Ronald Reagan's 1981 Christmas Address ZeroHedge
"Things sure have changed in the past 30 years..."
Monday, December 26, 2011
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Michigan business tax incentives get D+ in report
Michigan business tax incentives get D+ in report (Rick Haglund column) MLive.com
Its report, “Money for Something,” gives Michigan’s business tax incentives a D+ for their effectiveness in producing good jobs.
The state ranked 33rd — tied with Montana and Ohio — in the quality of its incentive programs.
Its report, “Money for Something,” gives Michigan’s business tax incentives a D+ for their effectiveness in producing good jobs.
The state ranked 33rd — tied with Montana and Ohio — in the quality of its incentive programs.
Ravenna teachers union votes to leave MEA-backed insurance plan
Ravenna teachers union votes to leave MEA-backed insurance plan MLive.com
Ravenna teachers have voted to leave the health insurance plan backed by the Michigan Education Association for a plan school officials said would save each family $1,000.
..... The district's contribution to teacher health insurance is capped at $14,000 for a family plan.
Ravenna teachers have voted to leave the health insurance plan backed by the Michigan Education Association for a plan school officials said would save each family $1,000.
..... The district's contribution to teacher health insurance is capped at $14,000 for a family plan.
Egypt Islamists take two-thirds of 2nd-round vote
Egypt Islamists take two-thirds of 2nd-round vote Reuters
"Arab spring" looking more like "springtime for Hitler".
Not good.
"Arab spring" looking more like "springtime for Hitler".
Not good.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Michigan City of Troy, Led by Tea Party Mayor, Rejects Federal Dollars
Michigan City of Troy, Led by Tea Party Mayor, Rejects Federal Dollars - NYTimes.com
A city turns down $8.5 million in federal grant money.
In what could be a new high water mark of anti-Washington sentiment, the city of Troy, Mich., is rejecting a long-planned transportation center whose construction would have been fully financed with federal stimulus money.
A city turns down $8.5 million in federal grant money.
In what could be a new high water mark of anti-Washington sentiment, the city of Troy, Mich., is rejecting a long-planned transportation center whose construction would have been fully financed with federal stimulus money.
BP solar business exit counters trend by Google, Buffett, TransCanada
BP solar business exit counters trend by Google, Buffett, TransCanada Alternative Energy Energy News Financial Post
BP Plc is exiting the solar business after 40 years
BP Plc is exiting the solar business after 40 years
'Key Driving Sector': Greece Turns to Energy as its Economic Savior
'Key Driving Sector': Greece Turns to Energy as its Economic Savior - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News - International
Now, energy officials in the financially beleaguered nation are naming a major solar project after Helios and banking on energy more broadly as a possible way out of the financial crisis.
Now, energy officials in the financially beleaguered nation are naming a major solar project after Helios and banking on energy more broadly as a possible way out of the financial crisis.
The EPA's Mercury Madness
The EPA's Mercury Madness - Investors.com
The EPA thinks it's worth spending billions of dollars each year to reduce already minuscule amounts of mercury in the outside air.
So why is it trying to shove mercury-laced fluorescent bulbs into everyone's homes?
The EPA thinks it's worth spending billions of dollars each year to reduce already minuscule amounts of mercury in the outside air.
So why is it trying to shove mercury-laced fluorescent bulbs into everyone's homes?
College Football Wins Lower Guys' GPA
College Football Wins Lower Guys' GPA - Miller-McCune
The gap in grade point averages between male and female students widens when their college football team is winning.
The gap in grade point averages between male and female students widens when their college football team is winning.
Editorial: Even profitable firms fleeing California
Editorial: Even profitable firms fleeing California california, businesses, business - Opinion - The Orange County Register
While a limited number of businesses go through the trouble of pulling up stakes and high-tailing it to Texas, Nevada or Arizona, many others just quietly go out of business.
Others keep their headquarters here, but expand their operations elsewhere.
Many jobs are never created or opportunities pursued because of the punitive regulatory and tax climate in California, where Steinberg's true constituency – the public-sector unions that enforce the myriad regulations and laws – does its work.
While a limited number of businesses go through the trouble of pulling up stakes and high-tailing it to Texas, Nevada or Arizona, many others just quietly go out of business.
Others keep their headquarters here, but expand their operations elsewhere.
Many jobs are never created or opportunities pursued because of the punitive regulatory and tax climate in California, where Steinberg's true constituency – the public-sector unions that enforce the myriad regulations and laws – does its work.
Pakistan Military Tries to Quash Rumors of a Coup
Pakistan Military Tries to Quash Rumors of a Coup - NYTimes.com
But the focus in Pakistan on Friday was talk of a military coup.
The rumors were set off a day earlier when the prime minister, Yousaf Raza Gilani, warned publicly of a conspiracy to topple the government.
But the focus in Pakistan on Friday was talk of a military coup.
The rumors were set off a day earlier when the prime minister, Yousaf Raza Gilani, warned publicly of a conspiracy to topple the government.
Mark Steyn: An upside-down family tree
Mark Steyn: An upside-down family tree people, women, percent - Opinion - The Orange County Register
In Greece, 100 grandparents have 42 grandchildren – i.e., the family tree is upside down. In a social democratic state where workers in "hazardous" professions (such as, er, hairdressing) retire at 50, there aren't enough young people around to pay for your three-decade retirement.
And there are unlikely ever to be again.
Look at it another way: Banks are a mechanism by which old people with capital lend to young people with energy and ideas.
The Western world has now inverted the concept.
If 100 geezers run up a bazillion dollars' worth of debt, is it likely that 42 youngsters will ever be able to pay it off?
In Greece, 100 grandparents have 42 grandchildren – i.e., the family tree is upside down. In a social democratic state where workers in "hazardous" professions (such as, er, hairdressing) retire at 50, there aren't enough young people around to pay for your three-decade retirement.
And there are unlikely ever to be again.
Look at it another way: Banks are a mechanism by which old people with capital lend to young people with energy and ideas.
The Western world has now inverted the concept.
If 100 geezers run up a bazillion dollars' worth of debt, is it likely that 42 youngsters will ever be able to pay it off?
First in-store Father Christmas was from Edinburgh
First in-store Father Christmas was from Edinburgh - Edinburgh, East & Fife - Scotsman.com
"he first took to dressing as Santa in 1890, inspired by the drawings of political illustrator Thomas Nast."
"he first took to dressing as Santa in 1890, inspired by the drawings of political illustrator Thomas Nast."
Michigan's Snow Cone Machines
Michigan's Snow Cone Machines - The Colbert Report - 2011-08-12 - Video Clip Comedy Central
Michigan's Snow Cone Machines
The soft-on-terror-crats mischaracterize Michigan's ice shaving machines as a frivolous waste of tax money, but there's no reason that fighting terror shouldn't be fun.
Funny...in a tragic way, video.
Michigan's Snow Cone Machines
The soft-on-terror-crats mischaracterize Michigan's ice shaving machines as a frivolous waste of tax money, but there's no reason that fighting terror shouldn't be fun.
Funny...in a tragic way, video.
Snow Cone Machines for Homeland Security
Schneier on Security: Snow Cone Machines for Homeland Security
Snow Cone Machines for Homeland Security
When you give out money based on politics, without any accounting, this is what you get:
The West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission (WMSRDC) is a federal- and state-designated agency responsible for managing and administrating the homeland security program in Montcalm County and 12 other counties.
The WMSRDC recently purchased and transferred homeland security equipment to these counties -- including 13 snow cone machines at a total cost of $11,700.
Wait.
It gets funnier:
"It is used to attract people so they can be educated and prepared for homeland security," Dey said from his office in Muskegon.
"More importantly, they (homeland security officials) felt in a medical emergency the machine was capable of making ice packs which could be used for medical purposes."
We got one here in Muskegon!
Give Sheriff Roessler a call and ask him where it is!
Snow Cone Machines for Homeland Security
When you give out money based on politics, without any accounting, this is what you get:
The West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission (WMSRDC) is a federal- and state-designated agency responsible for managing and administrating the homeland security program in Montcalm County and 12 other counties.
The WMSRDC recently purchased and transferred homeland security equipment to these counties -- including 13 snow cone machines at a total cost of $11,700.
Wait.
It gets funnier:
"It is used to attract people so they can be educated and prepared for homeland security," Dey said from his office in Muskegon.
"More importantly, they (homeland security officials) felt in a medical emergency the machine was capable of making ice packs which could be used for medical purposes."
We got one here in Muskegon!
Give Sheriff Roessler a call and ask him where it is!
IRS to Implement New 2% 'Recapture Tax' in Two-Month Payroll Tax Cut Extension
TaxProf Blog: IRS to Implement New 2% 'Recapture Tax' in Two-Month Payroll Tax Cut Extension
This provision imposes an additional income tax on these higher-income employees in an amount equal to 2% of the amount of wages they receive during the two-month period in excess of $18,350 (and not greater than $110,100).
This provision imposes an additional income tax on these higher-income employees in an amount equal to 2% of the amount of wages they receive during the two-month period in excess of $18,350 (and not greater than $110,100).
New Air Jordans cause nationwide shopping frenzy
My Way News - New Air Jordans cause nationwide shopping frenzy
Fights, vandalism and arrests marked the release of Nike's new Air Jordan basketball shoes as a shopping rush on stores across the country led to unrest that nearly turned into rioting.
Ah yes, the starving 99%....right......
But what the heck is "nearly turned into rioting"?
I'm sitting at my computer kinda pissed off.
Am I "nearly turning to rioting"?
Rot!
Fights, vandalism and arrests marked the release of Nike's new Air Jordan basketball shoes as a shopping rush on stores across the country led to unrest that nearly turned into rioting.
Ah yes, the starving 99%....right......
But what the heck is "nearly turned into rioting"?
I'm sitting at my computer kinda pissed off.
Am I "nearly turning to rioting"?
Rot!
Friday, December 23, 2011
Are Volts for dolts? It's starting to look that way
Are Volts for dolts? It's starting to look that way NJ.com
This is a pretty funny dispute.
The head of the American division of Audi called the sort of people who buy Chevy Volt's "idiots," upsetting a lot of people who like the new plug-in hybrid.
Whatever your opinion, the facts show that Volts aren't exactly selling like hotcakes.
It's not hard to see why.
As Audi’s president of North America Johan de Nysschen said, "No one is going to pay a $15,000 premium for a car that competes with a Corolla.”
This is a pretty funny dispute.
The head of the American division of Audi called the sort of people who buy Chevy Volt's "idiots," upsetting a lot of people who like the new plug-in hybrid.
Whatever your opinion, the facts show that Volts aren't exactly selling like hotcakes.
It's not hard to see why.
As Audi’s president of North America Johan de Nysschen said, "No one is going to pay a $15,000 premium for a car that competes with a Corolla.”
China trade: Myths vs. reality
China trade: Myths vs. reality
Chinese goods account for 2.7 percent of U.S. personal consumption expenditures, about one-quarter of the 11.5 percent foreign share.
Chinese imported goods consist mainly of furniture and household equipment; other durables; and clothing and shoes.
In the clothing and shoes category, 35.6 percent of U.S. consumer purchases in 2010 were items with the “Made in China” label.
Much of what China sells us has considerable “local content.” Hale and Hobijn give the example of sneakers that might sell for $70.
They point out that most of that price goes for transportation in the U.S., rent for the store where they are sold, profits for shareholders of the U.S. retailer, and marketing costs, which include the salaries, wages and benefits paid to the U.S. workers and managers responsible for getting sneakers to consumers.
On average, 55 cents of every dollar spent on goods made in China goes for marketing services produced in the U.S.
Chinese goods account for 2.7 percent of U.S. personal consumption expenditures, about one-quarter of the 11.5 percent foreign share.
Chinese imported goods consist mainly of furniture and household equipment; other durables; and clothing and shoes.
In the clothing and shoes category, 35.6 percent of U.S. consumer purchases in 2010 were items with the “Made in China” label.
Much of what China sells us has considerable “local content.” Hale and Hobijn give the example of sneakers that might sell for $70.
They point out that most of that price goes for transportation in the U.S., rent for the store where they are sold, profits for shareholders of the U.S. retailer, and marketing costs, which include the salaries, wages and benefits paid to the U.S. workers and managers responsible for getting sneakers to consumers.
On average, 55 cents of every dollar spent on goods made in China goes for marketing services produced in the U.S.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Hate Crime at Williams?
Roger’s Rules » Hate Crime at Williams?
Think about it: A student expresses his opinion about something.
The administration doesn’t like his opinion. Ergo, the administration turns him over to the FBI for interrogation.
That was the way they did things in Stalin’s Russia, but many of us thought a different tradition regarding freedom of expression prevailed in American colleges.
Think about it: A student expresses his opinion about something.
The administration doesn’t like his opinion. Ergo, the administration turns him over to the FBI for interrogation.
That was the way they did things in Stalin’s Russia, but many of us thought a different tradition regarding freedom of expression prevailed in American colleges.
Dorothy Rabinowitz: What Ron Paul Thinks of America
Dorothy Rabinowitz: What Ron Paul Thinks of America - WSJ.com
It seemed improbable that the best-known American propagandist for our enemies could be near the top of the pack in the Iowa contest, but there it is.
It seemed improbable that the best-known American propagandist for our enemies could be near the top of the pack in the Iowa contest, but there it is.
FALSE FRONTS, AT HOME AND ABROAD
FALSE FRONTS, AT HOME AND ABROAD :: SteynOnline
Consider how utterly incomprehensible that headline would seem to an American from a mere 30 years ago.
Back then, the smart guys assured us that economic liberalization would force political liberalization upon China.
Instead, we helped them come up with the only economically viable form of Communism
Consider how utterly incomprehensible that headline would seem to an American from a mere 30 years ago.
Back then, the smart guys assured us that economic liberalization would force political liberalization upon China.
Instead, we helped them come up with the only economically viable form of Communism
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Qantas QF72 accident | Plunge passengers win payout from Airbus
Qantas QF72 accident Plunge passengers win payout from Airbus
The amount is understood to run into the millions of dollars.
The highest individual payout is believed to be several million dollars.
The amount is understood to run into the millions of dollars.
The highest individual payout is believed to be several million dollars.
Remembering Kim Jong-il’s Ventures Into the Sporting World
Remembering Kim Jong-il’s Ventures Into the Sporting World - NYTimes.com
In his first match at Pyongyang Lanes, Kim bowled a perfect 300, according to state-run news media, which did not say whether the bumpers were raised.
But that is nothing compared with the five holes in one and 38 under par that Kim reportedly shot in his maiden round of golf.
In his first match at Pyongyang Lanes, Kim bowled a perfect 300, according to state-run news media, which did not say whether the bumpers were raised.
But that is nothing compared with the five holes in one and 38 under par that Kim reportedly shot in his maiden round of golf.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
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