Why Are We Still In Germany? - Investors.com
"According to Bismarck's best-known maxim on Europe's most troublesome region, the Balkans are not worth the bones of a single Pomeranian grenadier.
Americans could be forgiven for harboring similar sentiments after the murder of two U.S. airmen in Germany by a Kosovar Muslim.
Remember Kosovo?
Me neither.
But it was big at the time, launched by Bill Clinton in the wake of his Monica difficulties:
Make war, not love, as the boomers advise.
So Clinton did — and without any pesky U.N. resolutions, or even the pretense of seeking them.
Instead, he and Tony Blair and even Jacques Chirac just cried 'Bombs away!' and got on with it.
And the left didn't mind at all — because, for a modern western nation, war is only legitimate if you have no conceivable national interest in whatever war you're waging."
Saturday, March 05, 2011
Gender Differences in Ability vs. Achievement
CARPE DIEM: Gender Differences in Ability vs. Achievement
"She found that Bright Girls, when given something to learn that was particularly foreign or complex, were quick to give up; the higher the girls' IQ, the more likely they were to throw in the towel.
In fact, the straight-A girls showed the most helpless responses.
Bright boys, on the other hand, saw the difficult material as a challenge, and found it energizing.
They were more likely to redouble their efforts rather than give up."
Very interesting...with no answers.
"She found that Bright Girls, when given something to learn that was particularly foreign or complex, were quick to give up; the higher the girls' IQ, the more likely they were to throw in the towel.
In fact, the straight-A girls showed the most helpless responses.
Bright boys, on the other hand, saw the difficult material as a challenge, and found it energizing.
They were more likely to redouble their efforts rather than give up."
Very interesting...with no answers.
Mercy H.E.A.R.T. Center-Tuesday!
Mercy H.E.A.R.T. Center
"Lipid Profiles and Glucose ScreeningsA blood draw to obtain Total Cholesterol, LDL, HDL, Triglycerides, and Glucose values.
Open to community.
Results sent to your home in about 1 week.
12 hour fast required prior to testing.
Second Tuesday of every month.
Walk-ins between 7:00 AM and 12:00 PM.
$15 for a Lipid Profile
$6 for a Glucose Test
$21 for both"
This is a great deal if you pay for your own health care (I do).
The next screening is this Tues. March 8.
Don't forget to fast!
"Lipid Profiles and Glucose ScreeningsA blood draw to obtain Total Cholesterol, LDL, HDL, Triglycerides, and Glucose values.
Open to community.
Results sent to your home in about 1 week.
12 hour fast required prior to testing.
Second Tuesday of every month.
Walk-ins between 7:00 AM and 12:00 PM.
$15 for a Lipid Profile
$6 for a Glucose Test
$21 for both"
This is a great deal if you pay for your own health care (I do).
The next screening is this Tues. March 8.
Don't forget to fast!
Practicing Capitalism Without a License?
Practicing Capitalism Without a License? [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
"'Over the past decade more than 100 bills have been introduced in Michigan to impose licensure on everything from interior designers to practitioners of 'oriental medicine,' ” Jack McHugh, senior legislative analyst at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, wrote in an e-mail. These are always claimed to be about protecting the public, but it's actually a protection racket and conspiracy by existing businesses to raise prices.”"
"'Over the past decade more than 100 bills have been introduced in Michigan to impose licensure on everything from interior designers to practitioners of 'oriental medicine,' ” Jack McHugh, senior legislative analyst at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, wrote in an e-mail. These are always claimed to be about protecting the public, but it's actually a protection racket and conspiracy by existing businesses to raise prices.”"
Two night meetings scheduled concerning Muskegon County redistricting
Two night meetings scheduled concerning Muskegon County redistricting MLive.com
"The meetings, designed to generate public input, are scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Egelston Township Hall, 5428 E. Apple Ave., and 7 p.m. March 21 at the Ravenna Township Fire Station, 3763 Blackmer Road."
"The meetings, designed to generate public input, are scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Egelston Township Hall, 5428 E. Apple Ave., and 7 p.m. March 21 at the Ravenna Township Fire Station, 3763 Blackmer Road."
Teacher Benefits in Wisconsin and Michigan
Teacher Benefits in Wisconsin and Michigan [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
"Gov. Rick Snyder has stated that “Michigan is not Wisconsin,” and that he doesn’t want to pick a fight with unions.
Yet when it comes to the costs of school employee benefits, Michigan is eerily similar to Wisconsin, and in both states the root cause is also the same: government employee union collective bargaining privileges."
"Gov. Rick Snyder has stated that “Michigan is not Wisconsin,” and that he doesn’t want to pick a fight with unions.
Yet when it comes to the costs of school employee benefits, Michigan is eerily similar to Wisconsin, and in both states the root cause is also the same: government employee union collective bargaining privileges."
Raising the Debt Ceiling: It Just Makes Sense. Not.
theblogprof: ReasonTV: Raising the Debt Ceiling: It Just Makes Sense. Not.
Here's the absurdly high deficits of Obama’s first two years and this coming one:
Here's the absurdly high deficits of Obama’s first two years and this coming one:
State's long-term pension debt jumps sharply
State's long-term pension debt jumps sharply - DailyHerald.com
"Illinois government employees, downstate teachers and university staff have been promised $139 billion worth of retirement benefits, but the pension systems have only $63 billion in assets.
Eventually, the state will have to come up with money to make up that difference."
"Illinois government employees, downstate teachers and university staff have been promised $139 billion worth of retirement benefits, but the pension systems have only $63 billion in assets.
Eventually, the state will have to come up with money to make up that difference."
Santelli: 'Good' Jobs Report Has Dark Side
Santelli: 'Good' Jobs Report Has Dark Side — CNBC, CNBC.com Market and Economy News - CNBC
"Upon closer scrutiny though, there is another factor contributing to the drop that is not necessarily good news: The official size of the U.S. labor force is shrinking."
"Upon closer scrutiny though, there is another factor contributing to the drop that is not necessarily good news: The official size of the U.S. labor force is shrinking."
The Union, Not Day Care Providers, Is Getting the ‘Pay Cut’
The Union, Not Day Care Providers, Is Getting the ‘Pay Cut’ [Mackinac Center]
"What’s truly striking is that a union that was willing to take millions of dollars from the child care subsidy payments of “welfare-to-work” families is now expressing concern that children will be thrown into poverty.
The evidence (including union e-mails) seems clear that this whole day care arrangement was concocted by the unions and the Granholm administration to siphon millions of dollars from needy families and day care owners without providing anything in return."
"What’s truly striking is that a union that was willing to take millions of dollars from the child care subsidy payments of “welfare-to-work” families is now expressing concern that children will be thrown into poverty.
The evidence (including union e-mails) seems clear that this whole day care arrangement was concocted by the unions and the Granholm administration to siphon millions of dollars from needy families and day care owners without providing anything in return."
Friday, March 04, 2011
Sebelius Cracks! Admits the Obamacare Books Were Cooked
Sebelius Cracks! Admits the Obamacare Books Were Cooked - Obamacare - Fox Nation
"The House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee invited Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to swing by and have a little chin wag about the budgetary implications of ObamaCare.
Representative John Shimkus (R-IL) noticed that the rather large sum of $500 billion was dedicated to both sustaining Medicare and funding ObamaCare.
When he asked Sebelius which destiny awaited those five hundred billion clams, she replied, 'Both.'
That's right, folks: another part of the ObamaCare fraud involved double-counting half a trillion dollars.
Shimkus said he was 'shocked' to learn this. '
We knew the health care law's actual cost was much greater than originally told to the public,' he declared. '
And now, the truth is slowly coming out in administration reports and testimony.'
In other news, Shimkus was equally 'shocked' to discover there was gambling going on at Rick's Café."
"The House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee invited Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to swing by and have a little chin wag about the budgetary implications of ObamaCare.
Representative John Shimkus (R-IL) noticed that the rather large sum of $500 billion was dedicated to both sustaining Medicare and funding ObamaCare.
When he asked Sebelius which destiny awaited those five hundred billion clams, she replied, 'Both.'
That's right, folks: another part of the ObamaCare fraud involved double-counting half a trillion dollars.
Shimkus said he was 'shocked' to learn this. '
We knew the health care law's actual cost was much greater than originally told to the public,' he declared. '
And now, the truth is slowly coming out in administration reports and testimony.'
In other news, Shimkus was equally 'shocked' to discover there was gambling going on at Rick's Café."
Warning: After Reading This, You Will Want Ken Jennings to Be Your New Best Nerd
Warning: After Reading This, You Will Want Ken Jennings to Be Your New Best Nerd -- Daily Intel
"He has political insights:
Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Harry Reid (D-NV) both called me back personally in 2004 to try to get me to run for Orrin Hatch's Senate seat.
I am not making this up.
Win on a game show and you can apparently run for the US Senate.
That was when I realized the Democratic Party was f@#$ed in '04.
He shares self-deprecating Mormon humor:
1. Christina Aguilera was born Mormon. Not our finest effort ....
5. My Sunday school teacher, when I was a Mormon teen, once memorably advised us that 'There's nothing more overrated than sex, and nothing more underrated than a good bowel movement.' It totally worked ... I don't remember a single other sermon from when I was a kid, but I think about this guy exactly once a day, and then again once a week."
"He has political insights:
Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Harry Reid (D-NV) both called me back personally in 2004 to try to get me to run for Orrin Hatch's Senate seat.
I am not making this up.
Win on a game show and you can apparently run for the US Senate.
That was when I realized the Democratic Party was f@#$ed in '04.
He shares self-deprecating Mormon humor:
1. Christina Aguilera was born Mormon. Not our finest effort ....
5. My Sunday school teacher, when I was a Mormon teen, once memorably advised us that 'There's nothing more overrated than sex, and nothing more underrated than a good bowel movement.' It totally worked ... I don't remember a single other sermon from when I was a kid, but I think about this guy exactly once a day, and then again once a week."
»Forbes: Taxpayers Don’t Fund Public Pensions (Seriously!)
»Forbes: Taxpayers Don’t Fund Public Pensions (Seriously!) - Big Government
"The Wall Street Journal – on the very same day as Unger’s blog – pointed out that not only do taxpayers pay the teachers’ portion of the pension obligation, but the school district pays an additional 6.8 percent. According to the Journal:
“Teachers belong to the Wisconsin state pension plan.
That plan requires a 6.8% employer contribution and 6.2% from the employee.
However, according to the collective-bargaining agreement in place since 1996, the district pays the employees’ share as well, for a total of 13%.”
Ungar’s argument can’t be taken seriously.
It’s absurd to suggest that taxpayers aren’t funding (and ultimately on the hook for) government employee pensions.
Clearly we are."
This is exactly what is going on in almost every county, city and township in Michigan.
It must be exposed and stopped or our state will collapse!
"The Wall Street Journal – on the very same day as Unger’s blog – pointed out that not only do taxpayers pay the teachers’ portion of the pension obligation, but the school district pays an additional 6.8 percent. According to the Journal:
“Teachers belong to the Wisconsin state pension plan.
That plan requires a 6.8% employer contribution and 6.2% from the employee.
However, according to the collective-bargaining agreement in place since 1996, the district pays the employees’ share as well, for a total of 13%.”
Ungar’s argument can’t be taken seriously.
It’s absurd to suggest that taxpayers aren’t funding (and ultimately on the hook for) government employee pensions.
Clearly we are."
This is exactly what is going on in almost every county, city and township in Michigan.
It must be exposed and stopped or our state will collapse!
Connecticut Town Ordered to Pay for Union Workers’ Coffee
Connecticut Town Ordered to Pay for Union Workers’ Coffee - FoxNews.com
"A Connecticut town must provide their union workers free coffee and milk, according to a ruling from the State Board of Labor Relations.
The board also ordered town leaders to reinstate “Dress Down Fridays” for the union clerical and custodial workers.
The dispute involved the town of Orange and the local chapter of the United Public Service Employees Union.
The board determined the town retaliated against the union members for comments they made at a finance meeting in 2009.
The day after that meeting, First Selectman James Zeloi eliminated the free coffee and milk and the following day ended “Dress Down Friday.”
Zeoli told The New Haven Register that he pulled the plug on the coffee to save money and stopped casual Fridays because some employees were
abusing the privilege.
“It shows you how crazy state government has become,” Connecticut Republican Party Chairman Chris Healy told Fox News Radio.
“You’d almost laugh at it, if it wasn’t so serious in tone."
"A Connecticut town must provide their union workers free coffee and milk, according to a ruling from the State Board of Labor Relations.
The board also ordered town leaders to reinstate “Dress Down Fridays” for the union clerical and custodial workers.
The dispute involved the town of Orange and the local chapter of the United Public Service Employees Union.
The board determined the town retaliated against the union members for comments they made at a finance meeting in 2009.
The day after that meeting, First Selectman James Zeloi eliminated the free coffee and milk and the following day ended “Dress Down Friday.”
Zeoli told The New Haven Register that he pulled the plug on the coffee to save money and stopped casual Fridays because some employees were
abusing the privilege.
“It shows you how crazy state government has become,” Connecticut Republican Party Chairman Chris Healy told Fox News Radio.
“You’d almost laugh at it, if it wasn’t so serious in tone."
Nationalized! Welcome to millionaire Moore's Torch Lake estate
Nationalized! Welcome to millionaire Moore's Torch Lake estate themichiganview.com The Michigan View
"'They're sitting on the money, they're using it for their own — they're putting it someplace else with no interest in helping you with our life, with that money.
We've allowed them to take that.
That's not theirs, that's a national resource, that's ours.
We all have this, we all benefit from this or we all suffer as a result of not having it,' Moore told Flanders"
Interesting article confirming the hypocrisy of the big fat rich left.
"'They're sitting on the money, they're using it for their own — they're putting it someplace else with no interest in helping you with our life, with that money.
We've allowed them to take that.
That's not theirs, that's a national resource, that's ours.
We all have this, we all benefit from this or we all suffer as a result of not having it,' Moore told Flanders"
Interesting article confirming the hypocrisy of the big fat rich left.
Pure Spending — GOP Finds More for Tourism Subsidies
Pure Spending — GOP Finds More for Tourism Subsidies [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
“Michigan needs a study of Pure Michigan that’s transparent and peer-reviewed,” said the Mackinac Center’s Mike LaFaive to MIRS.
“I have yet to see a study bought and paid for by the MEDC that did not comport with its worldview.”
Republican state Rep. Tom McMillin, R-Rochester Hills, an accountant, says he tried numerous times to get the text of the Longwoods survey questions and other data from Travel Michigan so that he could try to independently evaluate the Longwoods claims, but was given nothing.
“The Longwoods 'study' (propaganda) is completely bogus and is done by a firm that gets paid by many state governments across the country to produce these non-statistically valid (which the MEDC admits), so-called studies to support higher spending,” said McMillin."
“Michigan needs a study of Pure Michigan that’s transparent and peer-reviewed,” said the Mackinac Center’s Mike LaFaive to MIRS.
“I have yet to see a study bought and paid for by the MEDC that did not comport with its worldview.”
Republican state Rep. Tom McMillin, R-Rochester Hills, an accountant, says he tried numerous times to get the text of the Longwoods survey questions and other data from Travel Michigan so that he could try to independently evaluate the Longwoods claims, but was given nothing.
“The Longwoods 'study' (propaganda) is completely bogus and is done by a firm that gets paid by many state governments across the country to produce these non-statistically valid (which the MEDC admits), so-called studies to support higher spending,” said McMillin."
Federal investigators launching inquiry into Allen Park's deal with movie producer
Federal investigators launching inquiry into Allen Park's deal with movie producer
"Did the city come up with the appraised value of 25.5 million dollars for a property worth only 14 million dollars.
-And did the city mislead investors in a bond measure to pay for the Unity Studios property"
"Did the city come up with the appraised value of 25.5 million dollars for a property worth only 14 million dollars.
-And did the city mislead investors in a bond measure to pay for the Unity Studios property"
Jobs Report — Strange Once Again
Jobs Report — Strange Once Again « Commentary Magazine
"“The labor force participation rate went nowhere — unchanged.
So we are still dealing with a shrunken jobs market.”
In other words, the percentage of able-bodied Americans of working age who are actually working did not improve at all."
"“The labor force participation rate went nowhere — unchanged.
So we are still dealing with a shrunken jobs market.”
In other words, the percentage of able-bodied Americans of working age who are actually working did not improve at all."
Wisconsin Senate passes resolution calling for Democrats to be taken into police custody
Wisconsin Senate passes resolution calling for Democrats to be taken into police custody StarTribune.com
"The Wisconsin Senate has passed a resolution calling for police to take 14 Democrats into custody for contempt after they fled to Illinois to avoid voting on a union rights bill."
"The Wisconsin Senate has passed a resolution calling for police to take 14 Democrats into custody for contempt after they fled to Illinois to avoid voting on a union rights bill."
Fennville (Mich.) high school player Wes Leonard dies after making winning shot
Fennville (Mich.) high school player Wes Leonard dies after making winning shot - ESPN
"Leonard's mother, Jocelyn, is a choir teacher at the middle and high schools and is the director of Fennville High's production of 'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.'
Friday's scheduled performance was canceled, and it's undecided whether there will be shows Saturday and Sunday."
"Leonard's mother, Jocelyn, is a choir teacher at the middle and high schools and is the director of Fennville High's production of 'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.'
Friday's scheduled performance was canceled, and it's undecided whether there will be shows Saturday and Sunday."
Beyond Early Bird Discounts -- Savings for Seniors
Beyond Early Bird Discounts -- Savings for Seniors
"After compiling this huge list of senior discounts and freebies, I'm convinced that, if you're of a certain age, it's just a matter of asking to save money.
Just remember to bring ID, as many retailers and restaurants will ask for proof of your age. After all, you look so young!"
"After compiling this huge list of senior discounts and freebies, I'm convinced that, if you're of a certain age, it's just a matter of asking to save money.
Just remember to bring ID, as many retailers and restaurants will ask for proof of your age. After all, you look so young!"
Blarney Bashed
White Lake Beacon - Whitehall and Montague, Michigan
"MONTAGUE – The Blarney Bash parade will be taking a detour from last year’s route after a split vote by the Montague City Council approved a motion to not participate in the event’s sophomore celebration.
Citing concerns over the actual benefits to their downtown in comparison to their commitment, Montague’s City Council, Monday evening, supported the motion by a 4-3 vote."
"MONTAGUE – The Blarney Bash parade will be taking a detour from last year’s route after a split vote by the Montague City Council approved a motion to not participate in the event’s sophomore celebration.
Citing concerns over the actual benefits to their downtown in comparison to their commitment, Montague’s City Council, Monday evening, supported the motion by a 4-3 vote."
GM sells just 281 Chevy Volts in February, Nissan only moves 67 Leafs
GM sells just 281 Chevy Volts in February, Nissan only moves 67 Leafs — Autoblog Green
"Peruse Chevrolet's February sales release, and you'll notice one number that's blatantly missing: the number of Chevy Volts sold.
The number – a very modest 281 – is available in the company's detailed data (PDF), but it certainly isn't something that GM wants to highlight, apparently.
Keeping the number quiet is a bit understandable, since it's lower than the 321 that Chevy sold in January."
"Peruse Chevrolet's February sales release, and you'll notice one number that's blatantly missing: the number of Chevy Volts sold.
The number – a very modest 281 – is available in the company's detailed data (PDF), but it certainly isn't something that GM wants to highlight, apparently.
Keeping the number quiet is a bit understandable, since it's lower than the 321 that Chevy sold in January."
Thursday, March 03, 2011
Public Employee Unions
Public Employee Unions - Opinion - PatriotPost.US
"Temple University professor William Dunkelberg said in his recent CNBC article 'Should Unions Have the Power to Tax?': '
The 'employers' (taxpayers through their elected officials) have slowly lost their ability to determine the terms of employment offers.
The unions now determine working hours, hiring criteria, the quantity of 'output' to be produced per day, the number of sick and vacation and holiday days, how their performance will be evaluated etc.
No longer can the employer make an 'offer' for a job with requirements that fit the needs of the public institution.'"
"Temple University professor William Dunkelberg said in his recent CNBC article 'Should Unions Have the Power to Tax?': '
The 'employers' (taxpayers through their elected officials) have slowly lost their ability to determine the terms of employment offers.
The unions now determine working hours, hiring criteria, the quantity of 'output' to be produced per day, the number of sick and vacation and holiday days, how their performance will be evaluated etc.
No longer can the employer make an 'offer' for a job with requirements that fit the needs of the public institution.'"
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Ohio Senate Passes Bill Limiting Collective Bargaining
Ohio Senate Passes Bill Limiting Collective Bargaining - By Katrina Trinko - The Corner - National Review Online
"The Ohio Senate has passed Senate Bill 5, which will limit collective bargaining powers for unionized government employees in the state.
The final vote was 17 – 16, with five Republicans voting against it.
The legislation will now go to the Assembly, where Republicans have a 59 – 40 majority."
Freedom is sweeping our country!
"The Ohio Senate has passed Senate Bill 5, which will limit collective bargaining powers for unionized government employees in the state.
The final vote was 17 – 16, with five Republicans voting against it.
The legislation will now go to the Assembly, where Republicans have a 59 – 40 majority."
Freedom is sweeping our country!
Accountability in the New Congress
http://www.cato-at-liberty.org/accountability-in-the-new-congress
"Amash sounds like a representative trying to take his obligations seriously.
Apparently he feels he owes his constituents his best judgment about bills before the House and, absent enough time, he refuses to delegate his judgment to party elders or to mere caprice.
It says something about the culture of the capital that Amash's sense of fidelity to those who elected him occasions complaint."
This young freshman could give a PhD course in his job to just about every congressman and senator in the government.
"Amash sounds like a representative trying to take his obligations seriously.
Apparently he feels he owes his constituents his best judgment about bills before the House and, absent enough time, he refuses to delegate his judgment to party elders or to mere caprice.
It says something about the culture of the capital that Amash's sense of fidelity to those who elected him occasions complaint."
This young freshman could give a PhD course in his job to just about every congressman and senator in the government.
Mixed opinions on Fruitland raises
White Lake Beacon - Whitehall and Montague, Michigan
"“While arguably, perhaps, we deserve raises, this is clearly not the time to be granting ourselves one,” said Deur.
“When each one of us ran for office, I doubt it was our intent of raising our salaries during our terms.
At least, I hope not.”"
"“While arguably, perhaps, we deserve raises, this is clearly not the time to be granting ourselves one,” said Deur.
“When each one of us ran for office, I doubt it was our intent of raising our salaries during our terms.
At least, I hope not.”"
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