Friday, May 31, 2013
Burger King's Hands-Free Whopper Commercial Debuts
Burger King's Hands-Free Whopper Commercial Debuts | Fox News Insider:
"In case we humans weren't already in danger of becoming the laziest species on the planet, Burger King is here to help us accelerate our journey in that southerly direction.
The fast-food giant just created the "hands-free Whopper," and it is exactly what it sounds like: a device that makes it possible for you do almost anything while eating a Whopper burger."
"In case we humans weren't already in danger of becoming the laziest species on the planet, Burger King is here to help us accelerate our journey in that southerly direction.The fast-food giant just created the "hands-free Whopper," and it is exactly what it sounds like: a device that makes it possible for you do almost anything while eating a Whopper burger."
Is It Fixable?
Guest Post: Is It Fixable? | Zero Hedge:
"Nations typically enter this vicious cycle once they start having to borrow money just to pay interest on what they already owe.
The US is already way past this point.
If you study US financial conditions, you’ll see that mandatory entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicare soak up over 75% of all federal tax revenue collected.
That’s before paying a penny in interest on the debt. The rest of the budget constitutes several trillion dollars in other expenses like genital-groping TSA agents."
"Nations typically enter this vicious cycle once they start having to borrow money just to pay interest on what they already owe.
The US is already way past this point.
If you study US financial conditions, you’ll see that mandatory entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicare soak up over 75% of all federal tax revenue collected.
That’s before paying a penny in interest on the debt. The rest of the budget constitutes several trillion dollars in other expenses like genital-groping TSA agents."
PulteGroup plans to move headquarters to Atlanta
PulteGroup plans to move headquarters to Atlanta | www.ajc.com:
"PulteGroup, based in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., suffered a major blow during the housing downturn, but its financial picture has brightened more recently."
"PulteGroup, based in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., suffered a major blow during the housing downturn, but its financial picture has brightened more recently."
How Washington Ruined Your Washing Machine
Sam Kazman: How Washington Ruined Your Washing Machine - WSJ.com:
"In 1996, top-loaders were pretty much the only type of washer around, and they were uniformly high quality. When Consumer Reports tested 18 models, 13 were "excellent" and five were "very good."
By 2007, though, not one was excellent and seven out of 21 were "fair" or "poor."
This month came the death knell: Consumer Reports simply dismissed all conventional top-loaders as "often mediocre or worse.""
"In 1996, top-loaders were pretty much the only type of washer around, and they were uniformly high quality. When Consumer Reports tested 18 models, 13 were "excellent" and five were "very good."
By 2007, though, not one was excellent and seven out of 21 were "fair" or "poor."
This month came the death knell: Consumer Reports simply dismissed all conventional top-loaders as "often mediocre or worse.""
'Complete Streets' found in Muskegon County but more can be done for health and safety
'Complete Streets' found in Muskegon County but more can be done for health and safety | MLive.com:
"The Complete Street experts in Muskegon this week praised the community for bringing together a partnership on public infrastructure engineering with community health that is going on with the One in 21 initiative that aims at making Muskegon County the healthiest county in the state by 2021.
“The collaboration and partnership is just awesome,” Buchtel said of embracing Complete Streets as a way of getting citizens out and walking and biking for improved health."
"The Complete Street experts in Muskegon this week praised the community for bringing together a partnership on public infrastructure engineering with community health that is going on with the One in 21 initiative that aims at making Muskegon County the healthiest county in the state by 2021.
“The collaboration and partnership is just awesome,” Buchtel said of embracing Complete Streets as a way of getting citizens out and walking and biking for improved health."
Petitions seek millage election for Muskegon County school technology
Petitions seek millage election for Muskegon County school technology | MLive.com
Administrators of the 11 traditional public school districts operating in the MAISD originally considered holding the election on Aug. 6.
However, they decided it would be better to hold the election when families are back from summer vacations and students are back in school, said MAISD Superintendent David Sipka. It will be easier for schools to communicate to school families information about the election when school is in session, he said.
..Proceeds of the millage would be divided among the 11 school districts according to enrollment, Sipka said. Muskegon Heights Public Schools Academy System currently is not included, though that could change, he said.
If approved, it is estimated the millage would collect $4.3 million in 2014, its first year in effect.
...Area superintendents have been considering a regional enhancement millage for about the last year and a half, Sipka said. With state per-pupil operating funds in many instances barely covering day-to-day expenses, districts do not have money left over to keep technology updated, Sipka said.
A survey conducted by an outside research group in February found that 68 percent of 400 respondents were supportive of the 10-year, 1-mill tax increase, Sipka said.
Schools need to provide students with the ability to take standardized testing online by 2015. The enhancement millage could be used to pay for computers, netbooks, mobile devices and infrastructure.
It also could be used for surveillance cameras, electronic entry systems and security alarms. It would be up to each school district, not the MAISD, on how the funds would be spent.
This Chart Shows Dow Should Be Lower...a Lot Lower
This Chart Shows Dow Should Be Lower...a Lot Lower:
"The Dow industrials, in particular, have seen a 17 percent jump in 2013 alone even as earnings in the past two quarters have grown little.
That trend disrupted a formerly symbiotic relationship between earnings and stock prices and is indicating that the bluechip average is in for a substantial pullback, "
"The Dow industrials, in particular, have seen a 17 percent jump in 2013 alone even as earnings in the past two quarters have grown little.
That trend disrupted a formerly symbiotic relationship between earnings and stock prices and is indicating that the bluechip average is in for a substantial pullback, "
Jim Rogers: "Nobody Gets Out Of This Situation Until There’s A Crisis"
Jim Rogers: "Nobody Gets Out Of This Situation Until There’s A Crisis" | Zero Hedge:
On Bernanke: "He doesn’t want to be around for the consequences of what he’s doing."
On Fiat: "Paper money doesn’t have a very glorious history, but again, nothing imposed by the government has a very long and glorious history."
On Europe's Crisis: "You can postpone it all you want, but the problems just mount."
On Capitalism: "You are not supposed to take money away from the competent people and give it to the incompetent so that the incompetent can compete with the competent people with their own money. That’s not the way capitalism is supposed to work."
Thursday, May 30, 2013
The best way to win an argument? Shout louder than everyone else and people will simply assume you're right
The best way to win an argument? Shout louder than everyone else and people will simply assume you're right | Mail Online:
"Researchers analysed more than a billion tweets from pundits during American sporting events
Found that being confident makes you more popular than being right
The pundits and amateurs studied made a similar number of correct predictions, yet those who were 'louder' and more confident were seen to be more trustworthy and popular"
"Researchers analysed more than a billion tweets from pundits during American sporting events
Found that being confident makes you more popular than being right
The pundits and amateurs studied made a similar number of correct predictions, yet those who were 'louder' and more confident were seen to be more trustworthy and popular"
10+ Useful System Tools Hidden in Windows
10+ Useful System Tools Hidden in Windows:
"Whether you’re using Windows 7, Windows 8, or an older version of Windows, Windows contains a variety of system utilities that are well-hidden.
Some are buried deep in the Start menu, while others can only be accessed via a command."
"Whether you’re using Windows 7, Windows 8, or an older version of Windows, Windows contains a variety of system utilities that are well-hidden.
Some are buried deep in the Start menu, while others can only be accessed via a command."
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Government Goes Too Far When It Requires Paid Vacations For Workers
Government Goes Too Far When It Requires Paid Vacations For Workers - Investors.com:
"The Center for Economic and Policy Research has just followed up its 2007 report with "No-Vacation Nation Revisited," a study that suggests the U.S. is a backward country that doesn't measure up to European and Japanese standards because government here doesn't mandate paid vacations."
"The Center for Economic and Policy Research has just followed up its 2007 report with "No-Vacation Nation Revisited," a study that suggests the U.S. is a backward country that doesn't measure up to European and Japanese standards because government here doesn't mandate paid vacations."
Michigan Now Considering Anti-Sharia Bill - CAIR Files Suit in Oklahoma
Michigan Now Considering Anti-Sharia Bill - CAIR Files Suit in Oklahoma | DCXposed:
"Lawmakers in Michigan are considering a bill that would ban Sharia law in that states courts, but the measure is being opposed fervently by The Council on American-Islamic Relations(CAIR), a Muslim activist group, and in some states that have already approved anti-Sharia legislation, such as Oklahoma, CAIR has actually filed suit in an attempt to reverse the anti-Sharia law. "
"Lawmakers in Michigan are considering a bill that would ban Sharia law in that states courts, but the measure is being opposed fervently by The Council on American-Islamic Relations(CAIR), a Muslim activist group, and in some states that have already approved anti-Sharia legislation, such as Oklahoma, CAIR has actually filed suit in an attempt to reverse the anti-Sharia law. "
Kindergartener gets detention for Lego gun size of quarter
Kindergartener gets detention for Lego gun size of quarter | The Daily Caller:
"This time, the perpetrator was a six-year-old boy.
The menacing weapon in question was a plastic Lego G.I. Joe gun roughly the size of a quarter, reports WGGB-TV.
The incident unfolded Friday morning on a school bus headed to Old Mill Pond Elementary School in Palmer, Mass.
Another student on the bus spotted the Lego piece and promptly shouted to the driver."
"This time, the perpetrator was a six-year-old boy.
The menacing weapon in question was a plastic Lego G.I. Joe gun roughly the size of a quarter, reports WGGB-TV.
The incident unfolded Friday morning on a school bus headed to Old Mill Pond Elementary School in Palmer, Mass.
Another student on the bus spotted the Lego piece and promptly shouted to the driver."
Eyelid lifts for Medicare patients cost taxpayers millions
Eyelid lifts for Medicare patients cost taxpayers millions - Florida - MiamiHerald.com:
"Aging Americans worried about their droopy upper eyelids often rely on the plastic surgeon’s scalpel to turn back the hands of time. Increasingly, Medicare is footing the bill.
Yes, Medicare. The public health insurance program for people over 65 typically does not cover cosmetic surgery, but for cases in which a patient’s sagging eyelids significantly hinder their vision, it does pay to have them lifted. In recent years, though, a rapid rise in the number of so-called functional eyelid lifts, or blepharoplasty, has led some to question whether Medicare is letting procedures that are really cosmetic slip through the cracks — at a cost of millions of dollars."
"Aging Americans worried about their droopy upper eyelids often rely on the plastic surgeon’s scalpel to turn back the hands of time. Increasingly, Medicare is footing the bill.
Yes, Medicare. The public health insurance program for people over 65 typically does not cover cosmetic surgery, but for cases in which a patient’s sagging eyelids significantly hinder their vision, it does pay to have them lifted. In recent years, though, a rapid rise in the number of so-called functional eyelid lifts, or blepharoplasty, has led some to question whether Medicare is letting procedures that are really cosmetic slip through the cracks — at a cost of millions of dollars."
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Union president chows down and snoozes on the job
Union president chows down and snoozes on the job - NYPOST.com:
"Union fat cat Mark Rosenthal spends more time sleeping at his desk than organizing labor, a series of damning photos reveals.
The 400-pound president of Local 983 of District Council 37 — the city’s largest blue-collar municipal-workers union — often downs a huge meal, then drops into dreamland in the early afternoon, members of the union’s executive board told The Post."
"Union fat cat Mark Rosenthal spends more time sleeping at his desk than organizing labor, a series of damning photos reveals.
The 400-pound president of Local 983 of District Council 37 — the city’s largest blue-collar municipal-workers union — often downs a huge meal, then drops into dreamland in the early afternoon, members of the union’s executive board told The Post."
Is Gang Of Eight's $3,000 Bonus To Hire New Immigrants Constitutional?
Is Gang Of Eight's $3,000 Bonus To Hire New Immigrants Constitutional? by Andrew Malcolm - Investors.com:
"As IBD has explained, employers who offer insurance that is deemed either too pricey or too skimpy will have to pay an annual $3,000 fine for each full-time worker who takes advantage of ObamaCare's subsidies to buy coverage.
Since legalized immigrants wouldn't be eligible for ObamaCare subsidies for a decade or more, their employers could avoid an ObamaCare fine for years to come for each legalized immigrant on the payroll. What is more, because the fine is nondeductible, it would be the equivalent of $5,000 in annual wages for a profit-making firm facing a combined 40% federal and state tax rate.
It's easy to imagine a scenario in which an employer, faced with a choice between shifting a legalized immigrant or U.S. citizen to part-time status, would be persuaded by government incentives to tilt against the citizen."
"As IBD has explained, employers who offer insurance that is deemed either too pricey or too skimpy will have to pay an annual $3,000 fine for each full-time worker who takes advantage of ObamaCare's subsidies to buy coverage.
Since legalized immigrants wouldn't be eligible for ObamaCare subsidies for a decade or more, their employers could avoid an ObamaCare fine for years to come for each legalized immigrant on the payroll. What is more, because the fine is nondeductible, it would be the equivalent of $5,000 in annual wages for a profit-making firm facing a combined 40% federal and state tax rate.
It's easy to imagine a scenario in which an employer, faced with a choice between shifting a legalized immigrant or U.S. citizen to part-time status, would be persuaded by government incentives to tilt against the citizen."
Report: One Out of Every Five Registered Ohio Voters Is Bogus
Report: One Out of Every Five Registered Ohio Voters Is Bogus | The Gateway Pundit
A new report found that one out of every five Ohio voters was probably ineligible to vote.
Human Events reported:
Human Events reported:
Vote fraud is no big deal, right? It hardly ever happens. It’s so rare that it’s not even worth discussing. Anyone who claims to take the integrity of our ballots seriously is cynically exploiting phantom fears for the purpose of suppressing the Democrat-loving minority vote.To keep that silly narrative alive, it’s important not to read the Sunday edition of theColumbus Dispatch, in which readers were informed that “more than one out of every five registered Ohio voters is probably ineligible to vote.”Furthermore, “in two counties, the number of registered voters actually exceeds the voting age population: Northwestern Ohio’s Wood County shows 109 registered voters for every 100 eligible, while in Lawrence County along the Ohio River it’s a mere 104 registered per 100 eligible.”31 more counties report over 90 percent voter registration, which is a good 20 percent higher than the national average. The Buckeye State sure is civic-minded! Well, except that 1.6 million of the 7.8 million registered voters in the state haven’t voted in at least four years. So I guess they were civic minded, once upon a time. Never fear – I’m sure plenty of those “inactive” voters will reactivate themselves just in time for Barack Obama’s re-election.
Student Loan Bubble? Just Discharge It
Student Loan Bubble? Just Discharge It | Zero Hedge:
"Meet Mike Hedlund.
This Klamath Falls native may have just made legal history by winning a 10 year battle to have the bulk of his $85,000 in federal student loans, which he accumulated as a law student at Willamette University in Salem, discharged.
The result of this legal decision will likely have epic implications for an entire generation drowning in debt, as it has now "opened the flood gates" for all those in Mike's position to challenge their massive debt encumbrance."
"Meet Mike Hedlund.
This Klamath Falls native may have just made legal history by winning a 10 year battle to have the bulk of his $85,000 in federal student loans, which he accumulated as a law student at Willamette University in Salem, discharged.
The result of this legal decision will likely have epic implications for an entire generation drowning in debt, as it has now "opened the flood gates" for all those in Mike's position to challenge their massive debt encumbrance."
Venezuelans bishops warn government that there is a shortage of mass wine and hosts
Venezuelans bishops warn government that there is a shortage of mass wine and hosts — MercoPress:
"Officials in Venezuela are warning that the situation will not improve in the short term, she added."
"Officials in Venezuela are warning that the situation will not improve in the short term, she added."
Audit finds 1,164 dead among Mass. welfare recipients
Audit finds 1,164 dead among Mass. welfare recipients | Boston Herald:
"A stunning $2 million in benefits were paid out to more than 1,160 people who were listed as dead, according to a scathing new audit of the Department of Transitional Assistance"
"A stunning $2 million in benefits were paid out to more than 1,160 people who were listed as dead, according to a scathing new audit of the Department of Transitional Assistance"
Stupid
P.J. O’Rourke
May 27, 2013 9:01 AM
“You’re stupid,” is not something even his most severe critics usually say to President Barack Obama. But on Friday morning I picked up the Wall Street Journal and learned that the president had given a speech about the war on terror saying, “This war, like all wars, must end.”
That story was at the top of the front page. Immediately below was a photograph of flowers being laid at a makeshift memorial near the Woolwich Royal Arsenal where machine gunner Lee Rigby was hacked to death by terrorists.
This war, like all wars, must end when someone wins it. The president—speaking at the National Defense University, of all places—said, “the core of al Qaeda . . . is on the path to defeat.” And so it may be. But meanwhile, the core of al Qaeda, its aims and its beliefs, is also on the path to Boston and London and any number of other places.
On page 7 of Friday’s Journal was the headline, “Suicide Bombings in Niger Linked to Mali Islamist Group.” On page 9 was a report of terrorist Hezbollah militias aiding the terrorist Assad regime in attacking the rebel-held Syrian city of Qusayr where the rebels themselves are allied with yet more Islamic terrorists. And on pages 4 and 8 were more bad tidings from that perpetrator, abettor, and friend of terrorism, Iran. Iranian fundamentalists, in the chokehold they have on the country’s political system, are improving their grip. And, “according to current and former U.S. officials,” Iran has “escalated a campaign of cyberassaults against U.S. corporations. . . . The hackers were able to gain access to control-system software that could allow them to manipulate oil or gas pipelines.”
All that on a slow news day.
In 2001 Congress passed the Authorization for the Use of Military Force, a declaration of war on terrorists and nations that harbor them. In his speech the president said, “I look forward to engaging . . . in efforts to refine and ultimately repeal the AUMF’s mandate.”
I like the president’s use of the word “efforts” here, as though he’s merely trying to be stupid. He doesn’t need to try. Earlier in the week he signed new policy guidance for drone strikes. In the future we will use lethal drones only on terrorists who are a “continuing and imminent threat to the American people” and not on terrorists who are a “significant threat to U.S. interests.” Although, assuming tremendously stupid efforts will be made to tell the two kinds of terrorists apart, maybe I’m wrong about the president not needing to try. The policy guidance also stipulates that there “must be a near certainty” that civilians won’t be killed or injured in a drone strike. Imagine how stupid a WWII Army Air Corps briefing officer would have had to be to say that to his B-17 pilots.
Maybe we pundits don’t tell President Obama, “You’re stupid,” because we are proudly showing off our sensitivity to the negative stereotypes that hurtful language engenders in a way that we didn’t feel was necessary when we were telling Ronald Reagan, George Bush and George W. Bush, “You’re stupid,” even though actors, WASPs, and Texans are burdened with their fair share of negative lamebrain stereotypes.
More likely it’s because we pundits prize signs of intelligence. We take every opportunity to display our own signs, and President Obama exhibits the same wordy, wonky, academic intelligence indicators that we do, so we don’t call him stupid.
As if the two things were mutually exclusive. I know quite a few fellow members of the news analysis and commentary business, and I have it from the highest-placed sources, on the record, that each and every one of our children is a genius. And yet, if we pundits were to gather together our sons and daughters, during their teenage years, and close them for a night in a dimly lit room full of beer and drugs and comfy futons, I can assure you that evidence of stupidity would be found the next morning.
But the most likely reason that we don’t call President Obama stupid is that it’s such a cul-de-sac of a word. Stupid gives the pundit nothing to perform punditry upon. Call a man ignorant and you have license to show the world your vast fund of knowledge and wise him up. Call a man misguided and you transform your column or blog post or TV appearance into a valuable and beneficent German shepherd with a handle on its back and you lead the poor soul in his blindness. Call a man, best of all, wicked and you get to don the sacramental vestments, climb into the pulpit and thunder forth with such a sermon as to bring him weeping to the font of righteousness or cause the Lord God Almighty to strike him with a thunderbolt in his pew or something fun like that. But call a man stupid and . . . there it is.
And there it is: Dopey stimulus, obtuse bailout, noodle-headed Obamacare, half-wit Dodd-Frank, damfool IRS Tea Party crashers, AP and Fox News beset by oafish peeping Toms and the Benghazi tale told by an idiot. One could go on. Stupid is a great force in human affairs. And the great force has a commander in chief.
P.J. O'Rourke is a contributing editor to The Weekly Standard.
Mystery Contribution Kept ‘Dues Skim’ Alive
Mystery Contribution Kept ‘Dues Skim’ Alive [Michigan Capitol Confidential]:
"That's significant because the MQC3, the dummy employer used by the union to keep its forced unionization of home-based caregivers alive, had been previously defunded by the state government and thus would have been unable to keep facilitating the union's scheme."
"That's significant because the MQC3, the dummy employer used by the union to keep its forced unionization of home-based caregivers alive, had been previously defunded by the state government and thus would have been unable to keep facilitating the union's scheme."
Bankruptcy plan could open door to sale of DIA collection
Bankruptcy plan could open door to sale of DIA collection | Crain's Detroit Business:
"A federal bankruptcy court can't force the city of Detroit to sell part or all of the Detroit Institute of Arts art collection, but EM rules raise another set of legal possibilities."
"A federal bankruptcy court can't force the city of Detroit to sell part or all of the Detroit Institute of Arts art collection, but EM rules raise another set of legal possibilities."
Penalties for politicians
Penalties for politicians: Column:
"We entrust an inordinate amount of power to people who don't feel any pain when we fall down."
"We entrust an inordinate amount of power to people who don't feel any pain when we fall down."
Monday, May 27, 2013
To the Horror of Global Warming Alarmists, Global Cooling Is Here - Forbes
To the Horror of Global Warming Alarmists, Global Cooling Is Here - Forbes:
"Britain’s Met Office, an international cheerleading headquarters for global warming hysteria, did concede last December that there would be no further warming at least through 2017, which would make 20 years with no global warming.
That reflects grudging recognition of the newly developing trends.
But that reflects as well growing divergence between the reality of real world temperatures and the projections of the climate models at the foundation of the global warming alarmism of the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Since those models have never been validated, they are not science at this point, but just made up fantasies.
That is why, “In the 12 years to 2011, 11 out of 12 [global temperature]forecasts [of the Met Office] were too high — and… none were colder than [resulted],” as BBC climate correspondent Paul Hudson wrote in January."
"Britain’s Met Office, an international cheerleading headquarters for global warming hysteria, did concede last December that there would be no further warming at least through 2017, which would make 20 years with no global warming.
That reflects grudging recognition of the newly developing trends.
But that reflects as well growing divergence between the reality of real world temperatures and the projections of the climate models at the foundation of the global warming alarmism of the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Since those models have never been validated, they are not science at this point, but just made up fantasies.
That is why, “In the 12 years to 2011, 11 out of 12 [global temperature]forecasts [of the Met Office] were too high — and… none were colder than [resulted],” as BBC climate correspondent Paul Hudson wrote in January."
Slowing the aging process using only antibiotics
Slowing the aging process using only antibiotics | KurzweilAI:
"Why is it that within a homogeneous population of the same species, some individuals live three times as long as others?"
"Why is it that within a homogeneous population of the same species, some individuals live three times as long as others?"
Electric cars and plug-in hybrids are a fail
Electric cars and plug-in hybrids are a fail | ZDNet:
" GM's Volt and Nissan's Leaf sales are pathetic. Fisker is going to be issued its last rites, A123 and CODA are going bankrupt, and Israel is now sitting shiva for a Better Place. Why are electric cars and plug-in hybrids failing so miserably?"
" GM's Volt and Nissan's Leaf sales are pathetic. Fisker is going to be issued its last rites, A123 and CODA are going bankrupt, and Israel is now sitting shiva for a Better Place. Why are electric cars and plug-in hybrids failing so miserably?"
Fired for word: 'Negro' in Spanish class
Fired for word: 'Negro' in Spanish class - Yahoo! News
The Akron Public Schools Board of Education voted in January to pursue the firing of Melissa Cairns. She was a math teacher at Buchtel Community Learning Center.
The school district said that Ms. Cairns posted a photo on her personal Facebook page which showed 8 or 9 out of her 16 students with duct tape across their mouths. The caption read: "Finally found a way to get them to be quiet!!!" The district says a colleague of Cairns' notified a supervisor of the photo.
On the face of it, this sounds outrageous. But what's the context?
Cairn, a teacher for 10 years, says she gave a girl a roll of duct tape to fix her binder, but the student cut a piece of tape, placed it over her mouth and laughed.
"The other kids in the class thought it was funny also, and they proceeded to pass the tape and scissors around the class. The students, the majority of the class, ended up putting a piece of duct tape across their mouth," Cairns explained.
Friday, May 24, 2013
IRS Tea Party Intimidation An Echo Of Raids On Gibson Guitar
IRS Tea Party Intimidation An Echo Of Raids On Gibson Guitar - Investors.com:
"Interestingly, one of Gibson's leading competitors is C.F. Martin & Co. According to C.F. Martin's catalog, several of their guitars contain "East Indian Rosewood," which is the exact same wood in at least 10 of Gibson's guitars. So why were they not also raided and their inventory of foreign wood seized?
Grossly underreported at the time was the fact that Gibson's chief executive, Henry Juszkiewicz, contributed to Republican politicians. Recent donations have included $2,000 to Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., and $1,500 to Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn.
By contrast, Chris Martin IV, the Martin & Co. CEO, is a long-time Democratic supporter, with $35,400 in contributions to Democratic candidates and the Democratic National Committee over the past couple of election cycles."
"Interestingly, one of Gibson's leading competitors is C.F. Martin & Co. According to C.F. Martin's catalog, several of their guitars contain "East Indian Rosewood," which is the exact same wood in at least 10 of Gibson's guitars. So why were they not also raided and their inventory of foreign wood seized?
Grossly underreported at the time was the fact that Gibson's chief executive, Henry Juszkiewicz, contributed to Republican politicians. Recent donations have included $2,000 to Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., and $1,500 to Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn.
By contrast, Chris Martin IV, the Martin & Co. CEO, is a long-time Democratic supporter, with $35,400 in contributions to Democratic candidates and the Democratic National Committee over the past couple of election cycles."
At least one Milwaukee mom won’t be sending her child to school on ‘Switch It Up Day’
At least one Milwaukee mom won’t be sending her child to school on ‘Switch It Up Day’ - EAGnews.org :: Education Research, Reporting, Analysis and Commentary:
"Deidri Hernandez’s seven-year-old son won’t be in school today, after officials at Tippecanoe School for the Arts and Humanities confirmed they’re still holding “Switch It Up Day” – a time for students to come dressed as members of the opposite sex."
"Deidri Hernandez’s seven-year-old son won’t be in school today, after officials at Tippecanoe School for the Arts and Humanities confirmed they’re still holding “Switch It Up Day” – a time for students to come dressed as members of the opposite sex."
Bill would let Michigan install red-light cameras
Bill would let Michigan install red-light cameras | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com:
"Michigan's local governments would have the option to put cameras at intersections to spot drivers running red lights under proposed legislation in the state House.
A measure recently introduced by Republican Rep. Wayne Schmidt of Traverse City would give local communities the power to put cameras in place."
"Michigan's local governments would have the option to put cameras at intersections to spot drivers running red lights under proposed legislation in the state House.
A measure recently introduced by Republican Rep. Wayne Schmidt of Traverse City would give local communities the power to put cameras in place."
Bernanke out by August, QE ends, rates up: Crash
Bernanke out by August, QE ends, rates up: Crash - Paul B. Farrell - MarketWatch:
"The Fed “won’t be able to keep a lid on interest rates forever.” So “large money managers such as BlackRock, TCW Group and Pimco are getting ready for the day when rates take their first turn higher. It isn’t coming anytime soon, these investors say. But when it does, they worry, the ascent will be swift and steep.”
Get defensive now, start preparing for a crash ... later is too late
Get it? Rates will go up. Way up. Very fast.
And America’s 95 million Main Street investors will be unprepared. Markets will crash. Like 1994’s 24% bond crash after Fed rate increases, notes Wirz.
The big players say the crash “won’t happen soon.” Don’t believe them. They’re betting with trillions. And they are hedging their bets, already preparing for “when rates take their first turn higher,” because rates will soar “swift and steep,” and when that happens it will be too late to prepare."
"The Fed “won’t be able to keep a lid on interest rates forever.” So “large money managers such as BlackRock, TCW Group and Pimco are getting ready for the day when rates take their first turn higher. It isn’t coming anytime soon, these investors say. But when it does, they worry, the ascent will be swift and steep.”
Get defensive now, start preparing for a crash ... later is too late
Get it? Rates will go up. Way up. Very fast.
And America’s 95 million Main Street investors will be unprepared. Markets will crash. Like 1994’s 24% bond crash after Fed rate increases, notes Wirz.
The big players say the crash “won’t happen soon.” Don’t believe them. They’re betting with trillions. And they are hedging their bets, already preparing for “when rates take their first turn higher,” because rates will soar “swift and steep,” and when that happens it will be too late to prepare."
BBC political editor Nick Robinson's extraordinary apology after backlash against 'Muslim appearance' comment about Woolwich killers
BBC political editor Nick Robinson's extraordinary apology after backlash against 'Muslim appearance' comment about Woolwich killers | Mail Online:
"The BBC's political editor has apologised for directly quoting a Whitehall source who described the Woolwich killers as being 'of Muslim appearance'.
Nick Robinson said he was sorry for using the phrase, which 'was both liable to be misinterpreted and to cause offence', during the BBC News at Six broadcast yesterday."
"The BBC's political editor has apologised for directly quoting a Whitehall source who described the Woolwich killers as being 'of Muslim appearance'.
Nick Robinson said he was sorry for using the phrase, which 'was both liable to be misinterpreted and to cause offence', during the BBC News at Six broadcast yesterday."
I-5 bridge collapses over Skagit River; possibly triggered by truck
I-5 bridge collapses over Skagit River; possibly triggered by truck | The Today File | Seattle Times:
"The bridge, built in 1955, has a sufficiency rating of 57.4 out of 100, according to federal records. That is well below the statewide average rating of 80, according to an Associated Press analysis of federal data, but 759 bridges in the state have a lower sufficiency score."
"The bridge, built in 1955, has a sufficiency rating of 57.4 out of 100, according to federal records. That is well below the statewide average rating of 80, according to an Associated Press analysis of federal data, but 759 bridges in the state have a lower sufficiency score."
Thursday, May 23, 2013
London, a Deeper Horror Than We Might Think
London, a Deeper Horror Than We Might Think - Simon Conway - Page 1
And I know in my heart that if you transplanted that atrocious scene on a London street yesterday, to an American street today, then the outcome would have been entirely different. People, as they did in Boston, would run TOWARDS the danger.
So what happened yesterday? What could possess a crowd to watch two men with knives and machetes hack to death another human being? And why was the only reaction to pull out phones and shoot pictures and video? How could these people then wait 20 minutes for the police to show up without any attempt to take down these terrorists?
It took most of the day for me to reach my conclusion, but I have arrived at something that is really quite uncomfortable - more so because we here in the United States are currently headed down the same path. We might be 10 or 15 or even 20 years away, but unless we change direction then we too will simply record an event and do nothing to try and save another human being.
What am I talking about? Some of you might call it socialism, but whatever label you give it, Britain is now a country that is completely dependent on government. Government will take care of me; government knows best; government has my best interests at heart; government will be here in 20 minutes to deal with these terrorists.
11 Public Universities with the Worst Graduation Rate
11 Public Universities with the Worst Graduation Rate:
"1. Southern University at New Orleans, Louisiana
Graduation rate: 4%
"1. Southern University at New Orleans, Louisiana
Graduation rate: 4%
Sweden riots expose ugly side of 'Nordic model'
Sweden riots expose ugly side of 'Nordic model' - Yahoo! News Canada:
"Sweden received 43,900 asylum seekers in 2012, a nearly 50 percent jump from 2011 and the second highest on record.
Nearly half were from Syria, Afghanistan and Somalia. Many native Swedes worry welfare could become unaffordable if the trend continues."
"Sweden received 43,900 asylum seekers in 2012, a nearly 50 percent jump from 2011 and the second highest on record.
Nearly half were from Syria, Afghanistan and Somalia. Many native Swedes worry welfare could become unaffordable if the trend continues."
911 Dispatcher Tells Woman About To Be Sexually Assaulted There Are No Cops To Help Her Due To Budget Cuts
911 Dispatcher Tells Woman About To Be Sexually Assaulted There Are No Cops To Help Her Due To Budget Cuts « CBS Seattle
“Uh, I don’t have anybody to send out there,” the 911 dispatcher told the woman.
The woman told the dispatcher that Bellah previously attacked her and left her hospitalized a few weeks prior to the latest incident.
“Uh, I don’t have anybody to send out there,” the 911 dispatcher told the woman.
“You know, obviously, if he comes inside the residence and assaults you, can you ask him to go away?
Do you know if he’s intoxicated or anything?”
The woman told the dispatcher that Bellah previously attacked her and left her hospitalized a few weeks prior to the latest incident.
The dispatcher stayed on the phone with the woman for more than 10 minutes before the sexual assault took place.
“Once again it’s unfortunate you guys don’t have any law enforcement out there,” the dispatcher said, according to Oregon Public Radio.
The woman responded: “Yeah, it doesn’t matter, if he gets in the house I’m done.”
“Once again it’s unfortunate you guys don’t have any law enforcement out there,” the dispatcher said, according to Oregon Public Radio.
The woman responded: “Yeah, it doesn’t matter, if he gets in the house I’m done.”
People Getting Dumber? Human Intelligence Has Declined Since Victorian Era, Research Suggests
People Getting Dumber? Human Intelligence Has Declined Since Victorian Era, Research Suggests:
".....points to the fact that women of high intelligence tend to have fewer children than do women of lower intelligence.
This negative association between I.Q. and fertility has been demonstrated time and again in research over the last century."
".....points to the fact that women of high intelligence tend to have fewer children than do women of lower intelligence.
This negative association between I.Q. and fertility has been demonstrated time and again in research over the last century."
Propaganda: NPR Incorrectly Claims IRS Has Nothing to do With Obamacare
Propaganda: NPR Incorrectly Claims IRS Has Nothing to do With Obamacare:
"Conway also reminded host Conan why Obamacare was upheld by the Supreme Court last year.
It wasn't upheld under the Commerce Clause but under the federal government's taxing powers.
"So, the same IRS that is playing politics with people's lives and their applications will also have some kind of authority over what happens with healthcare," she said.
As they came upon a break, Conan's reply was a succinct--and wholly wrong--"No, it won't."
"Conway also reminded host Conan why Obamacare was upheld by the Supreme Court last year.
It wasn't upheld under the Commerce Clause but under the federal government's taxing powers.
"So, the same IRS that is playing politics with people's lives and their applications will also have some kind of authority over what happens with healthcare," she said.
As they came upon a break, Conan's reply was a succinct--and wholly wrong--"No, it won't."
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
The Manhood of the West
Belmont Club » The Manhood of the West:
"The attackers knew they were actors in a drama — as keenly watched in their communities as on the BBC. And in that other audience they were asking, “how will the locals behave”.
We know now.
And that other audience may derive an entirely different lesson from this tableau.
“See?
Only their women act like men.
They follow orders.
They are nothing any more — these Westerners.
They are a civilization whose core has been destroyed.”
And would they be right?
Who will be the judge?"
"The attackers knew they were actors in a drama — as keenly watched in their communities as on the BBC. And in that other audience they were asking, “how will the locals behave”.
We know now.
And that other audience may derive an entirely different lesson from this tableau.
“See?
Only their women act like men.
They follow orders.
They are nothing any more — these Westerners.
They are a civilization whose core has been destroyed.”
And would they be right?
Who will be the judge?"
Inconvenient weather fact: Frequency of violent tornadoes like the one in Oklahoma has been declining, not increasing
Inconvenient weather fact: Frequency of violent tornadoes like the one in Oklahoma has been declining, not increasing | AEIdeas:
"There’s just one small, inconvenient problem with making a connection between climate change and an increasing frequency of violent tornadoes – the link doesn’t actually exist."
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Spain's Angry and Unemployed Young Men
RealClearWorld - Spain's Angry and Unemployed Young Men:
"The oddest moment came when we reached a tollbooth not too far from Madrid.
There was only one booth open and when we pulled up there was no one in it and no coin or credit card slot. We waited, then we left.
Perhaps the attendant was in the bathroom.
Perhaps the revenue didn't justify paying a toll taker.
Perhaps this was one of the austerity measures they had taken.
I will never know.
What I do know is that the drive had a sort of post-apocalyptic feel, except that it was very clean. "
"The oddest moment came when we reached a tollbooth not too far from Madrid.
There was only one booth open and when we pulled up there was no one in it and no coin or credit card slot. We waited, then we left.
Perhaps the attendant was in the bathroom.
Perhaps the revenue didn't justify paying a toll taker.
Perhaps this was one of the austerity measures they had taken.
I will never know.
What I do know is that the drive had a sort of post-apocalyptic feel, except that it was very clean. "
Ten Thousand Commandments: Regulations Increasingly Used to Enact Measures Voters Wouldn't Approve
Ten Thousand Commandments: Regulations Increasingly Used to Enact Measures Voters Wouldn't Approve | Competitive Enterprise Institute:
"According to the new edition of the report, released today by the Competitive Enterprise Institute, Americans spend an estimated $1.8 trillion a year to comply with federal regulations.
For the first time, that’s more than half the level of total federal expenditures.
Agencies spend $61 billion per year just to administer and enforce federal regulations—a 50 percent increase in the last decade."
"According to the new edition of the report, released today by the Competitive Enterprise Institute, Americans spend an estimated $1.8 trillion a year to comply with federal regulations.
For the first time, that’s more than half the level of total federal expenditures.
Agencies spend $61 billion per year just to administer and enforce federal regulations—a 50 percent increase in the last decade."
Fatkinis By GabiFresh & swimsuitsforall: A Bikini Line For Plus-Sizes
Fatkinis By GabiFresh & swimsuitsforall: A Bikini Line For Plus-Sizes:"Now, with the advent of “fatkinis” and this amazing collection that resulted from Gabi Gregg and swimsuitsforall collaborating, it’s easy for anybody between a size 10 and 24 to find gorgeous bikinis."
Awesome. Scammers faking disabilities to cut lines
Awesome. Scammers faking disabilities to cut lines « Hot Air:
"I’ve been witness to this myself on multiple occasions, the most recent being this January. I was flying to Atlanta by way of Detroit. In the Motor City I was waiting with two colleagues when I saw an older – though not that much older than me- couple come to the boarding area. They were a well dressed, genteel seeming African American couple, with the woman pushing the man in a wheelchair. I was immediately moved to feel a bit sorry for them having to cram onto a flight while dealing with the infirmities which can accompany our golden years. After wheeling up and checking with the gate agent, it turned out that they were moved in to early, preferred boarding and upgraded to the front of the plane. It was a feel good moment for everyone.
I was in zone 2 for that flight and happened to follow not far behind them through the entry ramp. Reaching the end, the gentleman hopped up out of the wheelchair, grabbed both of the carry-on bags from his wife (again, a gentlemanly move) and proceeded to move to their upgraded seating, tossing the bags up into the overhead compartment and taking his seat, the wheelchair left forgotten on the jetway"
"I’ve been witness to this myself on multiple occasions, the most recent being this January. I was flying to Atlanta by way of Detroit. In the Motor City I was waiting with two colleagues when I saw an older – though not that much older than me- couple come to the boarding area. They were a well dressed, genteel seeming African American couple, with the woman pushing the man in a wheelchair. I was immediately moved to feel a bit sorry for them having to cram onto a flight while dealing with the infirmities which can accompany our golden years. After wheeling up and checking with the gate agent, it turned out that they were moved in to early, preferred boarding and upgraded to the front of the plane. It was a feel good moment for everyone.
I was in zone 2 for that flight and happened to follow not far behind them through the entry ramp. Reaching the end, the gentleman hopped up out of the wheelchair, grabbed both of the carry-on bags from his wife (again, a gentlemanly move) and proceeded to move to their upgraded seating, tossing the bags up into the overhead compartment and taking his seat, the wheelchair left forgotten on the jetway"
District Spent $20K Per Student, Had Rodents In the Schools, Holes In the Ceiling and Walls
District Spent $20K Per Student, Had Rodents In the Schools, Holes In the Ceiling and Walls [Michigan Capitol Confidential]:
"Though the Highland Park School District spent $19,634 per pupil in 2010-11, which was the highest in the state, district schools were so mismanaged that they had rodents in the classrooms, holes in the ceilings and walls, and horrendous filth in the bathrooms."
"Though the Highland Park School District spent $19,634 per pupil in 2010-11, which was the highest in the state, district schools were so mismanaged that they had rodents in the classrooms, holes in the ceilings and walls, and horrendous filth in the bathrooms."
Flint emergency manager wants to hike city income taxes
Flint emergency manager wants to hike city income taxes | MLive.com:
"Emergency manager Ed Kurtz told MLive-Flint Journal on Monday, May 20, that a 0.5 percent income tax increase to Flint residents and a 0.25 percent increase to workers living outside the city would generate $7 million in revenue annually.
The current rate is 1 percent for Flint residents and .05 percent for those living outside the city.
....."The city faces a $19.1 million combined deficit from 2012.
"Emergency manager Ed Kurtz told MLive-Flint Journal on Monday, May 20, that a 0.5 percent income tax increase to Flint residents and a 0.25 percent increase to workers living outside the city would generate $7 million in revenue annually.
The current rate is 1 percent for Flint residents and .05 percent for those living outside the city.
....."The city faces a $19.1 million combined deficit from 2012.
Gun control: Cartridge ID law to take effect
Gun control: Cartridge ID law to take effect - SFGate:
"Worse yet, Michel said, manufacturers will be unwilling to add this expensive feature to guns sold in a single state, and will instead keep manufacturing weapons for the other states, where demand already far exceeds supply.
The effect, he said, would be a ban on new semiautomatic handguns in California, which the NRA will challenge in court."
"Worse yet, Michel said, manufacturers will be unwilling to add this expensive feature to guns sold in a single state, and will instead keep manufacturing weapons for the other states, where demand already far exceeds supply.
The effect, he said, would be a ban on new semiautomatic handguns in California, which the NRA will challenge in court."
Monday, May 20, 2013
Last time CO2 was this high, the world was underwater? NO, actually
Last time CO2 was this high, the world was underwater? NO, actually • The Register:
"....the problem with this is that over these sorts of timescales, areas of the Earth's crust rise and fall as much as the sea does.
And nobody thus far has taken account of that - it has just been assumed that the rocky coasts have remained fixed with respect to the centre of the Earth, which means that the studies thus far have been - basically - wrong.
"No prediction of ancient ice volumes can ever again ignore the Earth's interior dynamics,” says Rowley."
"....the problem with this is that over these sorts of timescales, areas of the Earth's crust rise and fall as much as the sea does.
And nobody thus far has taken account of that - it has just been assumed that the rocky coasts have remained fixed with respect to the centre of the Earth, which means that the studies thus far have been - basically - wrong.
"No prediction of ancient ice volumes can ever again ignore the Earth's interior dynamics,” says Rowley."
DSM-5 | The Book of Woe
Book Review: DSM-5 | The Book of Woe | Saving Normal - WSJ.com:
"But he concludes that the truth needs to be told: Even in the hands of "honest and eloquent men" such as Dr. Frances, he writes, "psychiatric diagnosis is built on fiction and sold to the public as fact."
"But he concludes that the truth needs to be told: Even in the hands of "honest and eloquent men" such as Dr. Frances, he writes, "psychiatric diagnosis is built on fiction and sold to the public as fact."
In-Flight Thieves Targeting Airline Travelers’ Carry-On Bags
In-Flight Thieves Targeting Airline Travelers’ Carry-On Bags « CBS Boston:
"Travel experts such as Hobica say theft on planes is a growing problem, with bags getting swiped, valuables stolen and pockets picked.
Jewelry, money and medications are often the sought-after prizes, Hobica said."
"Travel experts such as Hobica say theft on planes is a growing problem, with bags getting swiped, valuables stolen and pockets picked.
Jewelry, money and medications are often the sought-after prizes, Hobica said."
What's behind the U.S. military's climbing suicide rate?
What's behind the U.S. military's climbing suicide rate? - The Week:
"Exposure to combat doesn't explain all of it. While post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries both may contribute to suicidal behavior, the Pentagon data shows that half of those who committed suicide were never deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan and 80 percent of them never even saw combat."
"Exposure to combat doesn't explain all of it. While post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries both may contribute to suicidal behavior, the Pentagon data shows that half of those who committed suicide were never deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan and 80 percent of them never even saw combat."
Red Tails and Tall Tales
Red Tails and Tall Tales - Taki's Magazine:
"Not to be quieted by accusations of Tuskegee Airmen Denialism, Haulman would author the small tract Nine Myths About the Tuskegee Airmen that pretty much shoots down all the lies sold as truth to keep the Red Tails story flying."
"Not to be quieted by accusations of Tuskegee Airmen Denialism, Haulman would author the small tract Nine Myths About the Tuskegee Airmen that pretty much shoots down all the lies sold as truth to keep the Red Tails story flying."
Climate slowdown means extreme rates of warming 'not as likely'
BBC News - Climate slowdown means extreme rates of warming 'not as likely':
"Scientists say the recent downturn in the rate of global warming will lead to lower temperature rises in the short-term.
Since 1998, there has been an unexplained "standstill" in the heating of the Earth's atmosphere.
Writing in Nature Geoscience, the researchers say this will reduce predicted warming in the coming decades.
But long-term, the expected temperature rises will not alter significantly."
"Scientists say the recent downturn in the rate of global warming will lead to lower temperature rises in the short-term.
Since 1998, there has been an unexplained "standstill" in the heating of the Earth's atmosphere.
Writing in Nature Geoscience, the researchers say this will reduce predicted warming in the coming decades.
But long-term, the expected temperature rises will not alter significantly."
D.C. man won't face gun charges for shooting pit bull attacking boy
D.C. man won't face gun charges for shooting pit bull attacking boy - Washington Times:
"Authorities last week made an agreement not to prosecute a Northwest D.C. man who used his unregistered handgun to kill a pit bull in order to stop it from mauling a child in his neighborhood.
As part of the agreement, Benjamin Srigley, 39, was required to pay a $1,000 fine but will not have criminal charges filed against him for the three unregistered firearms and the ammunition that investigators found in his possession, said Ted Gest, a spokesman for the office of the attorney general. "
"Authorities last week made an agreement not to prosecute a Northwest D.C. man who used his unregistered handgun to kill a pit bull in order to stop it from mauling a child in his neighborhood.
As part of the agreement, Benjamin Srigley, 39, was required to pay a $1,000 fine but will not have criminal charges filed against him for the three unregistered firearms and the ammunition that investigators found in his possession, said Ted Gest, a spokesman for the office of the attorney general. "
We’re not “deleveraging”, we’re defaulting en masse.
We’re not “deleveraging”, we’re defaulting en masse. | RareGHTENING
Lately there has been an amusing and very spurious, not to mention wrong, argument
among both the “serious media” and the various tabloids, that US households have
delevered to the tune of $1 trillion, primarily as a result of mortgage debt reductions
(not to be confused with total consumer debt which month after month
hits new record highs,
primarily due to soaring student and GM auto loans).
The implication here is that unlike in year past, US households are finally doing the
responsible thing and are actively deleveraging of their own free will.
This couldn’t be further from the truth, and to put baseless rumors of this nature to
rest once and for all, below we have compiled a simple chart using the NY Fed’s
own data, showing the total change in mortgage debt, and what portion of it is
due to discharges (aka defaults) of 1st and 2nd lien debt.
In a nutshell: based on NYFed calculations,
there has been $800 billion in mortgage debt
deleveraging since the end of 2007.
This has been due to $1.2 trillion in discharges
(the amount is greater than the total first lien mortgages, due to the increasing
use of HELOCs and 2nd lien mortgages before the housing bubble popped).
among both the “serious media” and the various tabloids, that US households have
delevered to the tune of $1 trillion, primarily as a result of mortgage debt reductions
(not to be confused with total consumer debt which month after month
hits new record highs,
primarily due to soaring student and GM auto loans).
The implication here is that unlike in year past, US households are finally doing the
responsible thing and are actively deleveraging of their own free will.
This couldn’t be further from the truth, and to put baseless rumors of this nature to
rest once and for all, below we have compiled a simple chart using the NY Fed’s
own data, showing the total change in mortgage debt, and what portion of it is
due to discharges (aka defaults) of 1st and 2nd lien debt.
In a nutshell: based on NYFed calculations,
there has been $800 billion in mortgage debt
deleveraging since the end of 2007.
This has been due to $1.2 trillion in discharges
(the amount is greater than the total first lien mortgages, due to the increasing
use of HELOCs and 2nd lien mortgages before the housing bubble popped).
Why French Kids Don't Have ADHD
Why French Kids Don't Have ADHD | Psychology Today:
"In the United States, at least 9% of school-aged children have been diagnosed with ADHD, and are taking pharmaceutical medications.
In France, the percentage of kids diagnosed and medicated for ADHD is less than .5%. "
"In the United States, at least 9% of school-aged children have been diagnosed with ADHD, and are taking pharmaceutical medications.
In France, the percentage of kids diagnosed and medicated for ADHD is less than .5%. "
Medical Firm Sues IRS For 4th Amendment Violation In Records Seizure
Medical Firm Sues IRS For 4th Amendment Violation In Records Seizure - Slashdot:
"cold fjord writes
"A healthcare provider has sued the Internal Revenue Service and 15 of its agents, charging they wrongfully seized 60 million medical records from 10 million Americans ...
[The unnamed company alleges] the agency violated the Fourth Amendment in 2011, when agents executed a search warrant for financial data on one employee – and that led to the seizure of information on 10 million, including state judges.
The search warrant did not specify that the IRS could take medical information, UPI said.
And information technology officials warned the IRS about the potential to violate medical privacy laws before agents executed the warrant, the complaint said."
"cold fjord writes
"A healthcare provider has sued the Internal Revenue Service and 15 of its agents, charging they wrongfully seized 60 million medical records from 10 million Americans ...
[The unnamed company alleges] the agency violated the Fourth Amendment in 2011, when agents executed a search warrant for financial data on one employee – and that led to the seizure of information on 10 million, including state judges.
The search warrant did not specify that the IRS could take medical information, UPI said.
And information technology officials warned the IRS about the potential to violate medical privacy laws before agents executed the warrant, the complaint said."
Loss of Funding Not To Blame For School District Failures
Loss of Funding Not To Blame For School District Failures [Michigan Capitol Confidential]:
"But even after factoring in inflation, Albion received more money per pupil in 2011 than it did in 2007, according to the Michigan Department of Education. Including local, state and federal funding, Albion received $9,345 per pupil in 2006-07 ($10,138 in 2011 dollars).
In actual dollars, Albion received $10,993 per pupil in 2010-11, the most recent year data is available."
"But even after factoring in inflation, Albion received more money per pupil in 2011 than it did in 2007, according to the Michigan Department of Education. Including local, state and federal funding, Albion received $9,345 per pupil in 2006-07 ($10,138 in 2011 dollars).
In actual dollars, Albion received $10,993 per pupil in 2010-11, the most recent year data is available."
Measles surges in UK years after vaccine scare
Measles surges in UK years after vaccine scare - Yahoo! News:
"This year, the U.K. has had more than 1,200 cases of measles, after a record number of nearly 2,000 cases last year.
The country once recorded only several dozen cases every year. It now ranks second in Europe, behind only Romania."
"This year, the U.K. has had more than 1,200 cases of measles, after a record number of nearly 2,000 cases last year.
The country once recorded only several dozen cases every year. It now ranks second in Europe, behind only Romania."
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Non-deportation rate drops — to 99.2 percent
Non-deportation rate drops — to 99.2 percent - Washington Times:
"The Homeland Security Department has granted legal status to 99.2 percent of all illegal immigrants who have applied under President Obama’s new non-deportation policy for young adults, according to the latest numbers released Friday."
"The Homeland Security Department has granted legal status to 99.2 percent of all illegal immigrants who have applied under President Obama’s new non-deportation policy for young adults, according to the latest numbers released Friday."
Quotation of the day: Murray Rothbard on ‘economic ignorance’
Quotation of the day: Murray Rothbard on ‘economic ignorance’ | AEIdeas:
"Carpe Diem
Quotation of the day: Murray Rothbard on ‘economic ignorance’
Mark J. Perry | May 18, 2013, 10:19 am
“It is no crime to be ignorant of economics, which is, after all, a specialized discipline and one that most people consider to be a ‘dismal science.’
But it is totally irresponsible to have a loud and vociferous opinion on economic subjects while remaining in this state of ignorance.”
~Murray Rothbard Making Economic Sense (1995)"
"Carpe Diem
Quotation of the day: Murray Rothbard on ‘economic ignorance’
Mark J. Perry | May 18, 2013, 10:19 am
“It is no crime to be ignorant of economics, which is, after all, a specialized discipline and one that most people consider to be a ‘dismal science.’
But it is totally irresponsible to have a loud and vociferous opinion on economic subjects while remaining in this state of ignorance.”
~Murray Rothbard Making Economic Sense (1995)"
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Tom Perez and his 'disparate impact' hiring quotas lose in court
Examiner Editorial: Tom Perez and his 'disparate impact' hiring quotas lose in court | WashingtonExaminer.com:
"That's the disturbing message from a discrimination suit DOJ filed against the New York City Fire Department alleging that it discriminated against black and Hispanic applicants.
Oddly enough, the case was not based on any particular act of discrimination.
It was based purely on the fact that somebody somewhere decided that too many NYFD applicants had failed a job exam.
The DOJ argued that these multiple failures were undeniable evidence of "disparate impact."
That's the quack legal theory that it isn't necessary to show discriminatory intent to prove discrimination.
All that is required is evidence that a policy or procedure has "the effect of disproportionately excluding members of a particular protected group," to quote from DOJ's website.
A district judge in 2010 awarded $128 million in damages to those applicants and appointed a monitor to oversee NYFD's hiring practices. "
"That's the disturbing message from a discrimination suit DOJ filed against the New York City Fire Department alleging that it discriminated against black and Hispanic applicants.
Oddly enough, the case was not based on any particular act of discrimination.
It was based purely on the fact that somebody somewhere decided that too many NYFD applicants had failed a job exam.
The DOJ argued that these multiple failures were undeniable evidence of "disparate impact."
That's the quack legal theory that it isn't necessary to show discriminatory intent to prove discrimination.
All that is required is evidence that a policy or procedure has "the effect of disproportionately excluding members of a particular protected group," to quote from DOJ's website.
A district judge in 2010 awarded $128 million in damages to those applicants and appointed a monitor to oversee NYFD's hiring practices. "
The IRS Scandal Started at the Top
Strassel: The IRS Scandal Started at the Top - WSJ.com:
"Mr. Obama didn't need to pick up the phone.
All he needed to do was exactly what he did do, in full view, for three years:
Publicly suggest that conservative political groups were engaged in nefarious deeds; publicly call out by name political opponents whom he'd like to see harassed; and publicly have his party pressure the IRS to take action.
Mr. Obama now professes shock and outrage that bureaucrats at the IRS did exactly what the president of the United States said was the right and honorable thing to do.
"He put a target on our backs, and he's now going to blame the people who are shooting at us?" asks Idaho businessman and longtime Republican donor Frank VanderSloot."
"Mr. Obama didn't need to pick up the phone.
All he needed to do was exactly what he did do, in full view, for three years:
Publicly suggest that conservative political groups were engaged in nefarious deeds; publicly call out by name political opponents whom he'd like to see harassed; and publicly have his party pressure the IRS to take action.
Mr. Obama now professes shock and outrage that bureaucrats at the IRS did exactly what the president of the United States said was the right and honorable thing to do.
"He put a target on our backs, and he's now going to blame the people who are shooting at us?" asks Idaho businessman and longtime Republican donor Frank VanderSloot."
New From Beretta The Pico .380 (The Nano's Little Brother)
NRA 2013: New From Beretta The Pico .380 (The Nano's Little Brother):
"The Pico. Beretta’s new .380 pocket pistol is a departure from their traditional line of steel framed concealed carry guns, but completely in line with the aesthetic of the Nano.
It is sleek, slim, and completely snag free."
"The Pico. Beretta’s new .380 pocket pistol is a departure from their traditional line of steel framed concealed carry guns, but completely in line with the aesthetic of the Nano.
It is sleek, slim, and completely snag free."
Beretta Announces Plans to Move After Maryland Gov. Signs Bill
Beretta Announces Plans to Move After Maryland Gov. Signs Bill:
" With that in mind, Beretta released a statement appeared on their blog yesterday.
The message of the statement is clear:
“The idea now of investing additional funds in Maryland and thus rewarding a Government that has insulted our customers and our products is offensive to us so we will take steps to evaluate such investments in other States. "
" With that in mind, Beretta released a statement appeared on their blog yesterday.
The message of the statement is clear:
“The idea now of investing additional funds in Maryland and thus rewarding a Government that has insulted our customers and our products is offensive to us so we will take steps to evaluate such investments in other States. "
Benghazi and IRS Targeting: Politics by Other Means
Benghazi and IRS Targeting: Politics by Other Means | RealClearPolitics:
"What do the Benghazi cover-up and the IRS scandal have in common?
They were both about winning elections, under false pretenses.
Winning elections, after all, is something Barack Obama is good at.
He obviously loves campaigning and delivering grand orations to enormous adoring crowds.
He loves it so much that he flew off to Las Vegas to campaign the day after the first murder of a U.S. ambassador in 33 years."
"What do the Benghazi cover-up and the IRS scandal have in common?
They were both about winning elections, under false pretenses.
Winning elections, after all, is something Barack Obama is good at.
He obviously loves campaigning and delivering grand orations to enormous adoring crowds.
He loves it so much that he flew off to Las Vegas to campaign the day after the first murder of a U.S. ambassador in 33 years."
President Asterisk: Why the Obama IRS scandal may be worse than “a cancer .........
Instapundit » Blog Archive » JAMES TARANTO: President Asterisk:
President Asterisk: Why the Obama IRS scandal may be worse than “a cancer on the presidency.”
“No one can deny that Lance Armstrong and Mark McGwire were highly skilled athletes.
But their accomplishments are forever tainted by their use of banned performance-enhancing drugs.
The use of the Internal Revenue Service’s coercive power to suppress dissent against Obama is the political equivalent of steroids.
The history books should record Obama’s re-election with an asterisk to indicate that it was achieved with the help of illicit means. . . .
One thing we have learned from the IRS scandal is that sports journalists are morally superior to political journalists.
Whereas the former understand that cheating is an assault on the basic integrity of the sport, the latter all too often treat it as if it were just part of the game.”
Posted by Glenn Reynolds at 8:04 am"
President Asterisk: Why the Obama IRS scandal may be worse than “a cancer on the presidency.”
“No one can deny that Lance Armstrong and Mark McGwire were highly skilled athletes.
But their accomplishments are forever tainted by their use of banned performance-enhancing drugs.
The use of the Internal Revenue Service’s coercive power to suppress dissent against Obama is the political equivalent of steroids.
The history books should record Obama’s re-election with an asterisk to indicate that it was achieved with the help of illicit means. . . .
One thing we have learned from the IRS scandal is that sports journalists are morally superior to political journalists.
Whereas the former understand that cheating is an assault on the basic integrity of the sport, the latter all too often treat it as if it were just part of the game.”
Posted by Glenn Reynolds at 8:04 am"
Michigan AG Bill Schuette weighs in on IRS scandal, invites impacted groups to contact his office
Michigan AG Bill Schuette weighs in on IRS scandal, invites impacted groups to contact his office | MLive.com:
"Jim Chiodo, president of the West Michigan-based Ottawa County Patriots, said this week that he believes the IRS targeted his group because of its political stance."
"Jim Chiodo, president of the West Michigan-based Ottawa County Patriots, said this week that he believes the IRS targeted his group because of its political stance."
Another Pelosi Gem: GOP Makes So Much Of Scandals Because Obama Is 'Such A Great President'
Another Pelosi Gem: GOP Makes So Much Of Scandals Because Obama Is 'Such A Great President' | Independent Journal Review:
"Nancy Pelosi, like Joe Biden, is the gift that keeps on giving.
Today she offered up more brilliant analysis as to why The GOP is “making so much” of the scandals: because Barack Obama is “such a great president.”
"Nancy Pelosi, like Joe Biden, is the gift that keeps on giving.
Today she offered up more brilliant analysis as to why The GOP is “making so much” of the scandals: because Barack Obama is “such a great president.”
Friday, May 17, 2013
Don't Cry For Me, America: Comparing Argentina And The United States
Don't Cry For Me, America: Comparing Argentina And The United States - Forbes:
"There are similarities beyond the economic realm. Unlike other populist leaders, such as Hitler and Mussolini, Perón did not have belligerent imperialist ambitions. The same can be said about President Obama. His conservative critics argue that he wants to reduce U.S. influence around the world. Moreover, Perón shunned the Argentine founding fathers who favored the free society. Likewise, President Obama is not prone to quoting Madison, Washington, or Jefferson."
"There are similarities beyond the economic realm. Unlike other populist leaders, such as Hitler and Mussolini, Perón did not have belligerent imperialist ambitions. The same can be said about President Obama. His conservative critics argue that he wants to reduce U.S. influence around the world. Moreover, Perón shunned the Argentine founding fathers who favored the free society. Likewise, President Obama is not prone to quoting Madison, Washington, or Jefferson."
$16 Trillion in Debt and Counting...How Did We Get Here?
$16 Trillion in Debt and Counting...How Did We Get Here? - By Andrea Blachford | Michigan Campaign for Liberty:
"So, if you are like me and wonder how in the world we are $16 Trillion in debt and counting, you might want to start looking at spending habits closer to home. We need to admit we have a borrowing problem and then elect representatives who would govern within our county's financial means, demanding less of our federal government.
This kind of spending surely affects our national security. If our economy collapses because of the prevailing “if we don't get them, someone else will” thinking, pathway projects and mini-marinas will be the last things on our minds as families scramble to keep up with soaring food and fuel prices."
"So, if you are like me and wonder how in the world we are $16 Trillion in debt and counting, you might want to start looking at spending habits closer to home. We need to admit we have a borrowing problem and then elect representatives who would govern within our county's financial means, demanding less of our federal government.
This kind of spending surely affects our national security. If our economy collapses because of the prevailing “if we don't get them, someone else will” thinking, pathway projects and mini-marinas will be the last things on our minds as families scramble to keep up with soaring food and fuel prices."
Muskegon Community College board approves tuition, adjunct pay increases; warns of no increase for faculty
Muskegon Community College board approves tuition, adjunct pay increases; warns of no increase for faculty | MLive.com:
"A 4.7 percent tuition increase plus an additional $7 per contact hour fee were approved by the board of trustees Wednesday.
As a result, the cost of taking 12 credits, or contact hours, per semester would increase from $1,146 to $1,278. Administrators have said the increases should raise $1.4 million each year."
"A 4.7 percent tuition increase plus an additional $7 per contact hour fee were approved by the board of trustees Wednesday.
As a result, the cost of taking 12 credits, or contact hours, per semester would increase from $1,146 to $1,278. Administrators have said the increases should raise $1.4 million each year."
Bike Time vs. Muskegon Farmers Market: Conflict brewing for 2014, city commissioners told
Bike Time vs. Muskegon Farmers Market: Conflict brewing for 2014, city commissioners told | MLive.com:
"The concept that the “market comes first” is more than a bit troubling to Bike Time promoters, who have used the entire stretch of West Western Avenue from Seventh to Terrace streets, Warmington said.
The thought is that the bike festival and the market could not coexist at the far east end of West Western Avenue during the festival weekend."
"The concept that the “market comes first” is more than a bit troubling to Bike Time promoters, who have used the entire stretch of West Western Avenue from Seventh to Terrace streets, Warmington said.
The thought is that the bike festival and the market could not coexist at the far east end of West Western Avenue during the festival weekend."
Thursday, May 16, 2013
IRS tax exemption/Obamacare exec got $103,390 in bonuses
IRS tax exemption/Obamacare exec got $103,390 in bonuses | WashingtonExaminer.com:
"Sarah Hall Ingram, the IRS executive in charge of the tax exempt division in 2010 when it began targeting conservative Tea Party, evangelical and pro-Israel groups for harrassment, got more than $100,000 in bonuses between 2009 and 2012.
More recently, Ingram was promoted to serve as director of the tax agency's Obamacare program office, a position that put her in charge of the vast expansion of the IRS' regulatory power and staffing in connection with federal health care, ABC reported earlier today."
"Sarah Hall Ingram, the IRS executive in charge of the tax exempt division in 2010 when it began targeting conservative Tea Party, evangelical and pro-Israel groups for harrassment, got more than $100,000 in bonuses between 2009 and 2012.
More recently, Ingram was promoted to serve as director of the tax agency's Obamacare program office, a position that put her in charge of the vast expansion of the IRS' regulatory power and staffing in connection with federal health care, ABC reported earlier today."
Let’s Not Make a Federal Case of it
Let’s Not Make A Federal Case Of It | Somewhat Reasonable:
"Actually, a larger percentage of Asian attorneys (7 out of approximately 42,336) appeared before SCOTUS last term than that of any other race; but that wasn’t the headline.
The fact that people are trying to turn this number into an illustration of institutional racism is both troubling, and sad.
But if the left really wants to take it up with someone, they should start with the current administration, seeing as how a large chunk of the attorneys who appeared before our Supreme Court were with the office of the Solicitor General – and not one was Black."
"Actually, a larger percentage of Asian attorneys (7 out of approximately 42,336) appeared before SCOTUS last term than that of any other race; but that wasn’t the headline.
The fact that people are trying to turn this number into an illustration of institutional racism is both troubling, and sad.
But if the left really wants to take it up with someone, they should start with the current administration, seeing as how a large chunk of the attorneys who appeared before our Supreme Court were with the office of the Solicitor General – and not one was Black."
Feds gave witness protection to terrorists
Feds gave witness protection to terrorists - Washington Times:
"The federal government gave witness protection to known and suspected terrorists and the U.S. Marshals Service even lost track of two of those people, according to a report Thursday from the Justice Department’s auditor that exposes the previously hidden side of the witness program."
"The federal government gave witness protection to known and suspected terrorists and the U.S. Marshals Service even lost track of two of those people, according to a report Thursday from the Justice Department’s auditor that exposes the previously hidden side of the witness program."
IRS scandal: West Michigan Tea Party leader contends group was targeted
IRS scandal: West Michigan Tea Party leader contends group was targeted | MLive.com:
"Everybody's always had a fear of the IRS," Chiodo said Thursday, May 16, during a telephone interview.
"The IRS being used for political purposes really puts fear in peoples' hearts."
"Everybody's always had a fear of the IRS," Chiodo said Thursday, May 16, during a telephone interview.
"The IRS being used for political purposes really puts fear in peoples' hearts."
Goodwill Minimum Wage Loophole Will Shock You
John Hrabe: Goodwill Minimum Wage Loophole Will Shock You:
"In a recent investigation for Watchdog.org, I reported that a majority of Goodwill entities in the United States pay people with disabilities less than the federal minimum wage, while these same Goodwills simultaneously spend tens of millions of dollars per year on executive compensation and travel-related expenses."
"In a recent investigation for Watchdog.org, I reported that a majority of Goodwill entities in the United States pay people with disabilities less than the federal minimum wage, while these same Goodwills simultaneously spend tens of millions of dollars per year on executive compensation and travel-related expenses."
May 2013 - Dambusters 70th Anniversary
May 2013 - Dambusters 70th Anniversary — Military Forum | Airliners.net
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From United Kingdom, joined May 2001, 12700 posts, Snow days: Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder signs law allowing longer school days rather than makeups
Snow days: Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder signs law allowing longer school days rather than makeups | MLive.com:
"Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder on Thursday signed into law legislation allowing school districts that cancelled class multiple times this winter to meet state requirements by extending existing days rather than scheduling makeups."
"Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder on Thursday signed into law legislation allowing school districts that cancelled class multiple times this winter to meet state requirements by extending existing days rather than scheduling makeups."
American Indian mascots: Michigan bills would force civil rights department to fund school changes
American Indian mascots: Michigan bills would force civil rights department to fund school changes | MLive.com:
"Republican lawmakers are introducing legislation that would strip funding from the Michigan Department of Civil Rights and make the money available to local schools if they are forced to change their American Indian-related mascots as a result of a discrimination complaint filed by the department."
"Republican lawmakers are introducing legislation that would strip funding from the Michigan Department of Civil Rights and make the money available to local schools if they are forced to change their American Indian-related mascots as a result of a discrimination complaint filed by the department."
Venezuela hopes to wipe out toilet paper shortage by importing 50m rolls
Venezuela hopes to wipe out toilet paper shortage by importing 50m rolls | World news | guardian.co.uk: "Minister blames shortage on 'excessive demand caused by media campaign generated to disrupt the country'"
Men who are physically strong are more likely to have right wing political views
Men who are physically strong are more likely to have right wing political views | Mail Online:
"Men who are physically strong are more likely to have right wing political views
Weaker men more likely to support welfare state and wealth redistribution
Link may reflect psychological traits that evolved in our ancestors
Strength was a proxy for ability to defend or acquire resources"
"Men who are physically strong are more likely to have right wing political views
Weaker men more likely to support welfare state and wealth redistribution
Link may reflect psychological traits that evolved in our ancestors
Strength was a proxy for ability to defend or acquire resources"
Mark Hollis, Jim Delany speak on MSU, Big Ten issues: What they said and what I think | Couch on fire
Mark Hollis, Jim Delany speak on MSU, Big Ten issues: What they said and what I think | Couch on fire:
"– Hollis spoke about the seriousness of this upcoming season for MSU football. It should be noted, he was prompted to do so by a question that afforded almost no other response.
What was he supposed to say?
“Well, guys, we’ll do our best and see how it goes.”
Still, they were strong words and I’m sure, by some media outlets, will be sensationalized.
Here’s some of what Hollis said, when asked at what point 6-6 becomes unacceptable:
“(If it happened again) there’d probably be a gathering of troops to ask why are we there two years in a row. … It is a very important season for Michigan State, no question.”
My take: Again, this was prompted and a probably unavoidable response.
But it is important that MSU’s AD is on record with such urgency.
It’s a starting point with him if this season were to play out poorly."
"– Hollis spoke about the seriousness of this upcoming season for MSU football. It should be noted, he was prompted to do so by a question that afforded almost no other response.
What was he supposed to say?
“Well, guys, we’ll do our best and see how it goes.”
Still, they were strong words and I’m sure, by some media outlets, will be sensationalized.
Here’s some of what Hollis said, when asked at what point 6-6 becomes unacceptable:
“(If it happened again) there’d probably be a gathering of troops to ask why are we there two years in a row. … It is a very important season for Michigan State, no question.”
My take: Again, this was prompted and a probably unavoidable response.
But it is important that MSU’s AD is on record with such urgency.
It’s a starting point with him if this season were to play out poorly."
Not just Detroit: New report finds fiscal troubles for dozens of city halls across Michigan
Not just Detroit: New report finds fiscal troubles for dozens of city halls across Michigan | MLive.com:
"While the financial problems of Detroit have captured the headlines this spring, a new analysis released today on government finance finds that dozens of Michigan communities may be on a course for crisis.
According to Munetrix, a Web-based data consultant in Auburn Hills, dozens of local units of government were in a financial state that is “cause for concern” in their 2011 fiscal years.
"While the financial problems of Detroit have captured the headlines this spring, a new analysis released today on government finance finds that dozens of Michigan communities may be on a course for crisis.
According to Munetrix, a Web-based data consultant in Auburn Hills, dozens of local units of government were in a financial state that is “cause for concern” in their 2011 fiscal years.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
HHS Doles Out 2nd Round of Billion Dollar Innovation Awards, But Can’t Say What Savings Seen Yet From 1st Round
HHS Doles Out 2nd Round of Billion Dollar Innovation Awards, But Can’t Say What Savings Seen Yet From 1st Round | CNS News
“Bringing down health care cost is our top priority,” Sebelius said.
But Richard Gilfillan, director of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, who took questions from reporters on the conference call, could not tell reporters how much the $900 million awards given out last year has saved taxpayers in health care costs.
A reporter asked Gilfillan about the $1.9 billion savings over three years that HHS officials had predicted from the first round of awards and whether he could report any savings over the first year.
“All of our round-one proposals, our applicants, have put in operating plans,” Gilfillan said. “They’ve begun operations, but we do not have any estimates to share with you at this time.”
Another reporter asked a more pointed question:
“Has CMS’s actuaries found or confirmed savings by any innovation center project at this point, and are you guys preparing yet to expand any of them to become a permanent nationwide program as you’re authorized under the health law?” the reporter asked.
“We are still in relatively early stages of the roll out of some of the models that we have,” Gilfillan said. “We’re working closely with our colleagues in our evaluations group and our colleagues in the actuarial group to monitor performance.
“We do not have any results that we would use to pursue the path you describe,” Gilfillan said.
“Do you know when you might?” the reporter asked.
“I’m not commenting on that today,” Gilfillan said.
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