Time for tea, or, What would Wilkins Micawber think?
“There is no point in trying to imagine what a $1.5-trillion deficit means.
For most of us mortals, it is simply unimaginable.
All the more is a total federal debt of $14.3 trillion (and counting).
And I haven’t even broached what I think of as the Williamson Warning (after Kevin Williamson, who gave prominence to the dour fact), namely that the real out-the-door, all-in price of U.S. debt is something closer to $130 trillion, a sum that, if you can bear to think about it, is Book-of-Revelations, Seventh-Seal, Four-Horsemen-of- the-Apocalypse scary.”
Plus the answer: “Stop spending. Live within your means.” Some people may fear that it’s too late for that."
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Saturday, July 09, 2011
State, local pension accounting takes a GASB step toward transparency
"These changes will first affect government balance sheets in fiscal year 2014.
The most significant change in the proposal will move billions of dollars in unfunded pension liabilities out of a footnote and onto government balance sheets."
"Michigan Man" accused of having sex with horse
ST. JOHNS - A 62-year-old Riley Township man facing charges he had sexual intercourse with a horse was accused of a similar crime 10 years ago, court records show.
If it was a male horse would he get away with it?
Friday, July 08, 2011
President Obama Receiving Sycophantic Laughter
President Obama Receiving Sycophantic Laughter -- Daily Intel
"Obama may, in fact, be the funniest person alive.
Either that, or people are just overdoing it in an effort to ingratiate themselves to the most powerful person in the world.
Could be either one."
"Obama may, in fact, be the funniest person alive.
Either that, or people are just overdoing it in an effort to ingratiate themselves to the most powerful person in the world.
Could be either one."
WHOA! 56 L.A. County Cities Have No Money To Pay For Retiree Healthcare
WHOA! 56 L.A. County Cities Have No Money To Pay For Retiree Healthcare
"The report — aptly titled 'Whoa! The State of Public Pensions In Los Angeles County' — found that at least 56 of L.A. County's 88 cities have not funded retiree healthcare at all."
"The report — aptly titled 'Whoa! The State of Public Pensions In Los Angeles County' — found that at least 56 of L.A. County's 88 cities have not funded retiree healthcare at all."
Thursday, July 07, 2011
EPA Regulations | Coal Industry | Job Loss
EPA Regulations Coal Industry Job Loss The Daily Caller
"The coal industry is crying foul over new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations which they say will be among the most be costly rules ever imposed by the agency on coal-fueled power plants.
The result, industry insiders say: substantially higher electricity rates and massive job loss."
"The coal industry is crying foul over new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations which they say will be among the most be costly rules ever imposed by the agency on coal-fueled power plants.
The result, industry insiders say: substantially higher electricity rates and massive job loss."
Illinois drops writing from standardized exam
WLS 890AM
"Illinois will assess only reading and arithmetic now that high school juniors will no longer be tested on their writing skills during standardized exams every spring, according to a published report.
Cutting the writing exams will save about $2.4 million amid the state's budgetary shortfalls.
Writing tests for elementary and middle school students were dropped last year."
"Illinois will assess only reading and arithmetic now that high school juniors will no longer be tested on their writing skills during standardized exams every spring, according to a published report.
Cutting the writing exams will save about $2.4 million amid the state's budgetary shortfalls.
Writing tests for elementary and middle school students were dropped last year."
Pajamas Media » Why the Shock Over Atlanta Teacher Cheating?
Pajamas Media » Why the Shock Over Atlanta Teacher Cheating?
"The teacher stayed.
The fix was in.
The principal put his “integrated faculty” accolade above his students’ education.
Parents became surrogate biology teachers or hired tutors.
Some of us students took novels to class to dull the boredom.
Others passed notes.
But no one complained once the new code of silence about the uneducated new black teacher was accepted as Orwellian reality.
The death-of-public-education die had been cast."
"The teacher stayed.
The fix was in.
The principal put his “integrated faculty” accolade above his students’ education.
Parents became surrogate biology teachers or hired tutors.
Some of us students took novels to class to dull the boredom.
Others passed notes.
But no one complained once the new code of silence about the uneducated new black teacher was accepted as Orwellian reality.
The death-of-public-education die had been cast."
401(k) Law Undercuts Savings for Retirement - WSJ.com
401(k) Law Undercuts Savings for Retirement - WSJ.com
"The problem: More than two-thirds of companies set contribution rates at 3% of salary or less, unless an employee chooses otherwise.
That's far below the 5% to 10% rates participants typically elect when left to their own devices, the researchers said"
Very interesting.
"The problem: More than two-thirds of companies set contribution rates at 3% of salary or less, unless an employee chooses otherwise.
That's far below the 5% to 10% rates participants typically elect when left to their own devices, the researchers said"
Very interesting.
Michigan Democrats to judge Gov. Rick Snyder on job creation
Michigan Democrats to judge Gov. Rick Snyder on job creation MLive.com
"Michigan Democrats to judge Gov. Rick Snyder on job creation"
Well, the demos are experts in job destruction.
This ought to be interesting.
"Michigan Democrats to judge Gov. Rick Snyder on job creation"
Well, the demos are experts in job destruction.
This ought to be interesting.
Federal government wants to know why costs are rising so much at Jackson Community College
Federal government wants to know why costs are rising so much at Jackson Community College MLive.com
"Listed are schools that ranked in the top 5 percent in terms of cost increases. JCC narrowly missed escaping the dubious distinction, ranking 54th among 54 colleges on the list."
54th out of 54 seems like the bottom to me.
Meebee the writer went to JCC?
"Listed are schools that ranked in the top 5 percent in terms of cost increases. JCC narrowly missed escaping the dubious distinction, ranking 54th among 54 colleges on the list."
54th out of 54 seems like the bottom to me.
Meebee the writer went to JCC?
Michigan's sharp rise in births to unwed moms means 'a lot more children growing up in poverty'
Michigan's sharp rise in births to unwed moms means 'a lot more children growing up in poverty' MLive.com
"The sharp increase in the number of unmarried women having babies means trouble ahead for mothers and children in Michigan, according to the Michigan League for Human Services."
But it means lots of union jobs for state and county workers so the incentive from government will be for more unweds.
"The sharp increase in the number of unmarried women having babies means trouble ahead for mothers and children in Michigan, according to the Michigan League for Human Services."
But it means lots of union jobs for state and county workers so the incentive from government will be for more unweds.
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Investigation into APS cheating finds unethical behavior across every level
Investigation into APS cheating finds unethical behavior across every level ajc.com
"Teachers and principals erased and corrected mistakes on students’ answer sheets.
Area superintendents silenced whistle-blowers and rewarded subordinates who met academic goals by any means possible.
Superintendent Beverly Hall and her top aides ignored, buried, destroyed or altered complaints about misconduct, claimed ignorance of wrongdoing and accused naysayers of failing to believe in poor children’s ability to learn.
For years — as long as a decade — this was how the Atlanta school district produced gains on state curriculum tests.
The scores soared so dramatically they brought national acclaim to Hall and the district, according to an investigative report released Tuesday by Gov. Nathan Deal."
"Teachers and principals erased and corrected mistakes on students’ answer sheets.
Area superintendents silenced whistle-blowers and rewarded subordinates who met academic goals by any means possible.
Superintendent Beverly Hall and her top aides ignored, buried, destroyed or altered complaints about misconduct, claimed ignorance of wrongdoing and accused naysayers of failing to believe in poor children’s ability to learn.
For years — as long as a decade — this was how the Atlanta school district produced gains on state curriculum tests.
The scores soared so dramatically they brought national acclaim to Hall and the district, according to an investigative report released Tuesday by Gov. Nathan Deal."
Top burger poll narrowed down to 20
Top burger poll narrowed down to 20 wzzm13.com
"Throughout last week, voting in each of our twenty My Town communities narrowed the search down to the top burgers in those areas.
The winners are:
Wyoming - Brann's
Whitehall/Montague - Brown Bear
Walker - Peppermill Grill
Sparta - Crevelings
Rockford - Corner Bar
Plainfield/Northview - Mr. Burger
Muskegon - Station Grill
Lowell - Flat River Grill
Kentwood - Red Robin
Holland/Zeeland - Goog's Pub and Grill
Grandville/Jenison/Hudsonville - Grand Villa Restaurants
Grand Haven/Spring Lake - Ray's
Grand Rapids West - Broadway Bar
Grand Rapid South - Mr. Burger
Grand Rapids North - Choo Choo Grill
Grand Rapids Central - Cottage Bar
Ada/Cascade - Pal's Diner
Comstock Park/Alpine - Swan Inn Restaurant
Coopersville - Turks Inn
East Grand Rapids - Olive's
Greenville - Winter Inn"
"Throughout last week, voting in each of our twenty My Town communities narrowed the search down to the top burgers in those areas.
The winners are:
Wyoming - Brann's
Whitehall/Montague - Brown Bear
Walker - Peppermill Grill
Sparta - Crevelings
Rockford - Corner Bar
Plainfield/Northview - Mr. Burger
Muskegon - Station Grill
Lowell - Flat River Grill
Kentwood - Red Robin
Holland/Zeeland - Goog's Pub and Grill
Grandville/Jenison/Hudsonville - Grand Villa Restaurants
Grand Haven/Spring Lake - Ray's
Grand Rapids West - Broadway Bar
Grand Rapid South - Mr. Burger
Grand Rapids North - Choo Choo Grill
Grand Rapids Central - Cottage Bar
Ada/Cascade - Pal's Diner
Comstock Park/Alpine - Swan Inn Restaurant
Coopersville - Turks Inn
East Grand Rapids - Olive's
Greenville - Winter Inn"
How DIY Health Reform Can Help You Win The Talent Wars
How DIY Health Reform Can Help You Win The Talent Wars
"There are steps an individual or companies can take today that can save a massive amount of money.
I will explain three items that may be new to you but are important to understand and take advantage of depending on the scope of coverage you want for yourself or your employees."
"There are steps an individual or companies can take today that can save a massive amount of money.
I will explain three items that may be new to you but are important to understand and take advantage of depending on the scope of coverage you want for yourself or your employees."
Chevy Volt: The Car From Atlas Shrugged Motors
Chevy Volt: The Car From Atlas Shrugged Motors - Forbes.com
"Another reason they aren't exactly flying off the lots is because, well, they have some problems.
In a telling attempt to preserve battery power, the heater is exceedingly weak.
Consumer Reports averaged a paltry 25 miles of electric-only running, in part because it was testing in cold Connecticut."
"Another reason they aren't exactly flying off the lots is because, well, they have some problems.
In a telling attempt to preserve battery power, the heater is exceedingly weak.
Consumer Reports averaged a paltry 25 miles of electric-only running, in part because it was testing in cold Connecticut."
Euro Falls Versus Dollar as Portugal Downgrade Fuels Fresh Bailout Concern
Euro Falls Versus Dollar as Portugal Downgrade Fuels Fresh Bailout Concern - Bloomberg
"The euro weakened against all but two of its 16 major peers tracked by Bloomberg after Moody’s Investors Service cut Portugal’s credit rating to junk status, stoking speculation the nation will need a second bailout."
"The euro weakened against all but two of its 16 major peers tracked by Bloomberg after Moody’s Investors Service cut Portugal’s credit rating to junk status, stoking speculation the nation will need a second bailout."
Stores succeed by turning shopping into a 'hunt'
Stores succeed by turning shopping into a 'hunt' - Business - Consumer news - Retail - msnbc.com
"Walmart, on the other hand, is still trying to correct itself after a move to pare down to the basics — the opposite of the treasure hunt approach — proved unsuccessful."
"Walmart, on the other hand, is still trying to correct itself after a move to pare down to the basics — the opposite of the treasure hunt approach — proved unsuccessful."
Is There a Conservative Case for Higher Taxes?
Is There a Conservative Case for Higher Taxes? Power Line
"But here’s the case: one problem with our current tax policy is that at the moment the American people as a whole are receiving a dollar of government for the price of only 60 cents.
(I don’t say a “dollar’s worth of government,” but let’s leave that snark for another time.)
Any time you can get a dollar of something at a 40 percent discount, you are going to demand more of it.
My theory is simple: if the broad middle class of Americans are made to pay for all of the government they get, they may well start to demand less of it, quickly."
"But here’s the case: one problem with our current tax policy is that at the moment the American people as a whole are receiving a dollar of government for the price of only 60 cents.
(I don’t say a “dollar’s worth of government,” but let’s leave that snark for another time.)
Any time you can get a dollar of something at a 40 percent discount, you are going to demand more of it.
My theory is simple: if the broad middle class of Americans are made to pay for all of the government they get, they may well start to demand less of it, quickly."
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
Smoke screener
Smoke screener - WWW.THEDAILY.COM
"DENVER — The Mile High City is getting higher all the time.
There are now more medical marijuana dispensaries in Denver than there are Starbucks."
"DENVER — The Mile High City is getting higher all the time.
There are now more medical marijuana dispensaries in Denver than there are Starbucks."
IPODS: Who Gets The Money, And Who Gets The Jobs?
Instapundit » Blog Archive » IPODS: Who Gets The Money, And Who Gets The Jobs?
“There are, for example, only 30 production jobs inside the US associated with the iPod manufacture. . . .
Plus, of course, that point about high wage manufacturing jobs.
There aren’t any, for manufacturing is now a low wage occupation, so it’s pointless to talk about trying to bring them back to the United States.”
But read the whole thing."
“There are, for example, only 30 production jobs inside the US associated with the iPod manufacture. . . .
Plus, of course, that point about high wage manufacturing jobs.
There aren’t any, for manufacturing is now a low wage occupation, so it’s pointless to talk about trying to bring them back to the United States.”
But read the whole thing."
Colorado high-risk health insurance pool burning through money fast
Colorado high-risk health insurance pool burning through money fast - The Denver Post
"The federally sanctioned high-risk insurance pool for Colorado is signing up fewer patients and burning through its limited cash faster than expected, as the plan attracts the sickest of the sick.
Planners for GettingUsCovered, meant to bridge patients with pre-existing conditions to health-care reform's full arrival in 2014, might have to raise premiums, lower benefits and add waiting lists."
Our socialist paradise!
"The federally sanctioned high-risk insurance pool for Colorado is signing up fewer patients and burning through its limited cash faster than expected, as the plan attracts the sickest of the sick.
Planners for GettingUsCovered, meant to bridge patients with pre-existing conditions to health-care reform's full arrival in 2014, might have to raise premiums, lower benefits and add waiting lists."
Our socialist paradise!
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