State workers should be required to cover the costs of expanded health care coverage detnews.com The Detroit News
"But Michigan can't afford roommate benefits that allow just about anyone to be added to health care policies.
A better approach would be to take another whack at modifying the law.
In the meantime, the cost of this giveaway should come from the state employees who want to add more people in their household to their employee benefit packages"
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Sarah Palin's Gun Control Warnings At Safari Club International
Sarah Palin's Gun Control Warnings At Safari Club International - The Daily Beast
"Rocking the house at the Safari Club International annual convention, Sarah Palin warned Obama was out for their gun rights—and dangled a major hint about 2012."
"Rocking the house at the Safari Club International annual convention, Sarah Palin warned Obama was out for their gun rights—and dangled a major hint about 2012."
Tawdry details of Obamacare
WOLF: Tawdry details of Obamacare - Washington Times
"If you would like to know what the White House really thinks of Obamacare, there’s an easy way.
Look past its press releases.
Ignore its promises.
Forget its talking points.
Instead, simply witness for yourself the outrageous way the White House protects its best friends from Obamacare."
"If you would like to know what the White House really thinks of Obamacare, there’s an easy way.
Look past its press releases.
Ignore its promises.
Forget its talking points.
Instead, simply witness for yourself the outrageous way the White House protects its best friends from Obamacare."
Video: Suns stuntman dunks himself right through through the rim
theblogprof: Video: Suns stuntman dunks himself right through through the rim
"Don't know if this was intentional or just a mishap, but the kid's lucky to not have been hurt if it indeed was unintentional:"
"Don't know if this was intentional or just a mishap, but the kid's lucky to not have been hurt if it indeed was unintentional:"
My speedy smart phone!
Wow!
I was never satisfied with my Verizon-Samsung Omnia 2 phone and just went to the VZ site and saw a new software update.
AMAZING!
It's like I have a new phone!
If you have a smart phone, check out your carrier's site to see if there is an update.
I was never satisfied with my Verizon-Samsung Omnia 2 phone and just went to the VZ site and saw a new software update.
AMAZING!
It's like I have a new phone!
If you have a smart phone, check out your carrier's site to see if there is an update.
GOP State Convention bummer - Lt Gov Brian Calley has sour grapes
theblogprof: GOP State Convention bummer - Lt Gov Brian Calley has sour grapes
"So Brian Calley makes a speech at the State Convention today.
I’ll set aside for now that his speech was almost identical to the one that he gave in August, a fact that did not impress anyone irrespective of the speech’s quality.
But it’s how he started his speech that raised an eyebrow.
I was certainly not alone.
I’m paraphrasing here, but Calley started out by saying “Good morning.
This is is a better morning than the last time we met. I don’t think anyone is running against me here.”
It was a slight at the tea party that 1) nominated their own candidate for Lt Gov at the GOP Convention in August, and 2) turned the state red.
Not classy, but apparently Calley."
Anyone in Michigan state government who still doesn't get it is gonna "get it" soon.
"So Brian Calley makes a speech at the State Convention today.
I’ll set aside for now that his speech was almost identical to the one that he gave in August, a fact that did not impress anyone irrespective of the speech’s quality.
But it’s how he started his speech that raised an eyebrow.
I was certainly not alone.
I’m paraphrasing here, but Calley started out by saying “Good morning.
This is is a better morning than the last time we met. I don’t think anyone is running against me here.”
It was a slight at the tea party that 1) nominated their own candidate for Lt Gov at the GOP Convention in August, and 2) turned the state red.
Not classy, but apparently Calley."
Anyone in Michigan state government who still doesn't get it is gonna "get it" soon.
Snyder's tax plan hits big firms hardest
Snyder's tax plan hits big firms hardest detnews.com The Detroit News
"Gov. Rick Snyder wants to kill the Michigan Business Tax and replace it with a 6 percent corporate income tax that would be applied mostly to larger Michigan companies and include an exemption for small businesses, according to a draft law obtained Friday by The Detroit News.
The proposal got mostly positive reviews from employers, but certain companies such as large manufacturers and insurance companies say they could face a tax increase under the plan.
At the same time, Snyder is expected to significantly cut back targeted tax credits such as those received by the film industry and paid to industry by the Michigan Economic Growth Authority"
A VERY good start!
"Gov. Rick Snyder wants to kill the Michigan Business Tax and replace it with a 6 percent corporate income tax that would be applied mostly to larger Michigan companies and include an exemption for small businesses, according to a draft law obtained Friday by The Detroit News.
The proposal got mostly positive reviews from employers, but certain companies such as large manufacturers and insurance companies say they could face a tax increase under the plan.
At the same time, Snyder is expected to significantly cut back targeted tax credits such as those received by the film industry and paid to industry by the Michigan Economic Growth Authority"
A VERY good start!
Ex-SOS Land considering challenging Stabenow in 2012
Ex-SOS Land considering challenging Stabenow in 2012 detnews.com The Detroit News
"Land, who spoke to The Detroit News while attending the Michigan Republican Party convention at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, said she plans to meet next week with another possible candidate, former U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, before making a decision.
Other possible candidates include Republican National Committeeman Saul Anuzis and businessman Tim Leuliette."
I spoke with Terri Friday night at the GOP convention and she said she's looking to enter the race.
The same with Saul, who's very open about his interest.
"Land, who spoke to The Detroit News while attending the Michigan Republican Party convention at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, said she plans to meet next week with another possible candidate, former U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, before making a decision.
Other possible candidates include Republican National Committeeman Saul Anuzis and businessman Tim Leuliette."
I spoke with Terri Friday night at the GOP convention and she said she's looking to enter the race.
The same with Saul, who's very open about his interest.
Challengers Close to Stabenow
Challengers Close to Stabenow
"A Wilson Research Strategies (R) poll shows two Republicans within striking distance of Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI).
Stabenow leads Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land (R), 46% to 41%, and tops Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R), 47% to 41%."
"A Wilson Research Strategies (R) poll shows two Republicans within striking distance of Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI).
Stabenow leads Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land (R), 46% to 41%, and tops Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R), 47% to 41%."
Democrats Charged in 'Massive' Voter Fraud Case
Democrats Charged in 'Massive' Voter Fraud Case - Voter Fraud - Fox Nation
"A 59-page, 116-count indictment charges Troy Democratic City Councilman Michael LoPorto and Edward McDonough, Democratic Commissioner of the Rensselaer County Board of Elections, with forgery and criminal possession of a forged instrument."
"A 59-page, 116-count indictment charges Troy Democratic City Councilman Michael LoPorto and Edward McDonough, Democratic Commissioner of the Rensselaer County Board of Elections, with forgery and criminal possession of a forged instrument."
BJ's Dick's Stores Are A Match Made In Heaven
BJ's Dick's Stores Are A Match Made In Heaven someecards.com
"Two retail stores with sexual tension"
"Two retail stores with sexual tension"
Republicans embrace Obama rail initiative
Republicans embrace Obama rail initiative - The Hill's Blog Briefing Room
"Key Republicans are embracing a major spending initiative outlined in President Obama's State of the Union address"
Expose them!
Defeat them!
"Key Republicans are embracing a major spending initiative outlined in President Obama's State of the Union address"
Expose them!
Defeat them!
Obama infects federal work forces with 'British disease'
Obama infects federal work forces with 'British disease' Examiner Editorial Editorials Washington Examiner
"Britain's economy nearly came to a standstill in the late 1970s as a result of a contagion known as the British disease -- endless work stoppages, slowdowns and strikes called by militant trade unions.
Company owners and managers had to secure prior approval from union bosses before carrying out even the most routine workplace tasks.
As a result, productivity plummeted, and exports of once-popular British products like cars and motorcycles dropped sharply or disappeared entirely.
Economic growth stagnated, investors fled overseas, and the country's standard of living declined.
The fever was broken only after voters awarded Margaret Thatcher with a massive Tory landslide in 1979.
She then 'broke' the unions during the ensuing miners strike, enabling her to push major reforms through Parliament, including new limits on trade unionism and its power in the management of British firms
Sadly, an executive order signed by President Obama in 2009 has injected a massive dose of the British disease into the daily operation of the federal government.
Executive Order 13522 is innocuously titled "Creating Labor-Management Forums to Improve Delivery of Government Services."
The reality is that the only thing improved will be the ability of federal employee union bosses to tell managers of government departments and agencies what they can and cannot do.
What makes this an even more extraordinary turn of events, however, is the fact the Obama administration has empowered union bosses to exercise this new power behind closed doors without fear of exposure via the Freedom of Information Act."
"Britain's economy nearly came to a standstill in the late 1970s as a result of a contagion known as the British disease -- endless work stoppages, slowdowns and strikes called by militant trade unions.
Company owners and managers had to secure prior approval from union bosses before carrying out even the most routine workplace tasks.
As a result, productivity plummeted, and exports of once-popular British products like cars and motorcycles dropped sharply or disappeared entirely.
Economic growth stagnated, investors fled overseas, and the country's standard of living declined.
The fever was broken only after voters awarded Margaret Thatcher with a massive Tory landslide in 1979.
She then 'broke' the unions during the ensuing miners strike, enabling her to push major reforms through Parliament, including new limits on trade unionism and its power in the management of British firms
Sadly, an executive order signed by President Obama in 2009 has injected a massive dose of the British disease into the daily operation of the federal government.
Executive Order 13522 is innocuously titled "Creating Labor-Management Forums to Improve Delivery of Government Services."
The reality is that the only thing improved will be the ability of federal employee union bosses to tell managers of government departments and agencies what they can and cannot do.
What makes this an even more extraordinary turn of events, however, is the fact the Obama administration has empowered union bosses to exercise this new power behind closed doors without fear of exposure via the Freedom of Information Act."
Experts: Cell phone networks fall short of 4G standards
Experts: Cell phone networks fall short of 4G standards detnews.com The Detroit News
"While fourth-generation networks are slightly faster than third-generation — 3G — networks, they fall short of true 4G speeds, according to an international group that sets cell phone standards.
They are more like 3.5G networks."
"While fourth-generation networks are slightly faster than third-generation — 3G — networks, they fall short of true 4G speeds, according to an international group that sets cell phone standards.
They are more like 3.5G networks."
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Instapundit » Blog Archive » ANSWERING THE IMPORTANT QUESTIONS: Why ARE women’s breasts getting bigger?
Instapundit » Blog Archive » ANSWERING THE IMPORTANT QUESTIONS: Why ARE women’s breasts getting bigger?
UPDATE: Reader Arthur Lueck writes: “While I am not the most religious sort, I think the reason is clear:
God loves us and want us to be happy.”"
UPDATE: Reader Arthur Lueck writes: “While I am not the most religious sort, I think the reason is clear:
God loves us and want us to be happy.”"
Egypt: Three Possible Outcomes
Pajamas Media » Egypt: Three Possible Outcomes
"Egypt: Three Possible Outcomes
It might be the entire Western position in the Middle East that is swept away, and one dictatorship might be replaced by a worse one.
I hope this analysis is wrong;
I fear that it is accurate"
Chilling!
"Egypt: Three Possible Outcomes
It might be the entire Western position in the Middle East that is swept away, and one dictatorship might be replaced by a worse one.
I hope this analysis is wrong;
I fear that it is accurate"
Chilling!
Obama school choicer?..not!
TOTAL GLEES Chicks On The Right
"You know what’s completely awesome?
When Obama touts the success of something in his SOTU, only to have to discover later that the reason for the success of that something is because that something did the EXACT OPPOSITE of what Obama would normally support.
Case in point.
In his SOTU, Obama shone a spotlight on the Bruce Randolph School in Denver.
“Take a school like Bruce Randolph in Denver,” he said. “Three years ago, it was rated one of the worst schools in Colorado. Last May, 97 percent of seniors received their diploma.”
Total success story, right?
But here’s why.
Five years after it opened, that school was given permission by the state to run completely autonomously – free from district and more importantly, UNION rules.
And then, in the most brilliant move ever, the principal made every teacher reapply for his/her job.
A grand total of SIX made the cut.
Try THAT in a union setting.
The school also transitioned from being only a middle school to a school for students ranging from 6th through 12th grade."
"You know what’s completely awesome?
When Obama touts the success of something in his SOTU, only to have to discover later that the reason for the success of that something is because that something did the EXACT OPPOSITE of what Obama would normally support.
Case in point.
In his SOTU, Obama shone a spotlight on the Bruce Randolph School in Denver.
“Take a school like Bruce Randolph in Denver,” he said. “Three years ago, it was rated one of the worst schools in Colorado. Last May, 97 percent of seniors received their diploma.”
Total success story, right?
But here’s why.
Five years after it opened, that school was given permission by the state to run completely autonomously – free from district and more importantly, UNION rules.
And then, in the most brilliant move ever, the principal made every teacher reapply for his/her job.
A grand total of SIX made the cut.
Try THAT in a union setting.
The school also transitioned from being only a middle school to a school for students ranging from 6th through 12th grade."
Get Internet Access When Your Government Shuts It Down
Get Internet Access When Your Government Shuts It Down - PCWorld
"These days, no popular movement goes without an Internet presence of some kind, whether it's organizing on Facebook or spreading the word through Twitter.
And as we've seen in Egypt, that means that your Internet connection can be the first to go.
Whether you're trying to check in with your family, contact your friends, or simply spread the word, here are a few ways to build some basic network connectivity when you can't rely on your cellular or landline Internet connections."
"These days, no popular movement goes without an Internet presence of some kind, whether it's organizing on Facebook or spreading the word through Twitter.
And as we've seen in Egypt, that means that your Internet connection can be the first to go.
Whether you're trying to check in with your family, contact your friends, or simply spread the word, here are a few ways to build some basic network connectivity when you can't rely on your cellular or landline Internet connections."
Unions make up 40 percent of employees exempted from Obamacare
Unions make up 40 percent of employees exempted from Obamacare David Freddoso Beltway Confidential Washington Examiner
"It is worth noting that there are 166 union benefits funds now exempted from this requirement, which account for about 40 percent of the exempted workers.
This means that although there are only 14.6 million unionized employees in the United States, and 860,000 of them are already exempted from this provision of Obamacare."
"It is worth noting that there are 166 union benefits funds now exempted from this requirement, which account for about 40 percent of the exempted workers.
This means that although there are only 14.6 million unionized employees in the United States, and 860,000 of them are already exempted from this provision of Obamacare."
Wayne superintendent's $1M retirement package creates storm
Wayne superintendent's $1M retirement package creates storm The Indianapolis Star IndyStar.com
"Thompson, 64, who retired in December after 15 years with the district, already has received more than $800,000 of his retirement deal, which included a year's base pay at more than $225,000, as well as contract provisions that kicked in hundreds of thousands more.
But that's not all"
"Thompson, 64, who retired in December after 15 years with the district, already has received more than $800,000 of his retirement deal, which included a year's base pay at more than $225,000, as well as contract provisions that kicked in hundreds of thousands more.
But that's not all"
Muskegon to honor former Congressman Pete Hoekstra at Feb. 10 event
Muskegon to honor former Congressman Pete Hoekstra at Feb. 10 event MLive.com
"The local delayed farewell celebration for former U.S. Congressman Pete Hoekstra has been scheduled for Feb. 10 at the offices of Revel, 900 Third, Suite 200.
The Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce gathering for the 18-year outgoing congressman from Michigan's 2nd District was postponed in December because of lame duck sessions of the U.S. House of Representatives.
The Feb. 10 event from 4:30-6:30 p.m."
"The local delayed farewell celebration for former U.S. Congressman Pete Hoekstra has been scheduled for Feb. 10 at the offices of Revel, 900 Third, Suite 200.
The Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce gathering for the 18-year outgoing congressman from Michigan's 2nd District was postponed in December because of lame duck sessions of the U.S. House of Representatives.
The Feb. 10 event from 4:30-6:30 p.m."
Friday, January 28, 2011
Draft EPA report: Biofuels threaten habitat, water quality
Draft EPA report: Biofuels threaten habitat, water quality - The Hill's E2-Wire
"A draft Environmental Protection Agency report concludes that expanded production of renewable fuels like ethanol and biodiesel carries an array of ecological risks in the U.S. and other nations, and calls for improved policies to mitigate these harms."
"A draft Environmental Protection Agency report concludes that expanded production of renewable fuels like ethanol and biodiesel carries an array of ecological risks in the U.S. and other nations, and calls for improved policies to mitigate these harms."
Obama channeling Reagan? Hardly
EDITORIAL: Obama channeling Reagan? Hardly - Washington Times
"Time Magazine asserted this week that “there is no mistaking Obama‘s increasing reliance on [Mr. Reagan’s] career as a helpful template for his own.” Just to keep this preposterous public relations ploy in perspective, we have compiled a handy list to remind people how little these two men have in common"
"Time Magazine asserted this week that “there is no mistaking Obama‘s increasing reliance on [Mr. Reagan’s] career as a helpful template for his own.” Just to keep this preposterous public relations ploy in perspective, we have compiled a handy list to remind people how little these two men have in common"
The United States Of Shame Map
The United States Of Shame Map someecards.com
"A map of what every state should be most ashamed of."
"A map of what every state should be most ashamed of."
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Muskegon to honor former Congressman Pete Hoekstra at Feb. 10 event
Muskegon to honor former Congressman Pete Hoekstra at Feb. 10 event MLive.com
"The local delayed farewell celebration for former U.S. Congressman Pete Hoekstra has been scheduled for Feb. 10 at the offices of Revel, 900 Third, Suite 200.
The Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce gathering for the 18-year outgoing congressman from Michigan's 2nd District was postponed in December because of lame duck sessions of the U.S. House of Representatives.
The Feb. 10 event from 4:30-6:30 p.m. hosted by the Muskegon marketing firm is sponsored by L3 Combat Propulsion Systems.
It is a chamber Business After Hours event that is open to the public."
"The local delayed farewell celebration for former U.S. Congressman Pete Hoekstra has been scheduled for Feb. 10 at the offices of Revel, 900 Third, Suite 200.
The Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce gathering for the 18-year outgoing congressman from Michigan's 2nd District was postponed in December because of lame duck sessions of the U.S. House of Representatives.
The Feb. 10 event from 4:30-6:30 p.m. hosted by the Muskegon marketing firm is sponsored by L3 Combat Propulsion Systems.
It is a chamber Business After Hours event that is open to the public."
Gafftastic! Joe Biden stops by battery plant, calls Ener1 plant "Enron One," gets the gender of an Indiana Senator wrong
theblogprof: Gafftastic! Joe Biden stops by battery plant, calls Ener1 plant "Enron One," gets the gender of an Indiana Senator wrong
Major bozo alert...as if we needed any more.....
Major bozo alert...as if we needed any more.....
A SUGGESTION FROM MICKEY KAUS: Shouldn’t Republicans hold hearings on the general threat of Putinlike corporatism?
A SUGGESTION FROM MICKEY KAUS: Shouldn’t Republicans hold hearings on the general threat of Putin…
"Shouldn’t Republicans hold hearings on the general threat of Putin-like corporatism—i.e., an insidious alliance between big government and favored corporate and labor interests?
a) They could call GE CEO Jeffrey Immelt to testify and embarrass him about the myriad ways in which his slightly creepy role as CEO and presidential adviser might allow him to benefit his company and squash competitors;
b) They could grill the various regulators who might be tempted to favor the auto manufacturers that the government bailed out (and which, in GM’s case, it still owns about a third of).
Maybe some GM competitors would even be brave enough to testify.
(Exhibit No. 23: Will GM and Chrysler claim all the remaining billions of “green” retooling loan money from Obama’s Department of Energy? Entrepreneurial startups need not apply?)
c) They could question whether these bureaucrats and others are also doing favors for other Obama constituencies, like labor unions, or Google;
d) They’d appear transpartisan–this is an issue where left and right populists unite.
Do they love corporate-government alliances at Daily Kos?
It’s also one of the legitimate worries at the heart of TeaPartyism.
e) Hearings might help."
"Shouldn’t Republicans hold hearings on the general threat of Putin-like corporatism—i.e., an insidious alliance between big government and favored corporate and labor interests?
a) They could call GE CEO Jeffrey Immelt to testify and embarrass him about the myriad ways in which his slightly creepy role as CEO and presidential adviser might allow him to benefit his company and squash competitors;
b) They could grill the various regulators who might be tempted to favor the auto manufacturers that the government bailed out (and which, in GM’s case, it still owns about a third of).
Maybe some GM competitors would even be brave enough to testify.
(Exhibit No. 23: Will GM and Chrysler claim all the remaining billions of “green” retooling loan money from Obama’s Department of Energy? Entrepreneurial startups need not apply?)
c) They could question whether these bureaucrats and others are also doing favors for other Obama constituencies, like labor unions, or Google;
d) They’d appear transpartisan–this is an issue where left and right populists unite.
Do they love corporate-government alliances at Daily Kos?
It’s also one of the legitimate worries at the heart of TeaPartyism.
e) Hearings might help."
Federal Money Hasn't Bought Better Schools
Federal Money Hasn't Bought Better Schools - Investors.com
"American test scores and graduation rates are stagnant.
One in 10 high schools is a dropout factory.
And our students' performance in one of the most prestigious global math competitions has been so abysmal that the U.S. simply withdrew altogether."
"American test scores and graduation rates are stagnant.
One in 10 high schools is a dropout factory.
And our students' performance in one of the most prestigious global math competitions has been so abysmal that the U.S. simply withdrew altogether."
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