With all the new spending, we're gonna NEED Snuggie subsidies from our Great Leader.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Chance Gardner on health care
Chance the Gardner on health care
"Barack Obama continues to remind us of the character Chance Garner in the movie (and earlier Jerzy Kosinski novel) Being There. People just project whatever they seek on a blank slate that doesn't get much filling in.
Here is Chance Gardner on health care, from our dear friends at the New York Times:
"Senator Barack Obama of Illinois appeared less conversant with the details of health policy and sometimes found himself on the defensive, trying to explain why he had yet to offer a detailed plan to cover all Americans.
'The most important challenge is to build a political consensus around the need to solve this problem,' Mr. Obama said."
Of course! That will do it. Why didn't anyone else think of this before?"
This from 2007 but more and more, Barry Hussein is looking like Chance the gardner.
"Barack Obama continues to remind us of the character Chance Garner in the movie (and earlier Jerzy Kosinski novel) Being There. People just project whatever they seek on a blank slate that doesn't get much filling in.
Here is Chance Gardner on health care, from our dear friends at the New York Times:
"Senator Barack Obama of Illinois appeared less conversant with the details of health policy and sometimes found himself on the defensive, trying to explain why he had yet to offer a detailed plan to cover all Americans.
'The most important challenge is to build a political consensus around the need to solve this problem,' Mr. Obama said."
Of course! That will do it. Why didn't anyone else think of this before?"
This from 2007 but more and more, Barry Hussein is looking like Chance the gardner.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Schauer, Dems return 2006 election money
Schauer, Dems return 2006 election money
"A campaign committee related to U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer has paid a $6,000 fine in a settlement over 2006 state Senate fundraising."
The culture of corruption just doesn't get the liberal MSM uptight when the corruptors are democrats.
"A campaign committee related to U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer has paid a $6,000 fine in a settlement over 2006 state Senate fundraising."
The culture of corruption just doesn't get the liberal MSM uptight when the corruptors are democrats.
Michigan Taxpayers "Nationwide Chicago Tea Party at the Capitol"!
RightMichigan.com Michigan Taxpayers "Nationwide Chicago Tea Party at the Capitol"!
"CNBC's Rick Santelli called earlier this week, backed by mortgage traders, for a 'Nationwide Chicago Tea Party' to protest the Obama Administration's Pork Laden Stimulus plan.
The Boston Tea Party was an act of direct protest by American Colonists demanding representation in the British Government.They became known as the original patriots.
As the bailouts spiral out of control, we are forced to fund failed banks. With foreclosures on the rise, we are made the collateral of out-of-control spending . And, when the bills come due, the IRS knocks on the door of self-responsibility.
ENOUGH!
Join With Thousands of Patriots Across the Country!
As We Declare Our Independence from Big Government Bailouts!
Friday, February 27th
High Noon
Michigan State Capitol
100 N. Capitol Ave, Lansing, MI"
"CNBC's Rick Santelli called earlier this week, backed by mortgage traders, for a 'Nationwide Chicago Tea Party' to protest the Obama Administration's Pork Laden Stimulus plan.
The Boston Tea Party was an act of direct protest by American Colonists demanding representation in the British Government.They became known as the original patriots.
As the bailouts spiral out of control, we are forced to fund failed banks. With foreclosures on the rise, we are made the collateral of out-of-control spending . And, when the bills come due, the IRS knocks on the door of self-responsibility.
ENOUGH!
Join With Thousands of Patriots Across the Country!
As We Declare Our Independence from Big Government Bailouts!
Friday, February 27th
High Noon
Michigan State Capitol
100 N. Capitol Ave, Lansing, MI"
Vote "NO" today!
Our Muskegon Chronicle has, once again, endorsed a massive transfer of wealth from us poor taxpayers to the Big Education/Construction Union Complex.
Our insatiable Mona Shores School board tells us they need another $17,000,000.
But wait, there's more!
They tell us it won't increase our taxes!
Well now.... aside from that audacious and disingenuous lie, there is another, simpler reason to Vote No.
Times are tough!
President Obama tells the world we are in the worst economic times EVER!
Our wonderful Gov. Granholm echoes the same warning.
We're told to tighten our belts, watch our spending, prepare for even worse times ahead!
But the Mona Shores School Board says "no worries. 2+17million=2".
And the big Michigan education union, the MEA, even tried to sneak a giant increase in its pensions while we poor folk were lectured by the Chronicle and millage supporters to stop our selfishness and "just give it up!"
Well, times ARE tough.
And now is the time for all of us to show our responsibility, stop the endless spending and act like adults.
And it's time to show the big education/construction union bosses that We The People have had enough of their childish thuggery.
Vote NO.
It's for our children and THEIR financial future!
"It's the SPENDING Stupid!"
"The liberties of a people never were, nor ever will be, secure when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them." -Patrick Henry, revolutionary (1736-1799)
Whistler Chairlift crunches to earth!
Whistler Chairlift crashes to the ground!
"Whistler Mountain’s Harmony Express chairlift re-opened on Sunday (Feb. 22) after a single chair fell from the cable and hit the ground in the middle of the night on Wednesday (Feb. 18).
The lift was closed for three days after the accident, in which no one was injured. Whistler Blackcomb (WB) and B.C. Safety Authority (BCSA) officials have determined the mishap was caused by the failure of something called an articulation arm mounting bolt, part of the mechanism that attaches the chair to the overhead cable, officials said in a statement issued on Saturday (Feb. 21)."
Holy shitakke!!!
We rode that lift yesterday!
And this is after the gondola collapsed 2 months ago!
http://muskegonpundit.blogspot.com/2009/02/twelve-injured-in-whistler-gondola.html
"Whistler Mountain’s Harmony Express chairlift re-opened on Sunday (Feb. 22) after a single chair fell from the cable and hit the ground in the middle of the night on Wednesday (Feb. 18).
The lift was closed for three days after the accident, in which no one was injured. Whistler Blackcomb (WB) and B.C. Safety Authority (BCSA) officials have determined the mishap was caused by the failure of something called an articulation arm mounting bolt, part of the mechanism that attaches the chair to the overhead cable, officials said in a statement issued on Saturday (Feb. 21)."
Holy shitakke!!!
We rode that lift yesterday!
And this is after the gondola collapsed 2 months ago!
http://muskegonpundit.blogspot.com/2009/02/twelve-injured-in-whistler-gondola.html
The Crisis of Credit Visualized - Part 1
Part 1
This is an excellent explaination of the credit mess.
Worth your time!
Forbes Describes Public Pension Benefits as Rich : Pension Risk Matters
Forbes Describes Public Pension Benefits as Rich
Pension Risk Matters:
"Adding insult to injury, Fitch relies on Bureau of Labor Statistics data to suggest that a pay gap exists, in favor of public workers. He writes that 'State and local government workers get paid an average of $25.30 an hour, which is 33% higher than the private sector's $19.'"
Pension Risk Matters:
"Adding insult to injury, Fitch relies on Bureau of Labor Statistics data to suggest that a pay gap exists, in favor of public workers. He writes that 'State and local government workers get paid an average of $25.30 an hour, which is 33% higher than the private sector's $19.'"
Monday, February 23, 2009
US Airways and NWA SAFETY INFORMATION card
These are photos of the "A320 SAFETY INFORMATION" card I shot on my NWA A320 flight last week from GRR to MSP.
It is identical to the safety info card on my last flight on a similar NWA flight from San Juan (SJU) to DTW in January.
Both flights fly over water.
Note that in the event of a water landing, the card has the "circle with cross" over the wing exits.
It seems that NWA tells passengers that the only egress in a water emergency is from the tail and front exits.
But we now know that the wing exits were critical in saving lives on USAirways 1549.
And that opening the rear exit door was almost catastrophic.
Yet NWA tells its passengers and crew otherwise.
Anyone know why?
Obama's Stimulus: A Colossal Waste?
Obama's Stimulus: A Colossal Waste?
"Given these dire warnings, you'd expect the stimulus package to focus almost exclusively on reviving the economy.
It doesn't, and for that, Obama bears much of the blame."
And the Obamites in the liberal MSM declare that our new "Emperor's New Clothes" are exquisite....
"Given these dire warnings, you'd expect the stimulus package to focus almost exclusively on reviving the economy.
It doesn't, and for that, Obama bears much of the blame."
And the Obamites in the liberal MSM declare that our new "Emperor's New Clothes" are exquisite....
U.S. leads the world in overall manufacturing output
"The U.S. by far remains the world's leading manufacturer by value of goods produced.
It hit a record $1.6 trillion in 2007 -- nearly double the $811 billion in 1987.
For every $1 of value produced in China's factories, America generates $2.50."
Why are the democrook politicians and the unions lying to us about this..... oh... they're democrats and unionists!
Simply being true to their genetics.
State Rep. Jim Slezak plans fundraising trip, but does it go overboard?
State Rep. Jim Slezak plans fundraising trip, but does it go overboard?
At first glance it sounds like paradise -- ditching a snowy Michigan winter for a three-night Caribbean cruise to a private tropical island.
But here's the catch: Sunning in the patio chair next to you is none other than your local state lawmaker.
Sure, it's not an overnight stay in the Lincoln Bedroom, but state Rep. Jim Slezak, D-Davison, is hoping his first major fundraiser is seen as refreshingly out of the ordinary. Slezak is soliciting people to go on a cruise with him to the Bahamas.
The trip costs about $660 per person, including a $350 donation to Slezak, and is so unusual the new lawmaker had to check with the Michigan secretary of state's office to make sure it was legal. The charge doesn't include airfare or all the little umbrella-laden beverages you can drink."
Yes, he is a democrook.
Yes, this is sleazy.
Yes, he is appropriately named....
At first glance it sounds like paradise -- ditching a snowy Michigan winter for a three-night Caribbean cruise to a private tropical island.
But here's the catch: Sunning in the patio chair next to you is none other than your local state lawmaker.
Sure, it's not an overnight stay in the Lincoln Bedroom, but state Rep. Jim Slezak, D-Davison, is hoping his first major fundraiser is seen as refreshingly out of the ordinary. Slezak is soliciting people to go on a cruise with him to the Bahamas.
The trip costs about $660 per person, including a $350 donation to Slezak, and is so unusual the new lawmaker had to check with the Michigan secretary of state's office to make sure it was legal. The charge doesn't include airfare or all the little umbrella-laden beverages you can drink."
Yes, he is a democrook.
Yes, this is sleazy.
Yes, he is appropriately named....
So you think community responsibility is easy?
So you think community responsibility is easy?
"Ah, let the firestorm begin!
The author had been asked by the membership to act as spokesman as issues reach public awareness, and was thus quoted in the local media explaining the policy preference. The ink was barely dry on the local paper when the telephones (home, office, cell) began to ring"
"Ah, let the firestorm begin!
The author had been asked by the membership to act as spokesman as issues reach public awareness, and was thus quoted in the local media explaining the policy preference. The ink was barely dry on the local paper when the telephones (home, office, cell) began to ring"
Sunday, February 22, 2009
EPA May Reverse Bush, Limit Carbon Emissions From Coal-Fired Plants
EPA May Reverse Bush, Limit Carbon Emissions From Coal-Fired Plants
"The industry has vigorously opposed efforts to regulate those emissions, asserting that the policy should be set by Congress. Moreover, technology for capturing carbon dioxide emissions is currently expensive and virtually untested."
"The industry has vigorously opposed efforts to regulate those emissions, asserting that the policy should be set by Congress. Moreover, technology for capturing carbon dioxide emissions is currently expensive and virtually untested."
Muskegon to be featured in BBC documentary on climate change
Muskegon to be featured in BBC documentary on climate change
"Muskegon as an area that has had some difficulty going green,' Howard said. 'My family isn't very green, we're more like fuscia ... but we're trying.'
Reporter Justin Rowlatt, the BBC's so-called 'Ethical Man,' will be the face of the documentary. The BBC last year had Rowlatt's family live a green lifestyle to see how much they could reduce their carbon emissions by not driving or flying on airplanes and reducing their consumption of meat.
Rowlatt's family gave up their car for a year and ate only vegan foods for a month but were only able to reduce their carbon emissions, or carbon footprint, by 20 percent. Some scientists and policymakers have said greenhouse gas emissions worldwide must be slashed by 80 percent to avoid a global climate catastrophe.
Carbon dioxide emissions generated by burning fossil fuels -- coal, oil and gasoline -- is one of the primary causes of global warming. There is now scientific consensus that the planet is warming and that human activities are contributing to the problem.
Readers can track the BBC project on Rowlatt's blog, www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/ethicalman."
"Muskegon as an area that has had some difficulty going green,' Howard said. 'My family isn't very green, we're more like fuscia ... but we're trying.'
Reporter Justin Rowlatt, the BBC's so-called 'Ethical Man,' will be the face of the documentary. The BBC last year had Rowlatt's family live a green lifestyle to see how much they could reduce their carbon emissions by not driving or flying on airplanes and reducing their consumption of meat.
Rowlatt's family gave up their car for a year and ate only vegan foods for a month but were only able to reduce their carbon emissions, or carbon footprint, by 20 percent. Some scientists and policymakers have said greenhouse gas emissions worldwide must be slashed by 80 percent to avoid a global climate catastrophe.
Carbon dioxide emissions generated by burning fossil fuels -- coal, oil and gasoline -- is one of the primary causes of global warming. There is now scientific consensus that the planet is warming and that human activities are contributing to the problem.
Readers can track the BBC project on Rowlatt's blog, www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/ethicalman."
Triumph for human rights and psycho jihadists
Triumph for human rights and psycho jihadists
"This has been an excellent week for Muslim psychopaths. First, Abu Qatada - “Osama Bin Laden’s right-hand man in Europe” - has been given leave to stay in Britain by the European Court of Human Rights"
"This has been an excellent week for Muslim psychopaths. First, Abu Qatada - “Osama Bin Laden’s right-hand man in Europe” - has been given leave to stay in Britain by the European Court of Human Rights"
Matthew Kaminski Says Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's California Is Verging on Fiscal Insolvency
Matthew Kaminski Says Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's California Is Verging on Fiscal Insolvency
"As California goes, says an old cliché, so goes the nation.
Oh my.
These days, the Golden State leads the nation on economic and fiscal dysfunction, from the empty homes spread across the Central Valley to the highest state budget shortfall in the nation's history.
Meanwhile, its political class pioneers denial in the face of catastrophe"
"As California goes, says an old cliché, so goes the nation.
Oh my.
These days, the Golden State leads the nation on economic and fiscal dysfunction, from the empty homes spread across the Central Valley to the highest state budget shortfall in the nation's history.
Meanwhile, its political class pioneers denial in the face of catastrophe"
Saturday, February 21, 2009
CARPE DIEM: Julian Simon vs. President Obama's Science Man
In 1980 Paul Ehrlich, a Stanford scientist and environmental Cassandra who predicted calamitous food shortages by 1990, accepted a bet with economist Julian Simon.
When Ehrlich predicted the imminent exhaustion of many nonrenewable natural resources,
Simon challenged him: Pick a "basket" of any five such commodities, and I will wager that in a decade the price of the basket will decline, indicating decreased scarcity.
Ehrlich picked five metals -- chrome, copper, nickel, tin and tungsten -- that he predicted would become more expensive.
Not only did the price of the basket decline, the price of all five declined (see chart above, all prices are in 2000 dollars, data from Global Financial Data).
An expert Ehrlich consulted in picking the five was John Holdren, who today is President Obama's science adviser.
Gov wants bars to stay open till 4 a.m. | detnews.com | The Detroit News
Gov wants bars to stay open till 4 a.m. detnews.com The Detroit News: "Gov. Jennifer Granholm is betting that liquor sales and longer bar hours will bring in more money for Michigan's cash-starved budget.
The plan involves liquor stores and restaurants selling spirits on Sunday mornings and bar owners buying permits for their establishments to stay open until 4 a.m. The expanded hours for liquor sales would generate an estimated $13.7 million for the state's general fund, the pot over which the governor and lawmakers have spending discretion. Additional revenue would come from the sale of the special permits priced at $1,500 each.
'Clearly, this is an opportunity for revenue enhancement in difficult economic times,' said Megan Brown, spokeswoman for the governor. 'It's also an opportunity for communities to enhance entertainment districts and for businesses to expand profits."
The plan involves liquor stores and restaurants selling spirits on Sunday mornings and bar owners buying permits for their establishments to stay open until 4 a.m. The expanded hours for liquor sales would generate an estimated $13.7 million for the state's general fund, the pot over which the governor and lawmakers have spending discretion. Additional revenue would come from the sale of the special permits priced at $1,500 each.
'Clearly, this is an opportunity for revenue enhancement in difficult economic times,' said Megan Brown, spokeswoman for the governor. 'It's also an opportunity for communities to enhance entertainment districts and for businesses to expand profits."
Bottom Up Politics: "Small Steps"
Bottom Up Politics: "Small Steps"
"David Farhat our own newly elected Muskegon County Republican Chairman owns a building in the downtown and he stood up and explained how he only had 3 tenants and his rent was the cheapest in town. He couldn’t attract any more. He couldn’t understand how adding a couple of thousand to his tax bill forcing him out of business or to raise rents would remedy that situation. He also brought up a good point when he wondered why the huge Renovated Amazon building which is mainly made up of condos wasn’t going to be taxed in the plan at least for the condos.
He did give the best line of the night which went something like this at the end of his remarks. “I haven’t heard of a saying that says. Tax it and they will come”. Great line, had everyone snickering if not outright laughing."
"David Farhat our own newly elected Muskegon County Republican Chairman owns a building in the downtown and he stood up and explained how he only had 3 tenants and his rent was the cheapest in town. He couldn’t attract any more. He couldn’t understand how adding a couple of thousand to his tax bill forcing him out of business or to raise rents would remedy that situation. He also brought up a good point when he wondered why the huge Renovated Amazon building which is mainly made up of condos wasn’t going to be taxed in the plan at least for the condos.
He did give the best line of the night which went something like this at the end of his remarks. “I haven’t heard of a saying that says. Tax it and they will come”. Great line, had everyone snickering if not outright laughing."
'Winter' phrase could box Obama in
'Winter' phrase could box Obama in
"'This winter of our hardship.'
The phrase caught the attention of speechwriting scholars and headline writers alike when President Obama unveiled it in the conclusion of his inaugural speech, then dusted it off this week during his inaugural prime-time press conference."
Spoken with such power by our "Jimma Carter of 2009"
"'This winter of our hardship.'
The phrase caught the attention of speechwriting scholars and headline writers alike when President Obama unveiled it in the conclusion of his inaugural speech, then dusted it off this week during his inaugural prime-time press conference."
Spoken with such power by our "Jimma Carter of 2009"
Couric: Nationalizing Banks Will Provide 'Big Dose of Confidence'
Couric: Nationalizing Banks Will Provide 'Big Dose of Confidence'
"Katie Couric concluded a Thursday night look at the pros and cons of nationalizing banks by seeing the federal government as a comforting security blanket: 'Nationalization may have a psychological impact as well, and Uncle Sam wrapping his arms around failing banks in this country might provide a big dose of confidence for the American consumer.'"
Another new low in our MSM's personal idiocy.
"Katie Couric concluded a Thursday night look at the pros and cons of nationalizing banks by seeing the federal government as a comforting security blanket: 'Nationalization may have a psychological impact as well, and Uncle Sam wrapping his arms around failing banks in this country might provide a big dose of confidence for the American consumer.'"
Another new low in our MSM's personal idiocy.
Accounting for (Congressional) Dummies
Accounting for (Congressional) Dummies
"All of this raises some fascinating questions, the timeliest of which is:
How does a CEO answer questions about financial accounting when they're asked by dimwits who don't know enough to understand the answers?
Honestly, I don't know what I would do if I were in the CEO punishment seat being thumb-screwed by Barney Frank, or mau-maued by Maxine Waters."
"All of this raises some fascinating questions, the timeliest of which is:
How does a CEO answer questions about financial accounting when they're asked by dimwits who don't know enough to understand the answers?
Honestly, I don't know what I would do if I were in the CEO punishment seat being thumb-screwed by Barney Frank, or mau-maued by Maxine Waters."
WHY THE MARKETS ARE TANKING
WHY THE MARKETS ARE TANKING
"Last Oct. 13, in trying to explain why the market had sold off 30% in six weeks, we acknowledged that the freeze-up of the financial system was a big concern.
But we cited three other factors as well:
The imminent election of 'the most anti-capitalist politician ever nominated by a major party.'
The possibility of 'a filibuster-proof Congress led by politicians who are almost as liberal.'
A 'media establishment dedicated to the implementation of a liberal agenda, and the smothering of dissent wherever it arises.'
No wonder, we said then, that panic had set in."
"Last Oct. 13, in trying to explain why the market had sold off 30% in six weeks, we acknowledged that the freeze-up of the financial system was a big concern.
But we cited three other factors as well:
The imminent election of 'the most anti-capitalist politician ever nominated by a major party.'
The possibility of 'a filibuster-proof Congress led by politicians who are almost as liberal.'
A 'media establishment dedicated to the implementation of a liberal agenda, and the smothering of dissent wherever it arises.'
No wonder, we said then, that panic had set in."
Tea Party U.S.A.: The movement grows
Tea Party U.S.A.: The movement grows
"Seattle on Monday. Denver on Tuesday. Mesa AZ on Wednesday. Overland Park, Kansas today. What a week, huh? We got the anti-stimulus, anti-entitlement protest ball rolling — and now the movement, spurred further by CNBC host Rick Santelli’s call for a “Chicago Tea Party,” is really taking off."
"Seattle on Monday. Denver on Tuesday. Mesa AZ on Wednesday. Overland Park, Kansas today. What a week, huh? We got the anti-stimulus, anti-entitlement protest ball rolling — and now the movement, spurred further by CNBC host Rick Santelli’s call for a “Chicago Tea Party,” is really taking off."
OBAMA'S 2000 POINT TUMBLE
OBAMA'S 2000 POINT TUMBLE
"Forbes' Rich Karlgaard says that it's clear that the markets hate Obamanomics and Obeynomics.
Stocks are down 27% since the Nov. 4th election. Stocks have plummeted more than 40% since Obama sewed up the Democratic nomination in June.
Capital is on strike. And why wouldn’t it be?
Private capital has no idea what future holds in terms of taxes, regulation, trade, deficits and the value of the dollar.
None whatsoever."
"Forbes' Rich Karlgaard says that it's clear that the markets hate Obamanomics and Obeynomics.
Stocks are down 27% since the Nov. 4th election. Stocks have plummeted more than 40% since Obama sewed up the Democratic nomination in June.
Capital is on strike. And why wouldn’t it be?
Private capital has no idea what future holds in terms of taxes, regulation, trade, deficits and the value of the dollar.
None whatsoever."
Campus "free speech"?
More from the "free speech for me but not for thee" crowd
"Professor in Speech Class Refuses to Grade Student's Presentation, apparently because of the religious nature of the student's presentation, the student's expression of opposition for same-sex marriage in the presentation, or both.
On top of that, he apparently called the student a 'fascist bastard' in front of the class for having supported the anti-same-sex-marriage Prop. 8, and refused to allow the student to finish the presentation. Lovely."
"Professor in Speech Class Refuses to Grade Student's Presentation, apparently because of the religious nature of the student's presentation, the student's expression of opposition for same-sex marriage in the presentation, or both.
On top of that, he apparently called the student a 'fascist bastard' in front of the class for having supported the anti-same-sex-marriage Prop. 8, and refused to allow the student to finish the presentation. Lovely."
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