Monday, October 26, 2009
That money is washing away
That money is washing away
"The basic problem is that pension funds created to finance retirement benefits for thousands of public employees -- teachers, police officers, firefighters, and state, city and county workers of every description -- lack sufficient funds to meet their obligations.........
....Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak brought the scale of the situation home in his budget address last summer.
He reported that nearly two-thirds of an 11.3 percent property tax hike next year would go to fund the city's pension obligations."
"The basic problem is that pension funds created to finance retirement benefits for thousands of public employees -- teachers, police officers, firefighters, and state, city and county workers of every description -- lack sufficient funds to meet their obligations.........
....Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak brought the scale of the situation home in his budget address last summer.
He reported that nearly two-thirds of an 11.3 percent property tax hike next year would go to fund the city's pension obligations."
Wayne's Voodoo 2009 Wright Patterson USAF Museum
This is pretty cool.
I sent out the Wright Patterson USAF Musium invite last month and my friend Wayne replied below:
I sent out the Wright Patterson USAF Musium invite last month and my friend Wayne replied below:
"I won't be there, but place a reverent hand on the nose of the F-101 that resides there because I flew that mf.......placed the Red Hawk on the tail my own damn self.
"
I did rub reverently the nose of Wayne's bird.
Note the artistic talents of the geezer fly-"boy".
In downtown Muskegon Heights
Tear down a building and uncover a bit of history.
Ironic that the Heights is arguably the most segregated city in Michigan.
Another 12 Insanely Titled Books
Another 12 Insanely Titled Books
"How to Date a White Woman: A Practical Guide for Asian Men
'Written by an Asian with Asian men in mind within the context of a western society.
Provided inside are the knowledge, framework and tools necessary for an Asian man to understand, to plan and to put into action the steps to successfully date a white woman.'"
"How to Date a White Woman: A Practical Guide for Asian Men
'Written by an Asian with Asian men in mind within the context of a western society.
Provided inside are the knowledge, framework and tools necessary for an Asian man to understand, to plan and to put into action the steps to successfully date a white woman.'"
Sunday, October 25, 2009
family loses home, possessions in fire
family loses home, possessions in fire
"around 10:30 or 10:45 p.m. Saturday, the couple took the children, Christopher Smith, 15, Austin Van Avery, 11, and 9-year-old Jaydean Van Avery, to visit the landlord. “They said everything was OK when they left,” he said.
Apparently Daniel Van Avery was going to get a tattoo from the landlord,"
No money for insurance but lots for a new tattoo!
"around 10:30 or 10:45 p.m. Saturday, the couple took the children, Christopher Smith, 15, Austin Van Avery, 11, and 9-year-old Jaydean Van Avery, to visit the landlord. “They said everything was OK when they left,” he said.
Apparently Daniel Van Avery was going to get a tattoo from the landlord,"
No money for insurance but lots for a new tattoo!
First Daughters Not Vaccinated Against H1N1
» First Daughters Not Vaccinated Against H1N1
"President Obama's school age daughters have not been vaccinated against the H1N1 flu virus.
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs says the vaccine is not available to them based on their risk."
If we take the Obamas at their word (always a poor take) Barry and 'Chelle would love to protect their kids but..... the government directed vaccine program hasn't produced enough to be available to the Obama kids.
The world has been hyperventilating "pandemic" about this for a year!
"President Obama's school age daughters have not been vaccinated against the H1N1 flu virus.
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs says the vaccine is not available to them based on their risk."
If we take the Obamas at their word (always a poor take) Barry and 'Chelle would love to protect their kids but..... the government directed vaccine program hasn't produced enough to be available to the Obama kids.
The world has been hyperventilating "pandemic" about this for a year!
Omama has promised that his version of health care is WAAAAY better.
If government can't take care of the President's family....what do you think we're gonna get.....
This is Obama-care folks!
If government can't take care of the President's family....what do you think we're gonna get.....
This is Obama-care folks!
Kausfiles :So You Think You Have Swine Flu?
Kausfiles : So You Think You Have Swine Flu?
So You Think You Have Swine Flu?
Am I the only one--besides Michael Fumento--who finds reports like NBC's last night on the spread of swine flu ("galloping its way across the country") to be wildly unconvincing?
The NBC piece claims "90 dead" last week under the rubric "swine flu cases." [See about 1:10 in]
This is almost certainly BS.
As this CDC report makes clear, that figure includes both the swine flu and the regular annual flu. Indeed, NBC promiscuously conflates a) swine flu (H1N1); b) regular flu and c) "flu like symptoms" which may not be any kind of flu at all. ... That may be because the CDC itself has decided to conflate at least the first two categories, as noted in this seemingly damning CBS story and confirmed in the CDC report itself:
This new system was implemented on August 30, 2009, and replaces the weekly report of laboratory confirmed 2009 H1N1-related hospitalizations and deaths that began in April 2009. Jurisdictions can now report to CDC either laboratory confirmed or pneumonia and influenza syndromic-based counts of hospitalizations and deaths resulting from all types or subtypes of influenza, not just those from 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. [E.A.]
I think this means the CDC does not really know how many cases are swine flu and how many aren't. (The regular flu kills many thousands of people every year.) ...12:43 A.M.
So You Think You Have Swine Flu?
Am I the only one--besides Michael Fumento--who finds reports like NBC's last night on the spread of swine flu ("galloping its way across the country") to be wildly unconvincing?
The NBC piece claims "90 dead" last week under the rubric "swine flu cases." [See about 1:10 in]
This is almost certainly BS.
As this CDC report makes clear, that figure includes both the swine flu and the regular annual flu. Indeed, NBC promiscuously conflates a) swine flu (H1N1); b) regular flu and c) "flu like symptoms" which may not be any kind of flu at all. ... That may be because the CDC itself has decided to conflate at least the first two categories, as noted in this seemingly damning CBS story and confirmed in the CDC report itself:
This new system was implemented on August 30, 2009, and replaces the weekly report of laboratory confirmed 2009 H1N1-related hospitalizations and deaths that began in April 2009. Jurisdictions can now report to CDC either laboratory confirmed or pneumonia and influenza syndromic-based counts of hospitalizations and deaths resulting from all types or subtypes of influenza, not just those from 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. [E.A.]
I think this means the CDC does not really know how many cases are swine flu and how many aren't. (The regular flu kills many thousands of people every year.) ...12:43 A.M.
Friday, October 23, 2009
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I BRING YOU GOVERNMENT HEALTH CARE
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I BRING YOU GOVERNMENT HEALTH CARE
"Shortages, delays, long lines, rationing.
Just a small preview of what the government has in store for you...."
"Shortages, delays, long lines, rationing.
Just a small preview of what the government has in store for you...."
Experts Puzzle Over How Flight Overshot Airport
Experts Puzzle Over How Flight Overshot Airport
"Federal investigators intensified their efforts on Friday to determine why a commercial jet carrying 144 passengers and five crew members over the northern plains of the United States on Wednesday night overshot its destination by 150 miles."
Like they fell asleep, duh....
We sure need more experts don't we!
Meebee we need some experts to tell us why so many experts are so dumb?
"Federal investigators intensified their efforts on Friday to determine why a commercial jet carrying 144 passengers and five crew members over the northern plains of the United States on Wednesday night overshot its destination by 150 miles."
Like they fell asleep, duh....
We sure need more experts don't we!
Meebee we need some experts to tell us why so many experts are so dumb?
GOP calls Granholm's move to increase Michigan student funding cut to $292 per student 'fear mongering'
GOP calls Granholm's move to increase Michigan student funding cut to $292 per student 'fear mongering'
'The Legislature put a balanced budget on the governor's desk,' said state Rep. Kevin Elsenheimer, R-Kewadin, the House Republican leader. .
'Clearly, she's using fear mongering to set the stage for her tax increases.'"
'The Legislature put a balanced budget on the governor's desk,' said state Rep. Kevin Elsenheimer, R-Kewadin, the House Republican leader. .
'Clearly, she's using fear mongering to set the stage for her tax increases.'"
S&P 500's PE Ratio of 139 Isn't Sustainable
S&P 500's PE Ratio of 139 Isn't Sustainable
"For investors a PE ratio in the 25 to 30 range means it will be difficult to find bargains, as you cannot expect an expansion of the PE ratio to contribute a higher level on the S&P 500 index.
"For investors a PE ratio in the 25 to 30 range means it will be difficult to find bargains, as you cannot expect an expansion of the PE ratio to contribute a higher level on the S&P 500 index.
Moreover, there is a risk the S&P PE ratio could contract, causing the level of the S&P 500 index to fall.
A drop to 20 on the S&P 500 PE ratio gives us a high of 917 on the S&P 500, assuming earnings does not change from its forecast.
Going forward investors need to keep in mind that the risk of a PE ratio contraction is a possibility.
A rise in the S&P 500 PE ratio is unlikely"
Romer: Impact of stimulus will level off
Romer: Impact of stimulus will level off:
"top White House economist says spending from the $787 billion economic stimulus has already had its biggest impact on economic growth and will likely not contribute to significant expansion next year."
Not a surprise to most. It never was a "stimulus", just an enormous pork dump on Barry's favored comrades.
The semi-bright side of this debacle might be that the world has seen just about every socialists economic-trick and they don't work.
Maybe some will start to get the message?
"top White House economist says spending from the $787 billion economic stimulus has already had its biggest impact on economic growth and will likely not contribute to significant expansion next year."
Not a surprise to most. It never was a "stimulus", just an enormous pork dump on Barry's favored comrades.
The semi-bright side of this debacle might be that the world has seen just about every socialists economic-trick and they don't work.
Maybe some will start to get the message?
California Treasurer Lockyer: pensions will ‘bankrupt’ state « Calpensions
California Treasurer Lockyer: pensions will ‘bankrupt’ state
"State Treasurer Bill Lockyer, who sits on both the CalPERS and CalSTRS public pension boards, got the attention of his listeners during a legislative hearing yesterday.
“It’s impossible for this Legislature to reform the pension system, and if we don’t it will bankrupt the state,” is the Lockyer quote jotted down by one observer.
“My general view of the pensions is that the current benefits that have been promised are probably hard to maintain and the (retiree) health benefits that have been promised are impossible to maintain,” he said."
What will a bankrupt California mean for the rest of our country?
"State Treasurer Bill Lockyer, who sits on both the CalPERS and CalSTRS public pension boards, got the attention of his listeners during a legislative hearing yesterday.
“It’s impossible for this Legislature to reform the pension system, and if we don’t it will bankrupt the state,” is the Lockyer quote jotted down by one observer.
“My general view of the pensions is that the current benefits that have been promised are probably hard to maintain and the (retiree) health benefits that have been promised are impossible to maintain,” he said."
What will a bankrupt California mean for the rest of our country?
Holiday travel on a budget
Holiday travel on a budget
"visit Airfare Watchdog http://www.airfarewatchdog.com/. It lists deals from all airlines.
Don’t stop with the airlines, though. You can often find better deals on aggregator sites and other travel sites. Here are a few of the best:"
Excellent list of travel sites.
"visit Airfare Watchdog http://www.airfarewatchdog.com/. It lists deals from all airlines.
Don’t stop with the airlines, though. You can often find better deals on aggregator sites and other travel sites. Here are a few of the best:"
Excellent list of travel sites.
Chart of the Day: S&P500 P/E Ratio
Chart of the Day: S&P500 P/E Ratio
"As a result of the recent plunge in earnings and recent stock market rally, the PE ratio spiked and just peaked at 144 – a record high.
Currently, with 97% of US corporations having reported for Q2 2009, the PE ratio now stands at a lofty 129."
"As a result of the recent plunge in earnings and recent stock market rally, the PE ratio spiked and just peaked at 144 – a record high.
Currently, with 97% of US corporations having reported for Q2 2009, the PE ratio now stands at a lofty 129."
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Audit of Home Tax Credit Shows Errors and Abuses
Audit of Home Tax Credit Shows Errors and Abuses
"Just as Congressional leaders are calling for an extension of a popular $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers, or even an expansion to all home purchasers, government investigators reported Thursday that their audits suggest widespread abuse and errors in the program."
I'm shocked, shocked to see ...bla, bla, ad nausium....again...and again....
"Just as Congressional leaders are calling for an extension of a popular $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers, or even an expansion to all home purchasers, government investigators reported Thursday that their audits suggest widespread abuse and errors in the program."
I'm shocked, shocked to see ...bla, bla, ad nausium....again...and again....
Former Phillips School building may house homeless
Former Phillips School building may house homeless
"Housing for the homeless, and not substance abuse treatment, now is the plan for the former Phillips School, according to officials with West Michigan Therapy, which is hoping to take ownership of the shuttered building."
Another government (non-tax paying) entity providing free housing in Muskegon!
Don't we have hundreds of empty appartments and houses already?
Why spend tax money for more housing when we've already got too many empty homes and appartments!
"Housing for the homeless, and not substance abuse treatment, now is the plan for the former Phillips School, according to officials with West Michigan Therapy, which is hoping to take ownership of the shuttered building."
Another government (non-tax paying) entity providing free housing in Muskegon!
Don't we have hundreds of empty appartments and houses already?
Why spend tax money for more housing when we've already got too many empty homes and appartments!
Some Coopersville parents question district providing laptops to middle-school students
Some Coopersville parents question district providing laptops to middle-school students
"A few parents are not thrilled with every Coopersville Middle School student getting a laptop computer this year.
At a Board of Education meeting this week, one parent said children who use the school’s resource room for challenged students, such as her eighth-grade son, should not have received a laptop.
“It’s a lazy way of learning,” she said, referring to the laptops’ spell check and other automatic services. “How educational are these for the kids?”
Two other parents complained about the $30 liability fee that families are charged for students who want to take their laptops home."
Good grief!
"A few parents are not thrilled with every Coopersville Middle School student getting a laptop computer this year.
At a Board of Education meeting this week, one parent said children who use the school’s resource room for challenged students, such as her eighth-grade son, should not have received a laptop.
“It’s a lazy way of learning,” she said, referring to the laptops’ spell check and other automatic services. “How educational are these for the kids?”
Two other parents complained about the $30 liability fee that families are charged for students who want to take their laptops home."
Good grief!
The elite world of public employees
The elite world of public employees
"It is hard to make a case for going to work in the private sector anymore because government employees just have it better.
Even now, when the private sector is facing major cutbacks and layoffs, government, at the state and federal levels, still offer unparalleled perks, benefits, and salaries – even in the face of seemingly insurmountable budget deficits.
There is something terribly wrong with this picture"
"It is hard to make a case for going to work in the private sector anymore because government employees just have it better.
Even now, when the private sector is facing major cutbacks and layoffs, government, at the state and federal levels, still offer unparalleled perks, benefits, and salaries – even in the face of seemingly insurmountable budget deficits.
There is something terribly wrong with this picture"
Could Los Angeles Go Bankrupt?
Milken SOS: Could Los Angeles Go Bankrupt?
"Here’s a sobering thought: could the City of Angels go bankrupt?
Following up on recent comments by former LA Mayor Richard Riordan that Los Angeles was on the way to bankruptcy unless it got concessions from unions..."
So many dominoes, so many left to fall....
"Here’s a sobering thought: could the City of Angels go bankrupt?
Following up on recent comments by former LA Mayor Richard Riordan that Los Angeles was on the way to bankruptcy unless it got concessions from unions..."
So many dominoes, so many left to fall....
Cat 5 Hurricane Rick threatens Mexico resort city
Cat 5 Hurricane Rick threatens Mexico resort city
"Hurricane Rick, the strongest eastern North Pacific storm in more than a decade, raged across open seas on Sunday, but forecasters said it could veer into resorts at the tip of the Baja California Peninsula by midweek.
The track of the Category 5 hurricane threatened to disrupt a major sport fishing tournament scheduled to start Wednesday in Los Cabos, where hundreds of fishermen - mainly Americans - were gathering.
The hurricane's winds were still a howling 175 mph (280 kph) Sunday, down slightly from a peak of 180 mph (285 kph), according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami. But it was projected to move over cooler waters and weaken to around Category 2 status with winds of around 98 mph (156 kph) before hitting land."
I saved this from last week.
....never mind
"Hurricane Rick, the strongest eastern North Pacific storm in more than a decade, raged across open seas on Sunday, but forecasters said it could veer into resorts at the tip of the Baja California Peninsula by midweek.
The track of the Category 5 hurricane threatened to disrupt a major sport fishing tournament scheduled to start Wednesday in Los Cabos, where hundreds of fishermen - mainly Americans - were gathering.
The hurricane's winds were still a howling 175 mph (280 kph) Sunday, down slightly from a peak of 180 mph (285 kph), according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami. But it was projected to move over cooler waters and weaken to around Category 2 status with winds of around 98 mph (156 kph) before hitting land."
I saved this from last week.
....never mind
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
HMM: “Voters in this small city decided overwhelmingly last year to do away with the party affiliat…
HMM: “Voters in this small city decided overwhelmingly last year to do away with the party affiliat…
"HMM: “Voters in this small city decided overwhelmingly last year to do away with the party affiliation of candidates in local elections, but the Obama administration recently overruled the electorate and decided that equal rights for black voters cannot be achieved without the Democratic Party.
The Justice Department’s ruling, which affects races for City Council and mayor, went so far as to say partisan elections are needed so that black voters can elect their ‘candidates of choice’ – identified by the department as those who are Democrats and almost exclusively black.”
If this is an accurate report, it will only strengthen claims that the Department of Justice has been politicized under Eric Holder, particularly as the decision was “made by the same Justice official who ordered the dismissal of a voting rights case against members of the New Black Panther Party in Philadelphia.”"
Imagine the MSM response if this was a republican administration.
"HMM: “Voters in this small city decided overwhelmingly last year to do away with the party affiliation of candidates in local elections, but the Obama administration recently overruled the electorate and decided that equal rights for black voters cannot be achieved without the Democratic Party.
The Justice Department’s ruling, which affects races for City Council and mayor, went so far as to say partisan elections are needed so that black voters can elect their ‘candidates of choice’ – identified by the department as those who are Democrats and almost exclusively black.”
If this is an accurate report, it will only strengthen claims that the Department of Justice has been politicized under Eric Holder, particularly as the decision was “made by the same Justice official who ordered the dismissal of a voting rights case against members of the New Black Panther Party in Philadelphia.”"
Imagine the MSM response if this was a republican administration.
Muskegon, Shoreline Inn to give valuation dispute to referee
Muskegon, Shoreline Inn to give valuation dispute to referee
"The city and hotel owner will agree to accept the property value determined by the independent appraiser, avoiding a lengthy and costly property tax appeal, city staff said.
The city would have to pay for legal fees and appraisal services if the hotel property tax case were taken to the Michigan Tax Tribunal, they said."
Big surprise that an entrepreneur doesn't trust the city to accurately value their property....right
"The city and hotel owner will agree to accept the property value determined by the independent appraiser, avoiding a lengthy and costly property tax appeal, city staff said.
The city would have to pay for legal fees and appraisal services if the hotel property tax case were taken to the Michigan Tax Tribunal, they said."
Big surprise that an entrepreneur doesn't trust the city to accurately value their property....right
Monday, October 19, 2009
Persistent criminals could escape trial under new CPS guidelines
Persistent criminals could escape trial under new CPS guidelines
"Hundreds of offenders may escape charges because court action would not be deemed “proportionate” to their crimes, under guidelines that set out the most significant changes to prosecution principles in 90 years"
"Hundreds of offenders may escape charges because court action would not be deemed “proportionate” to their crimes, under guidelines that set out the most significant changes to prosecution principles in 90 years"
In Hawaii, school's out for recession
In Hawaii, school's out for recession
"At a time when President Barack Obama is pushing for more time in the classroom, his home state has created the nation's shortest school year under a new union contract that closes schools on most Fridays for the remainder of the academic calendar.
The deal whacks 17 days from the school year for budget-cutting reasons and has education advocates incensed that Hawaii is drastically cutting the academic calendar at a time when it already ranks near the bottom in national educational achievement."
"At a time when President Barack Obama is pushing for more time in the classroom, his home state has created the nation's shortest school year under a new union contract that closes schools on most Fridays for the remainder of the academic calendar.
The deal whacks 17 days from the school year for budget-cutting reasons and has education advocates incensed that Hawaii is drastically cutting the academic calendar at a time when it already ranks near the bottom in national educational achievement."
Michigan limits mercury from coal-fired plants
Michigan limits mercury from coal-fired plants
"Michigan's coal-fired power plants will be required to make drastic cuts in mercury emissions under regulations announced Monday.
The rules developed by the Department of Environmental Quality are designed to implement a policy Gov. Jennifer Granholm announced three years ago to slash the generators' mercury output 90 percent by 2015.
Coal-fired plants produce 60 percent of Michigan's electricity."
Imagine you're a company CEO thinking of expanding in Michigan ...... or moving out....
"Michigan's coal-fired power plants will be required to make drastic cuts in mercury emissions under regulations announced Monday.
The rules developed by the Department of Environmental Quality are designed to implement a policy Gov. Jennifer Granholm announced three years ago to slash the generators' mercury output 90 percent by 2015.
Coal-fired plants produce 60 percent of Michigan's electricity."
Imagine you're a company CEO thinking of expanding in Michigan ...... or moving out....
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