Briefs: Ficano's move to end 401(k) perk OK'd The Detroit News detroitnews.com
The board of the Wayne County Retirement System signed off Friday on a plan by Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano to end a perk that pays his appointees $5 for every $1 they kick into their retirement.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Green Energy Company Struggles, Lays Off Workers — But Rewards Top Executives
Green Energy Company Struggles, Lays Off Workers — But Rewards Top Executives [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
In the nine months since David Prystash was named ChiefFinancial Officer of A123 Systems — thebattery manufacturer that received $390.1 million in federal and state subsidies — the company has laid off 125 employees and had a net loss of $172 million throughthe first three quarters of 2011.
In the nine months since David Prystash was named ChiefFinancial Officer of A123 Systems — thebattery manufacturer that received $390.1 million in federal and state subsidies — the company has laid off 125 employees and had a net loss of $172 million throughthe first three quarters of 2011.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Passerby ignore 86-year-old carjacking victim crawling for help at gas station
Video: Passerby ignore 86-year-old carjacking victim crawling for help at gas station MLive.com
An 86-year-old World War II veteran whose leg was broken when he was carjacked at a gas station was ignored by customers as he crawled through the parking lot for help.
Thieves hit Aaron Brantley from behind and stole his 2010 Chrysler 200 (recently purchased to replace another stolen car) at 10:40 a.m. on Wednesday, according to the Detroit Free Press.
The gas station is located at W. McNichols and Fairfield, just west of the campus of University of Detroit-Mercy.
An 86-year-old World War II veteran whose leg was broken when he was carjacked at a gas station was ignored by customers as he crawled through the parking lot for help.
Thieves hit Aaron Brantley from behind and stole his 2010 Chrysler 200 (recently purchased to replace another stolen car) at 10:40 a.m. on Wednesday, according to the Detroit Free Press.
The gas station is located at W. McNichols and Fairfield, just west of the campus of University of Detroit-Mercy.
Halftime in Detroit
Review & Outlook: Halftime in Detroit - WSJ.com
Halftime in Detroit
Taxpayers will be paying for the auto bailouts for decades to come.
Halftime in Detroit
Taxpayers will be paying for the auto bailouts for decades to come.
Lindzen totally pwns the alarmists
Lindzen totally pwns the alarmists – Telegraph Blogs
"Stated briefly, I will simply try to clarify what the debate over climate change is really about.
It most certainly is not about whether climate is changing: it always is.
It is not about whether CO2 is increasing: it clearly is.
It is not about whether the increase in CO2, by itself, will lead to some warming: it should.
The debate is simply over the matter of how much warming the increase in CO2 can lead to, and the connection of such warming to the innumerable claimed catastrophes.
The evidence is that the increase in CO2 will lead to very little warming, and that the connection of this minimal warming (or even significant warming) to the purported catastrophes is also minimal.
The arguments on which the catastrophic claims are made are extremely weak – and commonly acknowledged as such.
They are sometimes overtly dishonest."
"Stated briefly, I will simply try to clarify what the debate over climate change is really about.
It most certainly is not about whether climate is changing: it always is.
It is not about whether CO2 is increasing: it clearly is.
It is not about whether the increase in CO2, by itself, will lead to some warming: it should.
The debate is simply over the matter of how much warming the increase in CO2 can lead to, and the connection of such warming to the innumerable claimed catastrophes.
The evidence is that the increase in CO2 will lead to very little warming, and that the connection of this minimal warming (or even significant warming) to the purported catastrophes is also minimal.
The arguments on which the catastrophic claims are made are extremely weak – and commonly acknowledged as such.
They are sometimes overtly dishonest."
A pro-military film
A pro-military film—Michael A. Walsh - NYPOST.com
After a string of anti-war, anti-military (and arguably anti-American) war movies, Hollywood finally gets it right.
The Navy SEAL drama “Act of Valor” opens tomorrow in theaters nationwide.
After a string of anti-war, anti-military (and arguably anti-American) war movies, Hollywood finally gets it right.
The Navy SEAL drama “Act of Valor” opens tomorrow in theaters nationwide.
Aging of Eyes Is Blamed in Circadian Rhythm Disturbances
Aging of Eyes Is Blamed in Circadian Rhythm Disturbances - NYTimes.com
Aging of Eyes Is Blamed for Range of Health Woes
Aging of Eyes Is Blamed for Range of Health Woes
The Perversion of Rights
The Perversion of Rights - Mark Steyn
The transformation of “human rights” from restraints upon state power into a pretext for state power is nicely encapsulated in the language of Article 14 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, which states that everyone has the right “to receive free compulsory education.”
Got that?
You have the human right to be forced to do something by the government.
The transformation of “human rights” from restraints upon state power into a pretext for state power is nicely encapsulated in the language of Article 14 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, which states that everyone has the right “to receive free compulsory education.”
Got that?
You have the human right to be forced to do something by the government.
The Perversion of Rights
The Perversion of Rights - Mark Steyn
The transformation of “human rights” from restraints upon state power into a pretext for state power is nicely encapsulated in the language of Article 14 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, which states that everyone has the right “to receive free compulsory education.”
Got that?
You have the human right to be forced to do something by the government.
The transformation of “human rights” from restraints upon state power into a pretext for state power is nicely encapsulated in the language of Article 14 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, which states that everyone has the right “to receive free compulsory education.”
Got that?
You have the human right to be forced to do something by the government.
Acclaimed physicist Stephen Hawking 'a regular' at Calif. strip joint
Acclaimed physicist Stephen Hawking 'a regular' at Calif. strip joint - NYPOST.com
Stephen Hawking certainly has discovered some new heavenly bodies — at a California jiggle joint.
The apparently sex-crazed 70-year-old genius astrophysicist, who is confined to a wheelchair by Lou Gehrig’s disease and uses a computer to speak, has been spotted several times getting lap dances at California sex club Devore, RadarOnline reported today.
Hawking, whose work on black holes earned him international acclaim, arrives at the club with an entourage of nurses and assistants and has "naked women grind on him," RadarOnline reported.
Stephen Hawking certainly has discovered some new heavenly bodies — at a California jiggle joint.
The apparently sex-crazed 70-year-old genius astrophysicist, who is confined to a wheelchair by Lou Gehrig’s disease and uses a computer to speak, has been spotted several times getting lap dances at California sex club Devore, RadarOnline reported today.
Hawking, whose work on black holes earned him international acclaim, arrives at the club with an entourage of nurses and assistants and has "naked women grind on him," RadarOnline reported.
Debt ceiling: Doomsday may come sooner than expected
Debt ceiling: Doomsday may come sooner than expected - POLITICO.com
Analysts from the Bipartisan Policy Center projected that the United States will hit its $16.4 trillion debt ceiling between late November 2012 and early January 2013 due to lower-than-expected corporate tax revenues and the recent extension of the payroll tax holiday
Analysts from the Bipartisan Policy Center projected that the United States will hit its $16.4 trillion debt ceiling between late November 2012 and early January 2013 due to lower-than-expected corporate tax revenues and the recent extension of the payroll tax holiday
St. Louis Fed President Says ‘Bad Luck’ Responsible for Economy
St. Louis Fed President Says ‘Bad Luck’ Responsible for Economy Washington Free Beacon
On CNBC Squawk Box:
JAMES BULLARD: The economy, I think 2011, you know, I think the chairman said maybe obliquely, but it’s a bit of bad luck in 2011, I have to say. I was expecting better things in 2011. I thought that that would be the year…
HOST: Bad luck for the economy?
BULLARD: Bad luck for the economy
On CNBC Squawk Box:
JAMES BULLARD: The economy, I think 2011, you know, I think the chairman said maybe obliquely, but it’s a bit of bad luck in 2011, I have to say. I was expecting better things in 2011. I thought that that would be the year…
HOST: Bad luck for the economy?
BULLARD: Bad luck for the economy
Democrats Are Praying for a Santorum Nomination
Dorothy Rabinowitz: Democrats Are Praying for a Santorum Nomination - WSJ.com
The Republicans have already provided President Obama with high-value gifts this election year, but none nearly as delectable as the prospect of a run against Mr. Santorum.
The Republicans have already provided President Obama with high-value gifts this election year, but none nearly as delectable as the prospect of a run against Mr. Santorum.
'Privilege of Being an American' Is Why Rich Need Higher Taxes
Geithner: 'Privilege of Being an American' Is Why Rich Need Higher Taxes The Weekly Standard
"That’s the kind of balance you need," said Geithner.
"Why is that the case?
Because if you don't try to generate more revenues through tax reform, if you don't ask, you know, the most fortunate Americans to bear a slightly larger burden of the privilege of being an American, then you have to -- the only way to achieve fiscal sustainability is through unacceptably deep cuts in benefits for middle class seniors, or unacceptably deep cuts in national security."
"That’s the kind of balance you need," said Geithner.
"Why is that the case?
Because if you don't try to generate more revenues through tax reform, if you don't ask, you know, the most fortunate Americans to bear a slightly larger burden of the privilege of being an American, then you have to -- the only way to achieve fiscal sustainability is through unacceptably deep cuts in benefits for middle class seniors, or unacceptably deep cuts in national security."
‘Lunch-In’ Protests Crackdown on Homemade Lunches
‘Lunch-In’ Protests Crackdown on Homemade Lunches The Weekly Standard
The location of today’s protest “lunch-in,” Freedom Plaza, is on land owned by the federal government, under the management of the National Park Service.
The location of today’s protest “lunch-in,” Freedom Plaza, is on land owned by the federal government, under the management of the National Park Service.
Who Will Be The Next Ron Paul?
Who Will Be The Next Ron Paul? - Reason Magazine
As Dr. No retires, here are three House members who might claim his libertarian mantle.
.......1.) Rep. Justin Amash (R-Mich.)
As Dr. No retires, here are three House members who might claim his libertarian mantle.
.......1.) Rep. Justin Amash (R-Mich.)
Friday, February 24, 2012
Police Called As Fights Break Out Before Release Of New Nike Sneaker In Florida
Police Called As Fights Break Out Before Release Of New Nike Sneaker In Florida Fox News
The shoes cost $220 and on Craigslist, someone offered a car -- a 1996 Cavalier -- for a pair, with others prepared to pay $2400.
A re-release by Nike of Air Jordan XI late last year sparked a U.S.-wide shopping frenzy which led to fights, vandalism and arrests as desperate shoppers scrambled to buy the limited edition shoes.
The shoes cost $220 and on Craigslist, someone offered a car -- a 1996 Cavalier -- for a pair, with others prepared to pay $2400.
A re-release by Nike of Air Jordan XI late last year sparked a U.S.-wide shopping frenzy which led to fights, vandalism and arrests as desperate shoppers scrambled to buy the limited edition shoes.
GOP-Dominated Senate To SEIU
GOP-Dominated Senate To SEIU: 'Here's $4 Million' [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
Last June, the House passed legislation (House Bill 4003)that would outlaw the “skim.”
But so far the Senate has refused to pass themeasure.
WHO do we recall?!!!!!!
Last June, the House passed legislation (House Bill 4003)that would outlaw the “skim.”
But so far the Senate has refused to pass themeasure.
WHO do we recall?!!!!!!
Government, big data pose bigger 'Net threat than criminals
Schneier: government, big data pose bigger 'Net threat than criminals
Unlike the security risks posed by criminals, the threat from government regulation and data hoarders such as Apple and Google are more insidious because they threaten to alter the fabric of the Internet itself.
They're also different from traditional Internet threats because the perpetrators are shielded in a cloak of legitimacy.
As a result, many people don't recognize that their personal information or fortunes are more susceptible to these new forces than they ever were to the Russian Business Network or other Internet gangsters.
Unlike the security risks posed by criminals, the threat from government regulation and data hoarders such as Apple and Google are more insidious because they threaten to alter the fabric of the Internet itself.
They're also different from traditional Internet threats because the perpetrators are shielded in a cloak of legitimacy.
As a result, many people don't recognize that their personal information or fortunes are more susceptible to these new forces than they ever were to the Russian Business Network or other Internet gangsters.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
You'll know Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn is serious if ...
You'll know Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn is serious if ... - chicagotribune.com
Illinois has nearly $200 billion in debts and unfunded obligations and is hopelessly behind in paying its bills.
No state is in more dire shape.
Illinois has nearly $200 billion in debts and unfunded obligations and is hopelessly behind in paying its bills.
No state is in more dire shape.
How Waiters Read Your Table
How Waiters Read Your Table - WSJ.com
Restaurants Train Servers to Judge Diners, Make Service More Personal; Nixing 'Hello, My Name Is…'
Restaurants Train Servers to Judge Diners, Make Service More Personal; Nixing 'Hello, My Name Is…'
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Chart: Nearly Half of All Americans Don't Pay Income Taxes
Chart: Nearly Half of All Americans Don't Pay Income Taxes
This year’s Index of Dependence on Government presented startling findings about the sharp increase of Americans who rely on the federal government for housing, food, income, student aid or other assistance
This year’s Index of Dependence on Government presented startling findings about the sharp increase of Americans who rely on the federal government for housing, food, income, student aid or other assistance
Hallucination: Obama wants 80% of energy from ‘clean’ sources by 2035
Hallucination: Obama wants 80% of energy from ‘clean’ sources by 2035 JunkScience.com
President Obama’s business tax reform plan released today says:
...................Cleaner energy will play a crucial role in slowing global climate change, meeting the President’s goal of producing 80 percent of our nation’s electricity from clean sources by 2035…
Obama plans to accomplish this goal as follows:
Insanity?
President Obama’s business tax reform plan released today says:
...................Cleaner energy will play a crucial role in slowing global climate change, meeting the President’s goal of producing 80 percent of our nation’s electricity from clean sources by 2035…
Obama plans to accomplish this goal as follows:
Insanity?
THE TWEET OF THE DAY
THE TWEET OF THE DAY:
FROM JAMES TARANTO, THE TWEET OF THE DAY:
Weird religion: Satan is against America. Normal religion: “God damn America.”
FROM JAMES TARANTO, THE TWEET OF THE DAY:
Weird religion: Satan is against America. Normal religion: “God damn America.”
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
CARPE DIEM: First the Dutch Pull the Plug on Wind Subsidies, Now Germany Throws in Towel on Solar Subsidies
CARPE DIEM: First the Dutch Pull the Plug on Wind Subsidies, Now Germany Throws in Towel on Solar Subsidies
"One of the world’s biggest green-energy public-policy experiments is coming to a bitter end in Germany, with important lessons for policymakers elsewhere.
"One of the world’s biggest green-energy public-policy experiments is coming to a bitter end in Germany, with important lessons for policymakers elsewhere.
Unemployment Rate Not as Rosy as it Appears
Unemployment Rate Not as Rosy as it Appears [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
But a big reason for the state’s rosier outlook is a large drop in the state’s labor force, something University of Michigan economist Don Grimes calls “one of the least understood results” of the economic recovery.
Michigan’s workforce has dropped from 5.1 million in January 2006 to 4.6 million in December 2011.
Michigan added 13,000 jobs in December of 2011, but the labor force decreased by 11,705 jobs.
But a big reason for the state’s rosier outlook is a large drop in the state’s labor force, something University of Michigan economist Don Grimes calls “one of the least understood results” of the economic recovery.
Michigan’s workforce has dropped from 5.1 million in January 2006 to 4.6 million in December 2011.
Michigan added 13,000 jobs in December of 2011, but the labor force decreased by 11,705 jobs.
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