Monday, March 19, 2012
BBC News - Update for world temperature data
BBC News - Update for world temperature data
Despite the revisions, the overall warming signal has not changed.
The scientists say it has remained at about 0.75C (1.4F) since 1900.
Despite the revisions, the overall warming signal has not changed.
The scientists say it has remained at about 0.75C (1.4F) since 1900.
Organizers postpone ballot drive for corporate accountability
Organizers postpone ballot drive for corporate accountability | MLive.com
LANSING – A constitutional amendment that would requirecorporations to fully disclose their campaign spending won't go before votersin November as originally planned, organizers said Sunday.
LANSING – A constitutional amendment that would requirecorporations to fully disclose their campaign spending won't go before votersin November as originally planned, organizers said Sunday.
City of Muskegon's finances bolstered by improved economy but challenges await | MLive.com
City of Muskegon's finances bolstered by improved economy but challenges await | MLive.com
“We tried it before and we can try it again but my fellow citizens can be difficult some times,” Commissioner Steve Gawron said of the special road millage option.
But just as the city faces several difficult financial challenges in the coming years it also goes into the 2012-2013 budget process later in the spring with several advantages, Paul said.
Besides the healthy general fund balance, the city has the “legacy” costs of pension and retiree health care in relative control, labor costs are in check thanks to recent union contracts and the city’s overall debt load is low while it retains unused millage capacity, Paul said.
“We tried it before and we can try it again but my fellow citizens can be difficult some times,” Commissioner Steve Gawron said of the special road millage option.
But just as the city faces several difficult financial challenges in the coming years it also goes into the 2012-2013 budget process later in the spring with several advantages, Paul said.
Besides the healthy general fund balance, the city has the “legacy” costs of pension and retiree health care in relative control, labor costs are in check thanks to recent union contracts and the city’s overall debt load is low while it retains unused millage capacity, Paul said.
In Greece, Business Rules Can Puzzle Entrepreneurs
In Greece, Business Rules Can Puzzle Entrepreneurs - NYTimes.com
ATHENS — It was about a year ago that Fotis I. Antonopoulos, a successful Web program designer here, decided he wanted to open an e-business selling olive products.
Luckily, he already had a day job.
ATHENS — It was about a year ago that Fotis I. Antonopoulos, a successful Web program designer here, decided he wanted to open an e-business selling olive products.
Luckily, he already had a day job.
It took him 10 months — crisscrossing the city to collect dozens of forms and stamps of approval, including proof that he was up to date on his pension contributions — before he could get started.
But even that was not enough.
In perhaps the strangest twist of all, his board members were required by the Health Department to submit lung X-rays — and stool samples — since this was a food company.
Fireworks expected as Michigan State University leaders defend 2011 tuition hike
In Lansing this week: Fireworks expected as Michigan State University leaders defend 2011 tuition hike | MLive.com
University advocates say lawmakers are still steamed that the two schools found loopholes to raise tuition above the 7 percent cap last year.
University advocates say lawmakers are still steamed that the two schools found loopholes to raise tuition above the 7 percent cap last year.
Poll: U.S. Rep. John Conyers may be vulnerable incumbent
Poll: U.S. Rep. John Conyers may be vulnerable incumbent | Detroit Free Press | freep.com
Is it possible that Hansen Clarke is not Detroit’s only endangered incumbent member of Congress?
A newly-released poll by Harstad Strategic Research suggests U.S. Rep. John Conyers, second in congressional seniority only to Michigan’s John Dingell, may also be vulnerable
Is it possible that Hansen Clarke is not Detroit’s only endangered incumbent member of Congress?
A newly-released poll by Harstad Strategic Research suggests U.S. Rep. John Conyers, second in congressional seniority only to Michigan’s John Dingell, may also be vulnerable
Study: State Governments At High Risk For Corruption
Study: State Governments At High Risk For Corruption | Fox News
Eight states got an 'F,' with grades of 59 or lower: North Dakota, Michigan, South Carolina, Maine, Virginia, Wyoming, South Dakota and Georgia.
Individual reports for all 50 states can be found at http://www.stateintegrity.org.
The site, along with a companion page on Facebook, allows readers to send copies of their state report cards to elected officials, to report potential problems, and suggest solutions.
more on Michigan: http://www.mlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/03/failing_grade_michigan_ranks_a.html
Eight states got an 'F,' with grades of 59 or lower: North Dakota, Michigan, South Carolina, Maine, Virginia, Wyoming, South Dakota and Georgia.
Individual reports for all 50 states can be found at http://www.stateintegrity.org.
The site, along with a companion page on Facebook, allows readers to send copies of their state report cards to elected officials, to report potential problems, and suggest solutions.
more on Michigan: http://www.mlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/03/failing_grade_michigan_ranks_a.html
Holder's Brainwashing Against Guns Foreshadowed Operation Fast and Furious
Holder's Brainwashing Against Guns Foreshadowed Operation Fast and Furious
He wanted schools to talk about anti-gun propaganda “every day, every school, and every level."
Operation Fast and Furious -- in which Holder’s Department of Justice (DOJ) smuggled guns illegally to Mexican drug cartels -- could finally have provided Holder the material for that anti-gun curriculum.
On December 7, 2011, CBS News investigative journalist Sharyl Attkisson (who is the only one in the mainstream media faithfully reporting this story) shared documents proving that the motive behind Operation Fast & Furious was to implement harsher gun regulations.
Ms. Attkisson reported that Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) officials within the DOJ discussed using the illegal gun sales to justify “Demand Letter 3,” which would require some gun shops to report the sales of multiple rifles or long guns.
Each new revelation pushes Operation Fast and Furious up the chain of command and provides more evidence that it was to be used for more gun control.
Here’s a review of what we know.
Readit.
Pass it on!
He wanted schools to talk about anti-gun propaganda “every day, every school, and every level."
Operation Fast and Furious -- in which Holder’s Department of Justice (DOJ) smuggled guns illegally to Mexican drug cartels -- could finally have provided Holder the material for that anti-gun curriculum.
On December 7, 2011, CBS News investigative journalist Sharyl Attkisson (who is the only one in the mainstream media faithfully reporting this story) shared documents proving that the motive behind Operation Fast & Furious was to implement harsher gun regulations.
Ms. Attkisson reported that Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) officials within the DOJ discussed using the illegal gun sales to justify “Demand Letter 3,” which would require some gun shops to report the sales of multiple rifles or long guns.
Each new revelation pushes Operation Fast and Furious up the chain of command and provides more evidence that it was to be used for more gun control.
Here’s a review of what we know.
Readit.
Pass it on!
The Vetting - Holder 1995: We Must 'Brainwash' People on Guns
The Vetting - Holder 1995: We Must 'Brainwash' People on Guns
U.S. Attorney Eric Holder announcing a public campaign to "really brainwash people into thinking about guns in a vastly different way."
U.S. Attorney Eric Holder announcing a public campaign to "really brainwash people into thinking about guns in a vastly different way."
Taxpayer Watchdog Exposes the True March Madness: $2.7 Billion in Taxpayer Subsidized Arenas
Taxpayers Protection Alliance - Blog
TPA uncovered that all 13 venues hosting games during the 2012 Men's NCAA Basketball Tournament have received millions of dollars in tax money.
In total, the arenas used in this year's NCAA Tournament have cost local, federal and state taxpayers a combined $2.7 billion
TPA uncovered that all 13 venues hosting games during the 2012 Men's NCAA Basketball Tournament have received millions of dollars in tax money.
In total, the arenas used in this year's NCAA Tournament have cost local, federal and state taxpayers a combined $2.7 billion
U.S. Rep. Hansen Clarke to seek federal bailout to help Detroit
U.S. Rep. Hansen Clarke to seek federal bailout to help Detroit | Detroit Free Press | freep.com
U.S. Rep. Hansen Clarke wants to stop a state takeover of Detroit by getting Washington to authorize a federal bailout.
Clarke, a Detroit Democrat, said Thursday that he knows it's a long shot in the Republican-controlled Congress, "but we've got to work to bring resources back to the city.
I understand the political reality, but I can't accept that things can't change."
U.S. Rep. Hansen Clarke wants to stop a state takeover of Detroit by getting Washington to authorize a federal bailout.
Clarke, a Detroit Democrat, said Thursday that he knows it's a long shot in the Republican-controlled Congress, "but we've got to work to bring resources back to the city.
I understand the political reality, but I can't accept that things can't change."
Obama’s whopper about Rutherford B. Hayes and the telephone
Obama’s whopper about Rutherford B. Hayes and the telephone - The Washington Post
It’s bad enough for one president to knock another one for not being on Mount Rushmore, but it’s particularly egregious to do so based on incorrect information.
....Our final ruling was swayed in the end by this:
The president in particular has a responsibility to get historical facts right, and in this case he got them completely backwards.
Obama mocked Hayes for “looking backwards ... not looking forwards.”
In reality, Hayes embraced the new technology.
He should be an Obama hero, not a skunk.
Hayes is dead and buried, but he deserves an apology.
The Pinocchio Test
It’s bad enough for one president to knock another one for not being on Mount Rushmore, but it’s particularly egregious to do so based on incorrect information.
....Our final ruling was swayed in the end by this:
The president in particular has a responsibility to get historical facts right, and in this case he got them completely backwards.
Obama mocked Hayes for “looking backwards ... not looking forwards.”
In reality, Hayes embraced the new technology.
He should be an Obama hero, not a skunk.
Hayes is dead and buried, but he deserves an apology.
Four Pinocchios
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Puerto Rico’s Governor Confident About Statehood
Puerto Rico’s Governor Confident About Statehood - Fox News
But, they will vote on a statehood referendum on that day. Gov. Luis Fortuno tells Fox News it will be a process but he is confident it will happen.
But, they will vote on a statehood referendum on that day. Gov. Luis Fortuno tells Fox News it will be a process but he is confident it will happen.
School districts get $22.2 million in 'edujobs' cash, much of it coming at the expense of charter schools
School districts get $22.2 million in 'edujobs' cash, much of it coming at the expense of charter schools | MLive.com
State Education Department spokesman Martin Ackley said districts can use the money to cover an existing salary or hire someone new, but the money must be used for salaries – for people employed by the district itself.
That was a problem for charter schools, which often use teachers who technically work for a management company – resulting in the extra $17.5 million.
State Education Department spokesman Martin Ackley said districts can use the money to cover an existing salary or hire someone new, but the money must be used for salaries – for people employed by the district itself.
That was a problem for charter schools, which often use teachers who technically work for a management company – resulting in the extra $17.5 million.
Millions Could Receive Insurance Rebates In 2012, Despite Industry Opposition
Millions Could Receive Insurance Rebates In 2012, Despite Industry Opposition | Fox News
The insurance industry, along with a slew of state officials, have been fighting the policy.
Based on rules that were issued at the end of last year, Washington will require insurers to spend between 80 and 85 percent of premium dollars on medical care.
Insurance companies that violate the rule will be required to effectively refund their customers.
But while insurers say the rules could jeopardize plans across the country, customers are nevertheless expected to receive a rebate windfall starting this year.
Preliminary estimates indicate as many as 9 million Americans could receive up to $1.4 billion in rebates.
That's an average of roughly $160 a person, though the amounts are likely to vary.
The insurance industry, along with a slew of state officials, have been fighting the policy.
Based on rules that were issued at the end of last year, Washington will require insurers to spend between 80 and 85 percent of premium dollars on medical care.
Insurance companies that violate the rule will be required to effectively refund their customers.
But while insurers say the rules could jeopardize plans across the country, customers are nevertheless expected to receive a rebate windfall starting this year.
Preliminary estimates indicate as many as 9 million Americans could receive up to $1.4 billion in rebates.
That's an average of roughly $160 a person, though the amounts are likely to vary.
Minnesota Moves on Right-to-Work, Taps Mackinac Center For Bill Wording
Minnesota Moves on Right-to-Work, Taps Mackinac Center For Bill Wording [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
To be placed on the ballot, either bill would have to be passed by both the Minnesota House and Senate by simple majority votes.
In contrast, for the Legislature to put a proposal on the ballot in Michigan, two-thirds super-majority votes are required in both the House and Senate.
Union protesters are turning out at the Minnesota Capitol building for each step in the process.
The unions are already targeting six Republican senators over the issue.
To be placed on the ballot, either bill would have to be passed by both the Minnesota House and Senate by simple majority votes.
In contrast, for the Legislature to put a proposal on the ballot in Michigan, two-thirds super-majority votes are required in both the House and Senate.
Union protesters are turning out at the Minnesota Capitol building for each step in the process.
The unions are already targeting six Republican senators over the issue.
New Report Names Newspapers as the Fastest Shrinking Industry in America
New Report Names Newspapers as the Fastest Shrinking Industry in America
While renewables grew 49.2%, the Internet 24.6% and online publishing 24.3%, newspapers led the way in a downward direction, shrinking a whopping 28.4%.
While renewables grew 49.2%, the Internet 24.6% and online publishing 24.3%, newspapers led the way in a downward direction, shrinking a whopping 28.4%.
Cheeseburgers adverts same as sex and violence say SNP
Cheeseburgers adverts same as sex and violence say SNP - Politics - Scotsman.com
ADVERTS for cheeseburgers should join sex, violence and bad language and be banned from TV before 9pm, according to the Scottish government.
The SNP claim that making it illegal to show advertisements for foods with high fat, sugar or salt content before the 9pm sex and violence watershed will protect the health of children and reduce obesity.
Public health minister Michael Matheson has written to the UK government calling for the introduction of such a ban, which would affect adverts for fast-food chains such as McDonald’s, Burger King and KFC
ADVERTS for cheeseburgers should join sex, violence and bad language and be banned from TV before 9pm, according to the Scottish government.
The SNP claim that making it illegal to show advertisements for foods with high fat, sugar or salt content before the 9pm sex and violence watershed will protect the health of children and reduce obesity.
Public health minister Michael Matheson has written to the UK government calling for the introduction of such a ban, which would affect adverts for fast-food chains such as McDonald’s, Burger King and KFC
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Pope Of Egypt's Coptic Christian Church Dies
Pope Of Egypt's Coptic Christian Church Dies | Fox News
Pope Shenouda III, the patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church who led Egypt's Christian minority for 40 years during a time of increasing tensions with Muslims, has died.
Interesting timing, doncha think?
Pope Shenouda III, the patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church who led Egypt's Christian minority for 40 years during a time of increasing tensions with Muslims, has died.
Interesting timing, doncha think?
Bleak outlook for US newspapers
Bleak outlook for US newspapers - FT.com
the Council of Economic Advisers have reported that the press is “America’s fastest-shrinking industry”, measured by jobs lost;
the Newspaper Association of America has shown that advertising sales have halved since 2005 and are now at 1984’s level;
and the Pew Research Center has found that for every digital ad dollar they earned, they lost $7 in print ads.
the Council of Economic Advisers have reported that the press is “America’s fastest-shrinking industry”, measured by jobs lost;
the Newspaper Association of America has shown that advertising sales have halved since 2005 and are now at 1984’s level;
and the Pew Research Center has found that for every digital ad dollar they earned, they lost $7 in print ads.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Proposed Muskegon County Jail project to get input from citizens committee
Proposed Muskegon County Jail project to get input from citizens committee | MLive.com
Those interested in being a candidate for the Citizens Review Committee should fill out an application, which is available on the county’s website at www.co.muskegon.mi.us.
Once on the website’s main page, click on the County Government link, then the County Board of Commissioners link, then the Citizen Appointments link and finally at the bottom of the page is a link to an application form.
Those interested in being a candidate for the Citizens Review Committee should fill out an application, which is available on the county’s website at www.co.muskegon.mi.us.
Once on the website’s main page, click on the County Government link, then the County Board of Commissioners link, then the Citizen Appointments link and finally at the bottom of the page is a link to an application form.
American Flag With President Obama's Image Sparks Outrage At Florida Democrats
American Flag With President Obama's Image Sparks Outrage At Florida Democrats | Fox News
An American flag with President Obama's image in place of the stars flew over a Florida county's Democrat headquarters long enough to enrage local veterans who called the altered banner "a disgrace."
An American flag with President Obama's image in place of the stars flew over a Florida county's Democrat headquarters long enough to enrage local veterans who called the altered banner "a disgrace."
'Pink slime' sounds gross, but how does it taste?
My Way News - 'Pink slime' sounds gross, but how does it taste?
"pink slime, a term coined by a federal microbiologist grossed out by it and now widely used by critics and food activists."
"pink slime, a term coined by a federal microbiologist grossed out by it and now widely used by critics and food activists."
Thursday, March 15, 2012
The Myth Of Scarce Oil — U.S. Has 60 Times More Crude Than President Obama Claims
The Myth Of Scarce Oil — U.S. Has 60 Times More Crude Than President Obama Claims - Investors.com:
The U.S. has 22.3 billion barrels of proved reserves, a little less than 2% of the entire world's proved reserves, according to the Energy Information Administration.
But as the EIA explains, proved reserves "are a small subset of recoverable resources," because they only count oil that companies are currently drilling for in existing fields.
The U.S. has 22.3 billion barrels of proved reserves, a little less than 2% of the entire world's proved reserves, according to the Energy Information Administration.
But as the EIA explains, proved reserves "are a small subset of recoverable resources," because they only count oil that companies are currently drilling for in existing fields.
What corporate earnings would look like without Apple
What corporate earnings would look like without Apple - Mar. 15, 2012
Strip out Apple's (AAPL, Fortune 500) 116% profit surge, and that growth falls to just 3%.
And if you also exclude AIG's (AIG, Fortune 500) 77% earnings pop, which was driven by a tax-related accounting gain, overall S&P 500 growth gets slashed to a measly 1.2%.
Strip out Apple's (AAPL, Fortune 500) 116% profit surge, and that growth falls to just 3%.
And if you also exclude AIG's (AIG, Fortune 500) 77% earnings pop, which was driven by a tax-related accounting gain, overall S&P 500 growth gets slashed to a measly 1.2%.
Broadcasters Object to FCC Proposal to Post Costs of Political Ads
Broadcasters Object to FCC Proposal to Post Costs of Political Ads - WSJ.comCongress decreed in 1971 that candidates must get the lowest price for ads in the weeks before an election.
Muskegon County set to consider larger community role in transportation
Muskegon County set to consider larger community role in transportation | MLive.comThe goal of the Muskegon-area study was to use the area’s transportation services as a test case to identify potential barriers within and between federal programs and to seek possible solutions to local transportation issues.
In addition, the study came at a time of discussions concerning the possible expansion of the bus system to the White Lake area and the eastern portion of the county.
Along those same lines, the Muskegon Area Transit System is seeking board approval to develop a Mobility Management program and to hire a Mobility Coordinator, who would have a salary range of $42,918 to $54,346.
The new position for the county's bus system would be funded through federal money (80 percent) and state money (20 percent).
Our county is beyond broke. ($100 million in unfunded employee pension/benefits)
They tell us their #1 issue is a new jail.
There is no money for a new jail.
But plenty of "free" money for $1000 iPads and free internet for the county commissioners.
And now it seems there is plenty of money for new buses and an entire new "mobility coordinator" and staff.
And every county commissioner will vote for this new spending today.
How dumb are we to allow this never ending spending?
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Thursday is 'Poolmageddon' for trial lawyers
Thursday is 'Poolmageddon' for trial lawyers | Washington Examiner
The DOJ has been issuing a growing wave of such guidelines over the years, reaching an ever larger portion of business activities.
In September 2010, the DOJ issued guidelines for "recreational facilities," including a new rule that all public access swimming pools must provide a lift capable of moving disabled patrons from their wheelchairs into the water.
The DOJ has been issuing a growing wave of such guidelines over the years, reaching an ever larger portion of business activities.
In September 2010, the DOJ issued guidelines for "recreational facilities," including a new rule that all public access swimming pools must provide a lift capable of moving disabled patrons from their wheelchairs into the water.
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