judicial appointments may not be colorblind, genderblind or even interested in our Constitution.
And many may outlive you and me!
"One of the biggest and most long-lasting 'change' to expect if Barack Obama becomes President of the United States is in the kinds of federal judges he appoints. These include Supreme Court justices, as well as other federal justices all across the country, all of whom will have lifetime tenure.
Senator Obama has stated very clearly what kinds of Supreme Court justices he wants-- those with 'the empathy to understand what it's like to be poor, or African-American, or gay, or disabled, or old.'
Like so many things that Obama says, it may sound nice if you don't stop and think-- and chilling if you do stop and think. Do we really want judges who decide cases based on who you are, rather than on the facts and the law?
If the case involves a white man versus a black woman, should the judge decide that case differently than if both litigants are of the same race or sex?"
If you are still "on the fence" remember that many of Obama's (Rev Wright's?) judicial appointments may not be colorblind, genderblind or even interested in our Constitution.
And many may outlive you and me!
Tight, tighter, tightest!
IBD/TIPP Tracking Poll: Day Fifteen
"After seesawing between 3.2 and 3.9 points over the weekend, Obama's lead slipped to 2.8 Monday. Battleground also has Obama up 3, and other polls have tightened, including Rasmussen, Zogby and Gallup to 5. Some polls show swings in independents, but IBD/TIPP has them in a stable, 5-point range."
"After seesawing between 3.2 and 3.9 points over the weekend, Obama's lead slipped to 2.8 Monday. Battleground also has Obama up 3, and other polls have tightened, including Rasmussen, Zogby and Gallup to 5. Some polls show swings in independents, but IBD/TIPP has them in a stable, 5-point range."
(click on poll to enlarge)
Monday, October 27, 2008
The Age of Prosperity Is Over
The Age of Prosperity Is Over
"But unfortunately in this world there is no tooth fairy. And the government doesn't create anything; it just redistributes. Whenever the government bails someone out of trouble, they always put someone into trouble, plus of course a toll for the troll. Every $100 billion in bailout requires at least $130 billion in taxes, where the $30 billion extra is the cost of getting government involved.
If you don't believe me, just watch how Congress and Barney Frank run the banks. If you thought they did a bad job running the post office, Amtrak, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the military, just wait till you see what they'll do with Wall Street."
"But unfortunately in this world there is no tooth fairy. And the government doesn't create anything; it just redistributes. Whenever the government bails someone out of trouble, they always put someone into trouble, plus of course a toll for the troll. Every $100 billion in bailout requires at least $130 billion in taxes, where the $30 billion extra is the cost of getting government involved.
If you don't believe me, just watch how Congress and Barney Frank run the banks. If you thought they did a bad job running the post office, Amtrak, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the military, just wait till you see what they'll do with Wall Street."
RedState: Stunning results in early voting in California. Smile redstaters
RedState: Stunning results in early voting in California. Smile redstaters: "The results are simply shocking. The polls showed Barack Obama with an 18 point lead in California just a few days ago. The results thus far are the complete opposite. In the most liberal state in the entire country,the results are that 99,000 Republicans have voted and 96,000 Democrats voted. In the mail-in balloting the results so far are that 9,000 Democrats sent in their ballots and that 5,000 Republicans did so. So with nearly 210,000 people having voted,the Democrats have only a 1,000 vote advantage !
If we take the liberty of assuming that all Republicans will vote for John McCain and all Democrats will vote for Obama,then the race is incredibly close."
If we take the liberty of assuming that all Republicans will vote for John McCain and all Democrats will vote for Obama,then the race is incredibly close."
The REAL Obama!
Shame, Cubed
"Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.
Barack Obama, in 2001:
You know, if you look at the victories and failures of the civil-rights movement, and its litigation strategy in the court, I think where it succeeded was to vest formal rights in previously dispossessed peoples. So that I would now have the right to vote, I would now be able to sit at a lunch counter and order and as long as I could pay for it, I’d be okay, but the Supreme Court never entered into the issues of redistribution of wealth, and sort of more basic issues of political and economic justice in this society.
And uh, to that extent, as radical as I think people tried to characterize the Warren Court, it wasn’t that radical. It didn’t break free from the essential constraints that were placed by the Founding Fathers in the Constitution — at least as it’s been interpreted, and Warren Court interpreted it in the same way, that generally the Constitution is a charter of negative liberties: [It] says what the states can’t do to you, says what the federal government can’t do to you, but it doesn’t say what the federal government or the state government must do on your behalf.
Very scary stuff!
Read it all, it gets worse.
And the media is too busy covering Sarah Palin's wardrobe to report the truth about Barry O.
Disgusting!
"Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.
Barack Obama, in 2001:
You know, if you look at the victories and failures of the civil-rights movement, and its litigation strategy in the court, I think where it succeeded was to vest formal rights in previously dispossessed peoples. So that I would now have the right to vote, I would now be able to sit at a lunch counter and order and as long as I could pay for it, I’d be okay, but the Supreme Court never entered into the issues of redistribution of wealth, and sort of more basic issues of political and economic justice in this society.
And uh, to that extent, as radical as I think people tried to characterize the Warren Court, it wasn’t that radical. It didn’t break free from the essential constraints that were placed by the Founding Fathers in the Constitution — at least as it’s been interpreted, and Warren Court interpreted it in the same way, that generally the Constitution is a charter of negative liberties: [It] says what the states can’t do to you, says what the federal government can’t do to you, but it doesn’t say what the federal government or the state government must do on your behalf.
Very scary stuff!
Read it all, it gets worse.
And the media is too busy covering Sarah Palin's wardrobe to report the truth about Barry O.
Disgusting!
States find a can of worms in bottle deposit laws
States find a can of worms in bottle deposit laws
"But illegal returns are a real-life phenomenon and are no laughing matter in 11 states that encourage recycling by adding a refundable deposit to beer, soft drink and other beverage containers.
Michigan would have at least $10 million a year more for environmental cleanup if not for people redeeming containers that were bought in other states."
"But illegal returns are a real-life phenomenon and are no laughing matter in 11 states that encourage recycling by adding a refundable deposit to beer, soft drink and other beverage containers.
Michigan would have at least $10 million a year more for environmental cleanup if not for people redeeming containers that were bought in other states."
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Democrat James Carville's racist prediction!
CNN.com - Transcripts:
"CARVILLE:
Let me be clear, I said you can call the dogs and light the fire and leave the house. I think it sounds over.
Now let me be clear here, if Obama goes in this race with a 5- point lead and losing this election, the consequences are -- bull, man. I mean I don't think that's going to happen, but I think David it's a point to bring up
But you stop and contemplate this country if Obama goes in and he has a consistent five point lead and loses the election, it would be very, very, very dramatic out there."
"CARVILLE:
Let me be clear, I said you can call the dogs and light the fire and leave the house. I think it sounds over.
Now let me be clear here, if Obama goes in this race with a 5- point lead and losing this election, the consequences are -- bull, man. I mean I don't think that's going to happen, but I think David it's a point to bring up
But you stop and contemplate this country if Obama goes in and he has a consistent five point lead and loses the election, it would be very, very, very dramatic out there."
The Spectator
The Spectator: "The impact of the financial crisis on the American presidential election has somewhat obscured the most important reason why the prospect of an Obama presidency is giving so many people nightmares. This is the fear that, if he wins, US defences will be emasculated at a time of unprecedented international peril and the enemies of America and the free world will seize their opportunity to destroy the west."
Orlando Sentinel - Obama campaign cuts off WFTV after interview with Joe Biden by Hal Boedeker
Orlando Sentinel - Obama campaign cuts off WFTV after interview with Joe Biden by Hal Boedeker: "Biden so disliked West's line of questioning that the Obama campaign canceled a WFTV interview with Jill Biden, the candidate's wife.
'This cancellation is non-negotiable, and further opportunities for your station to interview with this campaign are unlikely, at best for the duration of the remaining days until the election,' wrote Laura K. McGinnis, Central Florida communications director for the Obama campaign."
'This cancellation is non-negotiable, and further opportunities for your station to interview with this campaign are unlikely, at best for the duration of the remaining days until the election,' wrote Laura K. McGinnis, Central Florida communications director for the Obama campaign."
Saturday, October 25, 2008
U.S. pledges extra $320 million for bird flu fight - Yahoo! News
U.S. pledges extra $320 million for bird flu fight
"The United States pledged an additional $320 million to the global fight against bird flu and warned on Saturday against complacency in combating the virus, which could mutate and cause a deadly pandemic."
No problem, it's just 1/3 of a $trillion.
Lot's more where that came from.........
Yeah, right.
"The United States pledged an additional $320 million to the global fight against bird flu and warned on Saturday against complacency in combating the virus, which could mutate and cause a deadly pandemic."
No problem, it's just 1/3 of a $trillion.
Lot's more where that came from.........
Yeah, right.
IBDeditorials.com: IBD/TIPP Economic, Presidential Election, and Political Polls -- IBD/TIPP Tracking Poll: Day Thirteen
IBD/TIPP Economic, Presidential Election, and Political Polls
IBD/TIPP Tracking Poll: Day Thirteen: "An analysis of Final Certified Results for the 2004 election showed IBD's polling partner, TIPP, was the most accurate pollster of the campaign season"
IBD/TIPP Tracking Poll: Day Thirteen: "An analysis of Final Certified Results for the 2004 election showed IBD's polling partner, TIPP, was the most accurate pollster of the campaign season"
12.2% UNDECIDED!
Michigan State University raises tuition, but covers its costs
Michigan State University raises tuition, but covers its costs
"Michigan State University will raise tuition by 1.2 percent but students won't have to pay the higher rate until summer.
Technically the tuition increase announced Friday takes effect with the spring semester. But the university will cover the cost, meaning students wouldn't have to pay higher rates until summer.
...The higher rates would have a freshman from Michigan taking 15 credits pay $4,721.25 for a semester. That's $56.25 more than this fall.
Michigan State raised tuition 6.8 percent headed into this fall."
What the heck does "the university will cover the cost.." mean?
Us taxpayers!!!!
"Michigan State University will raise tuition by 1.2 percent but students won't have to pay the higher rate until summer.
Technically the tuition increase announced Friday takes effect with the spring semester. But the university will cover the cost, meaning students wouldn't have to pay higher rates until summer.
...The higher rates would have a freshman from Michigan taking 15 credits pay $4,721.25 for a semester. That's $56.25 more than this fall.
Michigan State raised tuition 6.8 percent headed into this fall."
What the heck does "the university will cover the cost.." mean?
Us taxpayers!!!!
FuturePundit: Cherries Reduce Body Fat In Rats
FuturePundit: Cherries Reduce Body Fat In Rats
"New research continues to link tart cherries, one of today's hottest 'Super Fruits,' to lowering risk factors for heart disease. In addition to lowering cholesterol and reducing inflammation, the study being presented by University of Michigan researchers at next week's American Dietetic Association annual meeting, found that a cherry-enriched diet lowered body weight and fat – major risk factors for heart disease."
"New research continues to link tart cherries, one of today's hottest 'Super Fruits,' to lowering risk factors for heart disease. In addition to lowering cholesterol and reducing inflammation, the study being presented by University of Michigan researchers at next week's American Dietetic Association annual meeting, found that a cherry-enriched diet lowered body weight and fat – major risk factors for heart disease."
Media bias!
Instapundit.com -: "The sheer bias in the print and television coverage of this election campaign is not just bewildering, but appalling. And over the last few months I’ve found myself slowly moving from shaking my head at the obvious one-sided reporting, to actually shouting at the screen of my television"
University researchers developing cancer-fighting beer
University researchers developing cancer-fighting beer
"A team of researchers at Rice University in Houston is working to create a beer that could fight cancer and heart disease."
I'm gonna live forever!
"A team of researchers at Rice University in Houston is working to create a beer that could fight cancer and heart disease."
I'm gonna live forever!
Greenspan a fool or a liar?
The Volokh Conspiracy - -#1224870175
"Greenspan was asked today when he realized there was a housing bubble. His answer was early '06. That's long after other observers (including your friendly neighborhood blogger, e.g.) had recognized that the unprecedented increase in housing prices, unconnected to any discernable fundamental factor beyond easy credit, had created a bubble.
Even more surprising, Greenspan explained that even after he realized there was a bubble, he never expected housing prices to decline so dramatically, because we had never had a nationwide decline in housing prices in the past. I'd heard Greenspan say this before, but I'm surprised he wasn't embarrassed to repeat it. Didn't he ever read a mutual fund prospectus ('past performance does not guarantee future results'). More to the point, given that the level of increase in housing prices, both nationwide and in specific markets, was unprecedented, why would anyone sensible look to precedent in determining to what extent prices may fall?"
Andrea Mitchell's husband ain't lookin' too good in the rearview mirror.
"Greenspan was asked today when he realized there was a housing bubble. His answer was early '06. That's long after other observers (including your friendly neighborhood blogger, e.g.) had recognized that the unprecedented increase in housing prices, unconnected to any discernable fundamental factor beyond easy credit, had created a bubble.
Even more surprising, Greenspan explained that even after he realized there was a bubble, he never expected housing prices to decline so dramatically, because we had never had a nationwide decline in housing prices in the past. I'd heard Greenspan say this before, but I'm surprised he wasn't embarrassed to repeat it. Didn't he ever read a mutual fund prospectus ('past performance does not guarantee future results'). More to the point, given that the level of increase in housing prices, both nationwide and in specific markets, was unprecedented, why would anyone sensible look to precedent in determining to what extent prices may fall?"
Andrea Mitchell's husband ain't lookin' too good in the rearview mirror.
Thomas Sowell!
The Volokh Conspiracy - -#1224870175: "The Constrained Vision, The Unconstrained Vision, and the 2008 Election: Several times through the years I've had occasion to refer to Thomas Sowell's superb book A Conflict of Visions. This week, Peter Robinson sat down with Sowell to discuss the relevance of the book to understanding the 2008 election. Peter's column is here.
Sowell's judgment?
Asked if Obama represents the purest expression of the unconstrained vision since Franklin Roosevelt, Sowell, himself an African-American, replies: 'No. Since the beginning of American politics.'"
Sowell's judgment?
Asked if Obama represents the purest expression of the unconstrained vision since Franklin Roosevelt, Sowell, himself an African-American, replies: 'No. Since the beginning of American politics.'"
Natasha’s Story
Natasha’s Story
This presentation comes from photographer Rick Smolan. In 1978, Smolan was on assignment in South Korea for Time magazine. He was doing a piece on Amerasian children. One young girl caught his eye. The next few years became a quest to bring her to America.
That description doesn’t do this amazing story justice. It has more twists and emotional impact than a feature film. It’s a long video–nearly 30 minutes. But you’ll be glad you watched it.
Bring a hankie!
Posted using ShareThis
This presentation comes from photographer Rick Smolan. In 1978, Smolan was on assignment in South Korea for Time magazine. He was doing a piece on Amerasian children. One young girl caught his eye. The next few years became a quest to bring her to America.
That description doesn’t do this amazing story justice. It has more twists and emotional impact than a feature film. It’s a long video–nearly 30 minutes. But you’ll be glad you watched it.
Bring a hankie!
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1995 Obama Bizarre, Race Baiting Interview Found! HE MUST SAVE BLACKS SO HE CAN BE SAVED.
Barry spells it out.....pretty dang clear.
"OBAMA, NO MERCI BEAUCOUP"
"OBAMA, NO MERCI BEAUCOUP"
Gun-Toting Bible-Thumping Hillbillies Release Best Campaign Song of the Year!
Need a little lift?
Click and feel better IMMEDIATELY!
Gun-Toting Bible-Thumping Hillbillies Release Best Campaign Song of the Year!
Need a little lift?
Click and feel better IMMEDIATELY!
Democrats to gut US military
Frank envisions post-election stimulus from Democrats
"After the November election, Democrats will push for a second economic stimulus package that includes money for the states' stalled infrastructure projects, along with help paying for healthcare expenses, food stamps and extended unemployment benefits, U.S. Rep. Barney Frank said Thursday.
In a meeting with the editorial board of The Standard-Times, Rep. Frank, D-Mass., also called for a 25 percent cut in military spending, saying the Pentagon has to start choosing from its many weapons programs, and that upper-income taxpayers are going to see an increase in what they are asked to pay.
The military cuts also mean getting out of Iraq sooner, he said"
"After the November election, Democrats will push for a second economic stimulus package that includes money for the states' stalled infrastructure projects, along with help paying for healthcare expenses, food stamps and extended unemployment benefits, U.S. Rep. Barney Frank said Thursday.
In a meeting with the editorial board of The Standard-Times, Rep. Frank, D-Mass., also called for a 25 percent cut in military spending, saying the Pentagon has to start choosing from its many weapons programs, and that upper-income taxpayers are going to see an increase in what they are asked to pay.
The military cuts also mean getting out of Iraq sooner, he said"
Friday, October 24, 2008
IBD/TIPP Tracking Poll: Day Eleven
IBD/TIPP Tracking Poll: Day Eleven
Thursday, October 23, 2008
McCain has cut into Obama's lead for a second day and is now just 1.1 points behind. The spread was 3.7 Wednesday and 6.0 Tuesday. The Republican is making headway with middle- and working- class voters, and has surged 10 points in two days among those earning between $30,000 and $75,000."
Most accurate pollster in 2004 election shows: Obama 44.8%, McCain 43.7%, Not Sure 11.6%...
Undecided 11.6%!!!!!!!!
McCain wins!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
McCain has cut into Obama's lead for a second day and is now just 1.1 points behind. The spread was 3.7 Wednesday and 6.0 Tuesday. The Republican is making headway with middle- and working- class voters, and has surged 10 points in two days among those earning between $30,000 and $75,000."
Most accurate pollster in 2004 election shows: Obama 44.8%, McCain 43.7%, Not Sure 11.6%...
Undecided 11.6%!!!!!!!!
McCain wins!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
TaxProf Blog: Obama and the Tax Tipping Point
TaxProf Blog: Obama and the Tax Tipping Point: "What happens when the voter in the exact middle of the earnings spectrum receives more in benefits from Washington than he pays in taxes? Economists Allan Meltzer and Scott Richard posed this question 27 years ago. We may soon enough know the answer"
Political Radar: Obama Tweaks Tax Plan to Rebut McCain
Political Radar: Obama Tweaks Tax Plan to Rebut McCain: "'They started saying this was welfare,' said Obama adviser Austan Goolsbee. 'So, just so they would absolutely not be able to say that, we decided that for the last two percent we'll simply add a work requirement.'"
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Shame on McCain and Palin for using an old code word for black
Shame on McCain and Palin for using an old code word for black
"The 'socialist' label that Sen. John McCain and his GOP presidential running mate Sarah Palin are trying to attach to Sen. Barack Obama actually has long and very ugly historical roots.
J. Edgar Hoover, director of the FBI from 1924 to 1972, used the term liberally to describe African Americans who spent their lives fighting for equality."
Ya can't call a spade a spade?
Jeepers, calling one a "socialist" certainly is a slur.
But if we can't call a socialist a "socialist" just what IS the code word for a socialist?
A commie, totaliarian, anti-American Marxist?
"The 'socialist' label that Sen. John McCain and his GOP presidential running mate Sarah Palin are trying to attach to Sen. Barack Obama actually has long and very ugly historical roots.
J. Edgar Hoover, director of the FBI from 1924 to 1972, used the term liberally to describe African Americans who spent their lives fighting for equality."
Ya can't call a spade a spade?
Jeepers, calling one a "socialist" certainly is a slur.
But if we can't call a socialist a "socialist" just what IS the code word for a socialist?
A commie, totaliarian, anti-American Marxist?
glib vs BS
The Volokh Conspiracy - -: "Some thoughtful people simply have a tendency to confuse intelligence with the ability to be glib, or more precisely, to bs.
And I think that is much of what it comes down to--if Palin doesn't know the answer to a question, she just isn't that good at making something up. Biden, by contrast, is a master bs'er, as his debate performance exhibited. As a general rule, the less informed he was about the answer to a question, the more assertive he was in answering it, such as his extraordinary answer about the legislative role of the Vice-President. It is clear that he had not the slightest idea what he was talking about, yet he just plowed ahead throwing out assertions with rhetorical flair. Classic bs. Even on issues that were supposedly in his area of expertise, such as the Constitution, he wasn't even in the ballpark of being correct. Hoven picks up on Biden's whopper of answer about kicking Hezbollah out of Lebanon, but it is pretty much the same thing--aggressive bs covering a complete lack of any clue what he is talking about."
And I think that is much of what it comes down to--if Palin doesn't know the answer to a question, she just isn't that good at making something up. Biden, by contrast, is a master bs'er, as his debate performance exhibited. As a general rule, the less informed he was about the answer to a question, the more assertive he was in answering it, such as his extraordinary answer about the legislative role of the Vice-President. It is clear that he had not the slightest idea what he was talking about, yet he just plowed ahead throwing out assertions with rhetorical flair. Classic bs. Even on issues that were supposedly in his area of expertise, such as the Constitution, he wasn't even in the ballpark of being correct. Hoven picks up on Biden's whopper of answer about kicking Hezbollah out of Lebanon, but it is pretty much the same thing--aggressive bs covering a complete lack of any clue what he is talking about."
Good news about global warming! « Fabius Maximus
Good news about global warming! « Fabius Maximus: "This time the media is promoting the ice loss of one tiny fraction of the giant ice-covered continent and completely ignoring the current record ice growth on Antarctica. Contrary to media hype, the vast majority of Antarctica has cooled over the past 50 years and ice coverage has grown to record levels since satellite monitoring began in the 1979, according to peer-reviewed studies and scientists who study the area."
Northern California City Files for Bankruptcy Protection
Northern California City Files for Bankruptcy Protection
"The city of Vallejo filed for bankruptcy protection Friday to deal with a ballooning budget deficit caused by soaring employee costs and declining tax revenue.
The San Francisco Bay area suburb of about 120,000 residents became the largest California city to seek bankruptcy protection.
Mayor Osby Davis said the city's attorneys filed papers seeking Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection in federal court in Sacramento.
'We've exhausted all avenues at this point, and this is all we had left,' Davis said. 'I had hoped to avoid it all the way up until yesterday. It's something we can't avoid ... We can't pay our bills.'"
This is what awaits us in Michigan if we continue to sleepwalk through this crisis!
"The city of Vallejo filed for bankruptcy protection Friday to deal with a ballooning budget deficit caused by soaring employee costs and declining tax revenue.
The San Francisco Bay area suburb of about 120,000 residents became the largest California city to seek bankruptcy protection.
Mayor Osby Davis said the city's attorneys filed papers seeking Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection in federal court in Sacramento.
'We've exhausted all avenues at this point, and this is all we had left,' Davis said. 'I had hoped to avoid it all the way up until yesterday. It's something we can't avoid ... We can't pay our bills.'"
This is what awaits us in Michigan if we continue to sleepwalk through this crisis!
Northern California City Files for Bankruptcy Protection
Northern California City Files for Bankruptcy Protection
"The city of Vallejo filed for bankruptcy protection Friday to deal with a ballooning budget deficit caused by soaring employee costs and declining tax revenue.
The San Francisco Bay area suburb of about 120,000 residents became the largest California city to seek bankruptcy protection.
Mayor Osby Davis said the city's attorneys filed papers seeking Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection in federal court in Sacramento.
'We've exhausted all avenues at this point, and this is all we had left,' Davis said. 'I had hoped to avoid it all the way up until yesterday. It's something we can't avoid ... We can't pay our bills.'"
Coming to a town near you...soon!
"The city of Vallejo filed for bankruptcy protection Friday to deal with a ballooning budget deficit caused by soaring employee costs and declining tax revenue.
The San Francisco Bay area suburb of about 120,000 residents became the largest California city to seek bankruptcy protection.
Mayor Osby Davis said the city's attorneys filed papers seeking Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection in federal court in Sacramento.
'We've exhausted all avenues at this point, and this is all we had left,' Davis said. 'I had hoped to avoid it all the way up until yesterday. It's something we can't avoid ... We can't pay our bills.'"
Coming to a town near you...soon!
Hype: The Obama Effect
Hype: The Obama Effect - HypeMovie.com
"A movement is sweeping the nation. Frenzied crowds gather in every state. Young people chant and sing. Women swoon. The result is record voter turn out and a rare political enthusiasm. At the head of this unprecedented phenomenon stands a charismatic figure intent on becoming the President of the United States.
'I'm asking you to believe.'
'We are the ones we have been waiting for.'
'Yes, we can!'
'Change.'
'Hope.'
These words, from Barack Obama, have inspired everything from outrageous videos to the largest campaign fundraising success in history. He has taken what was considered a sure bet Clinton machine and turned it on its head. His supporters claim he is the new Martin Luther King, Jr. He is hailed as this generation's John F. Kennedy. This documentary explores the HYPE behind Barack Obama"
WOW!
Watch these videos BEFORE the election!
"A movement is sweeping the nation. Frenzied crowds gather in every state. Young people chant and sing. Women swoon. The result is record voter turn out and a rare political enthusiasm. At the head of this unprecedented phenomenon stands a charismatic figure intent on becoming the President of the United States.
'I'm asking you to believe.'
'We are the ones we have been waiting for.'
'Yes, we can!'
'Change.'
'Hope.'
These words, from Barack Obama, have inspired everything from outrageous videos to the largest campaign fundraising success in history. He has taken what was considered a sure bet Clinton machine and turned it on its head. His supporters claim he is the new Martin Luther King, Jr. He is hailed as this generation's John F. Kennedy. This documentary explores the HYPE behind Barack Obama"
WOW!
Watch these videos BEFORE the election!
Fox News hires reporter who got jailed for not revealing the source who identified the CIA agent whose husband got angry at Bush for blowing her cover (the wife's, not the reporter's). But it's all OK now
Fox News hires reporter who got jailed for not revealing the source who identified the CIA agent whose husband got angry at Bush for blowing her cover (the wife's, not the reporter's). But it's all OK now
"But all that's gonna change for sure with the next administration. You can believe in that."
"But all that's gonna change for sure with the next administration. You can believe in that."
So long, suckers. Millionaire hedge fund boss thanks 'idiot' traders and retires at 37
So long, suckers. Millionaire hedge fund boss thanks 'idiot' traders and retires at 37
"The boss of a successful US hedge fund has quit the industry with an extraordinary farewell letter dismissing his rivals as over-privileged 'idiots' and thanking 'stupid' traders for making him rich.
Andrew Lahde's $80m Los Angeles-based firm Lahde Capital Management in Los Angeles made a huge return last year by betting against subprime mortgages.
'The low-hanging fruit, ie idiots whose parents paid for prep school, Yale and then the Harvard MBA, was there for the taking,' he wrote. 'These people who were (often) truly not worthy of the education they received (or supposedly received) rose to the top of companies such as AIG, Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers and all levels of our government,' he said.
'All of this behaviour supporting the aristocracy only ended up making it easier for me to find people stupid enough to take the other side of my trades. God bless America.'"
Wait... didn't stupid Georgie....and low hanger, Barry Hussein Obama get the same edukation?
Too funny!
"The boss of a successful US hedge fund has quit the industry with an extraordinary farewell letter dismissing his rivals as over-privileged 'idiots' and thanking 'stupid' traders for making him rich.
Andrew Lahde's $80m Los Angeles-based firm Lahde Capital Management in Los Angeles made a huge return last year by betting against subprime mortgages.
'The low-hanging fruit, ie idiots whose parents paid for prep school, Yale and then the Harvard MBA, was there for the taking,' he wrote. 'These people who were (often) truly not worthy of the education they received (or supposedly received) rose to the top of companies such as AIG, Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers and all levels of our government,' he said.
'All of this behaviour supporting the aristocracy only ended up making it easier for me to find people stupid enough to take the other side of my trades. God bless America.'"
Wait... didn't stupid Georgie....and low hanger, Barry Hussein Obama get the same edukation?
Too funny!
Obama campaign flush from wealthy California donors - Los Angeles Times
Obama campaign flush from wealthy California donors
"Barack Obama raised more than $36 million last month for an account he shares with the Democratic Party, close to half of it from wealthy California donors who gave up to $61,600 each."
So much for the "little guy" donations.
No frowny faces on MSM TV from Matt or Katie.....
Big freakin' surprise!
"Barack Obama raised more than $36 million last month for an account he shares with the Democratic Party, close to half of it from wealthy California donors who gave up to $61,600 each."
So much for the "little guy" donations.
No frowny faces on MSM TV from Matt or Katie.....
Big freakin' surprise!
NYC term-limits extension set for vote Thursday
NYC term-limits extension set for vote Thursday
"Mayor Michael Bloomberg's proposal to extend New York's term-limits law was put on the fast track for a vote Thursday in City Council, even though some members are still undecided about bypassing voters to give themselves and the mayor a chance at third terms.....
On Tuesday afternoon, the bill was put on the agenda for Thursday's council meeting.
"Bloomberg, a billionaire former CEO of a financial information company, argues that New Yorkers need him to manage the city through the financial crisis, and that it's too late for voters to vote on the bill before the 2009 mayoral race.
Opponents say voters, not the council, should decide changes to the term-limits law. Voters set the current limit of two consecutive terms in a 1993 referendum and reaffirmed it three years later.
Has the world gone crazy!
The voters voted in a referendum, reaffirmed it 3 years later and this thug and his crook supporters are simply able to vote it down in a city council meeting?????
And the newspapers are .......... "simply reporting the facts.... mamm..."
Scum.
Everywhere!
"Mayor Michael Bloomberg's proposal to extend New York's term-limits law was put on the fast track for a vote Thursday in City Council, even though some members are still undecided about bypassing voters to give themselves and the mayor a chance at third terms.....
On Tuesday afternoon, the bill was put on the agenda for Thursday's council meeting.
"Bloomberg, a billionaire former CEO of a financial information company, argues that New Yorkers need him to manage the city through the financial crisis, and that it's too late for voters to vote on the bill before the 2009 mayoral race.
Opponents say voters, not the council, should decide changes to the term-limits law. Voters set the current limit of two consecutive terms in a 1993 referendum and reaffirmed it three years later.
Has the world gone crazy!
The voters voted in a referendum, reaffirmed it 3 years later and this thug and his crook supporters are simply able to vote it down in a city council meeting?????
And the newspapers are .......... "simply reporting the facts.... mamm..."
Scum.
Everywhere!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Is Muskegon County a Titanic in the making?
Dear unnamed County Commissioner,
Thanks for the invite!
I found the entire 3 hours very interesting... and distressing.
Some observations:
1. Pat Steele's plea "somebody just tell me the rules" seemed to sum up a very serious problem. It went unanswered. Why?
A simple request from a department head to the elected commissioners for clarity should not be unique.
But it is..... in Muskegon county.
2. I understand that getting a consensus among 11 commissioners is a challenge so why not create a "gang of 6" or more outside of your meetings and produce a specific proposal? Is it legal? Maybe 2 groups of 3 each to arrive at a consensus? Maybe an e-mail proposal that would be sent around for comments? It would have been nice to see a specific plan presented to the group. Does one exist?
Please come up with a plan!
At least if there was a vote on a specific proposal, each commissioner would be forced to take a public stand.
If no plan exists, why do you meet?
Seriously.
Why is there NO PLAN to keep our county from bankruptcy?
If you cannot provide a plan for the financial rescue of our county, why don't you all resign?
3. I was surprised that department heads complained about communication.
It may be that many of their complaints are simple grousing but Pat Steele asked a simple, public question that seemed to have no answer.
I know that e-mail is impersonal but at least there is a way to track each communication.
Isn't your charge to communicate your (us taxpayers/voters) desires to the hardworking county employees?
If there is a communication problem and you can't fix it, what do we do?
4. Have you considered a county wide "town hall" meeting. The word bankruptcy was brought up today.
BANKRUPTCY!!!!!!!
Big word!
Maybe a "Muskegon County in Bankruptcy" meeting would get some attention. So far it seems few realize the financial disaster that seems to be our fate.
Don't you think someone needs to tell the people?
I'm sure that you've had many discussions of similar ideas.
But, if I may, another personal comment from a citizen of Muskegon and a taxpayer living in our wonderful county.
I sensed a very clear reluctance from most (not all) of the commissioners to address the giant iceberg that our Titanic of a county has just been warned of from the yardarm.
Today's discussions of how to spend the new "casino" money were, to me, a surreal imagination of the officers of the Titanic obsessing about the minutia of tomorrow's breakfast .... and at the same time complaining about the annoying tipping of the tables where they sat ... as everything and everyone was moments from disaster.
My fear of the "frog in the slowly boiling water" seems to be the unstated policy of our Muskegon County Commissioners to hide the disaster from the people until it is too late.
YOU ARE THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO CAN PROTECT US FROM DISASTER!
Please tell me that I am wrong.
Gentlemen, I'm sure you all have faced far more substantial personal challenges in your long and successful lives..... and defeated them.
Is your legacy to be that of the officers Titanic?
Thanks for the invite!
I found the entire 3 hours very interesting... and distressing.
Some observations:
1. Pat Steele's plea "somebody just tell me the rules" seemed to sum up a very serious problem. It went unanswered. Why?
A simple request from a department head to the elected commissioners for clarity should not be unique.
But it is..... in Muskegon county.
2. I understand that getting a consensus among 11 commissioners is a challenge so why not create a "gang of 6" or more outside of your meetings and produce a specific proposal? Is it legal? Maybe 2 groups of 3 each to arrive at a consensus? Maybe an e-mail proposal that would be sent around for comments? It would have been nice to see a specific plan presented to the group. Does one exist?
Please come up with a plan!
At least if there was a vote on a specific proposal, each commissioner would be forced to take a public stand.
If no plan exists, why do you meet?
Seriously.
Why is there NO PLAN to keep our county from bankruptcy?
If you cannot provide a plan for the financial rescue of our county, why don't you all resign?
3. I was surprised that department heads complained about communication.
It may be that many of their complaints are simple grousing but Pat Steele asked a simple, public question that seemed to have no answer.
I know that e-mail is impersonal but at least there is a way to track each communication.
Isn't your charge to communicate your (us taxpayers/voters) desires to the hardworking county employees?
If there is a communication problem and you can't fix it, what do we do?
4. Have you considered a county wide "town hall" meeting. The word bankruptcy was brought up today.
BANKRUPTCY!!!!!!!
Big word!
Maybe a "Muskegon County in Bankruptcy" meeting would get some attention. So far it seems few realize the financial disaster that seems to be our fate.
Don't you think someone needs to tell the people?
I'm sure that you've had many discussions of similar ideas.
But, if I may, another personal comment from a citizen of Muskegon and a taxpayer living in our wonderful county.
I sensed a very clear reluctance from most (not all) of the commissioners to address the giant iceberg that our Titanic of a county has just been warned of from the yardarm.
Today's discussions of how to spend the new "casino" money were, to me, a surreal imagination of the officers of the Titanic obsessing about the minutia of tomorrow's breakfast .... and at the same time complaining about the annoying tipping of the tables where they sat ... as everything and everyone was moments from disaster.
My fear of the "frog in the slowly boiling water" seems to be the unstated policy of our Muskegon County Commissioners to hide the disaster from the people until it is too late.
YOU ARE THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO CAN PROTECT US FROM DISASTER!
Please tell me that I am wrong.
Gentlemen, I'm sure you all have faced far more substantial personal challenges in your long and successful lives..... and defeated them.
Is your legacy to be that of the officers Titanic?
Why Cramer Should Be Suspended
Why Cramer Should Be Suspended
"We've been here before with Jim Cramer. On Thanksgiving Day of 2006, my Dad and I made it a point to enjoy a nice bowl of applesauce in honor of Jim Cramer. Why applesauce? Because in July of 2006 with Apple (AAPL) stock trading at its low near $50, Cramer told his viewers that they had to pull all their money out of Apple. 'It's turning into applesauce and I can't have you in it.' From that very day, the stock went on to double in price over the next four months while we were invested in option LEAPS that appreciated 20 times themselves over that span. Once Cramer was out, we knew it was time to get in. Believe me, applesauce never tasted so good as it did during that Thanksgiving dinner."
Cramer is a menace to any investor's wealth!
"We've been here before with Jim Cramer. On Thanksgiving Day of 2006, my Dad and I made it a point to enjoy a nice bowl of applesauce in honor of Jim Cramer. Why applesauce? Because in July of 2006 with Apple (AAPL) stock trading at its low near $50, Cramer told his viewers that they had to pull all their money out of Apple. 'It's turning into applesauce and I can't have you in it.' From that very day, the stock went on to double in price over the next four months while we were invested in option LEAPS that appreciated 20 times themselves over that span. Once Cramer was out, we knew it was time to get in. Believe me, applesauce never tasted so good as it did during that Thanksgiving dinner."
Cramer is a menace to any investor's wealth!
The Farhat Theorem
My ex-state representative, Dave Farhat tells us that most candidates get smarter and tougher if they have a primary fight.
It certainly seemed to work with B Hussein Obama. His rough campaign made his candidacy more formidable.
Perhaps the McCain's lackluster performance is a result of his years in a safe Senate seat and the guy just doesn't have the fighting skills honed for the new media.
If he wins, he'd better become a much better communicator.
If he loses.... it doesn't matter.
Either way, Farhat's Theorem seems even more accurate.
It certainly seemed to work with B Hussein Obama. His rough campaign made his candidacy more formidable.
Perhaps the McCain's lackluster performance is a result of his years in a safe Senate seat and the guy just doesn't have the fighting skills honed for the new media.
If he wins, he'd better become a much better communicator.
If he loses.... it doesn't matter.
Either way, Farhat's Theorem seems even more accurate.
Candidate Banners Can Leave Clients, Businesses Bruised
Candidate Banners Can Leave Clients, Businesses Bruised: "'Businesspeople have to be mindful of the sentiments and sensibilities of their market trading area, and Prince George's County is overwhelmingly for Obama,' said community activist Arthur Turner of Kettering, who was among those advocating a boycott. 'People I have talked to look at the sign as a slap in the face. They feel it was blatant disrespect. . . . I have heard people say they will no longer patronize Colony South because of that disrespect.'
The outcry over the hotel marquee tapped into the passion -- and sometimes anger -- that has characterized this fall's presidential campaign. Supporters of Republican candidate John McCain have vented their rage at rallies this week, applauding thunderously as McCain's running mate, Sarah Palin, accused Obama of 'palling around with terrorists.'
Prince George's, though, is clearly Obama Country. As the nation's wealthiest mostly black community, where about 77 percent of registered voters are Democrats, residents have Obama placards in their yards, bumper stickers on their cars and the candidate's visage on their T-shirts.
The marquee supporting the GOP ticket in 'an area that is strongly African American was like putting a stink bomb in the middle of the living room,' said University of Maryland political Professor Ron Walters. 'What it does show is the emotions that are around this campaign and this election.'"
Imagine what these people will do if they own the Presidency AND the House AND a veto proof Senate.
The outcry over the hotel marquee tapped into the passion -- and sometimes anger -- that has characterized this fall's presidential campaign. Supporters of Republican candidate John McCain have vented their rage at rallies this week, applauding thunderously as McCain's running mate, Sarah Palin, accused Obama of 'palling around with terrorists.'
Prince George's, though, is clearly Obama Country. As the nation's wealthiest mostly black community, where about 77 percent of registered voters are Democrats, residents have Obama placards in their yards, bumper stickers on their cars and the candidate's visage on their T-shirts.
The marquee supporting the GOP ticket in 'an area that is strongly African American was like putting a stink bomb in the middle of the living room,' said University of Maryland political Professor Ron Walters. 'What it does show is the emotions that are around this campaign and this election.'"
Imagine what these people will do if they own the Presidency AND the House AND a veto proof Senate.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
IBD/TIPP Tracking Poll: Day Two
IBD/TIPP Tracking Poll: Day Two: "IBD/TIPP Tracking Poll: Day Two
Posted: Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Obama holds a slim 3-point lead over McCain, the IBD/TIPP Tracking Poll shows"
Not so far away!
Posted: Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Obama holds a slim 3-point lead over McCain, the IBD/TIPP Tracking Poll shows"
Not so far away!
Man Arrested After Taping Woman's Mouth Shut to Make Her Listen
Man Arrested After Taping Woman's Mouth Shut to Make Her Listen
"Authorities say a Port St. Lucie man bound a woman's hands and taped her mouth shut, claiming he only wanted to make her listen."
"Authorities say a Port St. Lucie man bound a woman's hands and taped her mouth shut, claiming he only wanted to make her listen."
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Manipulated attendance forces cuts
Manipulated attendance forces cuts: "The Godwin Heights school board voted Monday night to implement cuts in the wake of an unexpected $1 million shortfall prompted by what the state determined was manipulation of student attendance at the district's alternative high school.
But some students, parents and teachers fear the outcome of those cuts.
'I want to know how you can expect kids to keep going to this district by taking away everything to them that makes the school worth going to?' student Nicole Hill asked the board before the vote.
She said too many cuts have happened already.
Godwin Heights administrators say most students won't be affected. They say they're only cutting classes and athletic programs without enough students to keep them viable."
But some students, parents and teachers fear the outcome of those cuts.
'I want to know how you can expect kids to keep going to this district by taking away everything to them that makes the school worth going to?' student Nicole Hill asked the board before the vote.
She said too many cuts have happened already.
Godwin Heights administrators say most students won't be affected. They say they're only cutting classes and athletic programs without enough students to keep them viable."
Monday, October 13, 2008
Presidential Election '08 Global Poll | Election '08 | Reader's Digest
Presidential Election '08 Global Poll Election '08 Reader's Digest
"The majority in India (73%), South Africa (65%), the Netherlands (55%) and France (52%) would be interested in moving to the U.S."
France?
"The majority in India (73%), South Africa (65%), the Netherlands (55%) and France (52%) would be interested in moving to the U.S."
France?
Candidates differ on female draft
Candidates differ on female draft: "But the two presidential candidates disagree on a key foundation of any future draft: Mr. Obama supports a requirement for both men and women to register with the Selective Service, while Mr. McCain doesn't think women should have to register.
Also, Mr. Obama would consider officially opening combat positions to women. Mr. McCain would not."
Also, Mr. Obama would consider officially opening combat positions to women. Mr. McCain would not."
Diplomatic fights put criminal immigrants back on streets
Diplomatic fights put criminal immigrants back on streets
"Harrison called Andy Kahan, director of the Houston Mayor's Crime Victims Office, asking for help. ........`You got the ultimate suckerpunch,'' Kahan said to Harrison.
Kahan watched Malekzadeh from the corner of his eye, frowning.
``Nobody can do anything to him, and he knows that,'' Kahan said. ``He knows he's not going to go back, no matter what he does. He got the ultimate get-out-of-jail-free card.''"
"Harrison called Andy Kahan, director of the Houston Mayor's Crime Victims Office, asking for help. ........`You got the ultimate suckerpunch,'' Kahan said to Harrison.
Kahan watched Malekzadeh from the corner of his eye, frowning.
``Nobody can do anything to him, and he knows that,'' Kahan said. ``He knows he's not going to go back, no matter what he does. He got the ultimate get-out-of-jail-free card.''"
The Corner on National Review Online
The Corner on National Review Online:
"As for the 'old' vs the 'new' McCain, I've had little use for either.......Clearly, he's found it difficult (to put it mildly) to make the transition from running against his party to running for it. There's a lesson there: 'Maverick' is an attitude, not a coherent worldview, which is why McCain has been unable to make maverickiness (maverectomy?) into a viable electoral platform. Of course, 'hope' and 'change' are attitudes, too, but so fluffy as to float free of the constraints of reality."
"As for the 'old' vs the 'new' McCain, I've had little use for either.......Clearly, he's found it difficult (to put it mildly) to make the transition from running against his party to running for it. There's a lesson there: 'Maverick' is an attitude, not a coherent worldview, which is why McCain has been unable to make maverickiness (maverectomy?) into a viable electoral platform. Of course, 'hope' and 'change' are attitudes, too, but so fluffy as to float free of the constraints of reality."
BARONE: The coming liberal thugocracy
BARONE: The coming liberal thugocracy: "These attempts to shut down political speech have become routine for liberals."
Liberal Outrage: A Pro-McCain March In Manhattan
The MSM templet of GOP hate and liberal love precludes this video from inclusion on TV.
Middle class finds itself buried in debt
Middle class finds itself buried in debt
"Like a lot of bankruptcy filers, Berthet, a 51-year-old Dearborn Heights resident, saw his problems mount not from a profligate lifestyle but from simple misfortune linked with perhaps too-easy credit."
The general MSM consensus is that debtors aren't at fault.
Sort of like they have a disease buy don't have health insurance.
And now they need wealth insurance,,,,,,,,
Detroit Free Press front page bullet points:
Steps to keep borrowing costs down
Standard of living squeezing middle class
Wealthy people still seeing incomes soar
Cheaper care is across border
More on our falling standard of living
Videos: How Americans are coping with a reduced standard of living
All negative. America a disaster. Rich getting richer. Mexico even better!
"Like a lot of bankruptcy filers, Berthet, a 51-year-old Dearborn Heights resident, saw his problems mount not from a profligate lifestyle but from simple misfortune linked with perhaps too-easy credit."
The general MSM consensus is that debtors aren't at fault.
Sort of like they have a disease buy don't have health insurance.
And now they need wealth insurance,,,,,,,,
Detroit Free Press front page bullet points:
Steps to keep borrowing costs down
Standard of living squeezing middle class
Wealthy people still seeing incomes soar
Cheaper care is across border
More on our falling standard of living
Videos: How Americans are coping with a reduced standard of living
All negative. America a disaster. Rich getting richer. Mexico even better!
Paul Krugman Wins the Nobel Economics Prize - WSJ.com
Paul Krugman Wins the Nobel Economics Prize
"American Paul Krugman won the Nobel economics prize on Monday for his analysis of trade patterns and location of economic activity.
Mr. Krugman, born in 1953, and a professor at Princeton University in New Jersey and a columnist for The New York Times, formulated a new theory to answer questions about free trade, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said.
'What are the effects of free trade and globalization? What are the driving forces behind worldwide urbanization? Paul Krugman has formulated a new theory to answer these questions,': the academy said in its citation. 'He has thereby integrated the previously disparate research fields of international trade and economic geography,' it said."
The final dumbing down of a once great Nobel institution?
Probably not the final dumbing....
"American Paul Krugman won the Nobel economics prize on Monday for his analysis of trade patterns and location of economic activity.
Mr. Krugman, born in 1953, and a professor at Princeton University in New Jersey and a columnist for The New York Times, formulated a new theory to answer questions about free trade, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said.
'What are the effects of free trade and globalization? What are the driving forces behind worldwide urbanization? Paul Krugman has formulated a new theory to answer these questions,': the academy said in its citation. 'He has thereby integrated the previously disparate research fields of international trade and economic geography,' it said."
The final dumbing down of a once great Nobel institution?
Probably not the final dumbing....
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Michelle Malkin » Crush the Obamedia narrative: Look who’s “gripped by insane rage”
Crush the Obamedia narrative: Look who’s “gripped by insane rage”
"The Obamedia is attempting to set yet another false narrative: The narrative of the McCain “mob.” McCain-Palin rallies are out of control, they wheedle. Conservatives are mad! They’re yelling mean things about Obama and calling him names! It’ scaaaaary!"
"The Obamedia is attempting to set yet another false narrative: The narrative of the McCain “mob.” McCain-Palin rallies are out of control, they wheedle. Conservatives are mad! They’re yelling mean things about Obama and calling him names! It’ scaaaaary!"
JammieWearingFool
JammieWearingFool: "While the media obsesses over a couple of isolated comments at McCain/Palin rallies, the angry left is busy throwing Molotov cocktails at McCain supporters."
GOP frets about McCain's strategy, prospects
GOP frets about McCain's strategy, prospects: "Several Republicans, who spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid angering McCain, said the campaign should have sought to plant doubts about Obama's associations with 1960s-era radical William Ayers and others months ago, rather than waiting until the campaign's final weeks. Doing so now, they said, makes the 72-year-old McCain come off as angry, grouchy and desperate, playing into Democrats' hands."
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Granholm says Michigan must 'ride out' tough times #2
Granholm says Michigan must 'ride out' tough times
"Turmoil on Wall Street should abate once the presidential election signals what direction the next administration will take on economic policy, Gov. Jennifer Granholm said Friday."
..."Although not anticipating the recent market free-fall, Granholm said her administration made cautious revenue estimates for the current budget and is continuing tight-fisted policies on hiring and spending.
The budget should have a small surplus at the end of the year, "but we are still going to be extremely conservative in how we operate," she said.
Granholm said the Michigan Economic Development Corp. would provide a $400,000 grant in support of the partnership between Mariah Power, based in Reno, Nev., and Manistee-based MasTech Manufacturing LLC.
Mariah produces the Windspire, a 30-foot-high, vertical-axis wind turbine that sells for $5,000 each and can produce enough power to meet 25 percent of the typical home's needs. The company next year will release another model designed to provide 100 percent of the average home's energy, CEO Mike Hess said."
"tight-fisted"?????
"Turmoil on Wall Street should abate once the presidential election signals what direction the next administration will take on economic policy, Gov. Jennifer Granholm said Friday."
..."Although not anticipating the recent market free-fall, Granholm said her administration made cautious revenue estimates for the current budget and is continuing tight-fisted policies on hiring and spending.
The budget should have a small surplus at the end of the year, "but we are still going to be extremely conservative in how we operate," she said.
Granholm said the Michigan Economic Development Corp. would provide a $400,000 grant in support of the partnership between Mariah Power, based in Reno, Nev., and Manistee-based MasTech Manufacturing LLC.
Mariah produces the Windspire, a 30-foot-high, vertical-axis wind turbine that sells for $5,000 each and can produce enough power to meet 25 percent of the typical home's needs. The company next year will release another model designed to provide 100 percent of the average home's energy, CEO Mike Hess said."
"tight-fisted"?????
Granholm says Michigan must 'ride out' tough times
Granholm says Michigan must 'ride out' tough times
"That makes it all the more important to continue promoting industries such as wind power, she said while announcing a partnership that will mass produce wind turbines in Manistee for home and business use.
'For Michigan, this is the long-term strategy,' Granholm said.
The Democratic governor has made alternative energy the centerpiece of a push to diversify a state economy long dependent on automobile manufacturing. Disclosures that GM may announce more plant closings and production cuts next week provided a fresh reminder of that linkage."
None of the "new" business sell a product that has buyers unless the product price is subsidized..... by us taxpayers in Michigan.
None of these businesses would even be in business if we taxpayers in Michigan didn't subsidize their existance.
They pay ZERO net taxes to our state.
Just another Ponzi scheme that will collapse as soon as the publice scam money runs out.
"That makes it all the more important to continue promoting industries such as wind power, she said while announcing a partnership that will mass produce wind turbines in Manistee for home and business use.
'For Michigan, this is the long-term strategy,' Granholm said.
The Democratic governor has made alternative energy the centerpiece of a push to diversify a state economy long dependent on automobile manufacturing. Disclosures that GM may announce more plant closings and production cuts next week provided a fresh reminder of that linkage."
None of the "new" business sell a product that has buyers unless the product price is subsidized..... by us taxpayers in Michigan.
None of these businesses would even be in business if we taxpayers in Michigan didn't subsidize their existance.
They pay ZERO net taxes to our state.
Just another Ponzi scheme that will collapse as soon as the publice scam money runs out.
Friday, October 10, 2008
elementary particle jokes
The Volokh Conspiracy
"Lightening Up:
A genre of humor of which I was previously unaware (courtesy of my daughter):
elementary particle jokes.
So a neutron walked into a bar and says, 'i'd like a beer, please.' And the bartender gives him one and the neutron says, 'thanks, how much?' and the bartender says, 'For you? No charge.'
So one ion runs into another ion and says, 'Hey, can you help me? I think I lost an electron.' And the second ion says, 'Wow, are you sure?' and the first one says, 'Yeah, I'm positive!'
28 Comments"
"Lightening Up:
A genre of humor of which I was previously unaware (courtesy of my daughter):
elementary particle jokes.
So a neutron walked into a bar and says, 'i'd like a beer, please.' And the bartender gives him one and the neutron says, 'thanks, how much?' and the bartender says, 'For you? No charge.'
So one ion runs into another ion and says, 'Hey, can you help me? I think I lost an electron.' And the second ion says, 'Wow, are you sure?' and the first one says, 'Yeah, I'm positive!'
28 Comments"
Sorry, Dad, I'm Voting for Obama - The Daily Beast
Sorry, Dad, I'm Voting for Obama
"The son of William F. Buckley has decided—shock!—to vote for a Democrat.
Let me be the latest conservative/libertarian/whatever to leap onto the Barack Obama bandwagon. It’s a good thing my dear old mum and pup are no longer alive. They’d cut off my allowance."
Holy shirt!
"The son of William F. Buckley has decided—shock!—to vote for a Democrat.
Let me be the latest conservative/libertarian/whatever to leap onto the Barack Obama bandwagon. It’s a good thing my dear old mum and pup are no longer alive. They’d cut off my allowance."
Holy shirt!
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Most area school buses pass safety inspections
Most area school buses pass safety inspections
"Of Muskegon Heights' 11 buses, four were given red tags and seven passed. The school district's transportation supervisor could not be reached for comment."
"Of Muskegon Heights' 11 buses, four were given red tags and seven passed. The school district's transportation supervisor could not be reached for comment."
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
American Thinker Blog: Archives prove Obama was a New Party member
American Thinker Blog: Archives prove Obama was a New Party member: "Fusion, fortunately for the country, died in 1997. William Rehnquist, writing for a 6-3 Supreme Court, found the concept was not a protected constitutional right. It was two years too late to stop Obama.
Obama's career bears many signs of being helped along by the radical left. At the critical moment when he entered electoral politics, he was part of a movement to take over an established political party and direct it to the task of building a socialist America."
Interesting!
Obama's career bears many signs of being helped along by the radical left. At the critical moment when he entered electoral politics, he was part of a movement to take over an established political party and direct it to the task of building a socialist America."
Interesting!
Congress mulls major 401(k) changes
Congress mulls major 401(k) changes
"A wide range of sweeping changes to the 401(k) system were proposed Tuesday at a hearing on how the market crisis has devastated retirement savings plans.
Chief among them was eliminating $80 billion in tax savings for higher-income people enrolled in 401(k) retirement savings plans.
This was suggested by the chairman of the House Committee on Education and Labor.
“With respect to the 401(k), it appears to be a plan that is not really well-devised for the changes in the market,” Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., said."
And just who are those "higher income people" who will lose their 401k and Roth IRA promises from our wonderful government?
"A wide range of sweeping changes to the 401(k) system were proposed Tuesday at a hearing on how the market crisis has devastated retirement savings plans.
Chief among them was eliminating $80 billion in tax savings for higher-income people enrolled in 401(k) retirement savings plans.
This was suggested by the chairman of the House Committee on Education and Labor.
“With respect to the 401(k), it appears to be a plan that is not really well-devised for the changes in the market,” Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., said."
And just who are those "higher income people" who will lose their 401k and Roth IRA promises from our wonderful government?
Investment advice in a time of angst
As some of you may know, old Gordo has decades of experience in the investment world.
As a novice investor, stock broker and the new moniker, "financial advisor".
Now a retiree, I have fiscal and physical health recommendations for all of you.
I want to give al the visitors of MuskegonPundit my best advice concerning the stock market collapse AND some timely health advice.
When your monthly September statement from your 401k or brokerage account arrives, do this:
1. Do not open the envelope.
2. If you access your account via the web, change your password AND login name to something you will never remember...... until notified by GordoM.
3. If you receive your statement via mail, do NOT open the reverse, sticky side of you envelope.
4. Take your monthly statement (in the unopened envelope) to your shredder.
5. Shred the ENTIRE statement AND unopened envelope.
6. Take a breath, have a drink.
7. Repeat as often as necessary until notified by GordoM.
GordoM-rarely-offers-advice-so-do-this-NOW
As a novice investor, stock broker and the new moniker, "financial advisor".
Now a retiree, I have fiscal and physical health recommendations for all of you.
I want to give al the visitors of MuskegonPundit my best advice concerning the stock market collapse AND some timely health advice.
When your monthly September statement from your 401k or brokerage account arrives, do this:
1. Do not open the envelope.
2. If you access your account via the web, change your password AND login name to something you will never remember...... until notified by GordoM.
3. If you receive your statement via mail, do NOT open the reverse, sticky side of you envelope.
4. Take your monthly statement (in the unopened envelope) to your shredder.
5. Shred the ENTIRE statement AND unopened envelope.
6. Take a breath, have a drink.
7. Repeat as often as necessary until notified by GordoM.
GordoM-rarely-offers-advice-so-do-this-NOW
Why Did The Chicken Cross The Road?
Why Did The Chicken Cross The Road?
"GEORGE W. BUSH:
We don’t really care why the chicken crossed the road. We just want to know if the chicken is on our side of the road, or not. The chicken is either against us, or for us. There is no middle ground here.
COLIN POWELL:
Now to the left of the screen, you can clearly see the satellite image of the chicken crossing the road…
ANDERSON COOPER - CNN:
We have reason to believe there is a chicken, but we have not yet been allowed to have access to the other side of the road.
JOHN KERRY:
Although I voted to let the chicken cross the road, I am now against it! It was the wrong road to cross, and I was misled about the chicken’s intentions. I am not for it now, and will remain against it.
NANCY GRACE:
That chicken crossed the road because he’s GUILTY! You can see it in his eyes and the way he walks."
READ IT ALL!
"GEORGE W. BUSH:
We don’t really care why the chicken crossed the road. We just want to know if the chicken is on our side of the road, or not. The chicken is either against us, or for us. There is no middle ground here.
COLIN POWELL:
Now to the left of the screen, you can clearly see the satellite image of the chicken crossing the road…
ANDERSON COOPER - CNN:
We have reason to believe there is a chicken, but we have not yet been allowed to have access to the other side of the road.
JOHN KERRY:
Although I voted to let the chicken cross the road, I am now against it! It was the wrong road to cross, and I was misled about the chicken’s intentions. I am not for it now, and will remain against it.
NANCY GRACE:
That chicken crossed the road because he’s GUILTY! You can see it in his eyes and the way he walks."
READ IT ALL!
Too funny!
Cox presses for more openness in state government
Cox presses for more openness in state government
"Attorney General Mike Cox wants Michigan residents to be a click away from learning how state government spends every tax dollar and is pushing for a Web site to make that possible.
Cox and three state representatives touted more 'transparent' government during a brief press conference today in Detroit.
With the state fiscal year starting this week, Cox said residents should be able to see how Michigan will spend an estimated $42 billion."
Brave man!
Excellent idea!
"Attorney General Mike Cox wants Michigan residents to be a click away from learning how state government spends every tax dollar and is pushing for a Web site to make that possible.
Cox and three state representatives touted more 'transparent' government during a brief press conference today in Detroit.
With the state fiscal year starting this week, Cox said residents should be able to see how Michigan will spend an estimated $42 billion."
Brave man!
Excellent idea!
‘Mail Goggles' might prevent regrets
"Here's the scenario: It's Friday night, and what began as an innocent happy-hour margarita morphed into a few pitchers. After all, those tacos were salty.
Bidding friends adieu, you jump in a cab, head home and decide a quick e-mail check is in order. And there it is: a message from your ex. Or your boss. Or that friend you're secretly mad at.
If you're the kind of person who types tipsy and regrets it in the morning, Google's Mail Goggles, a new test-phase feature in the free Gmail service, might save you some angst.
The Goggles can kick in late at night on weekends. The feature requires you to solve a few easy math problems in short order before hitting “send.” If your logical thinking skills are intact, Google is betting you're sober enough to work out the repercussions of sending that screed you just drafted."
Bidding friends adieu, you jump in a cab, head home and decide a quick e-mail check is in order. And there it is: a message from your ex. Or your boss. Or that friend you're secretly mad at.
If you're the kind of person who types tipsy and regrets it in the morning, Google's Mail Goggles, a new test-phase feature in the free Gmail service, might save you some angst.
The Goggles can kick in late at night on weekends. The feature requires you to solve a few easy math problems in short order before hitting “send.” If your logical thinking skills are intact, Google is betting you're sober enough to work out the repercussions of sending that screed you just drafted."
Granholm named possible supreme court candidate
Granholm named possible supreme court candidate
"Gov. Jennifer Granholm is on the short list of potential supreme court nominees that could accompany a Barack Obama presidency, The Washington Post reported."
"Gov. Jennifer Granholm is on the short list of potential supreme court nominees that could accompany a Barack Obama presidency, The Washington Post reported."
Imagine a lifetime job for Jenny......
State's foster system gets fed monitor
State's foster system gets fed monitor
"A court-appointed monitor will oversee what a federal judge on Tuesday described as a historic agreement to improve the health and safety of Michigan's 19,000 foster children.
The deal approved by U.S. District Judge Nancy G. Edmunds ends a class-action lawsuit brought in 2006 by Children's Rights, a national advocacy group based in New York, alleging Michigan's foster care system was broken and harming kids.
It also could mean $50 million a year in additional costs for cash-strapped Michigan's Department of Human Services."
Our state is bankrupt and now unelected judges are demanding we spend ANOTHER $50 million!
And yet, state spending continues to increase!
"A court-appointed monitor will oversee what a federal judge on Tuesday described as a historic agreement to improve the health and safety of Michigan's 19,000 foster children.
The deal approved by U.S. District Judge Nancy G. Edmunds ends a class-action lawsuit brought in 2006 by Children's Rights, a national advocacy group based in New York, alleging Michigan's foster care system was broken and harming kids.
It also could mean $50 million a year in additional costs for cash-strapped Michigan's Department of Human Services."
Our state is bankrupt and now unelected judges are demanding we spend ANOTHER $50 million!
And yet, state spending continues to increase!
Macomb County budget cuts fail!
Macomb County budget cuts go slowly
"As the budget clock continues to tick for Macomb County to eliminate a record $33-million deficit next year, commissioners cut about $650,000 Tuesday but acknowledged they have a long way to go with little time left.
"Tuesday's cuts largely came from freezing vacant positions throughout the county.
"We're chipping away, but we still have a lot of cutting to do," Commissioner Andrey Duzyj, D-Warren, said after the Budget Committee meeting.
As the Dec. 31 deadline nears to adopt a balanced budget -- as required by law -- some commissioners expressed frustration that cuts weren't deeper.
"This deficit is not going to magically disappear," said Commissioner Peter Lund, R-Shelby Township. "We're talking about a $33-million deficit, and we cut just about 2%. That's not big enough. When are we going to find ways to save millions of dollars?"
Commissioners said after the meeting that they have no idea how they will eliminate the deficit.
The only plan to cut a significant chunk from the deficit hinges on labor unions agreeing to concessions on health care benefits for employees and retirees at a savings of $6 million.
But unions aren't budging, and commissioners now say they doubt a new contract will be inked by Dec. 31.
That leaves commissioners, who have resisted a tax increase, with less than two months to eliminate the county's largest-ever deficit.
Commissioners are to consider plans this morning to reduce a projected $7-million subsidy next year to keep afloat the county's nursing home, Martha T. Berry Medical Care Facility in Mt. Clemens.
Fueling the budget shortfall are drops in revenue from declining property taxes and rising pension costs for some employees who can retire as young as 50 years old.
"As the budget clock continues to tick for Macomb County to eliminate a record $33-million deficit next year, commissioners cut about $650,000 Tuesday but acknowledged they have a long way to go with little time left.
"Tuesday's cuts largely came from freezing vacant positions throughout the county.
"We're chipping away, but we still have a lot of cutting to do," Commissioner Andrey Duzyj, D-Warren, said after the Budget Committee meeting.
As the Dec. 31 deadline nears to adopt a balanced budget -- as required by law -- some commissioners expressed frustration that cuts weren't deeper.
"This deficit is not going to magically disappear," said Commissioner Peter Lund, R-Shelby Township. "We're talking about a $33-million deficit, and we cut just about 2%. That's not big enough. When are we going to find ways to save millions of dollars?"
Commissioners said after the meeting that they have no idea how they will eliminate the deficit.
The only plan to cut a significant chunk from the deficit hinges on labor unions agreeing to concessions on health care benefits for employees and retirees at a savings of $6 million.
But unions aren't budging, and commissioners now say they doubt a new contract will be inked by Dec. 31.
That leaves commissioners, who have resisted a tax increase, with less than two months to eliminate the county's largest-ever deficit.
Commissioners are to consider plans this morning to reduce a projected $7-million subsidy next year to keep afloat the county's nursing home, Martha T. Berry Medical Care Facility in Mt. Clemens.
Fueling the budget shortfall are drops in revenue from declining property taxes and rising pension costs for some employees who can retire as young as 50 years old.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Dr. Seuss and the Bailout Plan
Dr. Seuss and the Bailout Plan:
"That Uncle Sam!
That Congress-man!
We do not like your bailout plan!
We do not like your taxing plan!
Should we pay so stocks don’t tank?
Should we pay for Barney Frank?"
read the rest.....funny in a scary sort of way.
"That Uncle Sam!
That Congress-man!
We do not like your bailout plan!
We do not like your taxing plan!
Should we pay so stocks don’t tank?
Should we pay for Barney Frank?"
read the rest.....funny in a scary sort of way.
Granholm signs Mich. energy package into law
Granholm signs Mich. energy package into law
"Gov. Jennifer Granholm on Monday signed into law a package that will require more electricity to come from renewable sources, raise residential rates, restrict competition among power companies and encourage energy efficiency.....
Among other provisions, the package requires that 10 percent of Michigan's power come from renewable sources by the end of 2015. More than half of U.S. states have such requirements or goals, causing concerns that the state was falling behind."
Remember Jenny when your electric and heating bills skyrocket.
"Gov. Jennifer Granholm on Monday signed into law a package that will require more electricity to come from renewable sources, raise residential rates, restrict competition among power companies and encourage energy efficiency.....
Among other provisions, the package requires that 10 percent of Michigan's power come from renewable sources by the end of 2015. More than half of U.S. states have such requirements or goals, causing concerns that the state was falling behind."
Remember Jenny when your electric and heating bills skyrocket.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Study: Wind turbines could boost energy tenfold
Study: Wind turbines could boost energy tenfold
"Michigan could produce more than 10 times the amount of current peak electricity if nearly 100,000 offshore wind turbines operated on the Great Lakes, according to a new study."
"Michigan could produce more than 10 times the amount of current peak electricity if nearly 100,000 offshore wind turbines operated on the Great Lakes, according to a new study."
State grant makes fluorescent bulbs cheap
State grant makes fluorescent bulbs cheap
"Starting Wednesday, about 500,000 compact fluorescent bulbs will be available for as little as 99 cents at Kroger, Meijer and Menards stores across the state. They also will be sold at Ace Hardware stores in the Lansing area and Upper Peninsula.
The bulbs are cheaper thanks in part to a state grant."
"Starting Wednesday, about 500,000 compact fluorescent bulbs will be available for as little as 99 cents at Kroger, Meijer and Menards stores across the state. They also will be sold at Ace Hardware stores in the Lansing area and Upper Peninsula.
The bulbs are cheaper thanks in part to a state grant."
Interesting Michigan facts
MICHIGAN
Detroit is known as the car capital of the world.
Detroit's Davidson Freeway is the oldest expressway in the U.S.
Alpena is the home of the world's largest cement plant.
Rogers City boasts the world's largest limestone quarry.
Elsie is the home of the world's largest registered Holstein dairy herd.
Michigan is first in the United States production of peat and magnesium compounds and second in gypsum and iron ore.
Colon is home to the world's largest manufacture of magic supplies.
The state Capitol with its majestic dome was built in Lansing in l879.
Although Michigan is often called the ( Wolverine State ) There are no longer any wolverines in Michigan. (However, on e was spotted in 2007, so there are some.)
Michigan ranks first in state boat registrations. (This was true till two years ago. The sagging economy now has Florida a little ahead of Michigan.)
The Packard Motor Car Company in Detroit manufactured the first Air-conditioned car in 1939.
The oldest county (based on date of incorporation) is Wayne in 1815.
Sault Ste. Marie was founded by Father Jacques Marquette in 1668. It is the Third oldest remaining settlement in the United States.
In 1817 the University of Michigan was the first university established by any of the states.
It was founded by priests. Originally named Cathelepistemian and located in Detroit, the name was changed in 1821. The university moved to Ann Arbor in 1841
.
The city of Novi was named from its designation as Stagecoach Stop #6, or No.VI.
Michigan State University has the largest single campus student body of any Michigan university.
It is the largest institution of higher learning in the state and one of the largest universities in the country. Michigan State University was founded in 1855 as the nation's first land-grant university and served as the prototype for 69 land-grant institutions later established under the Morrill Act of 1862. It was t he first institution of higher learning in the nation to teach scientific agriculture.
The largest village in Michigan is Caro.
Michigan's state stone, The Petoskey is the official state stone. It is found along the shores of Lake Michigan.
The Mackinac Bridge is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. Connecting the upper
and lower peninsulas of Michigan. It spans 5 miles over the Straits of Mackinac, which is where Lake Michigan and Lake Huron meet. The Mighty Mac took 3 years to complete and was opened to traffic in 1957.
Gerald R. Ford grew up in Grand Rapids and became the 38th president of the United States . He attended the University of Michigan where he was a football star. He served on a World War II aircraft carrier and afterward represented Michigan in Congress for 24 years. He was also an Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Boy Scouts.
The Kellogg Company has made Battle Creek the Cereal Capital of the World. The Kellogg brothers accidentally discovered the process for producing flaked cereal products and sparked the beginning of the dry cereal industry.
The painted turtle is Michigan's state reptile.
The western shore of Michigan has many sand dunes. The Sleeping Bear Dunes rise 460 feet above Lake Michigan. Living among the dunes is the dwarf lake iris the official state wildflower.
Vernor's ginger ale was created in Detroit and became the first soda pop made in the United
States. In 1862, pharmacist James Vernor was trying to create a new beverage when he was called away to serve our country in the Civil War. When he returned, 4 years later, the drink he had stored in an oak case had acquired a delicious gingery flavor.
The Detroit Zoo was the first zoo in America to feature cageless, open-exhibits that allowed the animals more freedom to roam.
Michigan is the only place in the world with a floating post office. The J. W. Westcott II is the only boat in the world that delivers mail to ships while they are still underway. They have been operating for 125 years.
Indian River is the home of the largest crucifix in the world. It is called the Cross in the Woods.
Michigan has the longest freshwater shoreline in the world.
Michigan has more shoreline than any other state except Alaska.
The Ambassador Bridge was named by Joseph Bower, the person credited with making the bridge
a reality, who thought the name ( Detroit-Windsor International Bridge ) as too long and lacked emotional appeal. Bower wanted to symbolize the visible expression of friendship of two peoples with like Ideas and ideals.
Michigan has more than 11,000 inland lakes and more than 36,000 miles of streams.
Michigan has 116 lighthouses and navigational lights.
Seul Choix Point Lighthouse in Gulliver has been guiding ships since 1895. The working light also functions as a museum, which houses Early 1900's furnishings and maritime artifacts.
Forty of the state's 83 counties adjoin at least one of the Great Lakes . Michigan is the only state that touches four of the five Great Lakes.
Standing anywhere in the state a person is within 85 miles of one of the Great Lakes.
Michigan includes 56,954 square miles of land area; 1,194 square miles of inland waters; and 38,575 square miles of Great Lakes water area.
Sault Ste. Marie was established in 1668 making it the oldest town between the Alleghenies and the Rockies.
Michigan was the first state to provide in its Constitution for the establishment of public libraries.
Michigan was the first state to guarantee every child the right to tax-paid high school education.
Four flags have flown over Michigan - French, English, Spanish and United States.
Isle Royal Park shelters one of the largest moose herds remaining in the United States.
Some of the longest bulk freight carriers in the world operate on the Great Lakes. Ore carriers 1,000 feet long sail Michigan's inland seas.
The Upper Michigan Copper Country is the largest commercial deposit of native copper in the world.
The 19 chandeliers in the Capitol in Lansing are one of a kind and designed especially for the building by Tiffany's of New York . Weighing between 800-900 pounds apiece they are composed of copper, iron and pewter.
The first auto traffic tunnel built between two nations was the mile-long Detroit-Windsor tunnel under the Detroit River.
The world's first international submarine railway tunnel was opened between Port Huron,
Michigan, and Sarnia, Ontario, Canada in 1891.
The nation's first regularly scheduled air passage service began operation between Grand Rapids and Detroit in 1926.
In 1879 Detroit telephone customers were first in the nation to be assigned phone numbers to facilitate handling calls.
In 1929, the Michigan State Police established the first state police radio system in the world.
Grand Rapids is home to the 24-foot Leonardo da Vinci horse, called Il Gavallo. It is the largest equestrian bronze sculpture in the Western Hemisphere.
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Detroit is known as the car capital of the world.
Detroit's Davidson Freeway is the oldest expressway in the U.S.
Alpena is the home of the world's largest cement plant.
Rogers City boasts the world's largest limestone quarry.
Elsie is the home of the world's largest registered Holstein dairy herd.
Michigan is first in the United States production of peat and magnesium compounds and second in gypsum and iron ore.
Colon is home to the world's largest manufacture of magic supplies.
The state Capitol with its majestic dome was built in Lansing in l879.
Although Michigan is often called the ( Wolverine State ) There are no longer any wolverines in Michigan. (However, on e was spotted in 2007, so there are some.)
Michigan ranks first in state boat registrations. (This was true till two years ago. The sagging economy now has Florida a little ahead of Michigan.)
The Packard Motor Car Company in Detroit manufactured the first Air-conditioned car in 1939.
The oldest county (based on date of incorporation) is Wayne in 1815.
Sault Ste. Marie was founded by Father Jacques Marquette in 1668. It is the Third oldest remaining settlement in the United States.
In 1817 the University of Michigan was the first university established by any of the states.
It was founded by priests. Originally named Cathelepistemian and located in Detroit, the name was changed in 1821. The university moved to Ann Arbor in 1841
.
The city of Novi was named from its designation as Stagecoach Stop #6, or No.VI.
Michigan State University has the largest single campus student body of any Michigan university.
It is the largest institution of higher learning in the state and one of the largest universities in the country. Michigan State University was founded in 1855 as the nation's first land-grant university and served as the prototype for 69 land-grant institutions later established under the Morrill Act of 1862. It was t he first institution of higher learning in the nation to teach scientific agriculture.
The largest village in Michigan is Caro.
Michigan's state stone, The Petoskey is the official state stone. It is found along the shores of Lake Michigan.
The Mackinac Bridge is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. Connecting the upper
and lower peninsulas of Michigan. It spans 5 miles over the Straits of Mackinac, which is where Lake Michigan and Lake Huron meet. The Mighty Mac took 3 years to complete and was opened to traffic in 1957.
Gerald R. Ford grew up in Grand Rapids and became the 38th president of the United States . He attended the University of Michigan where he was a football star. He served on a World War II aircraft carrier and afterward represented Michigan in Congress for 24 years. He was also an Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Boy Scouts.
The Kellogg Company has made Battle Creek the Cereal Capital of the World. The Kellogg brothers accidentally discovered the process for producing flaked cereal products and sparked the beginning of the dry cereal industry.
The painted turtle is Michigan's state reptile.
The western shore of Michigan has many sand dunes. The Sleeping Bear Dunes rise 460 feet above Lake Michigan. Living among the dunes is the dwarf lake iris the official state wildflower.
Vernor's ginger ale was created in Detroit and became the first soda pop made in the United
States. In 1862, pharmacist James Vernor was trying to create a new beverage when he was called away to serve our country in the Civil War. When he returned, 4 years later, the drink he had stored in an oak case had acquired a delicious gingery flavor.
The Detroit Zoo was the first zoo in America to feature cageless, open-exhibits that allowed the animals more freedom to roam.
Michigan is the only place in the world with a floating post office. The J. W. Westcott II is the only boat in the world that delivers mail to ships while they are still underway. They have been operating for 125 years.
Indian River is the home of the largest crucifix in the world. It is called the Cross in the Woods.
Michigan has the longest freshwater shoreline in the world.
Michigan has more shoreline than any other state except Alaska.
The Ambassador Bridge was named by Joseph Bower, the person credited with making the bridge
a reality, who thought the name ( Detroit-Windsor International Bridge ) as too long and lacked emotional appeal. Bower wanted to symbolize the visible expression of friendship of two peoples with like Ideas and ideals.
Michigan has more than 11,000 inland lakes and more than 36,000 miles of streams.
Michigan has 116 lighthouses and navigational lights.
Seul Choix Point Lighthouse in Gulliver has been guiding ships since 1895. The working light also functions as a museum, which houses Early 1900's furnishings and maritime artifacts.
Forty of the state's 83 counties adjoin at least one of the Great Lakes . Michigan is the only state that touches four of the five Great Lakes.
Standing anywhere in the state a person is within 85 miles of one of the Great Lakes.
Michigan includes 56,954 square miles of land area; 1,194 square miles of inland waters; and 38,575 square miles of Great Lakes water area.
Sault Ste. Marie was established in 1668 making it the oldest town between the Alleghenies and the Rockies.
Michigan was the first state to provide in its Constitution for the establishment of public libraries.
Michigan was the first state to guarantee every child the right to tax-paid high school education.
Four flags have flown over Michigan - French, English, Spanish and United States.
Isle Royal Park shelters one of the largest moose herds remaining in the United States.
Some of the longest bulk freight carriers in the world operate on the Great Lakes. Ore carriers 1,000 feet long sail Michigan's inland seas.
The Upper Michigan Copper Country is the largest commercial deposit of native copper in the world.
The 19 chandeliers in the Capitol in Lansing are one of a kind and designed especially for the building by Tiffany's of New York . Weighing between 800-900 pounds apiece they are composed of copper, iron and pewter.
The first auto traffic tunnel built between two nations was the mile-long Detroit-Windsor tunnel under the Detroit River.
The world's first international submarine railway tunnel was opened between Port Huron,
Michigan, and Sarnia, Ontario, Canada in 1891.
The nation's first regularly scheduled air passage service began operation between Grand Rapids and Detroit in 1926.
In 1879 Detroit telephone customers were first in the nation to be assigned phone numbers to facilitate handling calls.
In 1929, the Michigan State Police established the first state police radio system in the world.
Grand Rapids is home to the 24-foot Leonardo da Vinci horse, called Il Gavallo. It is the largest equestrian bronze sculpture in the Western Hemisphere.
Was that interesting or what ?
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Analysis: Fact-Checkers Fall Short in Criticizing NRA's Anti-Obama Ads
Analysis: Fact-Checkers Fall Short in Criticizing NRA's Anti-Obama Ads
"But what are the facts? Were the NRA ads this bad? How accurate are the fact checkers? FactCheck.org, which is regularly relied on by FOX News, had the longest critical discussion of the ads. Here is a review of their most critical comments."
"But what are the facts? Were the NRA ads this bad? How accurate are the fact checkers? FactCheck.org, which is regularly relied on by FOX News, had the longest critical discussion of the ads. Here is a review of their most critical comments."
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