Sen. Dodd, D-Conn., slashed aviation security funding for pet constituency
"Now that our attention is focused on airline security measures thanks to the failed airline attack on Christmas Day, it's worth mentioning that one Senator took money away from aviation security to line the pockets of constituency that supported his presidential campaign in a big way.
Back in July, Senator Chris Dodd, D-Conn., proposed an amendment reducing aviation security appropriations by $4.5 million in favor of firefighter grants -- a notoriously inneffective program.
In fact, the money was specifically 'for screening operations and the amount for explosives detection systems.'
The amendment was also sponsored by Sen. Lieberman, D-Conn., and Sen. Carper, D-Del., but Dodd deserves to be singled out here because the firefighters union is a pet constituency of his.
In 2007 he campaigned all through Iowa with the firefighters union. It was one of the few distinguishable features of Dodd's ill-fated presidential bid."
Monday, December 28, 2009
Power Line - What Went Wrong?
Power Line - What Went Wrong?
"As more information comes to light about Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, questions about why he was allowed to fly to the U.S. without any sort of screening continue to multiply.
The Associated Press reports this morning:
A U.S. official in Washington said [Abdulmutallab's] father's concerns were shared among those in the embassy, including liaison personnel from other agencies based there, such as the FBI.
The alert was then relayed to Washington and again shared among agencies such as the State, Justice and Homeland Security departments, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the investigation."
"As more information comes to light about Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, questions about why he was allowed to fly to the U.S. without any sort of screening continue to multiply.
The Associated Press reports this morning:
A U.S. official in Washington said [Abdulmutallab's] father's concerns were shared among those in the embassy, including liaison personnel from other agencies based there, such as the FBI.
The alert was then relayed to Washington and again shared among agencies such as the State, Justice and Homeland Security departments, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the investigation."
Black Panther case: Has a head rolled?
Black Panther case: Has a head rolled?
"Main Justice reports that Christopher Coates, head of the Justice Department's voting rights division, has been removed from his post and replaced.
But no, the administration isn't doing damage control after it mysteriously dropped voter intimidation charges against three members of the Black Panther Party who rather openly intimidated Philadelphia voters on Election Day 2008.
Rather, the administration is getting rid of the official who initiated the charges:"
"Main Justice reports that Christopher Coates, head of the Justice Department's voting rights division, has been removed from his post and replaced.
But no, the administration isn't doing damage control after it mysteriously dropped voter intimidation charges against three members of the Black Panther Party who rather openly intimidated Philadelphia voters on Election Day 2008.
Rather, the administration is getting rid of the official who initiated the charges:"
Oconomowoc Family Survives Terrorist Attempt
Oconomowoc Family Survives Terrorist Attempt
"Her daughter said that ahead of them was a man who videotaped the entire flight, including the attempted detonation.
'He sat up and videotaped the entire thing, very calmly,' said Patricia.
'We do know that the FBI is looking for him intensely.
Since then, we've heard nothing about it.'"
Yeah...right...
‘System Worked’: DHS Secretary Defends Response to Flight 253 Attack
http://www.breitbart.tv/system-worked-dhs-secretary-defends-response-to-flight-253-attack/
"Her daughter said that ahead of them was a man who videotaped the entire flight, including the attempted detonation.
'He sat up and videotaped the entire thing, very calmly,' said Patricia.
'We do know that the FBI is looking for him intensely.
Since then, we've heard nothing about it.'"
Yeah...right...
‘System Worked’: DHS Secretary Defends Response to Flight 253 Attack
http://www.breitbart.tv/system-worked-dhs-secretary-defends-response-to-flight-253-attack/
Fire Napolitano
Fire Napolitano - Jonah Goldberg - The Corner on National Review Online
The head of the Department of Homeland Security isn't helping.
I watched her on three shows and each time she was more annoying, maddening and absurd than the pevious appearance.
It is her basic position that the 'system worked' because the bureaucrats responded properly after the attack.
That the attack was 'foiled' by a bad detonator and some civilian passengers is proof, she claims, that her agency is doing everything right. That is just about the dumbest thing she could say, on the merits and politically.
I would wager that not one percent of Americans think the system is 'working' when terrorists successfully get bombs onto planes (and succeed in activating them)."
The head of the Department of Homeland Security isn't helping.
I watched her on three shows and each time she was more annoying, maddening and absurd than the pevious appearance.
It is her basic position that the 'system worked' because the bureaucrats responded properly after the attack.
That the attack was 'foiled' by a bad detonator and some civilian passengers is proof, she claims, that her agency is doing everything right. That is just about the dumbest thing she could say, on the merits and politically.
I would wager that not one percent of Americans think the system is 'working' when terrorists successfully get bombs onto planes (and succeed in activating them)."
Most valuable college football teams: U-M 11th, MSU 16th
Most valuable college football teams: U-M 11th, MSU 16th, Forbes says
"Texas is the most valuable football team in college sports, according to Forbes magazine.
Michigan dropped from fourth to No. 11 in the annual rankings, and Michigan State is No. 16."
"Texas is the most valuable football team in college sports, according to Forbes magazine.
Michigan dropped from fourth to No. 11 in the annual rankings, and Michigan State is No. 16."
Five Decades Of Cooling Ahead
Investors.com - Five Decades Of Cooling Ahead
"Qing Bin-Lu, a professor of physics and astronomy at Canada's University of Waterloo, is a believer in the value of drawing conclusions from observable data and not from selective data fed into computer models that are based on false assumptions and include 'fudge factors.'
In a peer-reviewed paper published in the prestigious online journal Physics Reports, Lu, who holds a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Newcastle, reports that CFCs, the compounds once widely used as refrigerants, and cosmic rays, which are energy particles originating in outer space, are mostly to blame for climate change, rather than carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
Lu puts the start of the cooling trend at 2002 and writes that 'the observed data show that CFCs conspiring with cosmic rays most likely caused both the Antarctic ozone hole and global warming. These findings are totally unexpected and striking, as I was focused on studying the mechanism for the formation of the ozone hole, rather than global warming.'"
"Qing Bin-Lu, a professor of physics and astronomy at Canada's University of Waterloo, is a believer in the value of drawing conclusions from observable data and not from selective data fed into computer models that are based on false assumptions and include 'fudge factors.'
In a peer-reviewed paper published in the prestigious online journal Physics Reports, Lu, who holds a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Newcastle, reports that CFCs, the compounds once widely used as refrigerants, and cosmic rays, which are energy particles originating in outer space, are mostly to blame for climate change, rather than carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
Lu puts the start of the cooling trend at 2002 and writes that 'the observed data show that CFCs conspiring with cosmic rays most likely caused both the Antarctic ozone hole and global warming. These findings are totally unexpected and striking, as I was focused on studying the mechanism for the formation of the ozone hole, rather than global warming.'"
The New Climate Litigation
The New Climate Litigation - WSJ.com
"Across the country, trial lawyers and green pressure groups—if that's not redundant—are teaming up to sue electric utilities for carbon emissions under 'nuisance' laws."
"Across the country, trial lawyers and green pressure groups—if that's not redundant—are teaming up to sue electric utilities for carbon emissions under 'nuisance' laws."
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Stocks higher? Famed investor says don't bet on it
Stocks higher? Famed investor says don't bet on it
"'We're on a sugar high,' El-Erian says. 'It feels good for a while but is unsustainable.'
His point: This burst of economic activity fed by government spending and near-zero interest rates will soon peter out."
"'We're on a sugar high,' El-Erian says. 'It feels good for a while but is unsustainable.'
His point: This burst of economic activity fed by government spending and near-zero interest rates will soon peter out."
Percy Sutton dies; His Obama revelation omitted from obituaries
American Thinker Blog: Percy Sutton dies; His Obama revelation omitted from obituaries
"However, one of Sutton's most notable moments is absent from the media hagiographies I have seen: he stated on television that he knew that an Islamic supremacist, Dr. Khalid al-Mansour, and advisor to a wealthy Saudi, had paid for Barack Obama's education at Harvard Law School.
Exactly how young Barack Obama, a man of slender means, managed to pay for a Harvard Law degree has long been a mystery, and the President has not been forthcoming about any details of his elite education.
See for yourself, Sutton's remarkable statement, which has been considgned to the Memory Hole, by the major media.
Not even a reference to a 'controversial contention' or other such euphemism. It simply never happened as far as the media are concerned."
"However, one of Sutton's most notable moments is absent from the media hagiographies I have seen: he stated on television that he knew that an Islamic supremacist, Dr. Khalid al-Mansour, and advisor to a wealthy Saudi, had paid for Barack Obama's education at Harvard Law School.
Exactly how young Barack Obama, a man of slender means, managed to pay for a Harvard Law degree has long been a mystery, and the President has not been forthcoming about any details of his elite education.
See for yourself, Sutton's remarkable statement, which has been considgned to the Memory Hole, by the major media.
Not even a reference to a 'controversial contention' or other such euphemism. It simply never happened as far as the media are concerned."
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Ali Velshi Stops Rep. King From Naming Northwest Airlines Terrorist
Ali Velshi Stops Rep. King From Naming Northwest Airlines Terrorist NewsBusters.org
"CNN's Ali Velshi on Friday stopped Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.) from divulging the name of the terrorist who tried to set off a bomb as a Northwest Airlines flight from Amsterdam began to land in Detroit.
Velshi did this claiming, '[W]e have not got any information on anyone being charged.
So thank you for bringing us information.
But would ask you not to name anybody on TV right now, we do not have any word of official charges.'
By this time, other news outlets including the Associated Press, CBS, and Fox News had given the suspect's name, Abdul Mudallad."
"CNN's Ali Velshi on Friday stopped Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.) from divulging the name of the terrorist who tried to set off a bomb as a Northwest Airlines flight from Amsterdam began to land in Detroit.
Velshi did this claiming, '[W]e have not got any information on anyone being charged.
So thank you for bringing us information.
But would ask you not to name anybody on TV right now, we do not have any word of official charges.'
By this time, other news outlets including the Associated Press, CBS, and Fox News had given the suspect's name, Abdul Mudallad."
Routine Turned to Mayhem on Terror Flight - WSJ.com
Routine Turned to Mayhem on Terror Flight
"A passenger then climbed over several seats, lunged across the aisle and managed to subdue the suspect, the eyewitnesses said."
"A passenger then climbed over several seats, lunged across the aisle and managed to subdue the suspect, the eyewitnesses said."
The Climate Change Scam: A Concise Summary
Power Line - The Climate Change Scam: A Concise Summary
"For example, some argue that the Arctic is melting, with the warmest-ever temperatures.
One should ask, 'How long is ever?'
The answer is since 1979.
And then ask, 'Is it still warming?'
The answer is unequivocally 'No.'
Earth temperatures are cooling.
Similarly, the word 'unprecedented' cannot be legitimately used to describe any climate change in the last 8,000 years."
"For example, some argue that the Arctic is melting, with the warmest-ever temperatures.
One should ask, 'How long is ever?'
The answer is since 1979.
And then ask, 'Is it still warming?'
The answer is unequivocally 'No.'
Earth temperatures are cooling.
Similarly, the word 'unprecedented' cannot be legitimately used to describe any climate change in the last 8,000 years."
Portage teachers prove loyalty to district, students by accepting wage concessions
Portage teachers prove loyalty to district, students by accepting wage concessions
"We at EAG would like to congratulate the teachers of Portage schools for accepting a two percent pay cut and an early retirement package, which will help the district erase a $2.5 million deficit and save teaching jobs in the process.
It demonstrated that rank-and-file teachers really do care about their students and their younger colleagues who are threatened with layoffs."
"We at EAG would like to congratulate the teachers of Portage schools for accepting a two percent pay cut and an early retirement package, which will help the district erase a $2.5 million deficit and save teaching jobs in the process.
It demonstrated that rank-and-file teachers really do care about their students and their younger colleagues who are threatened with layoffs."
Wayne State University making up for lost Michigan Promise scholarships
Wayne State University making up for lost Michigan Promise scholarships
"Wayne State University says it will cover the money its students lost with cuts to the Michigan Promise Scholarship program this academic year.
The university says it will cover the $1,000 scholarship for students who have filed the federal financial aid disclosure form and show a 'need based on federal guidelines.'"
"Wayne State University says it will cover the money its students lost with cuts to the Michigan Promise Scholarship program this academic year.
The university says it will cover the $1,000 scholarship for students who have filed the federal financial aid disclosure form and show a 'need based on federal guidelines.'"
Tenure reform left out of Michigan's sweeping changes to education policy | Grand Rapids News - - MLive.com
Tenure reform left out of Michigan's sweeping changes to education policy
"A Press investigation in 2008 illustrated how difficult it is to discipline or fire teachers under Michigan's tenure law. The probe found 17 public school districts in Kent and Ottawa counties had to use buyouts or other deals to oust some 29 teachers -- many who were protected by tenure -- because of behavioral problems.
In the investigation, teachers were found to be:
• sexually harassing students
• viewing pornography on school computers
• failing to keep classrooms under control
• drinking on the job
In some cases, districts glossed over problems by shredding evidence, asking administrators not to speak about the reasons behind a departure or writing a positive letter of recommendation for the teacher."
"A Press investigation in 2008 illustrated how difficult it is to discipline or fire teachers under Michigan's tenure law. The probe found 17 public school districts in Kent and Ottawa counties had to use buyouts or other deals to oust some 29 teachers -- many who were protected by tenure -- because of behavioral problems.
In the investigation, teachers were found to be:
• sexually harassing students
• viewing pornography on school computers
• failing to keep classrooms under control
• drinking on the job
In some cases, districts glossed over problems by shredding evidence, asking administrators not to speak about the reasons behind a departure or writing a positive letter of recommendation for the teacher."
Underperforming school takeovers key to Michigan education reform
Underperforming school takeovers key to Michigan education reform
"Michigan's aggressive plan to turn around and perhaps take over the worst of its public schools will be a key piece of the state's effort to win up to $400 million in federal stimulus money for education."
"Michigan's aggressive plan to turn around and perhaps take over the worst of its public schools will be a key piece of the state's effort to win up to $400 million in federal stimulus money for education."
Grand Rapids' financial crunch puts community police officers back on street
Grand Rapids' financial crunch puts community police officers back on street
"For nearly six years, Hearing has used his position as coach for the Seidman Center football team to teach children how to stay out of trouble and in school.
Now city budget cuts and a thinning police department mean Moore and Hearing will be leaving the centers and returning to patrol duties.
Center staff say the two officers will be sorely missed."
"For nearly six years, Hearing has used his position as coach for the Seidman Center football team to teach children how to stay out of trouble and in school.
Now city budget cuts and a thinning police department mean Moore and Hearing will be leaving the centers and returning to patrol duties.
Center staff say the two officers will be sorely missed."
Budget Office Rebuts Democratic Claims on Medicare
Budget Office Rebuts Democratic Claims on Medicare
"The Congressional Budget Office challenged claims by health-care overhaul proponents that Medicare savings in Senate legislation would help finance expanded coverage and postpone the bankruptcy of the medical program for the elderly.
The nonpartisan agency said the $246 billion it projected the legislation would save Medicare can’t both finance new programs and help pay future expenses for elderly covered under the federal program.
Nor could those savings be used to extend the solvency of Medicare, set to run out of money in 2017, the budget office said"
"The Congressional Budget Office challenged claims by health-care overhaul proponents that Medicare savings in Senate legislation would help finance expanded coverage and postpone the bankruptcy of the medical program for the elderly.
The nonpartisan agency said the $246 billion it projected the legislation would save Medicare can’t both finance new programs and help pay future expenses for elderly covered under the federal program.
Nor could those savings be used to extend the solvency of Medicare, set to run out of money in 2017, the budget office said"
Incident should be a signal to Obama, Hoekstra says
Incident should be a signal to Obama, Hoekstra says
Detroit Free Press: "The ranking Republican on the U.S. House Intelligence Committee says today's suspected terrorist incident at Detroit Metro Airport could provide further evidence of a Yemen-based branch of al-Qaida intent on an attack on American soil and believes the Obama administration needs to take more aggressive action to combat the threat."
Detroit Free Press: "The ranking Republican on the U.S. House Intelligence Committee says today's suspected terrorist incident at Detroit Metro Airport could provide further evidence of a Yemen-based branch of al-Qaida intent on an attack on American soil and believes the Obama administration needs to take more aggressive action to combat the threat."
Friday, December 25, 2009
Tax credit deadline approaches
Tax credit deadline approaches
"Even though the program runs until the end of 2010, there is a rush to beat the Dec. 31 deadline to get a credit off 2009 taxes"
Time to re-start thinking about taxes!
"Even though the program runs until the end of 2010, there is a rush to beat the Dec. 31 deadline to get a credit off 2009 taxes"
Time to re-start thinking about taxes!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
12 Most Unusual Christmas Trees
This creative sushi Christmas tree not only looks awesome but delicious!
It was made in Japan, of course."
It was made in Japan, of course."
State’s pension plans a ticking time bomb
Editorial: State’s pension plans a ticking time bomb - The Delaware County Daily Times
"There is a ticking time bomb in Pennsylvania."
and this:
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20091218/COMMUNITY/912179949?Title=City-of-Petaluma-8217-s-fiscal-time-bomb
and this:
http://www.newburyportnews.com/puopinion/local_story_356225105.html
(all links from the fabulous (albeit relentlessly depressing) http://pensiontsunami.com/)
"There is a ticking time bomb in Pennsylvania."
and this:
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20091218/COMMUNITY/912179949?Title=City-of-Petaluma-8217-s-fiscal-time-bomb
and this:
http://www.newburyportnews.com/puopinion/local_story_356225105.html
(all links from the fabulous (albeit relentlessly depressing) http://pensiontsunami.com/)
Stimulus money to help Early Head Start programs
Stimulus money to help Early Head Start programs
"New Early Head Start services will be offered in Muskegon and Oceana counties beginning March 1 thanks to $910,000 in stimulus dollars coming to the local Head Start program."
This is a perfect example of why the "recovery" will not happen.
Most of the federal job stimulus money has been spent on porky, vote-buying government/NGO "jobs" with little reaching the true job creators in a recovery, small and medium size businesses.
And talk of an additional "job stimulus" program?
Nothing more than another giant credit card of debt to buy votes and big union contributions for the democrat machine.
Gee, sounds just like Chicago-style politics, don't it?
"New Early Head Start services will be offered in Muskegon and Oceana counties beginning March 1 thanks to $910,000 in stimulus dollars coming to the local Head Start program."
This is a perfect example of why the "recovery" will not happen.
Most of the federal job stimulus money has been spent on porky, vote-buying government/NGO "jobs" with little reaching the true job creators in a recovery, small and medium size businesses.
And talk of an additional "job stimulus" program?
Nothing more than another giant credit card of debt to buy votes and big union contributions for the democrat machine.
Gee, sounds just like Chicago-style politics, don't it?
Crocodile Tears:HAMAS’ Jimmuh Issues Fake Israel Apology to Help Grandson Jason Carter
Debbie Schlussel
"Well, apparently, the news has gotten to his crotchety old HAMAS- and Hezbollah-lovin’ granddaddy, because Jimmy Carter issued an obviously fake apology to the Jews and Israel that is not only phony, but nothing less than sheer politics designed to help rescue his grandson’s political ambitions."
I did think the Jimmah apology was odd.
And the major media coverage of it even odder.
Now I know the "rest of the story".
"Well, apparently, the news has gotten to his crotchety old HAMAS- and Hezbollah-lovin’ granddaddy, because Jimmy Carter issued an obviously fake apology to the Jews and Israel that is not only phony, but nothing less than sheer politics designed to help rescue his grandson’s political ambitions."
I did think the Jimmah apology was odd.
And the major media coverage of it even odder.
Now I know the "rest of the story".
Detroit Homes for Less Than $100, Starting at $10
CARPE DIEM: Detroit Homes for Less Than $100, Starting at $10
"Detroit Homes for Less Than $100, Starting at $10"
"Detroit Homes for Less Than $100, Starting at $10"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)