Have You Ever Tried to Sell a Diamond?
"To stabilize the market, De Beers had to endow these stones with a sentiment that would inhibit the public from ever reselling them. The illusion had to be created that diamonds were forever -- 'forever' in the sense that they should never be resold."
Stunning article! Long but worth every minute.
Written in 1982!
(hat tip to Atlanta Lou)
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
The latest from The Harbor
Following her wins for Best Actress at the New York and LA Film Critic's awards earlier this week, actress Sally Hawkin's star making role in Happy Go Lucky has now been nominated for a Golden Globe Best Actresss in a Comedy/Musical.
The film itself, has been nominated for Best Feature Comedy/Musical.
If you haven't seen it yet, get out and see it now! The Oscars are right around the corner!
And now that I have seen JCVD, I can say it lives up to the hype. You will be amazed at Jean Claude Van Damme - and it has a great soundtrack. Don't let his previous work stop you from seeing this film, which in my opinion is one of the best this year.
If you don't agree with me, check out Bill Idding's review of it in Friday's chronicle, or it's rottentomatoes site which shows that 87% of critics have given this movie a postive rating. Time magazine declared Van Damme worthy of an Oscar!
And don't miss the award winning documentary THE TIMES OF HARVEY MILK Saturday December 13th at 7:30 PM.
http://www.theharbortheater.com/
231-457-4274
The film itself, has been nominated for Best Feature Comedy/Musical.
If you haven't seen it yet, get out and see it now! The Oscars are right around the corner!
And now that I have seen JCVD, I can say it lives up to the hype. You will be amazed at Jean Claude Van Damme - and it has a great soundtrack. Don't let his previous work stop you from seeing this film, which in my opinion is one of the best this year.
If you don't agree with me, check out Bill Idding's review of it in Friday's chronicle, or it's rottentomatoes site which shows that 87% of critics have given this movie a postive rating. Time magazine declared Van Damme worthy of an Oscar!
And don't miss the award winning documentary THE TIMES OF HARVEY MILK Saturday December 13th at 7:30 PM.
http://www.theharbortheater.com/
231-457-4274
BLACKFIVE: "You can take my leg, but you can't take my heart and you can't take my soul. I'm a Green Beret."
"You can take my leg, but you can't take my heart and you can't take my soul. I'm a Green Beret."
"The story over at Soldiers Angels Germany (via the WashPo and MSNBC - link to the full story at SAG). Ten Special Forces Soldiers receive the Silver Star. MUST READ."
Make sure you click this link and watch the video of these heroes! (the end is the best!) http://soldiersangelsgermany.blogspot.com/2008/12/blog-post.html
"The story over at Soldiers Angels Germany (via the WashPo and MSNBC - link to the full story at SAG). Ten Special Forces Soldiers receive the Silver Star. MUST READ."
Make sure you click this link and watch the video of these heroes! (the end is the best!) http://soldiersangelsgermany.blogspot.com/2008/12/blog-post.html
More snow, less clearing challenging motorists
More snow, less clearing challenging motorists
"'Road conditions have been pretty poor ... the plows have been really slow to get out to some roads,' said Jerome McCleary, a tow truck driver for T-Car in Montague and a bus mechanic for the Montague Area Public Schools."
"'Road conditions have been pretty poor ... the plows have been really slow to get out to some roads,' said Jerome McCleary, a tow truck driver for T-Car in Montague and a bus mechanic for the Montague Area Public Schools."
WHO TO BLAME for job losses: Atlas has shrugged all over the country. Like many business owner…
WHO TO BLAME for job losses: Atlas has shrugged all over the country.
"Atlas has shrugged all over the country.
Like many business owners, we are no longer willing to take all of the financial and legal risks and put up with all of the aggravation of owning and running a business. Not with the prospects of even higher taxes, more regulation, more litigation and more emboldened bureaucrats on the horizon. Like others we know, we are getting out while the getting is, well, tolerable. Many who aren’t getting out are scaling back.
. . . It is no secret that owners circulated endless emails leading up to election day discussing lay off plans were Obama to win. Entrepreneurs instinctively understand the danger posed by larger liberal majorities in power. The risk-reward equation and fierce independence spirit of start up businesses are anathema to the class warfare, equality of outcome and spread the wealth mentality of the left. . . .
We got into business to be independent. We will get out for the same reason.
"Atlas has shrugged all over the country.
Like many business owners, we are no longer willing to take all of the financial and legal risks and put up with all of the aggravation of owning and running a business. Not with the prospects of even higher taxes, more regulation, more litigation and more emboldened bureaucrats on the horizon. Like others we know, we are getting out while the getting is, well, tolerable. Many who aren’t getting out are scaling back.
. . . It is no secret that owners circulated endless emails leading up to election day discussing lay off plans were Obama to win. Entrepreneurs instinctively understand the danger posed by larger liberal majorities in power. The risk-reward equation and fierce independence spirit of start up businesses are anathema to the class warfare, equality of outcome and spread the wealth mentality of the left. . . .
We got into business to be independent. We will get out for the same reason.
Truth, Economics, and Politics
Truth, Economics, and Politics
"As global warming pathologists insist that increasing carbon dioxide drives planetary meltdown, scientists who actually watch the climate trends -- as well as all the forces that affect it – see something different. They observe unchanging (if not declining) temperatures over the last dozen years despite increased global CO2 emissions during the same time period. They see Antarctic ice swells despite a greater media emphasis on Arctic ice (PDF) loss. They see a current warming bias across temperature monitoring stations; a cooling pattern since 1997; and a valid theory that solar cycles affect climate change more than any other phenomena."
"As global warming pathologists insist that increasing carbon dioxide drives planetary meltdown, scientists who actually watch the climate trends -- as well as all the forces that affect it – see something different. They observe unchanging (if not declining) temperatures over the last dozen years despite increased global CO2 emissions during the same time period. They see Antarctic ice swells despite a greater media emphasis on Arctic ice (PDF) loss. They see a current warming bias across temperature monitoring stations; a cooling pattern since 1997; and a valid theory that solar cycles affect climate change more than any other phenomena."
Blog: Parties of Corruption
Parties of Corruption
"Which party is more corrupt? Maybe you've seen lists. The National Taxpayer's Union has a pretty good list http://www.ntu.org/main/press.php?PressID=343."
"Which party is more corrupt? Maybe you've seen lists. The National Taxpayer's Union has a pretty good list http://www.ntu.org/main/press.php?PressID=343."
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Muskegon County eyes alternative-energy vehicles
Muskegon County eyes alternative-energy vehicles
"As of now, a portion of the county sheriff's vehicles can run on ethanol. And eight Muskegon Area Transportation System buses and trolleys use natural gas.
The first opportunity to purchase alternative fuel vehicles could come later this month.
On Dec. 11, the county department heads could release a request for 16 vehicles, pending approval from the board of commissioners.
Even though the county is considering bidding on alternative fuel vehicles, the county could face significant barriers when incorporating them into its fleet.
Two major issues are cost and availability of fuel, said Joe Siedenstrang, the county's accounting manager.
'The department will have to decide whether or not there will be enough of a savings to go with alternative fuels or not,' Siedenstrang said. 'But the absolute final decision on what vehicles to purchase comes down to the board.'"
"As of now, a portion of the county sheriff's vehicles can run on ethanol. And eight Muskegon Area Transportation System buses and trolleys use natural gas.
The first opportunity to purchase alternative fuel vehicles could come later this month.
On Dec. 11, the county department heads could release a request for 16 vehicles, pending approval from the board of commissioners.
Even though the county is considering bidding on alternative fuel vehicles, the county could face significant barriers when incorporating them into its fleet.
Two major issues are cost and availability of fuel, said Joe Siedenstrang, the county's accounting manager.
'The department will have to decide whether or not there will be enough of a savings to go with alternative fuels or not,' Siedenstrang said. 'But the absolute final decision on what vehicles to purchase comes down to the board.'"
Camille Paglia on Obama choosing Hillary as Secretary of State, and more | Salon
Camille Paglia on Obama choosing Hillary as Secretary of State, and more Salon: "Awarding such a prize plum to Hillary may be a sop to her aggrieved fan base, but what exactly are her credentials for that position? Aside from being a mediocre senator (who, contrary to press reports, did very little for upstate New York), Hillary has a poor track record as both a negotiator and a manager. And of course both Clintons constantly view the world through the milky lens of their own self-interest. Well, it's time for Hillary to put up or shut up. If she gets as little traction in world affairs as Condoleezza Rice has, Hillary will be flushed down the rabbit hole with her feckless husband and effectively neutralized as a future presidential contender. If that's Obama's clever plan, is it worth the gamble? The secretary of state should be a more reserved, unflappable character -- not a drama queen who, even in her acceptance speech, morphed into three different personalities in the space of five minutes."
Harvard prof slams US nut allergy hysteria •
Harvard prof slams US nut allergy hysteria
"the extreme example of when a potentially fatal peanut was 'spotted on the floor of a school bus, whereupon the bus was evacuated and cleaned (I am tempted to say decontaminated), the extreme example of when a potentially fatal peanut was 'spotted on the floor of a school bus, whereupon the bus was evacuated and cleaned (I am tempted to say decontaminated),"
"the extreme example of when a potentially fatal peanut was 'spotted on the floor of a school bus, whereupon the bus was evacuated and cleaned (I am tempted to say decontaminated), the extreme example of when a potentially fatal peanut was 'spotted on the floor of a school bus, whereupon the bus was evacuated and cleaned (I am tempted to say decontaminated),"
Blago-Obama timeline
The Volokh Conspiracy
"Yet, looking at this timeline of Blagogate, it seems quite possible that someone in the Obama Camp is either lying or at least not revealing what they know. I also find it hard to believe that Obama’s closest advisors were hiding major corruption from him, especially as he was making decisions about where to place Senate candidates such as Jarrett.
"Something important is missing from this story. Let's hope that, whatever it is, the absent fact or explanation will allow the narrative to fit Obama's denial more naturally.
Since by all accounts, the Obama camp refused Blagojevich’s bribery attempt, it would be extremely unwise to lie about it. Remember, it’s not the crime that trips you up; it’s the cover-up."
"Yet, looking at this timeline of Blagogate, it seems quite possible that someone in the Obama Camp is either lying or at least not revealing what they know. I also find it hard to believe that Obama’s closest advisors were hiding major corruption from him, especially as he was making decisions about where to place Senate candidates such as Jarrett.
"Something important is missing from this story. Let's hope that, whatever it is, the absent fact or explanation will allow the narrative to fit Obama's denial more naturally.
Since by all accounts, the Obama camp refused Blagojevich’s bribery attempt, it would be extremely unwise to lie about it. Remember, it’s not the crime that trips you up; it’s the cover-up."
The GOP Must Take Out the Trash
The GOP Must Take Out the Trash
"Now that the snows have come, the summer soldiers are sneaking off to warmer climes. No sense being a hustler where there's nothing to hustle. This process will send large numbers of future indictables home to the Democrats where they belong.
But plenty of rotten apples will remain. What can be done with them?
The simple answer is: expose, expose, and expose. Somebody -- possibly everybody -- knew what Foley, Cunningham, and Stevens were up to. Somebody should have spoken up."
Kick out the crooks, perverts and cowards.
Stand for SOMETHING!
It seems so simple.
Can our old, entrenched GOP leopards change their spots?
I doubt it.
A complete transfusion is necessary but will it come too late for our country?
"Now that the snows have come, the summer soldiers are sneaking off to warmer climes. No sense being a hustler where there's nothing to hustle. This process will send large numbers of future indictables home to the Democrats where they belong.
But plenty of rotten apples will remain. What can be done with them?
The simple answer is: expose, expose, and expose. Somebody -- possibly everybody -- knew what Foley, Cunningham, and Stevens were up to. Somebody should have spoken up."
Kick out the crooks, perverts and cowards.
Stand for SOMETHING!
It seems so simple.
Can our old, entrenched GOP leopards change their spots?
I doubt it.
A complete transfusion is necessary but will it come too late for our country?
Woman convicted of smuggling monkey
Woman convicted of smuggling monkey
: "A Spokane woman who hid a sedated monkey under her blouse on a flight from Thailand to Los Angeles – pretending she was pregnant – has been convicted of smuggling charges."
No word on whether she was accused of monkey abuse or spanking the...
: "A Spokane woman who hid a sedated monkey under her blouse on a flight from Thailand to Los Angeles – pretending she was pregnant – has been convicted of smuggling charges."
No word on whether she was accused of monkey abuse or spanking the...
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Governor has one choice left: Sing?
Governor has one choice left: Sing?
"Blagojevich's buddies—the ones he still has left—surely aren't amused. They must be wondering how long it will take for Blagojevich to crack under the federal weight and start singing about all his friends.
This is the governor who once bragged that he had the 'testicular virility' to make tough decisions. This is the governor who compared himself to John Wayne."
"Blagojevich's buddies—the ones he still has left—surely aren't amused. They must be wondering how long it will take for Blagojevich to crack under the federal weight and start singing about all his friends.
This is the governor who once bragged that he had the 'testicular virility' to make tough decisions. This is the governor who compared himself to John Wayne."
Granholm expects big stimulus
Granholm expects big stimulus
"'It may lessen the need right now to do immediate, drastic cuts,' she said. 'With this stimulus coming up, it would be foolish to put up drastic cuts when we know that relief is on the way.'"
"'It may lessen the need right now to do immediate, drastic cuts,' she said. 'With this stimulus coming up, it would be foolish to put up drastic cuts when we know that relief is on the way.'"
Great, our cute gov is delusional.....our state is bankrupt but she's waiting for Daddy Obama to pour moolah into michigan.
Great......
Mich. lawmakers still get health care perk.... pork
Mich. lawmakers still get health care perk
"Michigan lawmakers seem likely to finish the year without halting or scaling back a perk that's the envy of most workers - full health care coverage in retirement after six years of service."
Under current law, former lawmakers can tap into the health insurance once they turn 55.
The House and Senate overwhelmingly voted last December to make lawmakers work longer before having most of their health care premiums picked up by taxpayers. Neither chamber passed the same version, however, so the old system remains in place.
While the bill wouldn't affect current legislators, future lawmakers would have to work 14 years - six in the House and eight in the Senate, the most allowed under term limits - to get 90 percent of their premium paid by the state, the same percentage legislators now get after six years.
Unless new legislators work other state government jobs, they could have no more than 42 percent of their premium covered - 3 percent for each year if they serve the maximum 14 years.
"Michigan lawmakers seem likely to finish the year without halting or scaling back a perk that's the envy of most workers - full health care coverage in retirement after six years of service."
Under current law, former lawmakers can tap into the health insurance once they turn 55.
The House and Senate overwhelmingly voted last December to make lawmakers work longer before having most of their health care premiums picked up by taxpayers. Neither chamber passed the same version, however, so the old system remains in place.
While the bill wouldn't affect current legislators, future lawmakers would have to work 14 years - six in the House and eight in the Senate, the most allowed under term limits - to get 90 percent of their premium paid by the state, the same percentage legislators now get after six years.
Unless new legislators work other state government jobs, they could have no more than 42 percent of their premium covered - 3 percent for each year if they serve the maximum 14 years.
Yankee extortion?
The Volokh Conspiracy
"The New York Yankees have just asked New York City for an additional $259 million in tax-exempt government-backed bonds to finance the construction of their new stadium. This comes on top of the $940 million in previously approved bonds and up to $450 million in direct government spending on the project. Even prior to the current funding request, the new Yankee stadium had already gotten more government subsidies than any other stadium project in American history. The rival Mets are also asking for additional government bond for their new stadium, albeit a much smaller amount."
Remember this when NYC demands a bailout....likely soon......
"The New York Yankees have just asked New York City for an additional $259 million in tax-exempt government-backed bonds to finance the construction of their new stadium. This comes on top of the $940 million in previously approved bonds and up to $450 million in direct government spending on the project. Even prior to the current funding request, the new Yankee stadium had already gotten more government subsidies than any other stadium project in American history. The rival Mets are also asking for additional government bond for their new stadium, albeit a much smaller amount."
Remember this when NYC demands a bailout....likely soon......
PensionWatch
PensionWatch: "But California state government employees have an employer who regularly and by law provides a $40-50,000 contribution to each employee’s pension account — year in and year out — good budget times and bad. (And in bad years they borrow the money!)"
Pension Tsunami
Pension Tsunami
"That approaching wave of pension debt is bigger than it looks. The purpose of this site is to provide an overview of the multiple pension crises that are about to drown America's taxpayers."
If you need more worries, read this.
Yikes!
"That approaching wave of pension debt is bigger than it looks. The purpose of this site is to provide an overview of the multiple pension crises that are about to drown America's taxpayers."
If you need more worries, read this.
Yikes!
Muskegon ranks highest in nation for unemployment
"Muskegon's jobless rate averaged 22.1% in the latest period. That's more than twice the rate from 2000.
Detroit ranked second with a 21.6% jobless rate. Pontiac was ninth at 19%.
Detroit ranked second with a 21.6% jobless rate. Pontiac was ninth at 19%.
Muskegon Mayor Steve Warmington says the census information is flawed. He says the study is based on all people in the city. He says people 16 and up, including students, senior citizens and people who aren't actively looking for work are included in the census survey.
Warmington said he understands the number is very high and is disappointed but also says 'The number doesn't accurately reflect everyone in Muskegon.'"
Warmington said he understands the number is very high and is disappointed but also says 'The number doesn't accurately reflect everyone in Muskegon.'"
The unemployment numbers would have been WAAAY lower if they'd have included only employed persons.....
We're #16!
Report: Local schools' air quality among the worst
"Children playing outside Lincoln Park Elementary School in Norton Shores are possibly breathing the worst air in the state.
That's according to an investigative report published in Monday's USA TODAY.
Over the span of eight months, reporters identified and ranked 127,800 public, private and parochial schools based on the concentrations and health hazards of chemicals likely to be in the air outside.
Only 15 schools nationwide were identified as having worse air quality than Mona Shores' Lincoln Park, according to the newspaper.
Other schools in the Mona Shores, Muskegon and Muskegon Heights public school districts were identified as having some of the worst air in the nation.
However, the report may not be current. The findings were based on emissions reports from 20,000 industrial sites that were filed in 2005.
Junk science RULES!
"Children playing outside Lincoln Park Elementary School in Norton Shores are possibly breathing the worst air in the state.
That's according to an investigative report published in Monday's USA TODAY.
Over the span of eight months, reporters identified and ranked 127,800 public, private and parochial schools based on the concentrations and health hazards of chemicals likely to be in the air outside.
Only 15 schools nationwide were identified as having worse air quality than Mona Shores' Lincoln Park, according to the newspaper.
Other schools in the Mona Shores, Muskegon and Muskegon Heights public school districts were identified as having some of the worst air in the nation.
However, the report may not be current. The findings were based on emissions reports from 20,000 industrial sites that were filed in 2005.
Junk science RULES!
We're #1
Muskegon, Detroit lead nation's cities in unemployment
"Census Bureau report on U.S. communities with at least 20,000 people says Muskegon and Detroit are first and second in unemployment.
The report compares the jobless rate in 2000 with the average for 2005 through 2007 and says unemployment increased in 71% of the cities and towns.
It says Muskegon's unemployment averaged 22.1% in the latest period, more than twice its rate in 2000.
Detroit's rate was 21.6%, while Pontiac was ninth at 19%."
Everything I hear is that it's Engler/Bush's fault.
Let's see... worst state.... worst city.... re-elected most everyone..... anyone see a pattern here?
"Census Bureau report on U.S. communities with at least 20,000 people says Muskegon and Detroit are first and second in unemployment.
The report compares the jobless rate in 2000 with the average for 2005 through 2007 and says unemployment increased in 71% of the cities and towns.
It says Muskegon's unemployment averaged 22.1% in the latest period, more than twice its rate in 2000.
Detroit's rate was 21.6%, while Pontiac was ninth at 19%."
Everything I hear is that it's Engler/Bush's fault.
Let's see... worst state.... worst city.... re-elected most everyone..... anyone see a pattern here?
Monday, December 08, 2008
The Palm Pistol
The Palm Pistol: "The Palm Pistol is an ergonomically innovative single shot double action only defensive firearm chambered in 9mm that may be fired using either hand without regard to orientation of the stock. Suited for home defense, concealed carry or as a backup gun. It is also ideal for seniors, disabled or others who may have limited strength or manual dexterity."
Gimp gun!
Ain't ergonomics great!
Locally made wind turbines to create jobs
Locally made wind turbines to create jobs
"Energy savings improves to 30 percent when combined with the 30 CFL low-energy light bulbs included in the package, which will retail for $2,899 plus about $500 for professional installation.
Governmental rebates and tax credits could save buyers hundreds of dollars more."
This is lunacy!
30 light bulbs will reduce home electricity use by 15%!!!!!
How much did that "study" cost?
And it all make sense because "government rebates and tax credits".
The junk science dark ages have descended upon us.
"Energy savings improves to 30 percent when combined with the 30 CFL low-energy light bulbs included in the package, which will retail for $2,899 plus about $500 for professional installation.
Governmental rebates and tax credits could save buyers hundreds of dollars more."
This is lunacy!
30 light bulbs will reduce home electricity use by 15%!!!!!
How much did that "study" cost?
And it all make sense because "government rebates and tax credits".
The junk science dark ages have descended upon us.
No more "corporate welfare"?
My Way News - White House says auto deal is 'very likely'
"The size of the package hasn't been finalized, but it is expected to be between $14 billion and $17 billion."
The MSM has sort of forgotten one of their favorite terms of old, "corporate welfare".
Tax cuts to businesses used to be "corporate welfare" but enormous checks to the same companies are now simply a "bailout".
Gotta love the MSM. So much gravitas!
"The size of the package hasn't been finalized, but it is expected to be between $14 billion and $17 billion."
The MSM has sort of forgotten one of their favorite terms of old, "corporate welfare".
Tax cuts to businesses used to be "corporate welfare" but enormous checks to the same companies are now simply a "bailout".
Gotta love the MSM. So much gravitas!
harrassing an intern is OK!
The Volokh Conspiracy
"this case also reflects that it is not a violation of the federal Title VII to sexually harass interns in D.C. or elsewhere."
Ummmm... interns... immune from Title VII..... ummmmm...... interns.....
"this case also reflects that it is not a violation of the federal Title VII to sexually harass interns in D.C. or elsewhere."
Ummmm... interns... immune from Title VII..... ummmmm...... interns.....
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