Tracking Your Taxes: The Earmark Kings
"in the House, just 4 percent of members took home 32 percent of all the bacon -- and all were members of the Defense Appropriations Committee"
Read this and remember!
It's them against us!
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
An American Anthem
9-11 is near.
Our country is stronger than some realize.
Watch this video and remember!
Granholm proposes more tax increases
Granholm proposes more tax increases
"It also would reduce an increase in a tax credit for the working poor, increase liquor license fees, expand the 6 percent sales tax to live entertainment, service contracts and vending machine sales, raise the cigarette tax rate to $2.25 a pack, among other changes.
.......“I’m not in favor of new taxes. We don’t need a tax increase. People in the state are having trouble paying their bills,” Granholm said to reporters during a visit to Compact Power."
"It also would reduce an increase in a tax credit for the working poor, increase liquor license fees, expand the 6 percent sales tax to live entertainment, service contracts and vending machine sales, raise the cigarette tax rate to $2.25 a pack, among other changes.
.......“I’m not in favor of new taxes. We don’t need a tax increase. People in the state are having trouble paying their bills,” Granholm said to reporters during a visit to Compact Power."
The convenient fantasies of President Obama
The convenient fantasies of President Obama
"Another interesting thing about Jones is that the administration seems enamored of his "green jobs" concept. There's an understandable political reason. Legislation to restrict carbon emissions that is supported by the administration would undoubtedly kill a large number of jobs by increasing the cost of energy, and so you can see why its advocates might want to argue that there will be a compensating number of "green jobs" created -- at least if the government spends a lot of money on them.
But this sounds like fantasy.
If there were money to be made in green jobs, private investors would be creating them already. In fact big corporations like General Electric are scrambling to position themselves as green companies, gaming legislation and regulations so they can make profits by doing so. Big business is ready to create green jobs -- if government subsidizes them. But the idea that green jobs will replace all the lost carbon-emitting jobs is magical thinking."
That so many Americans believe that "green jobs" are anything other than more government pork-jobs is a sad commentary on our educational system.
"Another interesting thing about Jones is that the administration seems enamored of his "green jobs" concept. There's an understandable political reason. Legislation to restrict carbon emissions that is supported by the administration would undoubtedly kill a large number of jobs by increasing the cost of energy, and so you can see why its advocates might want to argue that there will be a compensating number of "green jobs" created -- at least if the government spends a lot of money on them.
But this sounds like fantasy.
If there were money to be made in green jobs, private investors would be creating them already. In fact big corporations like General Electric are scrambling to position themselves as green companies, gaming legislation and regulations so they can make profits by doing so. Big business is ready to create green jobs -- if government subsidizes them. But the idea that green jobs will replace all the lost carbon-emitting jobs is magical thinking."
That so many Americans believe that "green jobs" are anything other than more government pork-jobs is a sad commentary on our educational system.
Times Reporter Is Freed in Afghan Raid That Kills Aide - NYTimes.com
Times Reporter Is Freed in Afghan Raid That Kills Aide
NYTimes.com:
"Stephen Farrell, a New York Times reporter held captive by militants in northern Afghanistan, was freed in a military commando raid early Wednesday, but his Afghan interpreter was killed during the rescue effort.
A British commando was also killed in the raid,"
A few of thoughts:
1. I don't think a single soldier should EVER be in harm's way because of a reporter's foolish decisions.
That a brave young man has died to rescue a fool is a travesty.
2. Note the NYT headline omits the death of the brave soldier. Note also the way the commando's death was merely a footnote in their article.
An inconvenience not worthy of detracting from their joyous glee. How sick!
3. And this: "Until now, the kidnapping had been kept quiet by The Times and most other news organizations out of concern for the men’s safety."
The media has no problem keeping "quiet" when one of their own is at risk.
Too bad the reality is the opposite when our troops are at risk.
NYTimes.com:
"Stephen Farrell, a New York Times reporter held captive by militants in northern Afghanistan, was freed in a military commando raid early Wednesday, but his Afghan interpreter was killed during the rescue effort.
A British commando was also killed in the raid,"
A few of thoughts:
1. I don't think a single soldier should EVER be in harm's way because of a reporter's foolish decisions.
That a brave young man has died to rescue a fool is a travesty.
2. Note the NYT headline omits the death of the brave soldier. Note also the way the commando's death was merely a footnote in their article.
An inconvenience not worthy of detracting from their joyous glee. How sick!
3. And this: "Until now, the kidnapping had been kept quiet by The Times and most other news organizations out of concern for the men’s safety."
The media has no problem keeping "quiet" when one of their own is at risk.
Too bad the reality is the opposite when our troops are at risk.
Protest over Wyoming's Cheney center -msnbc.com
Protest over Wyoming's Cheney center
"The center is funded in part with $3.2 million the Cheneys donated to the university in several installments while he was vice president.
The university's decision to name the center after Cheney, a former Wyoming congressman, prompted a petition that collected more than 150 signatures."
150 signatures?
And MSNBC considers that news?
Let's see the 24/7 coverage of "protest" dudes!
"The center is funded in part with $3.2 million the Cheneys donated to the university in several installments while he was vice president.
The university's decision to name the center after Cheney, a former Wyoming congressman, prompted a petition that collected more than 150 signatures."
150 signatures?
And MSNBC considers that news?
Let's see the 24/7 coverage of "protest" dudes!
Go ahead, make Dick's day!
School districts preparing to give swine flu vaccine
School districts preparing to give swine flu vaccine
"Administration of the vaccine in schools will be a challenge because the vaccine needs to be given to children in two doses at least three weeks apart.
That means records will have to be kept on who has received vaccinations and when. Schools also will need to keep track of parental permission forms."
A few dirty little secrets our great leaders won't tell us:
1. The vaccine isn't harmless. It has many, possibly deadly, side affects.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1206807/Swine-flu-jab-link-killer-nerve-disease-Leaked-letter-reveals-concern-neurologists-25-deaths-America.html
2. The CDC controls how much vaccine (and what type) is produced. Its past projections have been as accurate as those perky hurricane "experts" from .... oh yeah, the US government. http://www.forbes.com/feeds/reuters/2009/08/17/2009-08-17T173830Z_01_N17426251_RTRIDST_0_FLU-VACCINES-USA.html
3. Doesn't anyone remember Jerry Ford's swine flu disaster?
http://www.capitalcentury.com/1976.html
"Administration of the vaccine in schools will be a challenge because the vaccine needs to be given to children in two doses at least three weeks apart.
That means records will have to be kept on who has received vaccinations and when. Schools also will need to keep track of parental permission forms."
A few dirty little secrets our great leaders won't tell us:
1. The vaccine isn't harmless. It has many, possibly deadly, side affects.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1206807/Swine-flu-jab-link-killer-nerve-disease-Leaked-letter-reveals-concern-neurologists-25-deaths-America.html
2. The CDC controls how much vaccine (and what type) is produced. Its past projections have been as accurate as those perky hurricane "experts" from .... oh yeah, the US government. http://www.forbes.com/feeds/reuters/2009/08/17/2009-08-17T173830Z_01_N17426251_RTRIDST_0_FLU-VACCINES-USA.html
3. Doesn't anyone remember Jerry Ford's swine flu disaster?
http://www.capitalcentury.com/1976.html
1976: The swine flu scare
1976: The swine flu scare
"Thus was born what would become known to some medical historians as a fiasco and to others as perhaps the finest hour of America's public health bureaucracy.....
Only young Lewis died from the swine flu itself in 1976. But as the critics are quick to point out, hundreds of Americans were killed or seriously injured by the inoculation the government gave them to stave off the virus.
According to his sister-in-law, John Kent of President Avenue in Lawrence went to his grave in 1997 believing the shot from the government had killed his first wife, Mary, long before her time.
"One doc later told the authors of 'The Epidemic that Never Was' that he and others in on the meetings realized there was 'nothing in this for the CDC except trouble,' especially because a decision had to be made fast to get the immunizations manufactured by the fall."
"Fast decisions".
By politicians....... yeah right... and how did it work out for Jerry Ford's guinea pigs?
"Thus was born what would become known to some medical historians as a fiasco and to others as perhaps the finest hour of America's public health bureaucracy.....
Only young Lewis died from the swine flu itself in 1976. But as the critics are quick to point out, hundreds of Americans were killed or seriously injured by the inoculation the government gave them to stave off the virus.
According to his sister-in-law, John Kent of President Avenue in Lawrence went to his grave in 1997 believing the shot from the government had killed his first wife, Mary, long before her time.
"One doc later told the authors of 'The Epidemic that Never Was' that he and others in on the meetings realized there was 'nothing in this for the CDC except trouble,' especially because a decision had to be made fast to get the immunizations manufactured by the fall."
"Fast decisions".
By politicians....... yeah right... and how did it work out for Jerry Ford's guinea pigs?
U.S. slashes swine flu vaccine estimate
U.S. slashes swine flu vaccine estimate
"U.S. officials Monday said they had slashed their estimate of how many swine flu vaccine doses will be available for the start of a mass vaccination campaign in the fall.
Citing delays in manufacturing and packaging the vaccines, the Department of Health and Human Services said only 45 million doses of the new H1N1 vaccine would be on hand in mid-October, instead of the 120 million previously forecast."
This is government run health care, folks!
"U.S. officials Monday said they had slashed their estimate of how many swine flu vaccine doses will be available for the start of a mass vaccination campaign in the fall.
Citing delays in manufacturing and packaging the vaccines, the Department of Health and Human Services said only 45 million doses of the new H1N1 vaccine would be on hand in mid-October, instead of the 120 million previously forecast."
This is government run health care, folks!
Hoekstra criticizes Obama administration for rejecting request to investigate Guantanamo Bay
Hoekstra criticizes Obama administration for rejecting request to investigate Guantanamo Bay
"Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland, says President Obama's administration has 'slammed the door in the face of everyone who wants to know more' about plans to close down the detention facility in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and possibly send those detainees to a prison in Michigan."
No other country in the world is willing to take these monsters and Barry O is gonna force them on Michigan against our will?
At least BHussein is consistent in his obfuscation.
"Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland, says President Obama's administration has 'slammed the door in the face of everyone who wants to know more' about plans to close down the detention facility in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and possibly send those detainees to a prison in Michigan."
No other country in the world is willing to take these monsters and Barry O is gonna force them on Michigan against our will?
At least BHussein is consistent in his obfuscation.
Taxpayers face heavy losses on auto bailout
Taxpayers face heavy losses on auto bailout
"Taxpayers face losses on a significant portion of the $81 billion in government aid provided to the auto industry, an oversight panel said in a report to be released Wednesday.
The Congressional Oversight Panel did not provide an estimate of the projected loss in its latest monthly report on the $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program. But it said most of the $23 billion initially provided to General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC late last year is unlikely to be repaid."
That's cuz the unions took ALL the money!
"Taxpayers face losses on a significant portion of the $81 billion in government aid provided to the auto industry, an oversight panel said in a report to be released Wednesday.
The Congressional Oversight Panel did not provide an estimate of the projected loss in its latest monthly report on the $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program. But it said most of the $23 billion initially provided to General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC late last year is unlikely to be repaid."
That's cuz the unions took ALL the money!
Passengers face new tax to halt rise in air travel
Passengers face new tax to halt rise in air travel
"Tens of billions of pounds will have to be raised through flight taxes to compensate developing countries for the damage air travel does to the environment, according to the Government’s advisory body on climate change.
Ticket prices should rise steadily over time to deter air travel and ensure that carbon dioxide emissions from aviation fall back to 2005 levels"
And who will manage those $billions intended to compensate "developing countries"?
And just which "developing countries" will get this bonanza from the euro-weenies?
"Tens of billions of pounds will have to be raised through flight taxes to compensate developing countries for the damage air travel does to the environment, according to the Government’s advisory body on climate change.
Ticket prices should rise steadily over time to deter air travel and ensure that carbon dioxide emissions from aviation fall back to 2005 levels"
And who will manage those $billions intended to compensate "developing countries"?
And just which "developing countries" will get this bonanza from the euro-weenies?
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Sun-Caused Warming
Sun-Caused Warming
"The Aug. 28 issue of the journal Science details how the scientific team led by the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), using a century's worth of data and three powerful computer models, figured out just how small changes in solar activity can trigger great changes in earth's climate"
"The Aug. 28 issue of the journal Science details how the scientific team led by the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), using a century's worth of data and three powerful computer models, figured out just how small changes in solar activity can trigger great changes in earth's climate"
The Sorry Tale of America’s Out-of-control Spending
Debt Be Not Proud: The Sorry Tale of America’s Out-of-control Spending
"At the end of fiscal 2008, which came on September 30 of last year, the American national debt stood at $9.6 trillion.
That sum is, perhaps, quite beyond the imagining of most people.
It is, after all, 250 million times the average per capita income.
Even the total fortunes of the entire Forbes 400 list add up to less than 15 percent of it.
To use a journalistic measure that dates back to the late 18th century—when the British national debt had become a major political issue in that country—if you laid 9.6 trillion silver dollars end to end, they would reach to the sun and back, with enough left over to wrap around the Earth more than 1,700 times."
"At the end of fiscal 2008, which came on September 30 of last year, the American national debt stood at $9.6 trillion.
That sum is, perhaps, quite beyond the imagining of most people.
It is, after all, 250 million times the average per capita income.
Even the total fortunes of the entire Forbes 400 list add up to less than 15 percent of it.
To use a journalistic measure that dates back to the late 18th century—when the British national debt had become a major political issue in that country—if you laid 9.6 trillion silver dollars end to end, they would reach to the sun and back, with enough left over to wrap around the Earth more than 1,700 times."
83% Say Proof of Citizenship Should Be Required to Get Government Health Aid - Rasmussen Reports™
83% Say Proof of Citizenship Should Be Required to Get Government Health Aid - Rasmussen Reports™: "The health care plan proposed by President Obama and congressional Democrats contains many controversial items that divide the general public. However, one area of consensus among the public is the desire to restrict government health care benefits to U.S. citizens only.
Eighty-three percent (83%) of voters nationwide say that people should be required to prove they are a citizen of the United States before receiving government health care subsidies. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 12% disagree and five percent (5%) are not sure."
Eighty-three percent (83%) of voters nationwide say that people should be required to prove they are a citizen of the United States before receiving government health care subsidies. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 12% disagree and five percent (5%) are not sure."
CARPE DIEM: College Tuition 2009-2010
CARPE DIEM:
College Tuition 2009-2010:
Brown Tuition, room and board, and all fees: $51,476
Cornell Tuition, and room and board (non-resident): $50,114
Yale Tuition, and room and board: $47,500
Pennsylvania: Tuition, room and board, books, personal: $53,250
Mott Community College: Tuition $2,743.50"
College Tuition 2009-2010:
Brown Tuition, room and board, and all fees: $51,476
Cornell Tuition, and room and board (non-resident): $50,114
Yale Tuition, and room and board: $47,500
Pennsylvania: Tuition, room and board, books, personal: $53,250
Mott Community College: Tuition $2,743.50"
Business groups argue against Mich. tax increases
Business groups argue against Mich. tax increases
"Organizations representing Michigan's business community are urging lawmakers to solve the state's budget crisis without raising taxes.
Michigan faces a projected budget shortfall of at least $2.7 billion for the fiscal year starting Oct. 1. Money from the federal stimulus package won't erase the entire deficit.
The Michigan Chamber of Commerce and affiliated groups scheduled press conferences across the state Tuesday to say government should cut spending and become more efficient rather than raise taxes.
A coalition of social service, education and labor groups wants the state to raise taxes to avoid cutting services. The coalition advocates expanding the sales tax to nonessential services, switching to a graduated income tax and ending some tax exemptions."
"Organizations representing Michigan's business community are urging lawmakers to solve the state's budget crisis without raising taxes.
Michigan faces a projected budget shortfall of at least $2.7 billion for the fiscal year starting Oct. 1. Money from the federal stimulus package won't erase the entire deficit.
The Michigan Chamber of Commerce and affiliated groups scheduled press conferences across the state Tuesday to say government should cut spending and become more efficient rather than raise taxes.
A coalition of social service, education and labor groups wants the state to raise taxes to avoid cutting services. The coalition advocates expanding the sales tax to nonessential services, switching to a graduated income tax and ending some tax exemptions."
Going down: Detroit isn't the only Michigan city on the fiscal skids - MLive.com
Going down: Detroit isn't the only Michigan city on the fiscal skids
"Below the radar of a lot of people, though, is another layer of trouble that is only now becoming apparent, and is only going to get worse, experts say.
We're talking about local units of government -- counties, cities, townships and school districts across the state that are facing the harsh reality of severe budget cuts as the result of the housing market collapse.
'People believe it can't get worse, but we haven't even seen the worse yet,' says Bob Daddow, deputy county executive for Oakland County.
His is just one voice among many sounding the alarm over the dark fiscal times ahead for many officials"
Here's his video from 2008!
http://muskegonpundit.blogspot.com/2008/10/perfect-storm-economic-presentation.html
The amazing fact is this isn't "new" news.
It's been out there for years.
Gotta love the MSM!
Will we NEVER learn?
"Below the radar of a lot of people, though, is another layer of trouble that is only now becoming apparent, and is only going to get worse, experts say.
We're talking about local units of government -- counties, cities, townships and school districts across the state that are facing the harsh reality of severe budget cuts as the result of the housing market collapse.
'People believe it can't get worse, but we haven't even seen the worse yet,' says Bob Daddow, deputy county executive for Oakland County.
His is just one voice among many sounding the alarm over the dark fiscal times ahead for many officials"
Here's his video from 2008!
http://muskegonpundit.blogspot.com/2008/10/perfect-storm-economic-presentation.html
The amazing fact is this isn't "new" news.
It's been out there for years.
Gotta love the MSM!
Will we NEVER learn?
Senate must raise debt ceiling above $12T
Senate must raise debt ceiling above $12T
“The Senate must move legislation to raise the federal debt limit beyond $12.1 trillion by mid-October, a move viewed as necessary despite protests about the record levels of red ink.
The move will highlight the nation’s record debt, which has been central to Republican attacks against Democratic congressional leaders and President Barack Obama. The year’s deficit is expected to hit a record $1.6 trillion.”
So what happens if they don’t? After all, Obama voted against raising the debt limit when he was in the Senate"
“The Senate must move legislation to raise the federal debt limit beyond $12.1 trillion by mid-October, a move viewed as necessary despite protests about the record levels of red ink.
The move will highlight the nation’s record debt, which has been central to Republican attacks against Democratic congressional leaders and President Barack Obama. The year’s deficit is expected to hit a record $1.6 trillion.”
So what happens if they don’t? After all, Obama voted against raising the debt limit when he was in the Senate"
When Bush spoke to students, Democrats investigated, held hearings
When Bush spoke to students, Democrats investigated, held hearings
"when President George H.W. Bush delivered a similar speech on October 1, 1991, from Alice Deal Junior High School in Washington DC, the controversy was just beginning. Democrats, then the majority party in Congress, not only denounced Bush's speech -- they also ordered the General Accounting Office to investigate its production and later summoned top Bush administration officials to Capitol Hill for an extensive hearing on the issue."
"when President George H.W. Bush delivered a similar speech on October 1, 1991, from Alice Deal Junior High School in Washington DC, the controversy was just beginning. Democrats, then the majority party in Congress, not only denounced Bush's speech -- they also ordered the General Accounting Office to investigate its production and later summoned top Bush administration officials to Capitol Hill for an extensive hearing on the issue."
Monday, September 07, 2009
So who is Ron Bloom
So who is Ron Bloom
"Former SEIU principal Ron Bloom becomes the Obama 'Manufacturing Czar.'
Jake Tapper reported this on Sunday:
In Cincinnati tomorrow, President Obama will announce that he's appointing Ron Bloom his Senior Counselor for Manufacturing Policy, White House sources tell ABC News.
Bloom is currently Senior Advisor to Secretary of the Treasury Tim Geithner as a member of the President’s Task Force on the Automotive Industry, named to that position in February. He will remain in that position even while he takes on his new task.
So who is Ron Bloom?
Jammie Wearing Fool has this:
The name Ron Bloom is one that we need to start paying attention to. He has a long history of being the negotiating face of unions in a suit. He is a Harvard Business School graduate who has worked for the unions beginning with SEIU for decades. The most recent union he represented was the United Steel Workers (USW) before becoming a part of the automotive team that Obama put together. You know the one that had the head Steven Rattner having to resign over some questions about his personal finances mixed in with a little fraudulent money gifts.Rattner was replaced by Ron Bloom, and voila the United Auto Workers (UAW), got a sweetheart deal backed up by the power of the federal government to try and stave off bankruptcy.
This is just further proof that Barack Obama knows nothing about economics but is an expert on radicalism."
"Former SEIU principal Ron Bloom becomes the Obama 'Manufacturing Czar.'
Jake Tapper reported this on Sunday:
In Cincinnati tomorrow, President Obama will announce that he's appointing Ron Bloom his Senior Counselor for Manufacturing Policy, White House sources tell ABC News.
Bloom is currently Senior Advisor to Secretary of the Treasury Tim Geithner as a member of the President’s Task Force on the Automotive Industry, named to that position in February. He will remain in that position even while he takes on his new task.
So who is Ron Bloom?
Jammie Wearing Fool has this:
The name Ron Bloom is one that we need to start paying attention to. He has a long history of being the negotiating face of unions in a suit. He is a Harvard Business School graduate who has worked for the unions beginning with SEIU for decades. The most recent union he represented was the United Steel Workers (USW) before becoming a part of the automotive team that Obama put together. You know the one that had the head Steven Rattner having to resign over some questions about his personal finances mixed in with a little fraudulent money gifts.Rattner was replaced by Ron Bloom, and voila the United Auto Workers (UAW), got a sweetheart deal backed up by the power of the federal government to try and stave off bankruptcy.
This is just further proof that Barack Obama knows nothing about economics but is an expert on radicalism."
EU warns on proposed US travel fees - Yahoo! News
EU warns on proposed US travel fees
The European Union is strongly criticizing a congressional proposal to charge a $10 fee to some visitors to the United States and suggesting it may carry a price for U.S. travelers.
If it passes, the EU says, some U.S. travelers to Europe could face retaliation.
The fee now under consideration in Congress would finance a new U.S. program to promote travel, a burden that the EU believes Americans should bear."
The European Union is strongly criticizing a congressional proposal to charge a $10 fee to some visitors to the United States and suggesting it may carry a price for U.S. travelers.
If it passes, the EU says, some U.S. travelers to Europe could face retaliation.
The fee now under consideration in Congress would finance a new U.S. program to promote travel, a burden that the EU believes Americans should bear."
Porker of the month
Porker of the month
"Rep. Abercrombie’s latest outrage is to slip a provision (Sec. 2833) into the House version of the 2010 Defense Authorization Act that would double the construction costs of relocating 11,600 U.S. troops from Japan to Guam.
The original cost estimate was $15 billion, $10 billion of which is associated with construction of living quarters for military personnel and their families.
However, Sec. 2833 requires that the wages paid to construction workers match the “prevailing” wages in Hawaii, which are 250 percent higher than those on Guam. The Congressional Budget Office estimates this “would increase the need for discretionary appropriations by about $10 billion over the 2010-2014 period.”"
"Rep. Abercrombie’s latest outrage is to slip a provision (Sec. 2833) into the House version of the 2010 Defense Authorization Act that would double the construction costs of relocating 11,600 U.S. troops from Japan to Guam.
The original cost estimate was $15 billion, $10 billion of which is associated with construction of living quarters for military personnel and their families.
However, Sec. 2833 requires that the wages paid to construction workers match the “prevailing” wages in Hawaii, which are 250 percent higher than those on Guam. The Congressional Budget Office estimates this “would increase the need for discretionary appropriations by about $10 billion over the 2010-2014 period.”"
French healthcare is 'badly run'
French healthcare is 'badly run'
"France must make big changes to its health system in order to cut waste and increase efficiency, a government-commissioned report is warning."
"France must make big changes to its health system in order to cut waste and increase efficiency, a government-commissioned report is warning."
A day—and a death—to remember
A day—and a death—to remember
"On June 25, Michael Jackson’s death dominated the headlines.
It was a sad day for his family, friends and fans.
But another death went nearly unnoticed.
Lt. Brian Bradshaw was killed by an explosive device in Afghanistan.
Bradshaw didn’t make headlines around the world.
But nearly everyone in his hometown came out to mourn.
Martha Gillis is Bradshaw’s aunt.
She’s worried that a soldier’s death is often invisible to the public.
She hopes his nation will remember him."
"On June 25, Michael Jackson’s death dominated the headlines.
It was a sad day for his family, friends and fans.
But another death went nearly unnoticed.
Lt. Brian Bradshaw was killed by an explosive device in Afghanistan.
Bradshaw didn’t make headlines around the world.
But nearly everyone in his hometown came out to mourn.
Martha Gillis is Bradshaw’s aunt.
She’s worried that a soldier’s death is often invisible to the public.
She hopes his nation will remember him."
The Founding Fathers Could Never Have Foreseen Obama
The Founding Fathers Could Never Have Foreseen Obama
"Now that the majority of Americans are finally realizing what kind of a Dufus they’ve elected to the Presidency, and those who know it but will NEVER admit they know it, what happens in the next three and a half years?
How can the world deal with a LAME DUCK Presidency just six months into office?
Everything this President has touched has turned into crap.
In less than 6 months he’s spent more money than ALL PREVIOUS PRESIDENTS COMBINED from the time of George W Washington, indebting the USA to the tune of TRILLIONS of dollars and still counting."
"Now that the majority of Americans are finally realizing what kind of a Dufus they’ve elected to the Presidency, and those who know it but will NEVER admit they know it, what happens in the next three and a half years?
How can the world deal with a LAME DUCK Presidency just six months into office?
Everything this President has touched has turned into crap.
In less than 6 months he’s spent more money than ALL PREVIOUS PRESIDENTS COMBINED from the time of George W Washington, indebting the USA to the tune of TRILLIONS of dollars and still counting."
David Sirota: Glenn Beck Is A 'Right-Wing Political Terrorist'; Van Jones Is 'A National Hero' | NewsBusters.org
David Sirota: Glenn Beck Is A 'Right-Wing Political Terrorist'; Van Jones Is 'A National Hero'
"what I think what's going on here is that the White House is listening to the right-wing's political terrorists, people like Glenn Beck, people like conservative activists who have targeted Van Jones because Van Jones is an African-American"
"what I think what's going on here is that the White House is listening to the right-wing's political terrorists, people like Glenn Beck, people like conservative activists who have targeted Van Jones because Van Jones is an African-American"
Whitehall wants $22 million bond issue
White Lake Beacon
"Whitehall District Schools is once again investigating the possibility of going to voters with a bond vote for facility improvements.
Last May voters decidedly defeated a $22 million bond issue. "
Be afraid...very afraid!
"Whitehall District Schools is once again investigating the possibility of going to voters with a bond vote for facility improvements.
Last May voters decidedly defeated a $22 million bond issue. "
Be afraid...very afraid!
Largest U.S. brewers say beer prices will take a hop up
Largest U.S. brewers say beer prices will take a hop up
"Drink up! Beer prices are going up.
The two largest U.S. beer sellers say they plan to raise prices,"
"Drink up! Beer prices are going up.
The two largest U.S. beer sellers say they plan to raise prices,"
Jobless press benefit extension
Jobless press benefit extension
"Since June 2008, Congress has extended jobless benefits three times.
Unemployed workers initially qualify for up to 26 weeks.
But with the extensions, Michiganians are eligible for 79 weeks of benefits -- or 1 1/2 years.
The proposed extension would boost the number of weeks to 92 -- a year and nine months."
Because of high unemployment, Michigan's unemployment insurance trust fund -- which is paid for by a tax on employers laying off workers -- is depleted, forcing the state to borrow $2 billion from the federal government
"Since June 2008, Congress has extended jobless benefits three times.
Unemployed workers initially qualify for up to 26 weeks.
But with the extensions, Michiganians are eligible for 79 weeks of benefits -- or 1 1/2 years.
The proposed extension would boost the number of weeks to 92 -- a year and nine months."
Because of high unemployment, Michigan's unemployment insurance trust fund -- which is paid for by a tax on employers laying off workers -- is depleted, forcing the state to borrow $2 billion from the federal government
Detroit takeover viewed as last resort
Detroit takeover viewed as last resort
"With increasing frequency, Mayor Dave Bing has raised the threat of receivership and warned the appointment of an emergency financial manager and even bankruptcy are possible for Detroit as he struggles to control the city's finances"
"With increasing frequency, Mayor Dave Bing has raised the threat of receivership and warned the appointment of an emergency financial manager and even bankruptcy are possible for Detroit as he struggles to control the city's finances"
Union bigs get the best deals: A sour Labor Day lesson on pensions
Union bigs get the best deals: A sour Labor Day lesson on pensions
"unions are once again seeking to recruit new members with promises of higher wages and generous pension benefits.
These promises are made despite pension funds' reports to the U.S. Labor Department showing that collectively bargained pension funds are underfunded when compared with other pensions.
In contrast, pension funds for unions' own staff and officers have been doing just fine."
"unions are once again seeking to recruit new members with promises of higher wages and generous pension benefits.
These promises are made despite pension funds' reports to the U.S. Labor Department showing that collectively bargained pension funds are underfunded when compared with other pensions.
In contrast, pension funds for unions' own staff and officers have been doing just fine."
Sunday, September 06, 2009
The hunt is on for more ammunition in Nevada, U.S.
The hunt is on for more ammunition in Nevada, U.S.
"The scarcity of ammunition is part of a trend that began immediately after the presidential election, retailers say."
"The scarcity of ammunition is part of a trend that began immediately after the presidential election, retailers say."
No.10 turns on Obama and Clinton for criticising decision to release Lockerbie bomber
No.10 turns on Obama and Clinton for criticising decision to release Lockerbie bomber
"The US was kept fully in touch about everything that was going on with regard to Britain’s discussions with Libya in recent years and about Megrahi,’ said the Whitehall aide.
‘We would never do anything about Lockerbie without discussing it with the US. It is disingenuous of them to act as though Megrahi’s return was out of the blue."
"The US was kept fully in touch about everything that was going on with regard to Britain’s discussions with Libya in recent years and about Megrahi,’ said the Whitehall aide.
‘We would never do anything about Lockerbie without discussing it with the US. It is disingenuous of them to act as though Megrahi’s return was out of the blue."
DARN THAT YOUTUBE
DARN THAT YOUTUBE
"Rep. Baron Hill, D-Indiana, cannot possibly be this big a jerk all the time.
At a recent town hall, a young woman raised her hand and identified herself as a journalism student working on a school project who was told she could not videotape the event.
Student: Why can't I film this, isn't this my right?
Baron Hill: This is my town hall meeting, and I set the rules, and I've had these rules... (jeering) Let me repeat that one more time.
This is my town hall meeting for you.
And you're not going to tell me how to run my Congressional office.
Now, the reason why I don't allow filming is that usually the films that are done end up on YouTube in a compromising position.
Hey, guess what? He ended up on YouTube anyway:"
"Rep. Baron Hill, D-Indiana, cannot possibly be this big a jerk all the time.
At a recent town hall, a young woman raised her hand and identified herself as a journalism student working on a school project who was told she could not videotape the event.
Student: Why can't I film this, isn't this my right?
Baron Hill: This is my town hall meeting, and I set the rules, and I've had these rules... (jeering) Let me repeat that one more time.
This is my town hall meeting for you.
And you're not going to tell me how to run my Congressional office.
Now, the reason why I don't allow filming is that usually the films that are done end up on YouTube in a compromising position.
Hey, guess what? He ended up on YouTube anyway:"
How to Insure Every American
Congressmen John Shadegg and Pete Hoekstra: How to Insure Every American
"•Costs and Control. The health-care reform debate centers on how to lower the cost of care, and who should ultimately control health-care decisions.
Under the current system, nobody is focused on controlling costs."
"•Costs and Control. The health-care reform debate centers on how to lower the cost of care, and who should ultimately control health-care decisions.
Under the current system, nobody is focused on controlling costs."
Rep. Rangel pushes the envelope of arrogance.
Rep. Rangel pushes the envelope of arrogance.
"Beyond that, it turns out Rep. Rangel failed to report assets totaling more than $1 million on legally required financial-disclosure forms going back to at least 2001.
The news comes on top of revelations last year that Rep. Rangel didn’t report — and didn’t pay taxes on — income from a villa in the Caribbean. In that matter, the IRS gave him a sweetheart deal; the congressman paid about $10,000 in back taxes but was not assessed any penalty or interest.
Can we have the guy who audited him?"
"Beyond that, it turns out Rep. Rangel failed to report assets totaling more than $1 million on legally required financial-disclosure forms going back to at least 2001.
The news comes on top of revelations last year that Rep. Rangel didn’t report — and didn’t pay taxes on — income from a villa in the Caribbean. In that matter, the IRS gave him a sweetheart deal; the congressman paid about $10,000 in back taxes but was not assessed any penalty or interest.
Can we have the guy who audited him?"
Despite rip current safeguards, drownings have not diminished along Lake Michigan shore
Despite rip current safeguards, drownings have not diminished along Lake Michigan shore
"at least 46 others caught in rip currents have drowned in Lake Michigan since 2002,"
"at least 46 others caught in rip currents have drowned in Lake Michigan since 2002,"
Airlines rachet up prevention to target swine flu
Airlines rachet up prevention to target swine flu
"Airlines are stowing pillows and blankets, and rolling out the disinfectant wipes to discourage transmission of the swine flu virus, all the while stressing planes are as 'safe' as trains or schools."
"Airlines are stowing pillows and blankets, and rolling out the disinfectant wipes to discourage transmission of the swine flu virus, all the while stressing planes are as 'safe' as trains or schools."
Saturday, September 05, 2009
The Deficits Are Coming!
The Deficits Are Coming!
'Our off balance sheet obligations associated with Social Security and Medicare put us in a $56 trillion financial hole—and that's before the recession was officially declared last year.
America now owes more than Americans are worth—and the gap is growing!'"
'Our off balance sheet obligations associated with Social Security and Medicare put us in a $56 trillion financial hole—and that's before the recession was officially declared last year.
America now owes more than Americans are worth—and the gap is growing!'"
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Questions and Answers to All Things Digital - The Kim Komando Radio Show
Questions and Answers to All Things Digital - The Kim Komando Radio Show
"I use multiple browsers, but each for a different reason:
1. IE8 - General web browsing. Very secure compared to previous versions. The only browser able to access Microsoft Update manually. Most web based add-ons work with IE (HP Smart Web Printing, RoboForm, TrendProtect, Google Toolbar, Adobe Acroboat, Skype, etc.). Easy to add custom search engines to the search bar. Works great with bookmarklets. Includes great features like Accelerators and InPrivate Filtering. Great zoom function (entire web page, not just text). Use it to test web sites under different resolution settings (around 90% of the market share in browsers). Many sites still rely on Active X Controls and will only work with IE.
2. Firefox - Extensions/Add-Ons, enough said. From tab and bookmark organization and navigation to download management, custom themes, FTP integration, capturing streaming media and more, there's an add-on or plug-in for just about anything you need. However, be selective in what you add as the browser's performance in hindered after a while. Faster than IE. Portable version available for running it off my thumb drive. Use it to test web sites under different resolution settings on both the Windows and Mac platforms (second highest market share in browsers).
3. Safari - Primary for RSS. When I want to browse a single source of news feeds, the clean presentation of an RSS feed in Safari is much more pleasant to the eyes than any other browser. For perusing through all my prefered feeds though, Google Reader or Thunderbird are still my primary choices. Use it to test web sites under different resolution settings on both the Windows and Mac platforms.
4. Opera - Mostly speed. Fast browser, on par with Firefox. M"
"I use multiple browsers, but each for a different reason:
1. IE8 - General web browsing. Very secure compared to previous versions. The only browser able to access Microsoft Update manually. Most web based add-ons work with IE (HP Smart Web Printing, RoboForm, TrendProtect, Google Toolbar, Adobe Acroboat, Skype, etc.). Easy to add custom search engines to the search bar. Works great with bookmarklets. Includes great features like Accelerators and InPrivate Filtering. Great zoom function (entire web page, not just text). Use it to test web sites under different resolution settings (around 90% of the market share in browsers). Many sites still rely on Active X Controls and will only work with IE.
2. Firefox - Extensions/Add-Ons, enough said. From tab and bookmark organization and navigation to download management, custom themes, FTP integration, capturing streaming media and more, there's an add-on or plug-in for just about anything you need. However, be selective in what you add as the browser's performance in hindered after a while. Faster than IE. Portable version available for running it off my thumb drive. Use it to test web sites under different resolution settings on both the Windows and Mac platforms (second highest market share in browsers).
3. Safari - Primary for RSS. When I want to browse a single source of news feeds, the clean presentation of an RSS feed in Safari is much more pleasant to the eyes than any other browser. For perusing through all my prefered feeds though, Google Reader or Thunderbird are still my primary choices. Use it to test web sites under different resolution settings on both the Windows and Mac platforms.
4. Opera - Mostly speed. Fast browser, on par with Firefox. M"
Flu Vaccinations
Flu Vaccinations
"At the health department, the cost for a flu shot is $27, a flu nasal spray is $35, and a pneumonia shot is $52. Payment by cash or check is due at the time of service.
Anyone can receive a flu vaccination at the health department, however, the health department is unable to bill Medicare or health insurance programs other than Medicaid.
Hours of service are Monday through Friday from Noon until 4:30 pm."
"At the health department, the cost for a flu shot is $27, a flu nasal spray is $35, and a pneumonia shot is $52. Payment by cash or check is due at the time of service.
Anyone can receive a flu vaccination at the health department, however, the health department is unable to bill Medicare or health insurance programs other than Medicaid.
Hours of service are Monday through Friday from Noon until 4:30 pm."
Music from '50s through '70s returns to the airways with WGVU-AM move to oldies format
Music from '50s through '70s returns to the airways with WGVU-AM move to oldies format
WGVU AM is answering more than a few West Michigan prayers with newly announced radio station, Real Oldies 1480/850.
The all-oldies NPR radio station, playing local to national hits from the mid-'50s to early '70s, will be hosted by former WFGR-FM (98.7) personality Len O'Kelly and Bill Bailey, formerly of WLHT.
......The format was abandoned in 2004 with WODJ and again recently with WFGR.
"Our hope is third time's a charm," O'Kelly said.
........."We want people to say, 'Wow, I haven't heard that in 40 years,'" O'Kelly said.
Also, the station will be the first NPR station in the country to adopt the oldies format, "which is kind of cool," O'Kelly said.
Find the fool that authorized this move and fire him/her/it NOW!
WGVU AM is answering more than a few West Michigan prayers with newly announced radio station, Real Oldies 1480/850.
The all-oldies NPR radio station, playing local to national hits from the mid-'50s to early '70s, will be hosted by former WFGR-FM (98.7) personality Len O'Kelly and Bill Bailey, formerly of WLHT.
......The format was abandoned in 2004 with WODJ and again recently with WFGR.
"Our hope is third time's a charm," O'Kelly said.
........."We want people to say, 'Wow, I haven't heard that in 40 years,'" O'Kelly said.
Also, the station will be the first NPR station in the country to adopt the oldies format, "which is kind of cool," O'Kelly said.
Find the fool that authorized this move and fire him/her/it NOW!
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
SETTING UP THE NEXT STRIKE - New York Post
SETTING UP THE NEXT STRIKE
"For the evidence is clear: They work.
The use of such techniques against Khalid Sheik Mohammed not only elicited significant information, it may well also have saved thousands of lives.
As Cheney pointedly noted, those who applied them -- and even those who exceeded their authority -- 'were directly responsible for the fact that for eight years we had no further mass-casualty attacks against the United States.'
Which raises the obvious question: How do those who decry such techniques as immoral propose to break other KSMs and obtain information from them -- by playing tapes of President Obama's 'outreach to the Muslim world' speech?
That may make the ACLU and Capitol Hill Democrats ecstatic.
But it's not likely to stop the next 9/11."
"For the evidence is clear: They work.
The use of such techniques against Khalid Sheik Mohammed not only elicited significant information, it may well also have saved thousands of lives.
As Cheney pointedly noted, those who applied them -- and even those who exceeded their authority -- 'were directly responsible for the fact that for eight years we had no further mass-casualty attacks against the United States.'
Which raises the obvious question: How do those who decry such techniques as immoral propose to break other KSMs and obtain information from them -- by playing tapes of President Obama's 'outreach to the Muslim world' speech?
That may make the ACLU and Capitol Hill Democrats ecstatic.
But it's not likely to stop the next 9/11."
Rock the Boat with red-hot fest band
Rock the Boat with red-hot fest band
"Named one of the top five up-and-coming festival jam bands by Billboard Magazine, Muskegon's own Four Finger Five will return to the deck of the LST-393 for an evening of music benefiting four groups.
IF YOU GO
• What: Rock the Boat featuring Four Finger Five and special guests Ultraviolet Hippopotamus, Garganta and DJ Eminent.
• Why: Proceeds benefit the LST-393, Muskegon Film Festival, Michigan Film Corps and The Harbor Theater.
• When: 7-11 p.m. Saturday.
• Where: Deck of the LST-393, at Mart Dock in downtown Muskegon.
• Cover: $10 at the door. Cash only. Ages 21 and up. Coolers and snacks allowed, beverages not furnished. Fricanos pizza will be for sale. Limited seating, so bring lawn chairs.
• Information: 727-0805 or e-mail sarahr@watermarkcenter.com
"Named one of the top five up-and-coming festival jam bands by Billboard Magazine, Muskegon's own Four Finger Five will return to the deck of the LST-393 for an evening of music benefiting four groups.
IF YOU GO
• What: Rock the Boat featuring Four Finger Five and special guests Ultraviolet Hippopotamus, Garganta and DJ Eminent.
• Why: Proceeds benefit the LST-393, Muskegon Film Festival, Michigan Film Corps and The Harbor Theater.
• When: 7-11 p.m. Saturday.
• Where: Deck of the LST-393, at Mart Dock in downtown Muskegon.
• Cover: $10 at the door. Cash only. Ages 21 and up. Coolers and snacks allowed, beverages not furnished. Fricanos pizza will be for sale. Limited seating, so bring lawn chairs.
• Information: 727-0805 or e-mail sarahr@watermarkcenter.com
Kirk Cousins named MSU starter, but Keith Nichol will play
Kirk Cousins named MSU starter, but Keith Nichol will play
Michigan State has a starting quarterback. Spartans coach Mark Dantonio on Tuesday named Kirk Cousins his starter for Saturday's season opener against Montana State at Spartan Stadium.
'We'll allow him to get into a rhythm,' said Dantonio of Cousins.
Keith Nichol, an Oklahoma transfer, is expected to see his first game experience in the first half, Dantonio added.
Dantonio said he will allow both players to grow into the MSU quarterback position during the season.
MSU's top three running backs for Saturday's game -- in no particular order -- are redshirt freshman Caulton Ray and true freshmen Larry Caper and Edwin Baker, Dantonio said."
Sounds like Muskegon's Leggett ain't in that group.
All frosh.
Michigan State has a starting quarterback. Spartans coach Mark Dantonio on Tuesday named Kirk Cousins his starter for Saturday's season opener against Montana State at Spartan Stadium.
'We'll allow him to get into a rhythm,' said Dantonio of Cousins.
Keith Nichol, an Oklahoma transfer, is expected to see his first game experience in the first half, Dantonio added.
Dantonio said he will allow both players to grow into the MSU quarterback position during the season.
MSU's top three running backs for Saturday's game -- in no particular order -- are redshirt freshman Caulton Ray and true freshmen Larry Caper and Edwin Baker, Dantonio said."
Sounds like Muskegon's Leggett ain't in that group.
All frosh.
Nothing new here, except the source of U-M allegations
Nothing new here, except the source of U-M allegations
"The bigger long-term problem for Rodriguez, and the clearest sign so far that his time in Ann Arbor could be limited, is that many of his recent players ratted him out about it."
"The bigger long-term problem for Rodriguez, and the clearest sign so far that his time in Ann Arbor could be limited, is that many of his recent players ratted him out about it."
Monday, August 31, 2009
Kennedy and the KGB
American Thinker: Kennedy and the KGB: "Shortly after the announcement of Ted Kennedy's death, I had already received several interview requests. I declined them, not wanting to be uncharitable to the man upon his death. Since then, I've seen the need to step up and provide some clarification.
The issue is a remarkable 1983 KGB document on Kennedy, which I published in my 2006 book, The Crusader: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of Communism (HarperCollins). The document is a May 14, 1983 memo from KGB head Victor Chebrikov to his boss, the odious Soviet General Secretary Yuri Andropov, designated with the highest classification. It concerns a confidential offer to the Soviet leadership by Senator Kennedy. The target: President Ronald Reagan. (A pdf file of the original Russian language document and an English translation are available here.)
With Kennedy's death, this stunning revelation is again making the rounds, especially after Rush Limbaugh flagged it in his 'Stack of Stuff.' I'm being inundated with emails, asking basically two questions: 1) is the document legitimate; and 2) what does it allege of Senator Kennedy?
First off, yes, the document is legitimate. If it were not, I would have never reported it. Over the years, from my book to radio and web interviews, I've provided specifics. Briefly summarized, here are the basics:
The document was first reported in a February 2, 1992 article in the London Times, titled, 'Teddy, the KGB and the top secret file,' by reporter Tim Sebastian. Russian President Boris Yeltsin had opened the Soviet archives. Sebastian discovered the document in the Central Committee archives specifically. When his article appeared in the Times, other on-site researchers dashed to the archives and grab"
The issue is a remarkable 1983 KGB document on Kennedy, which I published in my 2006 book, The Crusader: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of Communism (HarperCollins). The document is a May 14, 1983 memo from KGB head Victor Chebrikov to his boss, the odious Soviet General Secretary Yuri Andropov, designated with the highest classification. It concerns a confidential offer to the Soviet leadership by Senator Kennedy. The target: President Ronald Reagan. (A pdf file of the original Russian language document and an English translation are available here.)
With Kennedy's death, this stunning revelation is again making the rounds, especially after Rush Limbaugh flagged it in his 'Stack of Stuff.' I'm being inundated with emails, asking basically two questions: 1) is the document legitimate; and 2) what does it allege of Senator Kennedy?
First off, yes, the document is legitimate. If it were not, I would have never reported it. Over the years, from my book to radio and web interviews, I've provided specifics. Briefly summarized, here are the basics:
The document was first reported in a February 2, 1992 article in the London Times, titled, 'Teddy, the KGB and the top secret file,' by reporter Tim Sebastian. Russian President Boris Yeltsin had opened the Soviet archives. Sebastian discovered the document in the Central Committee archives specifically. When his article appeared in the Times, other on-site researchers dashed to the archives and grab"
Another Failed Presidency
Another Failed Presidency
"Barack Obama is on track to have the most spectacularly failed presidency since Woodrow Wilson.
In the modern era, we've seen several failed presidencies--led by Jimmy Carter and LBJ.
Failed presidents have one strong common trait-- they are repudiated, in the vernacular, spat out.
Of course, LBJ wisely took the exit ramp early, avoiding a shove into oncoming traffic by his own party."
"Barack Obama is on track to have the most spectacularly failed presidency since Woodrow Wilson.
In the modern era, we've seen several failed presidencies--led by Jimmy Carter and LBJ.
Failed presidents have one strong common trait-- they are repudiated, in the vernacular, spat out.
Of course, LBJ wisely took the exit ramp early, avoiding a shove into oncoming traffic by his own party."
Mayor Bing: 10% of city workers must go
Mayor Bing: 10% of city workers must go
"Mayor Dave Bing this morning said his administration has found ways to keep the city's cash flowing beyond October, but said he still needs to reduce Detroit's work force by 10 percent."
An adult as Detroit mayor?
My golly, a tiny light at the end of a very long, long tunnel.
You go, Bingster!
"Mayor Dave Bing this morning said his administration has found ways to keep the city's cash flowing beyond October, but said he still needs to reduce Detroit's work force by 10 percent."
An adult as Detroit mayor?
My golly, a tiny light at the end of a very long, long tunnel.
You go, Bingster!
Top Ten Poverty Cities
from an e-mail:
Top 10 Poverty Cities:
Interesting........
City, State, % of People Below the Poverty Level
1. Detroit , MI 32.5%
2. Buffalo , NY 29..9%
3. Cincinnati , OH 27.8%
4. Cleveland , OH 27.0%
5. Miami , FL 26.9%
5. St. Louis , MO 26.8%
7. El Paso , TX 26.4%
8. Milwaukee , WI 26.2%
9. Philadelphia , PA 25.1%
10. Newark , NJ 24.2%
U.S. Census Bureau, 2006 American Community Survey, August 2007
What do the top ten cities (over 250,000) with the highest poverty rate all have in common?
Detroit, MI (1st on the poverty rate list) hasn't elected a Republican mayor since 1961;
Buffalo, NY (2nd) hasn't elected one since 1954;
Cincinnati , OH (3rd)...since 1984;
Cleveland , OH (4th)...since 1989;
Miami , FL (5th) has never had a Republican mayor;
St. Louis , MO (6th)....since 1949;
El Paso , TX (7th) has never had a Republican mayor;
Milwaukee , WI (8th)...since 1908;
Philadelphia , PA (9th)...since 1952;
Newark , NJ (10th)...since 1907.
Einstein once said, 'The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.'
It is the poor who habitually elect Democrats---yet they are still
POOR
"You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.
You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down.
You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.
You cannot build character and courage by taking away people's initiative and independence. You cannot help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves."
Abraham Lincoln .....
...................and Mr. Obama, you are no Abe Lincoln
Top 10 Poverty Cities:
Interesting........
City, State, % of People Below the Poverty Level
1. Detroit , MI 32.5%
2. Buffalo , NY 29..9%
3. Cincinnati , OH 27.8%
4. Cleveland , OH 27.0%
5. Miami , FL 26.9%
5. St. Louis , MO 26.8%
7. El Paso , TX 26.4%
8. Milwaukee , WI 26.2%
9. Philadelphia , PA 25.1%
10. Newark , NJ 24.2%
U.S. Census Bureau, 2006 American Community Survey, August 2007
What do the top ten cities (over 250,000) with the highest poverty rate all have in common?
Detroit, MI (1st on the poverty rate list) hasn't elected a Republican mayor since 1961;
Buffalo, NY (2nd) hasn't elected one since 1954;
Cincinnati , OH (3rd)...since 1984;
Cleveland , OH (4th)...since 1989;
Miami , FL (5th) has never had a Republican mayor;
St. Louis , MO (6th)....since 1949;
El Paso , TX (7th) has never had a Republican mayor;
Milwaukee , WI (8th)...since 1908;
Philadelphia , PA (9th)...since 1952;
Newark , NJ (10th)...since 1907.
Einstein once said, 'The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.'
It is the poor who habitually elect Democrats---yet they are still
POOR
"You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.
You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down.
You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.
You cannot build character and courage by taking away people's initiative and independence. You cannot help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves."
Abraham Lincoln .....
...................and Mr. Obama, you are no Abe Lincoln
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Sears revival of Christmas Club
Sears revival of Christmas Club draws interest from West Michigan shoppers; retail analysts wait and see
"But her eyes sparkled like tinsel when she heard about the new Sears Christmas Club, which pays 3 percent interest on money saved by consumers for holiday shopping."
Regraveling, 30s style unemployment, lay-a-way.
Everything old is new again.
"But her eyes sparkled like tinsel when she heard about the new Sears Christmas Club, which pays 3 percent interest on money saved by consumers for holiday shopping."
Regraveling, 30s style unemployment, lay-a-way.
Everything old is new again.
State issues 30-day layoff notices to employee unions
State issues 30-day layoff notices to employee unions
"State officials said 30-day layoff notices were sent today to all state employee bargaining units, nearly five weeks ahead of the day the new budget year begins."
You reap what you sow?
"State officials said 30-day layoff notices were sent today to all state employee bargaining units, nearly five weeks ahead of the day the new budget year begins."
You reap what you sow?
CARPE DIEM: Creative Destruction
CARPE DIEM: Creative Destruction:
"1. Mobile phones replace alarm clocks.
2. 158 million U.S. Internet users watched online video in July, the largest audience ever recorded. Online video reached another all-time high in July with a total of 21.4 billion videos viewed during the month.
3. Toyota to Close Union Plant in California, the first time Toyota has ever closed a U.S. plant."
"1. Mobile phones replace alarm clocks.
2. 158 million U.S. Internet users watched online video in July, the largest audience ever recorded. Online video reached another all-time high in July with a total of 21.4 billion videos viewed during the month.
3. Toyota to Close Union Plant in California, the first time Toyota has ever closed a U.S. plant."
Stop 'emotionalizing' the cap-and-trade debate
Stop 'emotionalizing' the cap-and-trade debate
"The approach won't work because it would use a government mandate to create a market for which there is no consumer demand.
Since the American economy is mainly powered by energy produced from carbon fuels and will be for the foreseeable future, reducing carbon emissions requires slowing or eliminating economic growth, with the result that 2 million more Americans will become unemployed by 2012, according to an analysis by the conservative Heritage Foundation. Similarly, the Brookings Institution -- certainly no sentinel of rightward analysis -- also predicts dire economic results from Waxman-Markey."
"The approach won't work because it would use a government mandate to create a market for which there is no consumer demand.
Since the American economy is mainly powered by energy produced from carbon fuels and will be for the foreseeable future, reducing carbon emissions requires slowing or eliminating economic growth, with the result that 2 million more Americans will become unemployed by 2012, according to an analysis by the conservative Heritage Foundation. Similarly, the Brookings Institution -- certainly no sentinel of rightward analysis -- also predicts dire economic results from Waxman-Markey."
Students in Michigan pay for broken 'Promise'
Students in Michigan pay for broken 'Promise'
"Thousands of Michigan college students are being forced to scrape together an extra $500 or more for tuition because of uncertainty over a popular scholarship program."
Aren't most government promises broken as soon as they are promised?
No mention of "why" tuition is exploding.
No mention of the abysmal graduation rates from Michigan colleges.
"Thousands of Michigan college students are being forced to scrape together an extra $500 or more for tuition because of uncertainty over a popular scholarship program."
Aren't most government promises broken as soon as they are promised?
No mention of "why" tuition is exploding.
No mention of the abysmal graduation rates from Michigan colleges.
Grand Rapids Community College President Steven Ender calls employee salaries 'excessive and unsustainable'
Grand Rapids Community College President Steven Ender calls employee salaries 'excessive and unsustainable'
"Grand Rapids Community College salaries are 'approaching being excessive and unsustainable' and some might be frozen as the school adjusts to financial pressures, President Steven Ender told employees.
Ender, speaking at a 'Learning Day' gathering Thursday to kick off the fall semester, told faculty and staff he wants to hire an outside firm to review salaries from top to bottom and compare them with similar posts at other community colleges"
What's going on at GRCC?
"Grand Rapids Community College salaries are 'approaching being excessive and unsustainable' and some might be frozen as the school adjusts to financial pressures, President Steven Ender told employees.
Ender, speaking at a 'Learning Day' gathering Thursday to kick off the fall semester, told faculty and staff he wants to hire an outside firm to review salaries from top to bottom and compare them with similar posts at other community colleges"
What's going on at GRCC?
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Bill would let local Michigan governments decide on restaurant smoking
Bill would let local Michigan governments decide on restaurant smoking
"A Michigan lawmaker says local governments should be able to ban smoking in restaurants and bars since a proposed statewide ban is stalled in the Legislature.
A bill sponsored by Rep. Gary McDowell would let each county, city, township and village decide if people can smoke in local bars and restaurants.
Michigan law allows only the Legislature to ban smoking in food establishments.
McDowell says the law should be changed because legislators will not pass a statewide ban.
The Rudyard Democrat had planned to testify Wednesday in a House committee, but his bill has been taken off the agenda."
Let each community make their own decision!
What a concept!
Imagine if each restaurant and bar could make that same decision with their own businesses!
"A Michigan lawmaker says local governments should be able to ban smoking in restaurants and bars since a proposed statewide ban is stalled in the Legislature.
A bill sponsored by Rep. Gary McDowell would let each county, city, township and village decide if people can smoke in local bars and restaurants.
Michigan law allows only the Legislature to ban smoking in food establishments.
McDowell says the law should be changed because legislators will not pass a statewide ban.
The Rudyard Democrat had planned to testify Wednesday in a House committee, but his bill has been taken off the agenda."
Let each community make their own decision!
What a concept!
Imagine if each restaurant and bar could make that same decision with their own businesses!
Saranac, Lowell school officials work to stem tide of student transfers
Saranac, Lowell school officials work to stem tide of student transfers
"Superintendent Jeanette Adams wants to stop the trend of students who live along Saranac's border with Lowell choosing to enroll in the Kent County district.
But how to do that without drawing lines in the schools-of-choice sand?
'We don't want to coerce people to come here,' Adams said of her Ionia County district.
'For many families, it's not always about what's better, but what's closer.'"
Maybe they ought to focus more on "attracting" rather than "coercing"?
Like providing a quality education......
"Superintendent Jeanette Adams wants to stop the trend of students who live along Saranac's border with Lowell choosing to enroll in the Kent County district.
But how to do that without drawing lines in the schools-of-choice sand?
'We don't want to coerce people to come here,' Adams said of her Ionia County district.
'For many families, it's not always about what's better, but what's closer.'"
Maybe they ought to focus more on "attracting" rather than "coercing"?
Like providing a quality education......
Things only a Kennedy could get away with
Mark Steyn: Things only a Kennedy could get away with
"We are enjoined not to speak ill of the dead.
But, when an entire nation – or, at any rate, its 'mainstream' media culture – declines to speak the truth about the dead, we are certainly entitled to speak ill of such false eulogists."
"We are enjoined not to speak ill of the dead.
But, when an entire nation – or, at any rate, its 'mainstream' media culture – declines to speak the truth about the dead, we are certainly entitled to speak ill of such false eulogists."
Kennedy, Bork and the Politics of Judicial Destruction
Kennedy, Bork and the Politics of Judicial Destruction
The death of a public figure, especially a polarizing one, always makes things a bit dicey in opinionland.
Do the detractors speak ill of the dead?
Do the defenders pre-empt such criticisms, or does that just inspire the critics? In the case of Ted Kennedy, whose many accomplishments got due recognition everywhere, most chose to duck the fight on anything more problematic.
There was comparatively little talk about a Harvard scandal, a very sad end to a first marriage or a controversial rape trial. Even among the pundits and partisans, the name Mary Jo Kopechne was for the most part mentioned only in passing; those on the right who tried to make much of it seemed more petulant than aggrieved — perhaps even shrill — while those on the left who tried to make the best of it sounded patently absurd. "
But if this isn’t the occasion to dwell on the senator’s personal shortcomings, it should be one to examine his words. And in terms of both dramatic and lasting effect, nothing in his 46-year tenure in the Senate comes close to this:"
click to see the video and read the tawdry story of a scumbag.
The death of a public figure, especially a polarizing one, always makes things a bit dicey in opinionland.
Do the detractors speak ill of the dead?
Do the defenders pre-empt such criticisms, or does that just inspire the critics? In the case of Ted Kennedy, whose many accomplishments got due recognition everywhere, most chose to duck the fight on anything more problematic.
There was comparatively little talk about a Harvard scandal, a very sad end to a first marriage or a controversial rape trial. Even among the pundits and partisans, the name Mary Jo Kopechne was for the most part mentioned only in passing; those on the right who tried to make much of it seemed more petulant than aggrieved — perhaps even shrill — while those on the left who tried to make the best of it sounded patently absurd. "
But if this isn’t the occasion to dwell on the senator’s personal shortcomings, it should be one to examine his words. And in terms of both dramatic and lasting effect, nothing in his 46-year tenure in the Senate comes close to this:"
click to see the video and read the tawdry story of a scumbag.
Peter Foster: The man who doubted Al Gore
Peter Foster: The man who doubted Al Gore
"I once attended a dinner party thrown by a corporate executive who — like his guests — was astonished at my apostasy, which was met by the requisite mime show of shock from other guests.
The following day he e-mailed me a news item about melting Arctic ice.
That, presumably, would put me straight."
READ THIS!
"I once attended a dinner party thrown by a corporate executive who — like his guests — was astonished at my apostasy, which was met by the requisite mime show of shock from other guests.
The following day he e-mailed me a news item about melting Arctic ice.
That, presumably, would put me straight."
READ THIS!
10 Weirdest College Mascots
10 Weirdest College Mascots
"Without a doubt, one of the strangest college sports mascots has to be Scrotie, the unofficial mascot of the Rhode Island School of Design. The costume is unique and at the same time horrific, looking exactly like a giant penis wearing a red cape with the scrotum hanging beneath.
The school's basketball team is known as the Balls, and their slogan is, 'When the heat is on, the Balls stick together.' The hockey team is called the Nads, and their cheer is 'Go Nads!'
Scrotie was created to cheer on the Nads in 2001. Despite his status as an unofficial mascot, he's present at all the games and widely accepted by the student body. (Link)"
"Without a doubt, one of the strangest college sports mascots has to be Scrotie, the unofficial mascot of the Rhode Island School of Design. The costume is unique and at the same time horrific, looking exactly like a giant penis wearing a red cape with the scrotum hanging beneath.
The school's basketball team is known as the Balls, and their slogan is, 'When the heat is on, the Balls stick together.' The hockey team is called the Nads, and their cheer is 'Go Nads!'
Scrotie was created to cheer on the Nads in 2001. Despite his status as an unofficial mascot, he's present at all the games and widely accepted by the student body. (Link)"
NYT Calls on Terror Regime to Stop Accidentally Terrorizing People
NYT Calls on Terror Regime to Stop Accidentally Terrorizing People:
"The Times editorializes today on abuses in the Iranian prison system, and it is one of those pieces in which you can’t tell whether the writer is dense or stupid:
Iran’s Constitution and law prohibit torture; however, the 2008 State Department human rights report cites numerous credible reports over the years in which security forces and prison personnel tortured prisoners.
The government should be ferreting out and putting an end to these abuses.
One could attempt to take this seriously and ask, Why would the government “ferret out” and “put an end” to the very brutality by which it keeps itself in power? This is like saying to a mafia boss, “You should ferret out the people in your organization who are involved in stealing, bribery, and extortion, and put an end to these abuses.” Seriously?"
Would "dense" AND "stupid" be a redundancy?
"The Times editorializes today on abuses in the Iranian prison system, and it is one of those pieces in which you can’t tell whether the writer is dense or stupid:
Iran’s Constitution and law prohibit torture; however, the 2008 State Department human rights report cites numerous credible reports over the years in which security forces and prison personnel tortured prisoners.
The government should be ferreting out and putting an end to these abuses.
One could attempt to take this seriously and ask, Why would the government “ferret out” and “put an end” to the very brutality by which it keeps itself in power? This is like saying to a mafia boss, “You should ferret out the people in your organization who are involved in stealing, bribery, and extortion, and put an end to these abuses.” Seriously?"
Would "dense" AND "stupid" be a redundancy?
Donations, card games may help fund Holton Township culvert
Donations, card games may help fund Holton Township culvert
"So this is what local government has come to: recycled wastewater pipe and a hat passed to collect donations.
That is what has finally resolved the stalemate over the collapsed Syers Road culvert in Holton Township that has left the road closed for two years."
This is what happens when government spends all your money on ..... government employees!
"So this is what local government has come to: recycled wastewater pipe and a hat passed to collect donations.
That is what has finally resolved the stalemate over the collapsed Syers Road culvert in Holton Township that has left the road closed for two years."
This is what happens when government spends all your money on ..... government employees!
Ship's log: The Indiana Harbor
Ship's log: The Indiana Harbor
Length: 1,000 feet.
Destination: Consumer Energy, Cobb slip.
Cargo: Coal.
Scheduled arrival: 7 p.m. Sunday.
Scheduled departure: 3 a.m. Monday.
Points of Interest: Built in 1979 as a twin-screw self-unloading bulk carrier for American Steamship Co. She is the ninth 1,000-footer built for Great Lakes service. Indiana Harbor is an awesome sight steaming up Muskegon Lake to deliver coal to Consumers Energy."
Length: 1,000 feet.
Destination: Consumer Energy, Cobb slip.
Cargo: Coal.
Scheduled arrival: 7 p.m. Sunday.
Scheduled departure: 3 a.m. Monday.
Points of Interest: Built in 1979 as a twin-screw self-unloading bulk carrier for American Steamship Co. She is the ninth 1,000-footer built for Great Lakes service. Indiana Harbor is an awesome sight steaming up Muskegon Lake to deliver coal to Consumers Energy."
Grand Haven voters to decide on ward system
Grand Haven voters to decide on ward system
"'I feel that myself and other council members have tried their best to represent the whole community and not just the neighborhood in which we live,' he said. 'It is better to think of how everyone would benefit rather than a small population.'"
Oh, get real!
Look how successful the ward system is for Muskegon and Detroit!
"'I feel that myself and other council members have tried their best to represent the whole community and not just the neighborhood in which we live,' he said. 'It is better to think of how everyone would benefit rather than a small population.'"
Oh, get real!
Look how successful the ward system is for Muskegon and Detroit!
"this 18-year nightmare did not have to be for Dugard"
http://ncane.com/uzbq
But it became increasingly clear Friday that this 18-year nightmare did not have to be for Dugard, with new details surfacing that authorities blew numerous chances to catch her alleged captor.
Neighbors complained to law enforcement that a psychotic sex addict was in their midst, alarmed that Phillip Garrido was housing young girls in backyard tents. A deputy showed up to investigate, but never went beyond the front porch.
Probation officers showed up at the home, too, but had no inkling that his back yard was actually a labyrinth of tents, sheds and buildings that were Dugard's prison.
They did not even know he had children on the premises.
Garrido also wore a GPS-linked ankle bracelet that tracked his every movement, the result of his sex-crime convictions that sent him away to Leavenworth for a 50-year stint, only to get paroled after 10 years.
"Why is he out and about?" said Dan DeMaranville, who investigated Garrido in the 1970s rape case in Nevada. "If he's on lifetime parole, where was his parole officer? The guy was a sick puppy, and should have been neutered before he was paroled."
The outrage came as a sheriff's department acknowledged that it missed an opportunity to arrest Garrido in 2006 after the neighbor complaint about children in the yard.
"We missed an opportunity to bring earlier closure to this situation," Contra Costa County Sheriff Warren E. Rupf said. "I cannot change the course of events but we are beating ourselves up over this and continue to do so."
"We should have been more inquisitive, more curious and turned over a rock or two."
Duh!
I sure hope there is a new sheriff in town soon!
But it became increasingly clear Friday that this 18-year nightmare did not have to be for Dugard, with new details surfacing that authorities blew numerous chances to catch her alleged captor.
Neighbors complained to law enforcement that a psychotic sex addict was in their midst, alarmed that Phillip Garrido was housing young girls in backyard tents. A deputy showed up to investigate, but never went beyond the front porch.
Probation officers showed up at the home, too, but had no inkling that his back yard was actually a labyrinth of tents, sheds and buildings that were Dugard's prison.
They did not even know he had children on the premises.
Garrido also wore a GPS-linked ankle bracelet that tracked his every movement, the result of his sex-crime convictions that sent him away to Leavenworth for a 50-year stint, only to get paroled after 10 years.
"Why is he out and about?" said Dan DeMaranville, who investigated Garrido in the 1970s rape case in Nevada. "If he's on lifetime parole, where was his parole officer? The guy was a sick puppy, and should have been neutered before he was paroled."
The outrage came as a sheriff's department acknowledged that it missed an opportunity to arrest Garrido in 2006 after the neighbor complaint about children in the yard.
"We missed an opportunity to bring earlier closure to this situation," Contra Costa County Sheriff Warren E. Rupf said. "I cannot change the course of events but we are beating ourselves up over this and continue to do so."
"We should have been more inquisitive, more curious and turned over a rock or two."
Duh!
I sure hope there is a new sheriff in town soon!
Friday, August 28, 2009
Kent County prepares to sue state over unfunded foster care programs
Kent County prepares to sue state over unfunded foster care programs
"Kent County has been authorized to sue the state over provisions of a 2008 settlement Michigan reached with a national children's rights advocacy group -- which local officials say illegally impose unfunded mandates, creating a strain on county coffers.
The national group, Children's Rights Inc., sued the state last year after a series of high-profile abuse cases, alleging some children placed with Michigan foster care providers were being harmed because of a lack of adequate monitoring. The case was settled late last year, with the state agreeing to a list of provisions including providing more case workers in abuse and neglect complaints, adding legal counsel for the parties involved and expanding eligibility requirements for foster care.
Kent County officials say the settlement, reached without their consent, violates the state constitution by mandating more than $4 million in added services, only half of which would be reimbursed by the state. They also say having to pay for services mandated by the settlement places in jeopardy less-expensive programs, which are more effective in preventing abuse and neglect"
It's about time!
"Kent County has been authorized to sue the state over provisions of a 2008 settlement Michigan reached with a national children's rights advocacy group -- which local officials say illegally impose unfunded mandates, creating a strain on county coffers.
The national group, Children's Rights Inc., sued the state last year after a series of high-profile abuse cases, alleging some children placed with Michigan foster care providers were being harmed because of a lack of adequate monitoring. The case was settled late last year, with the state agreeing to a list of provisions including providing more case workers in abuse and neglect complaints, adding legal counsel for the parties involved and expanding eligibility requirements for foster care.
Kent County officials say the settlement, reached without their consent, violates the state constitution by mandating more than $4 million in added services, only half of which would be reimbursed by the state. They also say having to pay for services mandated by the settlement places in jeopardy less-expensive programs, which are more effective in preventing abuse and neglect"
It's about time!
AIG CEO defends holiday, slams lynch mob attacks
AIG CEO defends holiday, slams lynch mob attacks
"He makes no apologies for his passion for Croatia, including his palatial villa with 12 bathrooms and his vineyards on the Peljesac Peninsula about a two hours drive north of Dubrovnik."
Who doesn't need 12 bathrooms?
"He makes no apologies for his passion for Croatia, including his palatial villa with 12 bathrooms and his vineyards on the Peljesac Peninsula about a two hours drive north of Dubrovnik."
Who doesn't need 12 bathrooms?
Ted Kennedy's Soviet Gambit
Ted Kennedy's Soviet Gambit
"Kennedy's message was simple.
He proposed an unabashed quid pro quo. Kennedy would lend Andropov a hand in dealing with President Reagan.
In return, the Soviet leader would lend the Democratic Party a hand in challenging Reagan in the 1984 presidential election.
'The only real potential threats to Reagan are problems of war and peace and Soviet-American relations,' the memorandum stated.
'These issues, according to the senator, will without a doubt become the most important of the election campaign.'"
"Kennedy's message was simple.
He proposed an unabashed quid pro quo. Kennedy would lend Andropov a hand in dealing with President Reagan.
In return, the Soviet leader would lend the Democratic Party a hand in challenging Reagan in the 1984 presidential election.
'The only real potential threats to Reagan are problems of war and peace and Soviet-American relations,' the memorandum stated.
'These issues, according to the senator, will without a doubt become the most important of the election campaign.'"
Final Cash for Clunkers data
Final Cash for Clunkers data
"TOP SELLERS
1. Toyota Corolla
2. Honda Civic
3. Toyota Camry
4. Ford Focus front-wheel drive
5. Hyundai Elantra
6. Nissan Versa
7. Toyota Prius
8. Honda Accord
9. Honda Fit"
GM..Fiat...er Chrysler...where are you?
Chairman Obama will be looking into this soon, I'm sure!
"TOP SELLERS
1. Toyota Corolla
2. Honda Civic
3. Toyota Camry
4. Ford Focus front-wheel drive
5. Hyundai Elantra
6. Nissan Versa
7. Toyota Prius
8. Honda Accord
9. Honda Fit"
GM..Fiat...er Chrysler...where are you?
Chairman Obama will be looking into this soon, I'm sure!
Big Beck: Goes over 3 million viewers, beats O’Reilly
Big Beck: Goes over 3 million viewers, beats O’Reilly in demo: Cable News Ratings for Wednesday, August 26, 2009
"Though a little scandal might alienate advertisers, it’s pure ratings gold.
Last night Glenn Beck had over 3 million viewers at 5pm, second only to O’Reilly for the night.
But, Beck had more 25-54 viewers than O’Reilly (888K to 876K).
I don’t watch or really even care about the cable news wars, but still…wow.
Even though Beck airs before primetime, when there are fewer people watching TV, he had the most 25-54 viewers in the cable news world for the night."
"Though a little scandal might alienate advertisers, it’s pure ratings gold.
Last night Glenn Beck had over 3 million viewers at 5pm, second only to O’Reilly for the night.
But, Beck had more 25-54 viewers than O’Reilly (888K to 876K).
I don’t watch or really even care about the cable news wars, but still…wow.
Even though Beck airs before primetime, when there are fewer people watching TV, he had the most 25-54 viewers in the cable news world for the night."
'Cruel and neglectful' care of one million NHS patients exposed
'Cruel and neglectful' care of one million NHS patients exposed
"One million NHS patients have been the victims of appalling care in hospitals across Britain, according to a major report released today."
Obama-care with a nicer accent!
"One million NHS patients have been the victims of appalling care in hospitals across Britain, according to a major report released today."
Obama-care with a nicer accent!
Real US unemployment rate at 16 pct: Fed official
Real US unemployment rate at 16 pct: Fed official
"The real US unemployment rate is 16 percent if persons who have dropped out of the labor pool and those working less than they would like are counted, a Federal Reserve official said Wednesday.
'If one considers the people who would like a job but have stopped looking -- so-called discouraged workers -- and those who are working fewer hours than they want, the unemployment rate would move from the official 9.4 percent to 16 percent, said Atlanta Fed chief Dennis Lockhart."
16% !!!!!!!!!
"The real US unemployment rate is 16 percent if persons who have dropped out of the labor pool and those working less than they would like are counted, a Federal Reserve official said Wednesday.
'If one considers the people who would like a job but have stopped looking -- so-called discouraged workers -- and those who are working fewer hours than they want, the unemployment rate would move from the official 9.4 percent to 16 percent, said Atlanta Fed chief Dennis Lockhart."
16% !!!!!!!!!
Cash For Clunkers A 'Success' At Exposing Continued Decay at Bailed-Out GM and Chrysler
Cash For Clunkers A 'Success' At Exposing Continued Decay at Bailed-Out GM and Chrysler
"'In contrast, some automakers couldn't really make Cash for Clunkers work for them, and their August sales suffered as a result,' Krebs noted, 'Chrysler and GM — both hurt by extended factory shutdowns during their Chapter 11 proceedings — had limited inventory to feed Cash for Clunkers, while high-end automakers didn't have the right products for these buyers.'
Given the extraordinarily high levels of unsold vehicles GM and Chrysler had on hand earlier this year, I'm not sure that Ms. Krebs's claim about 'limited inventory' holds up, even with the extended shutdowns cited. But even if it does, why wouldn't the geniuses who fashion themselves as 'car czars' have done something about the impending shortage in advance?
The big story in vehicle sales ever since the bailouts of GM and Chrysler commenced in December of last year has been how those two companies have consistently lost market share ever since."
"'In contrast, some automakers couldn't really make Cash for Clunkers work for them, and their August sales suffered as a result,' Krebs noted, 'Chrysler and GM — both hurt by extended factory shutdowns during their Chapter 11 proceedings — had limited inventory to feed Cash for Clunkers, while high-end automakers didn't have the right products for these buyers.'
Given the extraordinarily high levels of unsold vehicles GM and Chrysler had on hand earlier this year, I'm not sure that Ms. Krebs's claim about 'limited inventory' holds up, even with the extended shutdowns cited. But even if it does, why wouldn't the geniuses who fashion themselves as 'car czars' have done something about the impending shortage in advance?
The big story in vehicle sales ever since the bailouts of GM and Chrysler commenced in December of last year has been how those two companies have consistently lost market share ever since."
ABC Buries Harsh Kennedy Obit, One That Labels Him a ‘Failure,’ in the Middle of the Night
ABC Buries Harsh Kennedy Obit, One That Labels Him a ‘Failure,’ in the Middle of the Night
"In the early hours of Wednesday, reporter John Donvan narrated a tough, comprehensive look at the life of Ted Kennedy, one that went so far as to assert that the Senator was sometimes 'a let down, an embarrassment to his family, to his party, to himself.' However, this eight and a half minute segment, which looked into Chappaquiddick, Kennedy’s cheating at Harvard and other scandals, aired at 2:30 in the morning, during a special, late night edition of Nightline.
A much shorter, sanitized version of the piece was replayed on the August 26 edition of World News With Charles Gibson. It left out the harsh words about being a 'failure,' the accounts of public intoxication and affairs, all of which were featured in the Nightline segment."
"In the early hours of Wednesday, reporter John Donvan narrated a tough, comprehensive look at the life of Ted Kennedy, one that went so far as to assert that the Senator was sometimes 'a let down, an embarrassment to his family, to his party, to himself.' However, this eight and a half minute segment, which looked into Chappaquiddick, Kennedy’s cheating at Harvard and other scandals, aired at 2:30 in the morning, during a special, late night edition of Nightline.
A much shorter, sanitized version of the piece was replayed on the August 26 edition of World News With Charles Gibson. It left out the harsh words about being a 'failure,' the accounts of public intoxication and affairs, all of which were featured in the Nightline segment."
Mill's demise 'devastating' to longtime employees
Mill's demise 'devastating' to longtime employees
"Posted by anthony11 on 08/27/09 at 1:58PM
You people act like you are shocked. Everyone new why the company was bought out. It was for a patent on the special coated paper number 5 machine made. This is no shock and the people should have been locking for a job a long time ago instead of letting there unemployment run out. The plant people new this.
a commentPosted by harleyrdr on 08/27/09 at 6:01PM
Anthony11, you're exactly right except there were several patents. The first thing SLAPPI did after buying the mill was transfer all manufacturing of the #1 paper grades like lustro gloss and strobe gloss to their other mills, then gave Muskegon the #3 papers like sommerset gloss etc. Then they claimed they could'nt make a profit in Muskegon. The truth is that they could'nt make a profit on the cheap grades of paper that no printers wanted anymore."
Interesting!
"Posted by anthony11 on 08/27/09 at 1:58PM
You people act like you are shocked. Everyone new why the company was bought out. It was for a patent on the special coated paper number 5 machine made. This is no shock and the people should have been locking for a job a long time ago instead of letting there unemployment run out. The plant people new this.
a commentPosted by harleyrdr on 08/27/09 at 6:01PM
Anthony11, you're exactly right except there were several patents. The first thing SLAPPI did after buying the mill was transfer all manufacturing of the #1 paper grades like lustro gloss and strobe gloss to their other mills, then gave Muskegon the #3 papers like sommerset gloss etc. Then they claimed they could'nt make a profit in Muskegon. The truth is that they could'nt make a profit on the cheap grades of paper that no printers wanted anymore."
Interesting!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Still 'Crazy' -- And Proud of It
Still 'Crazy' -- And Proud of It
"Us right-wing nuts sure is scary!
That's the message from the Washington Post.
To put this in language a conservative would understand, the fourth estate has been alarmed once again by the Burkean proclivities of our nation's citizens.
The Post is in a panic about (to use its own descriptive terms) 'birthers,' 'anti-tax tea-partiers,' and 'town hall hecklers.'
If, last Sunday, you spent a profitless hour reading the Washington Post (itself not too profitable), you noticed the loud yapping and desperate nipping at those who disagree with liberal orthodoxy.
It was as if top management were a toy schnauzer accidentally mistaken for a duster and traumatized by being run back and forth through the venetian blinds.
The wise and prestigious broadsheet institution was so barking mad that it sent three (Three! In these times of hardship for the print media!
When reporters are being laid off right and left--well, mostly right--and stories are going uncovered from rapidly warming pole to pole! Three!) journalists to do battle with 'The Return of Right-Wing Rage.'"
"Us right-wing nuts sure is scary!
That's the message from the Washington Post.
To put this in language a conservative would understand, the fourth estate has been alarmed once again by the Burkean proclivities of our nation's citizens.
The Post is in a panic about (to use its own descriptive terms) 'birthers,' 'anti-tax tea-partiers,' and 'town hall hecklers.'
If, last Sunday, you spent a profitless hour reading the Washington Post (itself not too profitable), you noticed the loud yapping and desperate nipping at those who disagree with liberal orthodoxy.
It was as if top management were a toy schnauzer accidentally mistaken for a duster and traumatized by being run back and forth through the venetian blinds.
The wise and prestigious broadsheet institution was so barking mad that it sent three (Three! In these times of hardship for the print media!
When reporters are being laid off right and left--well, mostly right--and stories are going uncovered from rapidly warming pole to pole! Three!) journalists to do battle with 'The Return of Right-Wing Rage.'"
Mill's demise 'devastating' to longtime employees
Mill's demise 'devastating' to longtime employees
"Officials announced Wednesday the plant that was idled in April will not reopen."
"Officials announced Wednesday the plant that was idled in April will not reopen."
Hoekstra slates health care town hall meetings Monday in Holland; Saturday in Cadillac, Scottville
Hoekstra slates health care town hall meetings Monday in Holland; Saturday in Cadillac, Scottville
"U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland, is hosting a town hall meeting Monday night in Holland on health care, Hoekstra spokesman Dave Yonkman said.
The session is 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Evergreen Commons, 480 State St.; doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Hoekstra is also hosting town hall meetings on health care on Saturday from 8:30-10 a.m. at the Cadillac High School Auditorium, 400 Linden St.in Cadillac; and from noon to 1:30 p.m. at West Shore Community College's Center Stage Theater at the Arts and Sciences Center, 3000 N. Stiles Road in Scottville."
What? No Muskegon?
"U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland, is hosting a town hall meeting Monday night in Holland on health care, Hoekstra spokesman Dave Yonkman said.
The session is 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Evergreen Commons, 480 State St.; doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Hoekstra is also hosting town hall meetings on health care on Saturday from 8:30-10 a.m. at the Cadillac High School Auditorium, 400 Linden St.in Cadillac; and from noon to 1:30 p.m. at West Shore Community College's Center Stage Theater at the Arts and Sciences Center, 3000 N. Stiles Road in Scottville."
What? No Muskegon?
Trinity Health recognized as one of country's best
Trinity Health recognized as one of country's best
"Trinity Health -- the Catholic health system that owns Mercy Health Partners in Muskegon -- has been named one of the Top 10 health systems in the United States"
"Trinity Health -- the Catholic health system that owns Mercy Health Partners in Muskegon -- has been named one of the Top 10 health systems in the United States"
Big winners in Cash for Clunkers: Toyota, Honda, and Nissan; Update: Parts business big losers?
Big winners in Cash for Clunkers: Toyota, Honda, and Nissan; Update: Parts business big losers?
"Ford’s “clunkers” sales topped 14 percent, compared with a 15 percent share for the year through July.
GM reported 17 percent of “clunkers” business compared with 21 percent from January to July. Chrysler’s “clunkers” share was 6.6 percent, compared with 11 percent otherwise."
"Ford’s “clunkers” sales topped 14 percent, compared with a 15 percent share for the year through July.
GM reported 17 percent of “clunkers” business compared with 21 percent from January to July. Chrysler’s “clunkers” share was 6.6 percent, compared with 11 percent otherwise."
Government-Run Healthcare: A Prescription for Failure
Investor's Business Daily
"In this exclusive series, Investor's Business Daily explores the real costs & consequences of the healthcare reforms being discussed in Congress."
"In this exclusive series, Investor's Business Daily explores the real costs & consequences of the healthcare reforms being discussed in Congress."
Spartans enter into football series with other state schools
Spartans enter into football series with other state schools
"When asked whether Michigan was considered as a part of this series, Hollis would only say he informed U-M Athletics Director Bill Martin about the idea.
“I firmly believe Michigan State is the university of this state,” he said"
"When asked whether Michigan was considered as a part of this series, Hollis would only say he informed U-M Athletics Director Bill Martin about the idea.
“I firmly believe Michigan State is the university of this state,” he said"
Oooh yeah!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
HOW'S THAT STIMULUS WORKING OUT FOR YOU?
HOW'S THAT STIMULUS WORKING OUT FOR YOU?
"We blew $787 billion and all we got... were these lousy jobs numbers.
WASHINGTON – The number of first-time claims for unemployment benefits rose unexpectedly for the second straight week, a sign that jobs remain scarce even as other data show the economy is stabilizing....
The Labor Department said Thursday the number of new jobless claims rose to a seasonally adjusted 576,000 last week, from a revised figure of 561,000. Wall Street economists expected a drop to 550,000,"
"We blew $787 billion and all we got... were these lousy jobs numbers.
WASHINGTON – The number of first-time claims for unemployment benefits rose unexpectedly for the second straight week, a sign that jobs remain scarce even as other data show the economy is stabilizing....
The Labor Department said Thursday the number of new jobless claims rose to a seasonally adjusted 576,000 last week, from a revised figure of 561,000. Wall Street economists expected a drop to 550,000,"
As Budget Deficit Grows, So Do Doubts on Dollar
As Budget Deficit Grows, So Do Doubts on Dollar
"In a new twist to an old refrain among economists, who have long worried about the effects of growing U.S. debt, they say that the huge liabilities the U.S. is taking on to dig its way out of crisis could ultimately undermine faith in the dollar.
'There has been a lot of disappointment with the way the U.S. credit crisis was handled,' says Claire Dissaux, managing director of global economics and strategy for Millennium Global Investments Ltd., a London investment firm specializing in currencies. 'The dollar's loss of influence is a steady and long-term trend.'
On Tuesday, the Obama administration added fuel to concerns about the dollar, saying the U.S. will run a cumulative budget deficit of $9 trillion over the next 10 years, $2 trillion more than it had previously projected."
"In a new twist to an old refrain among economists, who have long worried about the effects of growing U.S. debt, they say that the huge liabilities the U.S. is taking on to dig its way out of crisis could ultimately undermine faith in the dollar.
'There has been a lot of disappointment with the way the U.S. credit crisis was handled,' says Claire Dissaux, managing director of global economics and strategy for Millennium Global Investments Ltd., a London investment firm specializing in currencies. 'The dollar's loss of influence is a steady and long-term trend.'
On Tuesday, the Obama administration added fuel to concerns about the dollar, saying the U.S. will run a cumulative budget deficit of $9 trillion over the next 10 years, $2 trillion more than it had previously projected."
How large is the fiscal hole?
How large is the fiscal hole?
"Economistmom says the actual budget deficit over the next decade is likely to be close to $14 trillion:"
$14 TRILLION!!!!!!!!?
"Economistmom says the actual budget deficit over the next decade is likely to be close to $14 trillion:"
$14 TRILLION!!!!!!!!?
Payday For Unions
Payday For Unions
"If there's any question as to why union toughs turned up at recent health care town halls and got violent, consider what they were gooning for: a $10 billion bailout for their mismanaged pensions — at our expense."
"If there's any question as to why union toughs turned up at recent health care town halls and got violent, consider what they were gooning for: a $10 billion bailout for their mismanaged pensions — at our expense."
Little MSM interest in this story.
Obama Raises 2010 Deficit Estimate to $1.5 Trillion
Obama Raises 2010 Deficit Estimate to $1.5 Trillion
"U.S. unemployment will surge to 10 percent this year and the budget deficit will be $1.5 trillion next year, both higher than previous Obama administration forecasts because of a recession that was deeper and longer than expected, White House budget chief Peter Orszag said.
The Office of Management and Budget forecasts a weaker economic recovery than it saw in May as the gross domestic product shrinks 2.8 percent this year before expanding 2 percent next year, according to the administration’s mid-year economic review issued today.
"U.S. unemployment will surge to 10 percent this year and the budget deficit will be $1.5 trillion next year, both higher than previous Obama administration forecasts because of a recession that was deeper and longer than expected, White House budget chief Peter Orszag said.
The Office of Management and Budget forecasts a weaker economic recovery than it saw in May as the gross domestic product shrinks 2.8 percent this year before expanding 2 percent next year, according to the administration’s mid-year economic review issued today.
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