IRS: Cheapest Obamacare Plan Will Be $20,000 Per Family | CNS News
"In a final regulation issued Wednesday, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) assumed that under Obamacare the cheapest health insurance plan available in 2016 for a family will cost $20,000 for the year.
Under Obamacare, Americans will be required to buy health insurance or pay a penalty to the IRS"
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Dominican prostitute: Senator Bob Menendez 'likes the youngest and newest girls'
Dominican prostitute: Senator Bob Menendez 'likes the youngest and newest girls' | The Daily Caller
"In a little-noticed email published online Wednesday by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), a young Dominican woman wrote nine months ago that she slept with 59-year-old New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez at a series of sex parties organized by Dr. Salomon Melgen, a longtime Menendez campaign donor."
"In a little-noticed email published online Wednesday by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), a young Dominican woman wrote nine months ago that she slept with 59-year-old New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez at a series of sex parties organized by Dr. Salomon Melgen, a longtime Menendez campaign donor."
School District Reaches Five-Year Contract Preventing Teacher From Leaving the Union
School District Reaches Five-Year Contract Preventing Teacher From Leaving the Union [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
"The Taylor School District reached a five-year tentative agreement with the Taylor Federation of Teachers that would prevent its union employees from having the option of leaving the teacher’s union, the superintendent confirmed."
"The Taylor School District reached a five-year tentative agreement with the Taylor Federation of Teachers that would prevent its union employees from having the option of leaving the teacher’s union, the superintendent confirmed."
Rezoning proponents asking Muskegon County judge for permission to enter Sappi lawsuit to defend Nov. 6 vote
Rezoning proponents asking Muskegon County judge for permission to enter Sappi lawsuit to defend Nov. 6 vote | MLive.com
"Page, Douglas and other citizens want the property redeveloped with non-industrial uses, such as restaurants, hotels or marinas allowed under the waterfront marine zoning. Page has argued that the city’s master plan called for a non-industrial use of the Sappi property if the paper mill ended operations."
"Page, Douglas and other citizens want the property redeveloped with non-industrial uses, such as restaurants, hotels or marinas allowed under the waterfront marine zoning. Page has argued that the city’s master plan called for a non-industrial use of the Sappi property if the paper mill ended operations."
Plan B: Muskegon County to look at alternative to locating new juvenile center in empty schools
Plan B: Muskegon County to look at alternative to locating new juvenile center in empty schools | MLive.com: "The possible change in approach for finding a location for a new juvenile center will discussed at a public meeting, scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, according to Sheriff Dean Roesler and County Administrator Bonnie Hammersley.
"The consultants will be presenting to the committee alternative options to the previous options," Hammersley said. "
"The consultants will be presenting to the committee alternative options to the previous options," Hammersley said. "
Study: New E15 gas can ruin auto engines
Study: New E15 gas can ruin auto engines | WashingtonExaminer.com
"Failure of these components could result in breakdowns that leave consumers stranded on busy roads and highways," said the industry report.
Worse: API said the fuel problems--not found in E5 or E10 blends--aren't always covered by auto warranties."
"Failure of these components could result in breakdowns that leave consumers stranded on busy roads and highways," said the industry report.
Worse: API said the fuel problems--not found in E5 or E10 blends--aren't always covered by auto warranties."
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Union bosses clinging to power, revenue in wake of Right to Work
Guest column: Union bosses clinging to power, revenue in wake of Right to Work | MLive.com
Unfortunately, some union bosses are seeking to wage war on their own members, as another leaked memo from Michigan Education Association’s (MEA), Steven Cook, proves.
Cook’s memo outlines a series of tactics to challenge the new law and remove his members’ newfound choice by locking as many school employees as possible into long-term, dues- mandatory contracts before the freedom to work law takes effect on March 23.
He also details how the MEA plans to threaten teachers and other members if they try to opt out of their previously mandatory memberships at any time other than August, which is the only month applications permit resigning from the union.
Way to “represent” and “advocate” for your members, right?
In fact, his memo goes to great lengths to discuss MEA’s strategy for clinging to power, spending member dollars on continuing the ‘right to work’ legal battle while continuing to drain our educators’ paychecks, whether they want to be in the union or not.
It’s no surprise that Cook never discusses how to improve union representation, add value for its members or, heaven forbid, trim the fat. It’s all about the revenue.
Climate-Change Misdirection
Bjorn Lomborg: Climate-Change Misdirection - WSJ.com
"This does not mean that climate change isn't an issue.
It means that exaggerating the threat concentrates resources in the wrong areas.
Consider hurricanes (though similar points hold for wildfire and drought).
If the aim is to reduce storm damage, then first focus on resilience—better building codes and better enforcement of those codes.
Ending subsidies for hurricane insurance to discourage building in vulnerable zones would also help, as would investing in better infrastructure (from stronger levees to higher-capacity sewers).
These solutions are quick and comparatively cheap.
Most important, they would diminish future hurricane damage, whether climate-induced or not.
Had New York and New Jersey focused resources on building sea walls and adding storm doors to the subway system and making simple fixes like porous pavements, Hurricane Sandy would have caused much less damage."
"This does not mean that climate change isn't an issue.
It means that exaggerating the threat concentrates resources in the wrong areas.
Consider hurricanes (though similar points hold for wildfire and drought).
If the aim is to reduce storm damage, then first focus on resilience—better building codes and better enforcement of those codes.
Ending subsidies for hurricane insurance to discourage building in vulnerable zones would also help, as would investing in better infrastructure (from stronger levees to higher-capacity sewers).
These solutions are quick and comparatively cheap.
Most important, they would diminish future hurricane damage, whether climate-induced or not.
Had New York and New Jersey focused resources on building sea walls and adding storm doors to the subway system and making simple fixes like porous pavements, Hurricane Sandy would have caused much less damage."
The 25 Best Quotes From Thomas Sowell
The 25 Best Quotes From Thomas Sowell - John Hawkins
[page]:
"3) "Weighing benefits against costs is the way most people make decisions — and the way most businesses make decisions, if they want to stay in business.
Only in government is any benefit, however small, considered to be worth any cost, however large."
2) "In short, killing the goose that lays the golden egg is a viable political strategy, so long as the goose does not die before the next election and no one traces the politicians’ fingerprints on the murder weapon."
3) "There are no solutions; there are only trade-offs.""
[page]:
"3) "Weighing benefits against costs is the way most people make decisions — and the way most businesses make decisions, if they want to stay in business.
Only in government is any benefit, however small, considered to be worth any cost, however large."
2) "In short, killing the goose that lays the golden egg is a viable political strategy, so long as the goose does not die before the next election and no one traces the politicians’ fingerprints on the murder weapon."
3) "There are no solutions; there are only trade-offs.""
Davos divided on tackling the scourge of obesity
Davos divided on tackling the scourge of obesity | Reuters
"business leaders meeting in Davos can't agree on what they can or should do to address it."
"business leaders meeting in Davos can't agree on what they can or should do to address it."
Big Government 101: Federal Subsidies Create Glut Of College Grads
Big Government 101: Federal Subsidies Create Glut Of College Grads - Investors.com
"A new study finds almost half of Americans with college degrees are working at jobs that don't require one.
It's the latest example of how federal subsidies are creating a massive higher-education bubble.
The study, by the Center for College Affordability and Productivity, found that an incredible 48% of college graduates — about 13 million of them — hold jobs that don't require a bachelor's degree.
About 5 million have jobs that don't even require a high school diploma."
"A new study finds almost half of Americans with college degrees are working at jobs that don't require one.
It's the latest example of how federal subsidies are creating a massive higher-education bubble.
The study, by the Center for College Affordability and Productivity, found that an incredible 48% of college graduates — about 13 million of them — hold jobs that don't require a bachelor's degree.
About 5 million have jobs that don't even require a high school diploma."
Stuck in Reverse, Detroit Edges Closer to Bankruptcy
Stuck in Reverse, Detroit Edges Closer to Bankruptcy
"Signs of decline are everywhere - in a rising crime rate, streets without lights and block after block of abandoned buildings.
The murder rate of one per 1,719 people last year was more than 11 times the rate in New York City.
The jobless rate is above 18 percent, more than twice rate for the country as a whole."
"Signs of decline are everywhere - in a rising crime rate, streets without lights and block after block of abandoned buildings.
The murder rate of one per 1,719 people last year was more than 11 times the rate in New York City.
The jobless rate is above 18 percent, more than twice rate for the country as a whole."
The politics of Fitch’s credit downgrade threat
The politics of Fitch’s credit downgrade threat | NetRight Daily
"Except it has nothing to do with any sort of fiscal brinksmanship by congressional Republicans, but because the deficit is not being significantly reduced.
In its statement, Fitch wrote, “In the absence of an agreed and credible medium-term deficit reduction plan that would be consistent with sustaining the economic recovery and restoring confidence in the long-run sustainability of U.S. public finances, the current negative outlook on the ‘AAA’ rating is likely to be resolved with a downgrade later this year even if another debt ceiling crisis is averted.”"
"Except it has nothing to do with any sort of fiscal brinksmanship by congressional Republicans, but because the deficit is not being significantly reduced.
In its statement, Fitch wrote, “In the absence of an agreed and credible medium-term deficit reduction plan that would be consistent with sustaining the economic recovery and restoring confidence in the long-run sustainability of U.S. public finances, the current negative outlook on the ‘AAA’ rating is likely to be resolved with a downgrade later this year even if another debt ceiling crisis is averted.”"
10 serious downtown Muskegon plans..........
Heard on the Street: 10 serious downtown Muskegon plans, Cutler family legacy and, what's this, possible Sappi sale | MLive.com
• Downtown convention center. In the next two years, I predict that serious conversation and planning will again be under way on a modest-sized convention center space for larger gatherings and exhibitions. The owners of the Shoreline Inn are extremely interested in such a development.
• Relocation of the Farmer’s Market. Yes, that controversial idea of moving the city’s beloved market from Yuba Street to a new facility in the heart of the downtown is gaining momentum behind the scenes as fundraising for what I think is an eye-popping design is under way."
• Downtown convention center. In the next two years, I predict that serious conversation and planning will again be under way on a modest-sized convention center space for larger gatherings and exhibitions. The owners of the Shoreline Inn are extremely interested in such a development.
• Relocation of the Farmer’s Market. Yes, that controversial idea of moving the city’s beloved market from Yuba Street to a new facility in the heart of the downtown is gaining momentum behind the scenes as fundraising for what I think is an eye-popping design is under way."
Monday, January 28, 2013
University Union Wants Contract Through 2023 To Avoid Right-to-Work Law
University Union Wants Contract Through 2023 To Avoid Right-to-Work Law [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
"With a year left on its contract, the Western Michigan University's professors' union is trying to get a 9-year extension done by the March deadline that would give union members the right to not pay dues or fees as a condition of employment at the school.
That would lock everyone represented by that union into paying dues or fees until 2023."
"With a year left on its contract, the Western Michigan University's professors' union is trying to get a 9-year extension done by the March deadline that would give union members the right to not pay dues or fees as a condition of employment at the school.
That would lock everyone represented by that union into paying dues or fees until 2023."
Pontiac residents to pay $141 sanitation fee
Pontiac residents to pay $141 sanitation fee | Crain's Detroit Business
" A city official says Pontiac is issuing a $141.59-per-household sanitation fee on winter tax bills.
Finance Director John Naglick told The Oakland Press that the fee is necessary because of a shortfall in the sanitation fund and the city's shrinking tax base.
He said it's "really indicative of the fact that our taxable value has fallen so greatly in Pontiac, so we're not bringing in enough from the sanitation millage to cover the $4.4 million in expenses.""
" A city official says Pontiac is issuing a $141.59-per-household sanitation fee on winter tax bills.
Finance Director John Naglick told The Oakland Press that the fee is necessary because of a shortfall in the sanitation fund and the city's shrinking tax base.
He said it's "really indicative of the fact that our taxable value has fallen so greatly in Pontiac, so we're not bringing in enough from the sanitation millage to cover the $4.4 million in expenses.""
World is right to worry about US debt
World is right to worry about US debt - FT.com
"For example, as its share of global gross domestic product shrinks from about 20 per cent today to as little as 10 per cent in five decades, should it try to continue to play the role of global policeman?
The US spends more than 4 per cent of GDP a year on defence, roughly twice the global average."
"For example, as its share of global gross domestic product shrinks from about 20 per cent today to as little as 10 per cent in five decades, should it try to continue to play the role of global policeman?
The US spends more than 4 per cent of GDP a year on defence, roughly twice the global average."
Big Labor is in big trouble
Big Labor is in big trouble | NetRight Daily
"The stunning drop in private sector labor union membership over the past ten years parallels organized labor’s decision to engage in massive political expenditures designed to elect supposed pro-labor candidates to office."
"The stunning drop in private sector labor union membership over the past ten years parallels organized labor’s decision to engage in massive political expenditures designed to elect supposed pro-labor candidates to office."
Fannie To Allow Walkaways by On-Time Borrowers: Mortgages
Fannie To Allow Walkaways by On-Time Borrowers: Mortgages - Bloomberg
Fannie Mae (FNMA) and Freddie Mac will let some borrowers who kept up payments as their homes lost value erase their debts by giving up the properties, helping Americans escape underwater loans while adding to losses at the mortgage giants bailed out with $190 billion of taxpayer money.
Non-delinquent borrowers with illness, job changes or other reasons they need to move will become eligible in March to apply for a so-called deed-in-lieu transaction that erases the shortfall between a property’s value and the size of its mortgage.
Beatles Tribute Band Invades Muskegon
Beatles Tribute Band Invades Muskegon
"The American Red Cross is pleased to welcome 1964: The Tribute to Muskegon on Friday, February 15, 2013.
The world’s best Beatles tribute band will take their audience on a fantastic trip back to the era of the rock legends who will live in our hearts forever.
This trip down memory lane (or is it Penny Lane?) will start at 8:00 p.m. at the Frauenthal Theater in downtown Muskegon.
Tickets are available at the Frauenthal Box Office or by telephone at 1-800-585-3737 or any Star Tickets Outlet or online at www.startickets.com. Tickets are $29.50."
"The American Red Cross is pleased to welcome 1964: The Tribute to Muskegon on Friday, February 15, 2013.
The world’s best Beatles tribute band will take their audience on a fantastic trip back to the era of the rock legends who will live in our hearts forever.
This trip down memory lane (or is it Penny Lane?) will start at 8:00 p.m. at the Frauenthal Theater in downtown Muskegon.
Tickets are available at the Frauenthal Box Office or by telephone at 1-800-585-3737 or any Star Tickets Outlet or online at www.startickets.com. Tickets are $29.50."
Right-To-Work Income Claims Proven Wrong
Right-To-Work Income Claims Proven Wrong [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
Scores of right-to-work critics ranging from politicians to economists have cited lower per-capita incomes in right-to-work states as why the new law is not good for Michigan.
However, not factoring in cost-of-living exposes a flaw in that analysis, said Mackinac Center for Public Policy Fiscal Analyst James Hohman.
Once that is considered, Hohman said the per-capita income is higher in right-to-work states than non-right-to-work states
Scores of right-to-work critics ranging from politicians to economists have cited lower per-capita incomes in right-to-work states as why the new law is not good for Michigan.
However, not factoring in cost-of-living exposes a flaw in that analysis, said Mackinac Center for Public Policy Fiscal Analyst James Hohman.
Once that is considered, Hohman said the per-capita income is higher in right-to-work states than non-right-to-work states
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Pakistani fertilizer firm to expand in U.S., but balks on controlling bomb materials
Pakistani fertilizer firm to expand in U.S., but balks on controlling bomb materials - Washington Times
"The Indiana Finance Authority has approved $1.27 billion in tax-exempt bonds for Midwest Fertilizer Corp. to build a nitrogenous fertilizer manufacturing plant in Posey County.
Midwest is a new startup company of the Fatima Group, a conglomerate headquartered in Lahore, Pakistan.
Fatima’s fertilizer components are used by terrorists in Pakistan and Afghanistan to build homemade bombs — the No. 1 killer of American service members in Afghanistan."
"The Indiana Finance Authority has approved $1.27 billion in tax-exempt bonds for Midwest Fertilizer Corp. to build a nitrogenous fertilizer manufacturing plant in Posey County.
Midwest is a new startup company of the Fatima Group, a conglomerate headquartered in Lahore, Pakistan.
Fatima’s fertilizer components are used by terrorists in Pakistan and Afghanistan to build homemade bombs — the No. 1 killer of American service members in Afghanistan."
If Hillary does not run, liberals will stage a massive draft movement for Elizabeth Warren
If Hillary does not run, liberals will stage a massive draft movement for Elizabeth Warren - The Hill's Pundits Blog
"In my last column I suggested that if she runs for president, which I believe is an 80 percent probability, Hillary Clinton would have a great chance to carry Texas and could well trigger a historical political realignment of Rooseveltian magnitude.
I now predict that if Hillary choses not to run in 2016, which is certainly possible, liberals will begin a gigantic movement to draft Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) to run for president on a platform that will offer a reformist program of the magnitude that Franklin Roosevelt proposed and implemented."
"In my last column I suggested that if she runs for president, which I believe is an 80 percent probability, Hillary Clinton would have a great chance to carry Texas and could well trigger a historical political realignment of Rooseveltian magnitude.
I now predict that if Hillary choses not to run in 2016, which is certainly possible, liberals will begin a gigantic movement to draft Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) to run for president on a platform that will offer a reformist program of the magnitude that Franklin Roosevelt proposed and implemented."
Global Warming Updates:
COMMON CENTS: Global Warming Updates:
"These Global Warming Updates or Global Warming Alerts are not for the faint of heart. "
"These Global Warming Updates or Global Warming Alerts are not for the faint of heart. "
Rick Haglund: Pressure to enact right-to-work laws mounting in almost every Great Lakes state
Rick Haglund: Pressure to enact right-to-work laws mounting in almost every Great Lakes state | MLive.com
"Even Ontario is engaged in a noisy debate over right to work, which outlaws labor contracts that require workers to pay union dues as a condition of employment."
"Even Ontario is engaged in a noisy debate over right to work, which outlaws labor contracts that require workers to pay union dues as a condition of employment."
Panel discusses how to handle fiscal crisis
Panel discusses how to handle fiscal crisis | Washington Free Beacon
"Norquist blasted the illusion of economic growth created by Keynesian economics, comparing it to moving a bucket of water from one end of a pond to another.
He said liberals must know that these policies do not work.
“They’re not stupid. They’re lying,” he said.
“They may also be stupid,” Furchtgott-Roth retorted."
"Norquist blasted the illusion of economic growth created by Keynesian economics, comparing it to moving a bucket of water from one end of a pond to another.
He said liberals must know that these policies do not work.
“They’re not stupid. They’re lying,” he said.
“They may also be stupid,” Furchtgott-Roth retorted."
Obama: Tough call on letting a son play football
Obama: Tough call on letting a son play football - Yahoo! News:
" President Barack Obama is a big football fan with two daughters, but if he had a son, he says he'd "have to think long and hard" before letting him play because of the physical toll the game takes.
"I think that those of us who love the sport are going to have to wrestle with the fact that it will probably change gradually to try to reduce some of the violence," Obama tells The New Republic.
"In some cases, that may make it a little bit less exciting, but it will be a whole lot better for the players, and those of us who are fans maybe won't have to examine our consciences quite as much.""
" President Barack Obama is a big football fan with two daughters, but if he had a son, he says he'd "have to think long and hard" before letting him play because of the physical toll the game takes.
"I think that those of us who love the sport are going to have to wrestle with the fact that it will probably change gradually to try to reduce some of the violence," Obama tells The New Republic.
"In some cases, that may make it a little bit less exciting, but it will be a whole lot better for the players, and those of us who are fans maybe won't have to examine our consciences quite as much.""
Boomtown: Lamborghini Moves North American HQ to D.C. Region
Boomtown: Lamborghini Moves North American HQ to D.C. Region
"n a disturbing indicator of how wealthy the D.C. political class is becoming by extracting taxpayer money from the rest of the country, Lamborghini moved its North American headquarters to the D.C. region because it saw the city as having the most potential for growth."
"n a disturbing indicator of how wealthy the D.C. political class is becoming by extracting taxpayer money from the rest of the country, Lamborghini moved its North American headquarters to the D.C. region because it saw the city as having the most potential for growth."
U.S. Postal Service rate hikes take effect as agency flirts with insolvency
U.S. Postal Service rate hikes take effect as agency flirts with insolvency | MLive.com
"Starting Sunday, the following types are mail are rising in cost by one cent:
• A one-ounce letter sent with a first-class stamp is going from 45 cents to 46 cents.
• Postcard postage will rise from 32 cents to 33 cents.
• One-ounce letters to international destination are rising to $1.10, which is up from 85 cents to send a letter to Canada and Mexico, and $1.05 to other places."
"Starting Sunday, the following types are mail are rising in cost by one cent:
• A one-ounce letter sent with a first-class stamp is going from 45 cents to 46 cents.
• Postcard postage will rise from 32 cents to 33 cents.
• One-ounce letters to international destination are rising to $1.10, which is up from 85 cents to send a letter to Canada and Mexico, and $1.05 to other places."
Progressive Democratic Women's Caucus hosting forum on health care legislation
Progressive Democratic Women's Caucus hosting forum on health care legislation | MLive.com
"The forum will begin at 7 p.m. at the Louis A. McMurray Conference Center, located at 2624 Sixth St. in Muskegon Heights."
"The forum will begin at 7 p.m. at the Louis A. McMurray Conference Center, located at 2624 Sixth St. in Muskegon Heights."
After Mike Bloomberg's rule for hospitals, FDA panel votes to restrict use of painkillers
After Mike Bloomberg's rule for hospitals, FDA panel votes to restrict use of painkillers | WashingtonExaminer.com
Federal Drug Administration advisers voted today to restrict access to certain kinds of prescription drugs in an effort to fight drug abuse
The vote had experts divided over the risk of drug abuse as weighed against the risk of increased pain or difficulty for patients on the medication.
“It will have an impact on a lot of patients who have been receiving them for some time for legitimate purposes,” Dr. Lynn Webster, president-elect of the American Academy of Pain Medicine, said perHealth Day News ahead of the vote.
The FDA rule change is designed to implement a policy that the Senate passed last year, but the U.S. House of Representatives killed.
“Under the new rules, refills without a new prescription would be forbidden, as would faxed prescriptions and those called in by phone,”The New York Times explains in reporting that the new rules passed by 19-10 vote.
“Only written prescriptions from a doctor would be allowed, and pharmacists and distributors would be required to store the drugs in special vaults . . . advocates for nursing home patients, who said older, frail residents needing pain medication would now be required to make the arduous trip to a doctor’s office to continue using hydrocodone products.”
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who moved to restrict access to certain painkillers in city hospital emergency rooms in order to fight drug abuse, argued that it wouldn’t harm patients.
“Number one, there’s no evidence of that,” Bloomberg said.
“Number two, supposing it is really true, so you didn’t get enough painkillers and you did have to suffer a little bit.
The other side of the coin is people are dying and there’s nothing perfect.”
The vote had experts divided over the risk of drug abuse as weighed against the risk of increased pain or difficulty for patients on the medication.
“It will have an impact on a lot of patients who have been receiving them for some time for legitimate purposes,” Dr. Lynn Webster, president-elect of the American Academy of Pain Medicine, said perHealth Day News ahead of the vote.
The FDA rule change is designed to implement a policy that the Senate passed last year, but the U.S. House of Representatives killed.
“Under the new rules, refills without a new prescription would be forbidden, as would faxed prescriptions and those called in by phone,”The New York Times explains in reporting that the new rules passed by 19-10 vote.
“Only written prescriptions from a doctor would be allowed, and pharmacists and distributors would be required to store the drugs in special vaults . . . advocates for nursing home patients, who said older, frail residents needing pain medication would now be required to make the arduous trip to a doctor’s office to continue using hydrocodone products.”
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who moved to restrict access to certain painkillers in city hospital emergency rooms in order to fight drug abuse, argued that it wouldn’t harm patients.
“Number one, there’s no evidence of that,” Bloomberg said.
“Number two, supposing it is really true, so you didn’t get enough painkillers and you did have to suffer a little bit.
The other side of the coin is people are dying and there’s nothing perfect.”
Sierra Club, union: Right-to-work laws threaten the environment, working families
Sierra Club, union: Right-to-work laws threaten the environment, working families (Guest column) | MLive.com
"States with right-to-work laws have lower wages — for both union and nonunion workers alike — by an average of $1,500 per year.
Right-to-work laws decrease the likelihood that employees get either health insurance or pensions through their jobs, for everyone.
Also there’s no correlation that shows right-to-work laws bring businesses and economic activity to the state.
Better jobs mean a safer, cleaner environment.
Union workers serve as the front line of defense against harmful pollution, chemical spills and other accidents that can devastate communities.
Union workers are generally better trained to know about the health and safety risks of dangerous chemicals and have greater protections if they blow the whistle on hazardous practices in the workplace.
They have that training and enjoy those protections because of strong collective bargaining rights.
Michigan’s history is as rich with major events from the conservation movement as it is with regard to advances with regard to workers’ rights."
"States with right-to-work laws have lower wages — for both union and nonunion workers alike — by an average of $1,500 per year.
Right-to-work laws decrease the likelihood that employees get either health insurance or pensions through their jobs, for everyone.
Also there’s no correlation that shows right-to-work laws bring businesses and economic activity to the state.
Better jobs mean a safer, cleaner environment.
Union workers serve as the front line of defense against harmful pollution, chemical spills and other accidents that can devastate communities.
Union workers are generally better trained to know about the health and safety risks of dangerous chemicals and have greater protections if they blow the whistle on hazardous practices in the workplace.
They have that training and enjoy those protections because of strong collective bargaining rights.
Michigan’s history is as rich with major events from the conservation movement as it is with regard to advances with regard to workers’ rights."
Communists Cheer On Obama’s Gun Grab
Communists Cheer On Obama’s Gun Grab Alex Jones' Infowars: There's a war on for your mind!
"In a January 18 article, People’s World, an official publication of the Communist Party USA (CPUSA), declared that “the ability to live free from the fear or threat of gun violence is a fundamental democratic right — one that far supercedes any so-called personal gun rights allegedly contained in the Second Amendment.”"
"In a January 18 article, People’s World, an official publication of the Communist Party USA (CPUSA), declared that “the ability to live free from the fear or threat of gun violence is a fundamental democratic right — one that far supercedes any so-called personal gun rights allegedly contained in the Second Amendment.”"
Cultural Defense Accepted as to Nonconsensual Sex in New Jersey Trial Court, Rejected on Appeal
The Volokh Conspiracy » Cultural Defense Accepted as to Nonconsensual Sex in New Jersey Trial Court, Rejected on Appeal
"While recognizing that defendant had engaged in sexual relations with plaintiff against her expressed wishes in November 2008 and on the night of January 15 to 16, 2009, the judge did not find sexual assault or criminal sexual conduct to have been proven.
He stated:
This court does not feel that, under the circumstances, that this defendant had a criminal desire to or intent to sexually assault or to sexually contact the plaintiff when he did.
The court believes that he was operating under his belief that it is, as the husband, his desire to have sex when and whether he wanted to, was something that was consistent with his practices and it was something that was not prohibited.
After acknowledging that this was a case in which religious custom clashed with the law, and that under the law, plaintiff had a right to refuse defendant’s advances, the judge found that defendant did not act with a criminal intent when he repeatedly insisted upon intercourse, despite plaintiff’s contrary wishes."
"While recognizing that defendant had engaged in sexual relations with plaintiff against her expressed wishes in November 2008 and on the night of January 15 to 16, 2009, the judge did not find sexual assault or criminal sexual conduct to have been proven.
He stated:
This court does not feel that, under the circumstances, that this defendant had a criminal desire to or intent to sexually assault or to sexually contact the plaintiff when he did.
The court believes that he was operating under his belief that it is, as the husband, his desire to have sex when and whether he wanted to, was something that was consistent with his practices and it was something that was not prohibited.
After acknowledging that this was a case in which religious custom clashed with the law, and that under the law, plaintiff had a right to refuse defendant’s advances, the judge found that defendant did not act with a criminal intent when he repeatedly insisted upon intercourse, despite plaintiff’s contrary wishes."
Did Government Meddling Cripple The Dodge Dart?
Did Government Meddling Cripple The Dodge Dart? | The Truth About Cars
"Just over a year ago, UAW members at the plant had just authorized a strike at the Dundee plant over a change in shift schedules – despite an apparent agreement not to strike, as another condition of the bailout. The FIRE engine, widely panned in the Dart, seems to exist solely to satisfy the requirement that Fiat build a 40 MPG car in America – a requirement that TTAC summarily exposed as bogus, since the agreement stated that the car must get 40 MPG “unadjusted”, or roughly 30 MPG combined in the “real world” fuel economy figures that everyone is familiar with.
But without the 40 MPG Dart, the diminutive FIRE engine and U.S. production of the FIRE engine, Fiat would not have received their 20 percent stake in Chrysler, along with the option to increase their share in 5 percent increments once these milestones (the third being Fiat recording $1.5 billion in revenue outside the NAFTA Zone)."
"Just over a year ago, UAW members at the plant had just authorized a strike at the Dundee plant over a change in shift schedules – despite an apparent agreement not to strike, as another condition of the bailout. The FIRE engine, widely panned in the Dart, seems to exist solely to satisfy the requirement that Fiat build a 40 MPG car in America – a requirement that TTAC summarily exposed as bogus, since the agreement stated that the car must get 40 MPG “unadjusted”, or roughly 30 MPG combined in the “real world” fuel economy figures that everyone is familiar with.
But without the 40 MPG Dart, the diminutive FIRE engine and U.S. production of the FIRE engine, Fiat would not have received their 20 percent stake in Chrysler, along with the option to increase their share in 5 percent increments once these milestones (the third being Fiat recording $1.5 billion in revenue outside the NAFTA Zone)."
The Crisis of the Black Middle Class
The Crisis of the Black Middle Class | Via Meadia
...factors that systematically prevented Blacks from building up and passing on wealth: exclusion from social security and GI bill benefits, challenges in getting market-rate mortgages, and marginalization in neighborhoods with depreciating housing values.
The Clinton and Bush administrations set policies to encourage Black home ownership, but these made things worse:
But around the turn of the twenty-first century, there also grew up a huge new industry of predatory lenders that targeted members of minority groups, including those who already owned their homes and were persuaded to refinance on what turned out to be usurious terms.
So when the real estate bubble burst, it hurt Blacks much more than whites: 25 percent of African-Americans who purchased or refinanced homes from 2004 to 2008 have lost or are losing them, compared to 11.9 percent of white Americans. According to Sugrue, “the median black family today holds only $4,955 in assets.”
Insightful as it is, the piece underestimates the crisis. Government jobs have historically been an important source of security for the Black middle class, and many of those jobs are disappearing. Neither party is addressing this urgent issue. It isn’t even on the GOP’s radar, and the blue policies of the past 30 years, which the Obama administration would like to perpetuate, are no longer working.
Mayor George Heartwell at State of the City: Grand Rapids gets federal grant for solar array
Mayor George Heartwell at State of the City: Grand Rapids gets federal grant for solar array | MLive.com
: "“It’s exactly because we have the other challenges (with police and fire finances) that we do projects like this,” Heartwell told MLive this week.
“It’s a long-term investment, there’s no question about it. But it’s about creating efficiencies.”"
: "“It’s exactly because we have the other challenges (with police and fire finances) that we do projects like this,” Heartwell told MLive this week.
“It’s a long-term investment, there’s no question about it. But it’s about creating efficiencies.”"
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Want a good paying job in Muskegon? Simply get a college degree, labor statistics show
Want a good paying job in Muskegon? Simply get a college degree, labor statistics show | MLive.com
"From 2011 statistics, those in Muskegon County without a high school education had a 52 percent unemployment rate compared to 17 percent for high school graduates, 14 percent for those with some college, 10 percent for those with an associate’s degree and 5 percent for those with bachelor’s and graduate degrees."
"From 2011 statistics, those in Muskegon County without a high school education had a 52 percent unemployment rate compared to 17 percent for high school graduates, 14 percent for those with some college, 10 percent for those with an associate’s degree and 5 percent for those with bachelor’s and graduate degrees."
Credit Card Swipe Fees Begin Sunday In USA
Credit Card Swipe Fees Begin Sunday In USA - Slashdot
"An anonymous reader writes
"A speedbump on the road to a cash-free economy will go into effect Sunday in the USA, as retailers in 40 states will have the option of passing along a surcharge to customers who pay with credit cards.
The so-called swipe fees arose from the settlement of a seven-year lawsuit filed by retailers against Visa, Mastercard, and big banks, who collect an electronic processing fee averaging 1.5 to 3 percent on transactions involving credit cards.
The banks naturally have opposed the consumer surcharges, preferring that the extra costs to be passed along in the form of higher prices.
onsumers in ten states (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Oklahoma, Texas) won't be affected, since laws in those states forbid the practice (it seems that gasoline station owners here in Massachusetts got a different memo, though).
Also, the surcharges won't be collected for debit or prepaid cards.""
"An anonymous reader writes
"A speedbump on the road to a cash-free economy will go into effect Sunday in the USA, as retailers in 40 states will have the option of passing along a surcharge to customers who pay with credit cards.
The so-called swipe fees arose from the settlement of a seven-year lawsuit filed by retailers against Visa, Mastercard, and big banks, who collect an electronic processing fee averaging 1.5 to 3 percent on transactions involving credit cards.
The banks naturally have opposed the consumer surcharges, preferring that the extra costs to be passed along in the form of higher prices.
onsumers in ten states (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Oklahoma, Texas) won't be affected, since laws in those states forbid the practice (it seems that gasoline station owners here in Massachusetts got a different memo, though).
Also, the surcharges won't be collected for debit or prepaid cards.""
Auditors: $230 million in Labor Dept. grants had no criteria for success
Auditors: $230 million in Labor Dept. grants had no criteria for success | WashingtonGuardian
"You'd expect a program to help train workers in new skills would have grades to measure how well the students learned.
And you'd expect the program itself to be graded on whether it actually helped those students find employment after they graduated.
But that's precisely what a Labor Department jobs program failed to measure for grants it made in 2010 and 2011, auditors say.
Facing rising unemployment nationwide, the Labor Department Employment and Training Administration (ETA) used a discretionary grant program to support schools and businesses that were training workers and helping them find jobs.
But an internal investigation revealed that there were few benchmarks for measuring whether the grants were actually helping people find work or achieving their other goals -- and sometimes results were simply not documented.
In fact, investigators think more than one-third of the programs -- more than 200 grants out of 560 that were handed out -- might have failed, at a total cost approaching $230 million.
"You'd expect a program to help train workers in new skills would have grades to measure how well the students learned.
And you'd expect the program itself to be graded on whether it actually helped those students find employment after they graduated.
But that's precisely what a Labor Department jobs program failed to measure for grants it made in 2010 and 2011, auditors say.
Facing rising unemployment nationwide, the Labor Department Employment and Training Administration (ETA) used a discretionary grant program to support schools and businesses that were training workers and helping them find jobs.
But an internal investigation revealed that there were few benchmarks for measuring whether the grants were actually helping people find work or achieving their other goals -- and sometimes results were simply not documented.
In fact, investigators think more than one-third of the programs -- more than 200 grants out of 560 that were handed out -- might have failed, at a total cost approaching $230 million.
Ballot Integrity In the State of Washington
Ballot Integrity In the State of Washington | Power Line
My wife is a Canadian citizen, has her green card, and just received her voter registration card in the mail. Not sure what’s up with that, she did not do anything to actively register to vote. We have no idea how she became a registered voter, unless they’re simply registering all residents here in Washington State automatically.
The card says, “You are registered to vote.” It adds, “Your ballot will arrive by mail.” Here is the card, with identifying information deleted:
This woman is probably too honest to vote, but the automatic mailing of a ballot to someone who is not a citizen strikes me as rather diabolical. The recipient doesn’t even need to show up in person to represent, at least implicitly, that she is an eligible voter. All she has to do is return the ballot she receives in the mail. How many ineligible voters are honest enough to resist that temptation? Not many, I suspect.
Why do Democrat-run states like Washington go out of their way to undermine the integrity of the ballot? The obvious answer is that they think they will benefit, in the immediate term, if more ineligible people cast ballots. But I wonder whether the rationale goes deeper. The many measures taken by Democrats that eat away at the integrity of our elections have the effect, cumulatively, of discrediting electoral results and thereby undermining our democracy. Which, in turn, makes it easier for government to seize more and more powers from demoralized citizens. Polls suggest that a large majority of Americans support measures to protect ballot integrity, but so far, at least, that consensus has not been very effective in political terms.
2013 Muskegon County Board of Commissioners
DISTRICT NO. 1
Rillastine R. Wilkins (D)
2305 5th Street
Muskegon Heights., MI 49444
wilkinsri@co.muskegon.mi.us
(H) (231) 733-1581
City of Muskegon (precincts 8 & 9),
All of the City of Muskegon Heights (precincts 1 - 4),
City of Norton Shores (precinct 1)
DISTRICT NO. 2
Benjamin E. Cross (D)
2115 Sampson Avenue
Muskegon, MI 49441
crossbe@co.muskegon.mi.us
(C) (231) 670-6047
City of Muskegon (precincts 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, & 14),
City of Norton Shores (precinct 9) ,
All of the City of Roosevelt Park (precincts 1 & 2)
DISTRICT NO. 3
Susie Hughes (D)
2425 Safari Lane
Muskegon, MI 49442
hughessu@co.muskegon.mi.us
(231) 343-4092
All of Muskegon Charter Twp (precincts 1 - 7)
DISTRICT NO. 4
Robert Scolnik (R)
4460 Cherrywood Court
Muskegon, MI 49441
scolnikro@co.muskegon.mi.us
(H) (231) 798-2828
City of Norton Shores
(precincts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, & 10)
DISTRICT NO. 5
Marvin Engle (R)
5054 S. Sheridan Drive
Muskegon, MI 49444
englema@co.muskegon.mi.us
(H) (231) 865-6116
All of Fruitport Charter Twp (precincts 1 - 4),
All of Ravenna Township (precinct 1),
and All of Sullivan Township (precinct 1)
DISTRICT NO. 6
CHARLES NASH, Vice-Chairman (D)
819 Amity Avenue
Muskegon, MI 49442
nashch@co.muskegon.mi.us
(H) (231) 767-2345
City of Muskegon (precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, & 7)
DISTRICT NO. 7
James Derezinski (D)
11 Wolf Lake Road
Muskegon, MI 49442
derezinskija@co.muskegon.mi.us
(H) (231) 788-4849
All of Casnovia Twp (precinct 1),
All of Cedar Creek Twp (precinct 1),
All of Egelston Twp (precincts 1 - 3),
All of Holton Twp (precinct 1), and
All of Moorland Township (precinct 1)
DISTRICT NO. 8
Terry Sabo (D)
1188 N. Robinhood Drive
Muskegon, MI 49445
sabote@co.muskegon.mi.us
(H) (231) 740-2724
Dalton Twp (Precinct 3),
All of Fruitland Twp (precincts 1 & 2),
All of Laketon Twp (precincts 1 - 3), and
All of the City of North Muskegon (precincts 1 & 2)
DISTRICT NO. 9
Kenneth Mahoney (D)
8008 Old Channel Trail
Montague, MI 49437
mahoneyke@co.muskegon.mi.us
(H) (231) 894-8608
All of Blue Lake Twp (precinct 1),
Dalton Twp (precincts 1, 2, & 4),
All of Montague Twp (precinct 1),
All of White River Twp (precinct 1),
All of Whitehall Twp (precinct 1),
All of the City of Montague (precinct 1), and
All of the City of Whitehall (precinct 1
DO PENALTIES FOR SMOKERS AND THE OBESE MAKE SENSE?
News from The Associated Press
DO PENALTIES FOR SMOKERS AND THE OBESE MAKE SENSE?
""If I'm obese, the health care costs are not totally borne by me.
They're borne by other people in my health insurance plan and - when I'm older - by Medicare," Cawley said.
From an economist's perspective, there would be less reason to grouse about unhealthy behaviors by smokers, obese people, motorcycle riders who eschew helmets and other health sinners if they agreed to pay the financial price for their choices.
That's the rationale for a provision in the Affordable Care Act - "Obamacare" to its detractors - that starting next year allows health insurers to charge smokers buying individual policies up to 50 percent higher premiums.
A 60-year-old could wind up paying nearly $5,100 on top of premiums.
The new law doesn't allow insurers to charge more for people who are overweight, however."
DO PENALTIES FOR SMOKERS AND THE OBESE MAKE SENSE?
""If I'm obese, the health care costs are not totally borne by me.
They're borne by other people in my health insurance plan and - when I'm older - by Medicare," Cawley said.
From an economist's perspective, there would be less reason to grouse about unhealthy behaviors by smokers, obese people, motorcycle riders who eschew helmets and other health sinners if they agreed to pay the financial price for their choices.
That's the rationale for a provision in the Affordable Care Act - "Obamacare" to its detractors - that starting next year allows health insurers to charge smokers buying individual policies up to 50 percent higher premiums.
A 60-year-old could wind up paying nearly $5,100 on top of premiums.
The new law doesn't allow insurers to charge more for people who are overweight, however."
Climate shocker: Carry on as we are until 2050, planet will be FINE
Climate shocker: Carry on as we are until 2050, planet will be FINE • The Register
"New research produced by a Norwegian government project, described as "truly sensational" by independent experts, indicates that humanity's carbon emissions produce far less global warming than had been thought: so much so that there is no danger of producing warming beyond the IPCC upper safe limit of 2°C for many decades.
“In our project we have worked on finding out the overall effect of all known feedback mechanisms,” says project manager Terje Berntsen, who is a professor at the University of Oslo’s Department of Geosciences and a senior research fellow at the Center for International Climate and Environmental Research – Oslo (CICERO)."
"New research produced by a Norwegian government project, described as "truly sensational" by independent experts, indicates that humanity's carbon emissions produce far less global warming than had been thought: so much so that there is no danger of producing warming beyond the IPCC upper safe limit of 2°C for many decades.
“In our project we have worked on finding out the overall effect of all known feedback mechanisms,” says project manager Terje Berntsen, who is a professor at the University of Oslo’s Department of Geosciences and a senior research fellow at the Center for International Climate and Environmental Research – Oslo (CICERO)."
Judge rules EPA can’t mandate use of nonexistent biofuels
Judge rules EPA can’t mandate use of nonexistent biofuels | The Daily Caller
"The court sided with the country’s chief oil and gas lobby, the American Petroleum Institute, in striking down the 2012 EPA mandate that would have forced refineries to purchase more than $8 million in credits for 8.65 million of gallons of the cellulosic biofuel.
However, none of the biofuel is commercially available."
"The court sided with the country’s chief oil and gas lobby, the American Petroleum Institute, in striking down the 2012 EPA mandate that would have forced refineries to purchase more than $8 million in credits for 8.65 million of gallons of the cellulosic biofuel.
However, none of the biofuel is commercially available."
GOP threatens formal action against EPA for not disclosing emails
GOP threatens formal action against EPA for not disclosing emails | Washington Free Beacon
"The EPA redacted names in the email. However, Vitter says the FOIA exemption used by EPA does not apply to the released documents.
“This strikes me as incredibly fishy and begs a number of important questions,” Vitter said in a statement.
“The EPA needs to honor the president’s pledge of transparency and release these documents without redaction of the administrator’s email address a big first step toward removing the blanket of secrecy in this agency.”
“EPA’s supposed reliance on ‘precedent’ is especially misleading because they’re clearly using a separate and distinct practice than previous administrations,” Vitter said.
“And if ‘Richard Windsor’ is no more than a standard work email account, why not share the unredacted versions and prove it to the American public?”"
"The EPA redacted names in the email. However, Vitter says the FOIA exemption used by EPA does not apply to the released documents.
“This strikes me as incredibly fishy and begs a number of important questions,” Vitter said in a statement.
“The EPA needs to honor the president’s pledge of transparency and release these documents without redaction of the administrator’s email address a big first step toward removing the blanket of secrecy in this agency.”
“EPA’s supposed reliance on ‘precedent’ is especially misleading because they’re clearly using a separate and distinct practice than previous administrations,” Vitter said.
“And if ‘Richard Windsor’ is no more than a standard work email account, why not share the unredacted versions and prove it to the American public?”"
Who's Right On Climate? A Single NASA Scientist Vs. More Than 20
Who's Right On Climate? A Single NASA Scientist Vs. More Than 20 - Investors.com
"We live in a society where dissent from the left-wing narrative is not tolerated.
So it's no surprise that more than 20 retired NASA scientists and engineers are not getting the same media treatment that a single doomsayer whose quarter-of-a-century-old prediction has not come to pass.
The opinion of that one man will outweigh that of more than 20 because it fits the script."
"We live in a society where dissent from the left-wing narrative is not tolerated.
So it's no surprise that more than 20 retired NASA scientists and engineers are not getting the same media treatment that a single doomsayer whose quarter-of-a-century-old prediction has not come to pass.
The opinion of that one man will outweigh that of more than 20 because it fits the script."
Friday, January 25, 2013
'I was horny' says man accused of snapping photos under restroom stalls at Grand Traverse Mall
'I was horny' says man accused of snapping photos under restroom stalls at Grand Traverse Mall | MLive.com
"A northern Michigan man accused of taking pictures of people in mall restroom stalls told police he was “horny” at the time, according to the Traverse City Record-Eagle."
"A northern Michigan man accused of taking pictures of people in mall restroom stalls told police he was “horny” at the time, according to the Traverse City Record-Eagle."
Le·gal In·sur·rec·tion
Le·gal In·sur·rec·tion
Killing candidacies in the cradle
The Democrats are really good at it.
They target Republicans early on for the strategy of crazy which was successful against the Tea party movement, a consistent blogosphere and media attempt to create a deadly public perception of a rising Republican star.
We’ve seen this already in The “crazy-ing” of Marco Rubio, an effort which continues via Lawrence “The Fighter” O’Donnell and others.
I see they’re doing it already to Rand Paul, as reported by Ann Althouse (h/t Instapundit):
We need to counter this effort to kill our candidacies in the cradle, and to focus on doing the same.
They target Republicans early on for the strategy of crazy which was successful against the Tea party movement, a consistent blogosphere and media attempt to create a deadly public perception of a rising Republican star.
We’ve seen this already in The “crazy-ing” of Marco Rubio, an effort which continues via Lawrence “The Fighter” O’Donnell and others.
I see they’re doing it already to Rand Paul, as reported by Ann Althouse (h/t Instapundit):
“GOP Senator Pushes Gun-Running Conspiracy Theory During Benghazi Hearing.”
That’s the way they put it over at Think Progress. I’ve watched the video. Rand Paul asks a question. It seems histrionic to equate asking a question with pushing a conspiracy theory, and the truth is Hillary Clinton’s answer has the ring of… lying.The goal of Think Progress is that in a year or so Rand Paul, Paul Ryan, Marco Rubio, and Bobby Jindal, among others, will have high negatives and be labeled in the public mind as “extremist” crazy people.
The effort on the left to stereotype Rand Paul as a nutcase is so strenuous that it stimulates my root-for-the-underdog instinct. And makes me suspicious. I feel a Rand-Paul-must-be-destroyed conspiracy theory blossoming within.
We need to counter this effort to kill our candidacies in the cradle, and to focus on doing the same.
Illinois bond rating sinks to worst in the nation with S&P downgrade
Illinois bond rating sinks to worst in the nation with S&P downgrade - Chicago Sun-Times
"The move by Standard & Poor’s to rate Illinois’ bonds at A- with a negative outlook comes as the state is preparing to go out on the market Wednesday with a $500 million bond issue."
"The move by Standard & Poor’s to rate Illinois’ bonds at A- with a negative outlook comes as the state is preparing to go out on the market Wednesday with a $500 million bond issue."
Drunk science teacher unconscious, 4X legal limit in lab at top PA high school
Carol Wittschieben: Drunk science teacher unconscious, 4X legal limit in lab at top PA high school - Riehl World News
"A high school chemistry teacher was found passed out drunk with a blood alcohol reading four times the legal limit for drivers – half way through teaching an advanced chemistry class.
Carol Wittschieben, 42, was found unconscious in a Pennsylvania school laboratory while her 16 and 17-year-old students took a test in the classroom next door, according to Philly.com.
The teacher at Conestoga High School, which is ranked as the third best school in the state, later admitted she had been drinking alcohol from a water bottle hidden in her purse."
"A high school chemistry teacher was found passed out drunk with a blood alcohol reading four times the legal limit for drivers – half way through teaching an advanced chemistry class.
Carol Wittschieben, 42, was found unconscious in a Pennsylvania school laboratory while her 16 and 17-year-old students took a test in the classroom next door, according to Philly.com.
The teacher at Conestoga High School, which is ranked as the third best school in the state, later admitted she had been drinking alcohol from a water bottle hidden in her purse."
Union Will Use 'Any Legal Means' To Combat Members Who Want To Leave
Union Will Use 'Any Legal Means' To Combat Members Who Want To Leave [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
"Michigan Education Association President Steve Cook said his union will use “any legal means at our disposal” to combat members who want to leave the union."
"Michigan Education Association President Steve Cook said his union will use “any legal means at our disposal” to combat members who want to leave the union."
Has the GEICO Gecko Trampled on the Second Amendment?
The PJ Tatler » Has the GEICO Gecko Trampled on the Second Amendment?
"It seems that GEICO, ...... has canceled a customer’s policy because the customer is engaged in the firearms industry.
Here is the letter that GEICO sent to the canceled customer. Click to enlarge."
"It seems that GEICO, ...... has canceled a customer’s policy because the customer is engaged in the firearms industry.
Here is the letter that GEICO sent to the canceled customer. Click to enlarge."
Bill To Set Limit For Driving While Stoned Has A Good Chance
Bill To Set Limit For Driving While Stoned Has A Good Chance « CBS Denver
"In 2011, the most recent data available, 13 percent of deadly crashes in Colorado involved pot.
This is the third year lawmakers have tried to pass the bill, and they watered it down this time to make sure it gets through."
"In 2011, the most recent data available, 13 percent of deadly crashes in Colorado involved pot.
This is the third year lawmakers have tried to pass the bill, and they watered it down this time to make sure it gets through."
This Is the World's Largest Container Ship, But Not for Long
This Is the World's Largest Container Ship, But Not for Long | Autopia | Wired.com
"Meet the CMA CGM Marco Polo.
It’s held the title of largest container ship in the world for a little over a month.
But later this year, it will lose that distinction."
"Meet the CMA CGM Marco Polo.
It’s held the title of largest container ship in the world for a little over a month.
But later this year, it will lose that distinction."
Thursday afternoon links
Thursday afternoon links | AEIdeas
"7. UK study last year found that female teachers give male students lower grades, and similar evidence was found recently in the US."
"7. UK study last year found that female teachers give male students lower grades, and similar evidence was found recently in the US."
Best of the Web Today: War on Women
Best of the Web Today: The Todd Akin of Newspapers - WSJ.com
Reader Kenneth Johnson argues that it's a bad idea:
As a Marine Corps veteran of three combat tours, the first as a rifle platoon commander during the Vietnam War, my concern is what this policy will contribute to further breaking down the already-troubled relationships of men and women in our society.
Friedrich von Hayek wrote that profound social knowledge is embedded in tradition that has evolved through the millennia of human experience. In "The Fatal Conceit," he taught that a society breaks these traditions just because someone has a "good idea" of what would be fair. When these notions are enacted through legislation and court decisions, there is a very real risk of wasting this profound knowledge.
In my view, traditions in the military and civil society are severely broken and the embedded wisdom lost forever where women have combat roles. Totally independent of whether women can physically and mentally contribute to American military effectiveness and efficiency, I am concerned about the broader social implications of a civilization that believes that combat is an appropriate role for women.
For the record, I have ordered men to undertake missions where the entire platoon was at risk. During Operation Dewey Canyon in 1969 (the real one, not the incoming secretary of defense's one), I lost all seven of the Marine casualties I had during my tour. One died five feet from me. We moved on. Others died moments before I got to their position. We moved on. After one firefight, we carried a gut-shot Navy corpsman, who knew how much trouble he was in, for miles up a steep hill out of Laos.
How does a man not give special comfort to a wounded woman? My last Marine died in my arms from a wound I thought he would have survived. Could I have held her in my arms without reservation?
I had to decide how to handle the situation where a new squad leader beat a Marine who fell asleep on watch, the latter punishable by death in time of war. The decision process I went through is captured in a speech I gave to the Valley Forge Military Academy almost a year ago.
My concerns:
What kind of a man is it who can send women off to kill and maim? What kind of society does that?
What kind of men sharing a fire-team foxhole with a woman and two other men don't treat the woman more gently?
What kind of society bemoaning that men don't seem to respect women can't see that part of the respect they demand is predicated on the specialness of the other?
Perhaps it is possible in a firefight to distinguish between how one treats women and men, but I doubt that I could do it. And if I am trained to treat men and women the same throughout my career, can this have no significant effect on how I treat women otherwise?
Climate-Change Misdirection
In his second inaugural address on Monday, President Obama laudably promised to "respond to the threat of climate change."
Unfortunately, when the president described the urgent nature of the threat—the "devastating impact of raging fires, and crippling drought, and more powerful storms"—the scary examples suggested that he is contemplating poor policies that don't point to any real, let alone smart, solutions.
Global warming is a problem that needs fixing, but exaggeration doesn't help, and it often distracts us from simple, cheaper and smarter solutions.
For starters, let's address the three horsemen of the climate apocalypse that Mr. Obama mentioned.
Historical analysis of wildfires around the world shows that since 1950 their numbers have decreased globally by 15%.
Estimates published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences show that even with global warming proceeding uninterrupted, the level of wildfires will continue to decline until around midcentury and won't resume on the level of 1950—the worst for fire—before the end of the century.
Claiming that droughts are a consequence of global warming is also wrong.
The world has not seen a general increase in drought.
A study published in Nature in November shows globally that "there has been little change in drought over the past 60 years."
The U.N. Climate Panel in 2012 concluded: "Some regions of the world have experienced more intense and longer droughts, in particular in southern Europe and West Africa, but in some regions droughts have become less frequent, less intense, or shorter, for example, in central North America and northwestern Australia."
As for one of the favorites of alarmism, hurricanes in recent years don't indicate that storms are getting worse.
Measured by total energy (Accumulated Cyclone Energy), hurricane activity is at a low not encountered since the 1970s.
The U.S. is currently experiencing the longest absence of severe landfall hurricanes in over a century—the last Category 3 or stronger storm was Wilma, more than seven years ago.
While it is likely that we will see somewhat stronger (but fewer) storms as climate change continues, a March 2012 Nature study shows that the global damage cost from hurricanes will go to 0.02% of gross domestic product annually in 2100 from 0.04% today—a drop of 50%, despite global warming
Unfortunately, when the president described the urgent nature of the threat—the "devastating impact of raging fires, and crippling drought, and more powerful storms"—the scary examples suggested that he is contemplating poor policies that don't point to any real, let alone smart, solutions.
Global warming is a problem that needs fixing, but exaggeration doesn't help, and it often distracts us from simple, cheaper and smarter solutions.
For starters, let's address the three horsemen of the climate apocalypse that Mr. Obama mentioned.
Historical analysis of wildfires around the world shows that since 1950 their numbers have decreased globally by 15%.
Estimates published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences show that even with global warming proceeding uninterrupted, the level of wildfires will continue to decline until around midcentury and won't resume on the level of 1950—the worst for fire—before the end of the century.
Claiming that droughts are a consequence of global warming is also wrong.
The world has not seen a general increase in drought.
A study published in Nature in November shows globally that "there has been little change in drought over the past 60 years."
The U.N. Climate Panel in 2012 concluded: "Some regions of the world have experienced more intense and longer droughts, in particular in southern Europe and West Africa, but in some regions droughts have become less frequent, less intense, or shorter, for example, in central North America and northwestern Australia."
As for one of the favorites of alarmism, hurricanes in recent years don't indicate that storms are getting worse.
Measured by total energy (Accumulated Cyclone Energy), hurricane activity is at a low not encountered since the 1970s.
The U.S. is currently experiencing the longest absence of severe landfall hurricanes in over a century—the last Category 3 or stronger storm was Wilma, more than seven years ago.
While it is likely that we will see somewhat stronger (but fewer) storms as climate change continues, a March 2012 Nature study shows that the global damage cost from hurricanes will go to 0.02% of gross domestic product annually in 2100 from 0.04% today—a drop of 50%, despite global warming
Attorney General Bill Schuette targets former Supreme Court Justice Diane Hathaway's law license
Attorney General Bill Schuette targets former Supreme Court Justice Diane Hathaway's law license | MLive.com
"Hathaway is charged in federal court with bank fraud stemming from the 2011 sale of a Grosse Pointe Park home on Lakeview Court.
She's accused of hiding assets in order to persuade a bank to forgive part of the loan on her $1.5 million home and approve its sale for $840,000."
"Hathaway is charged in federal court with bank fraud stemming from the 2011 sale of a Grosse Pointe Park home on Lakeview Court.
She's accused of hiding assets in order to persuade a bank to forgive part of the loan on her $1.5 million home and approve its sale for $840,000."
AP Exclusive: possible USAID bid rigging probed
AP Exclusive: possible USAID bid rigging probed - NBC40.net
"Memos from the inspector general of the U.S. Agency for International Development also reveal that the IG is investigating whether Deputy Administrator Donald Steinberg tried to interfere with an internal investigation.
Internal inspector general documents said he told the IG's office it shouldn't have investigated the alleged rigging, nor should the matter have been referred to the Justice Department.
Inspectors general are watchdogs within a federal agency and are supposed to operate independently.
The original investigation focused on whether Lisa Gomer, USAID general counsel, may have "wired" a contract last May so the winner of the solicitation would be the agency's retiring chief financial officer, David Ostermeyer.
The contract bidding for a "senior government-to-government assistance adviser" was canceled after questions were raised.
"If the solicitation was in fact designed for Ostermeyer to win, Ms. Gomer and USAID may have violated various federal laws, the Federal Acquisition Regulation and government ethics policies," according to a letter from two House members to USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah in November."
"Memos from the inspector general of the U.S. Agency for International Development also reveal that the IG is investigating whether Deputy Administrator Donald Steinberg tried to interfere with an internal investigation.
Internal inspector general documents said he told the IG's office it shouldn't have investigated the alleged rigging, nor should the matter have been referred to the Justice Department.
Inspectors general are watchdogs within a federal agency and are supposed to operate independently.
The original investigation focused on whether Lisa Gomer, USAID general counsel, may have "wired" a contract last May so the winner of the solicitation would be the agency's retiring chief financial officer, David Ostermeyer.
The contract bidding for a "senior government-to-government assistance adviser" was canceled after questions were raised.
"If the solicitation was in fact designed for Ostermeyer to win, Ms. Gomer and USAID may have violated various federal laws, the Federal Acquisition Regulation and government ethics policies," according to a letter from two House members to USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah in November."
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Rare tie bids for Muskegon County contracts could be decided by a coin toss
Rare tie bids for Muskegon County contracts could be decided by a coin toss | MLive.com
Hammersley said the policy change on bidding wasn’t related to the advent of more than $30 million in government contracts anticipated as a part of construction of the planned Muskegon County Jail.
Wait a minute!
Flipping a coin is a cute trick but you missed the bigger story.
The county commissioners voted on an amendment to the self-imposed "prevailing wage" burden that will cost county taxpayers millions of dollars if it is forced on bidders for the new jail.
It was a confirmation by every county commissioner (except Susie Hughes) that Muskegon will continue to march with failed counties like Wayne and Genesee in this prevailing wage rip-off of large and small contractors and the public.
Incredible.
I know you weren't at the meeting but the change was published (and highlighted!) and the entire meeting was recorded and is easily available at EyeOnMuskegon.com.
Hammersley said the policy change on bidding wasn’t related to the advent of more than $30 million in government contracts anticipated as a part of construction of the planned Muskegon County Jail.
Wait a minute!
Flipping a coin is a cute trick but you missed the bigger story.
The county commissioners voted on an amendment to the self-imposed "prevailing wage" burden that will cost county taxpayers millions of dollars if it is forced on bidders for the new jail.
It was a confirmation by every county commissioner (except Susie Hughes) that Muskegon will continue to march with failed counties like Wayne and Genesee in this prevailing wage rip-off of large and small contractors and the public.
Incredible.
I know you weren't at the meeting but the change was published (and highlighted!) and the entire meeting was recorded and is easily available at EyeOnMuskegon.com.
Michigan Works consolidation in downtown Muskegon to be done by July 1, county officials say
Michigan Works consolidation in downtown Muskegon to be done by July 1, county officials say | MLive.com
The move will bring more than 60 employees into downtown Muskegon and will save the county $1.3 million over the course of a 10-year lease with Kalamazoo-based Hinman Co., which owns the seven-story office building that overlooks Muskegon Lake.
The Muskegon City Commission this week created a Commercial Rehabilitation District for the Terrace Plaza building, which will allow real estate taxes on the facility to be frozen for 10 years as the owner moves forward with $500,000 in improvements.
.....The county currently has contracted for services located in Orchard View schools in Muskegon Township, the Goodwill Industries center in Roosevelt Park and the Oceana County Employment and Training Center in Shelby.
The county employment and training staff and human resources department are currently located in the county’s Oak Avenue facility.
Wow!
The county freezes property taxes.
Will move county employees from another county location to this new one.
Will leave Orchard View schools, Goodwill and Oceana county with empty buildings.
And the "move will save $1.3 million dollars…"!
Certainly you saw the proof and the math before you wrote your piece.
Can we see it?
Wow!
The county freezes property taxes.
Will move county employees from another county location to this new one.
Will leave Orchard View schools, Goodwill and Oceana county with empty buildings.
And the "move will save $1.3 million dollars…"!
Certainly you saw the proof and the math before you wrote your piece.
Can we see it?
LA elementary teacher charged with molesting 20 young students
LA elementary teacher charged with molesting 20 young students - EAGnews.org :: Education Research, Reporting, Analysis and Commentary
A Los Angeles elementary teacher faces numerous felony and misdemeanor charges after he allegedly molested 20 students during his 40-year career in the school district."
A Los Angeles elementary teacher faces numerous felony and misdemeanor charges after he allegedly molested 20 students during his 40-year career in the school district."
Why America’s Going Broke
Why America’s Going Broke | Via Meadia
"Raising taxes might make citizens more sensitive to the real cost of healthcare, but it would kill small businesses already struggling under tax burdens, particularly as they take on the costs imposed by Obamacare.
Reducing government spending might close the budget gap this year, but it would still leave our healthcare system struggling with inefficiencies and ever rising costs.
America needs to find ways of transforming the healthcare industry, not just ways to temporarily narrow the budget gap.
We don’t have a deficit problem; we have a healthcare policy problem.
"Raising taxes might make citizens more sensitive to the real cost of healthcare, but it would kill small businesses already struggling under tax burdens, particularly as they take on the costs imposed by Obamacare.
Reducing government spending might close the budget gap this year, but it would still leave our healthcare system struggling with inefficiencies and ever rising costs.
America needs to find ways of transforming the healthcare industry, not just ways to temporarily narrow the budget gap.
We don’t have a deficit problem; we have a healthcare policy problem.
Forbes is a case study on how conservatives lose institutions
» Forbes is a case study on how conservatives lose institutions - Le·gal In·sur·rec·tion
"Can anyone cite an example of where a prominent liberal publication has brought in a conservative in a leadership position and allowed the conservative to turn the publication on its political head?
I can’t think of an example.
This is one of the reasons we lose."
"Can anyone cite an example of where a prominent liberal publication has brought in a conservative in a leadership position and allowed the conservative to turn the publication on its political head?
I can’t think of an example.
This is one of the reasons we lose."
Combat Ban Contributed to Sexual Assault Problem
Dempsey: Combat Ban Contributed to Sexual Assault Problem | Washington Free Beacon
"Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey said Thursday he believes the ban on women in combat positions contributed to the military’s current sexual assault problem.
“We’ve had this ongoing issue with sexual harassment, sexual assault.
I believe it’s because we’ve had separate classes of military personnel–at some level,”
Dempsey said at a joint press conference with Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta to formally announce the ban has been lifted."
"Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey said Thursday he believes the ban on women in combat positions contributed to the military’s current sexual assault problem.
“We’ve had this ongoing issue with sexual harassment, sexual assault.
I believe it’s because we’ve had separate classes of military personnel–at some level,”
Dempsey said at a joint press conference with Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta to formally announce the ban has been lifted."
Naperville smart meter arrest
Naperville smart meter arrest - chicagotribune.com
"“The city has always had and maintains the right to access our equipment, and today we were simply exercising that right,” he said."
"“The city has always had and maintains the right to access our equipment, and today we were simply exercising that right,” he said."
NRA boycott kills outdoors show that banned assault weapons
NRA boycott kills outdoors show that banned assault weapons | WashingtonExaminer.com
"A massive boycott sparked by the NRA and other gun-rights groups outraged that the nation's largest outdoors show banned the exhibition of assault weapons has caused the show's organizers to abruptly cancel the week-long event in Harrisburg, Pa."
"A massive boycott sparked by the NRA and other gun-rights groups outraged that the nation's largest outdoors show banned the exhibition of assault weapons has caused the show's organizers to abruptly cancel the week-long event in Harrisburg, Pa."
Right-to-Work Law Means Less Money For Union Political Power Grabs
Right-to-Work Law Means Less Money For Union Political Power Grabs [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
"One of the main effects of right-to-work laws is that they lessen the abilities of unions to wage expensive and economically harmful ballot campaigns. In fact, that may be the main outcome of the legislation.
Despite the doomsday scenarios, right-to-work laws do not eliminate unions.
States like Nevada and Iowa have high unionization rates, while allowing workers to choose whether or not to send money to unions.
What does change in these states is the amount of time and money labor unions spend on politics."
"One of the main effects of right-to-work laws is that they lessen the abilities of unions to wage expensive and economically harmful ballot campaigns. In fact, that may be the main outcome of the legislation.
Despite the doomsday scenarios, right-to-work laws do not eliminate unions.
States like Nevada and Iowa have high unionization rates, while allowing workers to choose whether or not to send money to unions.
What does change in these states is the amount of time and money labor unions spend on politics."
Republican House Members Who Voted Against Right-to-Work
Republican House Members Who Voted Against Right-to-Work [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
"On both bills, 58 Republicans voted “yes” and six Republicans joined the Democrats in voting “no.”
These six were: Reps: Anthony Forlini, R-Harrison Township; Ken Goike, R-Ray Township,; Ken Horn, R-Frankenmuth; Ed McBroom, R-Vulcan; Pat Somerville, R-New Boston; and Dale Zorn, R-Ida.
Five of the GOP House members who voted against right-to-work are starting a new term in the House.
Horn is no longer in the Legislature due to term limits."
"On both bills, 58 Republicans voted “yes” and six Republicans joined the Democrats in voting “no.”
These six were: Reps: Anthony Forlini, R-Harrison Township; Ken Goike, R-Ray Township,; Ken Horn, R-Frankenmuth; Ed McBroom, R-Vulcan; Pat Somerville, R-New Boston; and Dale Zorn, R-Ida.
Five of the GOP House members who voted against right-to-work are starting a new term in the House.
Horn is no longer in the Legislature due to term limits."
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Neighbors Build Defenses Against German Green Energy Grid
Neighbors Build Defenses Against German Green Energy Grid | Job Creators Solutions
"As a result, Germany’s neighbors are now installing switches that will allow them to shut off their connections to German power, essentially quarantining the nation so that it’s temperamental grid doesn’t do damage beyond Deutschland’s borders.
German customers already pay some of the highest electricity rates in Europe, and prices that are nearly three times what Americans pay."
"As a result, Germany’s neighbors are now installing switches that will allow them to shut off their connections to German power, essentially quarantining the nation so that it’s temperamental grid doesn’t do damage beyond Deutschland’s borders.
German customers already pay some of the highest electricity rates in Europe, and prices that are nearly three times what Americans pay."
Is Liberalism Doomed?
Is Liberalism Doomed? | Power Line
This is why the Democrats cannot adopt a budget.
A budget requires arithmetic, and arithmetic demonstrates that the welfare state must either come crashing down, or be exposed as the terrible deal it is for those who didn’t get in on the ground floor.
This is why the Democrats cannot adopt a budget.
A budget requires arithmetic, and arithmetic demonstrates that the welfare state must either come crashing down, or be exposed as the terrible deal it is for those who didn’t get in on the ground floor.
Is this legal? No men are allowed in MSU’s Women’s Lounge
Is this legal? No men are allowed in MSU’s Women’s Lounge | AEIdeas
"Wouldn’t a women-only lounge that discriminates against men be in violation of Title IX?
Or since Michigan State is required to provide gender equality for its athletic programs, wouldn’t Title IX require that MSU provide equivalent space on its campus for a men-only lounge?"
"Wouldn’t a women-only lounge that discriminates against men be in violation of Title IX?
Or since Michigan State is required to provide gender equality for its athletic programs, wouldn’t Title IX require that MSU provide equivalent space on its campus for a men-only lounge?"
Bill Introduced To Repeal 'Gun-Free School Zones Act' Because Deadly Mass Shootings Up Five-Fold Under It
Bill Introduced To Repeal 'Gun-Free School Zones Act' Because Deadly Mass Shootings Up Five-Fold Under It | CNS News
Stockman's bill notes that there have been 10 school shootings killing at least four people each in the 22 years since the "gun-free" bill passed - compared to only two in the 22 years before passage.
Stockman's bill notes that there have been 10 school shootings killing at least four people each in the 22 years since the "gun-free" bill passed - compared to only two in the 22 years before passage.
Union Membership in U.S. Fell to 70-Year Low Last Year
Union Membership in U.S. Fell to 70-Year Low Last Year - NYTimes.com
"The number of American workers in unions declined sharply last year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on Friday, with the percentage slipping to 11.9 percent, the lowest rate in more than 70 years.
The report found that the number of workers in unions fell by 612,000 last year to 14.7 million, an even larger decrease than the overall 417,000 decline in the total number of Americans working.
“It was a very tough year for unionized workers,” said John Schmitt, a senior economist with the Center for Economic and Policy Research in Washington.
“We’re seeing declines in the private sector, and we’re seeing declines in the public sector.”"
"The number of American workers in unions declined sharply last year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on Friday, with the percentage slipping to 11.9 percent, the lowest rate in more than 70 years.
The report found that the number of workers in unions fell by 612,000 last year to 14.7 million, an even larger decrease than the overall 417,000 decline in the total number of Americans working.
“It was a very tough year for unionized workers,” said John Schmitt, a senior economist with the Center for Economic and Policy Research in Washington.
“We’re seeing declines in the private sector, and we’re seeing declines in the public sector.”"
Firearms Freedom Bills Clear Senate Committee
Firearms Freedom Bills Clear Senate Committee | Core Principles
Senator Rick Jones wasted no time in keeping his commitment to move second amendment bills out of his Judiciary Committee and on to the Senate floor.
He held hearings all all three bills today, in his first meeting of the new legislative session.
All three bills passed.
Senator Rick Jones wasted no time in keeping his commitment to move second amendment bills out of his Judiciary Committee and on to the Senate floor.
He held hearings all all three bills today, in his first meeting of the new legislative session.
All three bills passed.
Frederick Douglass Foundation
Frederick Douglass Foundation
Members of the Frederick Douglass Foundation believe:
We live in a land of liberty where natural rights of individuals precede and supersede the power of the state.
We are a constitutional republic in which government power is limited and employed for the purpose of providing legitimate public
goods rather than for the benefit of insiders and narrow interest groups.
We are a free market in which persons, individually or collectively, have the natural right to sell goods and services to willing buyers,
and in which the individual pursuit of economic opportunity benefits all.
We are a free society where citizens solve social problems not only through government but also by working together in families,
neighborhoods, churches, charities, and other private, voluntary organizations.
Members of the Frederick Douglass Foundation believe:
We live in a land of liberty where natural rights of individuals precede and supersede the power of the state.
We are a constitutional republic in which government power is limited and employed for the purpose of providing legitimate public
goods rather than for the benefit of insiders and narrow interest groups.
We are a free market in which persons, individually or collectively, have the natural right to sell goods and services to willing buyers,
and in which the individual pursuit of economic opportunity benefits all.
We are a free society where citizens solve social problems not only through government but also by working together in families,
neighborhoods, churches, charities, and other private, voluntary organizations.
Is Right-to-Work Racist?
Is Right-to-Work Racist? [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
Stacy Swimp, president of the Frederick Douglass Society in Flint, recently wrote that "right-to-work works for Black Americans."
"From 2000 to 2010 right-to-work states’ black population increased by 17.4 percent, well over double the 7.6 percent increase for forced-unionism states as a group," Swimp wrote.
"The 9.8 percentage point advantage in black population growth in right-to-work states even outpaced the 9 percentage point edge right-to-work states registered in white population growth.
"Big Labor apologists who are now trying to play the race card against right-to-work laws need to answer one simple question:
If forced unionism is so good for black Americans, why are they fleeing in droves from the states where this exploitative system is still in place?"
Stacy Swimp, president of the Frederick Douglass Society in Flint, recently wrote that "right-to-work works for Black Americans."
"From 2000 to 2010 right-to-work states’ black population increased by 17.4 percent, well over double the 7.6 percent increase for forced-unionism states as a group," Swimp wrote.
"The 9.8 percentage point advantage in black population growth in right-to-work states even outpaced the 9 percentage point edge right-to-work states registered in white population growth.
"Big Labor apologists who are now trying to play the race card against right-to-work laws need to answer one simple question:
If forced unionism is so good for black Americans, why are they fleeing in droves from the states where this exploitative system is still in place?"
Obama Dumps a Smart, Independently Minded General
Obama Dumps a Smart, Independently Minded General | The Weekly Standard
" Pentagon insiders say that he rubbed civilian officials the wrong way -- not because he went all "mad dog," which is his public image, and the view at the White House, but rather because he pushed the civilians so hard on considering the second- and third-order consequences of military action against Iran.
Some of those questions apparently were uncomfortable.
Like, what do you do with Iran once the nuclear issue is resolved and it remains a foe?
What do you do if Iran then develops conventional capabilities that could make it hazardous for U.S. Navy ships to operate in the Persian Gulf?
He kept saying, "And then what?""
" Pentagon insiders say that he rubbed civilian officials the wrong way -- not because he went all "mad dog," which is his public image, and the view at the White House, but rather because he pushed the civilians so hard on considering the second- and third-order consequences of military action against Iran.
Some of those questions apparently were uncomfortable.
Like, what do you do with Iran once the nuclear issue is resolved and it remains a foe?
What do you do if Iran then develops conventional capabilities that could make it hazardous for U.S. Navy ships to operate in the Persian Gulf?
He kept saying, "And then what?""
Stacy Swimp: Right to work works for Black Americans
Guest view of Stacy Swimp: Right to work works for Black Americans | MLive.com
"In other words, from 2000 to 2010 right-to-work states’ black population increased by 17.4 percent, well over double the 7.6 percent increase for forced-unionism states as a group.
.....It is deeply cynical for proponents of forced unionism to pose as advocates of racial nondiscrimination and harmony.
Even today, compulsory unionism continues to impede black Americans’ ability to advance economically.
Big Labor apologists who are now trying to play the race card against right-to-work laws need to answer one simple question:
If forced unionism is so good for black Americans, why are they fleeing in droves from the states where this exploitative system is still in place?"
"In other words, from 2000 to 2010 right-to-work states’ black population increased by 17.4 percent, well over double the 7.6 percent increase for forced-unionism states as a group.
.....It is deeply cynical for proponents of forced unionism to pose as advocates of racial nondiscrimination and harmony.
Even today, compulsory unionism continues to impede black Americans’ ability to advance economically.
Big Labor apologists who are now trying to play the race card against right-to-work laws need to answer one simple question:
If forced unionism is so good for black Americans, why are they fleeing in droves from the states where this exploitative system is still in place?"
WayPoint Academy board president defends decision to hire controversial superintendent
WayPoint Academy board president defends decision to hire controversial superintendent | MLive.com
"Fisher said Koeze has “strong credentials” in leadership and education.
“WayPoint is fortunate to have a leader of her caliber to take us to the next level,” Fisher said.
Koeze had been superintendent of West Ottawa Public Schools, where she resigned in 2011.
A few days after her departure, Koeze was arrested and charged with misdemeanor domestic violence involving her husband.
The case was later dismissed.
Koeze then worked as a consultant for Portage Public Schools, where she eventually was hired as human resources director.
For a time, Koeze simultaneously collected a paycheck from Portage as human resources director and another check from Portage for her consulting work, an investigation by MLive revealed."
"Fisher said Koeze has “strong credentials” in leadership and education.
“WayPoint is fortunate to have a leader of her caliber to take us to the next level,” Fisher said.
Koeze had been superintendent of West Ottawa Public Schools, where she resigned in 2011.
A few days after her departure, Koeze was arrested and charged with misdemeanor domestic violence involving her husband.
The case was later dismissed.
Koeze then worked as a consultant for Portage Public Schools, where she eventually was hired as human resources director.
For a time, Koeze simultaneously collected a paycheck from Portage as human resources director and another check from Portage for her consulting work, an investigation by MLive revealed."
Hot Rod Power Tour debt has Muskegon County tourism advisers delaying future event funding
Hot Rod Power Tour debt has Muskegon County tourism advisers delaying future event funding | MLive.com
"“I didn’t gain any more room nights because of the Hot Rod Power Tour,” said Lisa Grossenbacher, president of the Muskegon County Lodging Association and manager of the local Fairfield Inn."
"“I didn’t gain any more room nights because of the Hot Rod Power Tour,” said Lisa Grossenbacher, president of the Muskegon County Lodging Association and manager of the local Fairfield Inn."
Portage school board releases charges against former Superintendent Ric Perry, detailing 'affair' with human resources director
Portage school board releases charges against former Superintendent Ric Perry, detailing 'affair' with human resources director (with 4-page PDF) | MLive.com
"Portage officials contacted Koeze's attorney on Monday after learning from an MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette reporter that Koeze started Jan. 14 as superintendent of WayPoint Academy, a Muskegon charter school.
A WayPoint official told MLive that Koeze has "strong credentials" for the job."
"Portage officials contacted Koeze's attorney on Monday after learning from an MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette reporter that Koeze started Jan. 14 as superintendent of WayPoint Academy, a Muskegon charter school.
A WayPoint official told MLive that Koeze has "strong credentials" for the job."
Orchard View school board to cut teacher pay by 5 percent after declaring impasse
Orchard View school board to cut teacher pay by 5 percent after declaring impasse | MLive.com
"The board determined it needs $450,000 in concessions from the Orchard View Education Association, with which it began bargaining a new contract in spring 2012, Walstra said.
The district is projecting a $480,000 fund balance at the end of this school year, after starting the year with $1.7 million, she said."
"The board determined it needs $450,000 in concessions from the Orchard View Education Association, with which it began bargaining a new contract in spring 2012, Walstra said.
The district is projecting a $480,000 fund balance at the end of this school year, after starting the year with $1.7 million, she said."
Do Gun Control Laws Control Guns?
Do Gun Control Laws Control Guns? | RealClearPolitics
When it was legal to buy a shotgun in London in the middle of the 20th century, there were very few armed robberies there. But, after British gun control zealots managed over the years to disarm virtually the entire law-abiding population, armed robberies became literally a hundred times more common. And murder rates rose.
One can cherry-pick the factual studies, or cite some studies that have subsequently been discredited, but the great bulk of the studies show that gun control laws do not in fact control guns.
On net balance, they do not save lives but cost lives.
Gun control laws allow some people to vent their emotions, politicians to grandstand and self-righteous people to "make a statement" -- but all at the cost of other people's lives.
When it was legal to buy a shotgun in London in the middle of the 20th century, there were very few armed robberies there. But, after British gun control zealots managed over the years to disarm virtually the entire law-abiding population, armed robberies became literally a hundred times more common. And murder rates rose.
One can cherry-pick the factual studies, or cite some studies that have subsequently been discredited, but the great bulk of the studies show that gun control laws do not in fact control guns.
On net balance, they do not save lives but cost lives.
Gun control laws allow some people to vent their emotions, politicians to grandstand and self-righteous people to "make a statement" -- but all at the cost of other people's lives.
Too Many Students, Too Few Jobs
Too Many Students, Too Few Jobs - The Daily Beast
New England Law certainly pays top dollar for O’Brien’s services. Pressed to name a dean who is paid more, Robert Gray, a political consultant hired by the school to help O’Brien answer questions from the Globe, cited only Brooklyn Law School, in New York City, where a dean and a president are paid combined salaries of more than $1 million.
But some indicators suggest that O’Brien’s impact on New England Law’s performance has been limited. US News & World Report, in its listing of 199 law schools, includes New England Law among the bottom 50 or so schools that it does not publicly rank because they fall “below the US News cutoff.”
In addition, only 34 percent of students in New England Law’s 2011 graduating class were able to land jobs requiring a law degree within nine months of graduating, according to the American Bar Association, compared with 68 percent at Boston College Law School, and 90 percent at Harvard Law.
Yet, students at New England Law pay almost as much in tuition as students attending law schools where graduates generally have more success finding meaningful employment.
New England Law certainly pays top dollar for O’Brien’s services. Pressed to name a dean who is paid more, Robert Gray, a political consultant hired by the school to help O’Brien answer questions from the Globe, cited only Brooklyn Law School, in New York City, where a dean and a president are paid combined salaries of more than $1 million.
But some indicators suggest that O’Brien’s impact on New England Law’s performance has been limited. US News & World Report, in its listing of 199 law schools, includes New England Law among the bottom 50 or so schools that it does not publicly rank because they fall “below the US News cutoff.”
In addition, only 34 percent of students in New England Law’s 2011 graduating class were able to land jobs requiring a law degree within nine months of graduating, according to the American Bar Association, compared with 68 percent at Boston College Law School, and 90 percent at Harvard Law.
Yet, students at New England Law pay almost as much in tuition as students attending law schools where graduates generally have more success finding meaningful employment.
Top Obama Aide: U.S. System Not Worthy of Obama
Top Obama Aide: U.S. System Not Worthy of Obama | The Blog on Obama: White House Dossier
“There’s a moment of opportunity now that’s important,” said White House Communications Director Dan Pfeiffer .
“What’s frustrating is that we don’t have a political system or an opposition party worthy of the opportunity.”
Checks and balances are a cruel thing when you are trying to do great things that Republicans couldn’t possibly understand, I know.
But because of those idiots who founded our country, that’s the system we got, Dan."
“There’s a moment of opportunity now that’s important,” said White House Communications Director Dan Pfeiffer .
“What’s frustrating is that we don’t have a political system or an opposition party worthy of the opportunity.”
Checks and balances are a cruel thing when you are trying to do great things that Republicans couldn’t possibly understand, I know.
But because of those idiots who founded our country, that’s the system we got, Dan."
Hot Rod Power Tour debt has Muskegon County tourism advisers delaying future event funding
Hot Rod Power Tour debt has Muskegon County tourism advisers delaying future event funding | MLive.com
Accommodation Tax Advisory Committee members delayed decisions on six requests for assistance from the county tourism event marketing program until a decision on the Hot Rod Power Tour payment accounting is decided. The committee only has $10,000 a year to support local festivals and events.
Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee member Bryon Mazade, who is Muskegon's city manager, questioned how the county got stuck paying bills for a private organization.
The county stepped in to satisfy the vendors, keep the county credit rating from being damaged and to ensure the Muskegon will again be considered as stop on the Hot Rod Magazine’s annual national tour as was the case in 2012 and 2011, county officials have explained.
Accommodation Tax Advisory Committee members delayed decisions on six requests for assistance from the county tourism event marketing program until a decision on the Hot Rod Power Tour payment accounting is decided. The committee only has $10,000 a year to support local festivals and events.
Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee member Bryon Mazade, who is Muskegon's city manager, questioned how the county got stuck paying bills for a private organization.
The county stepped in to satisfy the vendors, keep the county credit rating from being damaged and to ensure the Muskegon will again be considered as stop on the Hot Rod Magazine’s annual national tour as was the case in 2012 and 2011, county officials have explained.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Arctic Sea Ice Area Back To Normal! Dramatic Record Refreeze Wipes Out “Dramatic” Melt Of August!
Arctic Sea Ice Area Back To Normal! Dramatic Record Refreeze Wipes Out “Dramatic” Melt Of August!: "That return to normal only means one thing.
The “dramatic melt” of August 2012 had to have been reversed completely by an equally dramatic refreeze this winter.
Unfortunately we’re not going to find any news stories about that in the media, are we?
Ice and many other climate developments are only one-way dramatic for the warmists, i.e. only when it melts, and not when it refreezes."
The “dramatic melt” of August 2012 had to have been reversed completely by an equally dramatic refreeze this winter.
Unfortunately we’re not going to find any news stories about that in the media, are we?
Ice and many other climate developments are only one-way dramatic for the warmists, i.e. only when it melts, and not when it refreezes."
Radical teachers push children’s books on ‘Palestine’
Radical teachers push children’s books on ‘Palestine’ - EAGnews.org :: Education Research, Reporting, Analysis and Commentary
"There’s nothing wrong with teaching students about the centuries-old conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians.
But how about a balanced lesson that also shows photos of Palestinians rigging themselves with bombs and detonating them in crowded areas in Israel?
The violence goes both ways, but these radical teachers don’t want kids to know that."
"There’s nothing wrong with teaching students about the centuries-old conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians.
But how about a balanced lesson that also shows photos of Palestinians rigging themselves with bombs and detonating them in crowded areas in Israel?
The violence goes both ways, but these radical teachers don’t want kids to know that."
WayPoint Academy board president defends decision to hire controversial superintendent
WayPoint Academy board president defends decision to hire controversial superintendent | MLive.com
Koeze had been superintendent of West Ottawa Public Schools, where she resigned in 2011.
A few days after her departure, Koeze was arrested and charged with misdemeanor domestic violence involving her husband.
The case was later dismissed.
Koeze then worked as a consultant for Portage Public Schools, where she eventually was hired as human resources director.
For a time, Koeze simultaneously collected a paycheck from Portage as human resources director and another check from Portage for her consulting work, an investigation by MLive revealed.
Portage Acting Superintendent Rob Olsen said Koeze hadn't been in the Portage administration building for nearly two weeks.
Initially, Koeze asked for several days off to attend to a family illness, Olsen said, but he had been trying unsuccessfully since last week to reach her and "get her to report back to work."
Koeze had been superintendent of West Ottawa Public Schools, where she resigned in 2011.
A few days after her departure, Koeze was arrested and charged with misdemeanor domestic violence involving her husband.
The case was later dismissed.
Koeze then worked as a consultant for Portage Public Schools, where she eventually was hired as human resources director.
For a time, Koeze simultaneously collected a paycheck from Portage as human resources director and another check from Portage for her consulting work, an investigation by MLive revealed.
Portage Acting Superintendent Rob Olsen said Koeze hadn't been in the Portage administration building for nearly two weeks.
Initially, Koeze asked for several days off to attend to a family illness, Olsen said, but he had been trying unsuccessfully since last week to reach her and "get her to report back to work."
How Did We Get to This Point?
How Did We Get to This Point? | michiganstopsmartmeters: "Why are smart meters now being forced upon us? The easy answer would be because it is profitable for the utility industry to do so. It is not hard to conjure up a bogeyman in the big bad corporation. But Detroit Edison had an enviable reputation, built over many decades, as a reliable provider of electric service, and as a business that treated its customers fairly. In a free market, corporations, in pursuing their own best interests, tend to realize their own goals by doing the things that best meet the needs of their customers."
McDonald's settles Mich. suit over Islamic diet
McDonald's settles Mich. suit over Islamic diet | Grand Haven Tribune
"McDonald's and one of its franchise owners agreed to pay $700,000 to members of the Muslim community to settle allegations a Detroit-area restaurant falsely advertised its food as being prepared according to Islamic dietary law."
"McDonald's and one of its franchise owners agreed to pay $700,000 to members of the Muslim community to settle allegations a Detroit-area restaurant falsely advertised its food as being prepared according to Islamic dietary law."
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