Articles: How Sturdy Is the Obama Narrative that 'Keeps Us Silent'?
Regarding the nativity story of Barack Obama, Kimball notes that "[i]t's not just that you are not allowed to express certain opinions about the subject.
You are not even allowed to publicly entertain any questions about it."
Saturday, April 07, 2012
Get $15,000 Off Your Chevy Volt or Nissan LEAF in Lansing, Michigan
Get $15,000 Off Your Chevy Volt or Nissan LEAF in Lansing, Michigan | PluginCars.com
A program in Lansing, Michigan, that provides what is likely the best deal in the nation towards the purchase of a plug-in vehicle has come to light over the last few days—and it's a wonder that it wasn't plastered all over the news to this point.
Using money from federal and local funds, the Lansing Board of Water and Light will match the already existing federal tax credit of up to $7,500 for the purchase a qualifying plug-in car, resulting in up to a $15,000 overall incentive package.
As an added bonus, the extra $7,500 is a straight-up cash payment that LBWL provides to you at the time of purchase, so there's no waiting for the next tax year to claim it. In addition, the LBWL will install, for free, charging docks in both the participants' homes and their places of work.
The catch?
It's currently only available to the first 25 people to purchase qualifying plug-ins in the LBWL service area.
Of course, the most observant among us will realize that the Nissan LEAF won't initially be available in Lansing, so the program will probably be restricted to just Chevy Volt sales, but LBWL tells AutoblogGreen that if somebody were to buy the LEAF somewhere else and truck it back to Lansing, they would also qualify for the extra $7,500 and the free home charging dock
A program in Lansing, Michigan, that provides what is likely the best deal in the nation towards the purchase of a plug-in vehicle has come to light over the last few days—and it's a wonder that it wasn't plastered all over the news to this point.
Using money from federal and local funds, the Lansing Board of Water and Light will match the already existing federal tax credit of up to $7,500 for the purchase a qualifying plug-in car, resulting in up to a $15,000 overall incentive package.
As an added bonus, the extra $7,500 is a straight-up cash payment that LBWL provides to you at the time of purchase, so there's no waiting for the next tax year to claim it. In addition, the LBWL will install, for free, charging docks in both the participants' homes and their places of work.
The catch?
It's currently only available to the first 25 people to purchase qualifying plug-ins in the LBWL service area.
Of course, the most observant among us will realize that the Nissan LEAF won't initially be available in Lansing, so the program will probably be restricted to just Chevy Volt sales, but LBWL tells AutoblogGreen that if somebody were to buy the LEAF somewhere else and truck it back to Lansing, they would also qualify for the extra $7,500 and the free home charging dock
GM cuts week from Chevy Volt production shutdown in wake of record sales
GM cuts week from Chevy Volt production shutdown in wake of record sales | MLive.com
DETROIT- General Motors Co. will reportedly recharge Chevrolet Volt production a week earlier than expected.
According to the Detroit Free Press, GM will resume production of the extended-range vehicle April 16 after a four-week shutdown, instead of the previously announced five-week shuttering.
The news comes in wake of GM reporting Volt sales of 2,289 units in March, the vehicle’s best performance since being launched in December 2011.
In March, the Detroit-based automaker said it planned to temporarily shutter and lay off 1,300 workers at its Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly in an attempt to meet production with demand, which has been less than enthusiastic in wake of a federal investigation and political scrutiny.
GM sold 7,671 Volts in 2011, well below GM CEO Dan Akerson's announced target of 10,000. However, Akerson thjis week told Bloomberg News that sales could reach at least 3,000 Volts a month sooner than later.
The Volt, which can travel about 35 miles on battery power before a small gasoline engine generates power to run the car's electric motor, has a base price of about $40,000 before an up to $7,500 tax credit from the U.S. government
DETROIT- General Motors Co. will reportedly recharge Chevrolet Volt production a week earlier than expected.
According to the Detroit Free Press, GM will resume production of the extended-range vehicle April 16 after a four-week shutdown, instead of the previously announced five-week shuttering.
The news comes in wake of GM reporting Volt sales of 2,289 units in March, the vehicle’s best performance since being launched in December 2011.
In March, the Detroit-based automaker said it planned to temporarily shutter and lay off 1,300 workers at its Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly in an attempt to meet production with demand, which has been less than enthusiastic in wake of a federal investigation and political scrutiny.
GM sold 7,671 Volts in 2011, well below GM CEO Dan Akerson's announced target of 10,000. However, Akerson thjis week told Bloomberg News that sales could reach at least 3,000 Volts a month sooner than later.
The Volt, which can travel about 35 miles on battery power before a small gasoline engine generates power to run the car's electric motor, has a base price of about $40,000 before an up to $7,500 tax credit from the U.S. government
Friday, April 06, 2012
The Real Causes of Income Inequality
Gramm and McMillin: The Real Causes of Income Inequality - WSJ.com
This growth in income inequality is largely the result of three dynamics:
1) Changes in the way Americans pay taxes and manage their investments, which were a direct result of reductions in marginal tax rates.
2) A dynamic shift in the labor-capital ratio, resulting from the adoption of market-based economies around the world.
3) The flourishing of economic freedom and technological advances in the Reagan era, which were the product of lower tax rates, a reduced regulatory burden, and an improved business climate.
These changes have not only raised the measured income of the top 1%, they benefited the nation and the world.
This growth in income inequality is largely the result of three dynamics:
1) Changes in the way Americans pay taxes and manage their investments, which were a direct result of reductions in marginal tax rates.
2) A dynamic shift in the labor-capital ratio, resulting from the adoption of market-based economies around the world.
3) The flourishing of economic freedom and technological advances in the Reagan era, which were the product of lower tax rates, a reduced regulatory burden, and an improved business climate.
These changes have not only raised the measured income of the top 1%, they benefited the nation and the world.
OLSEN: Dangers of academia's 'indoctrination mills'
OLSEN: Dangers of academia's 'indoctrination mills' - Washington Times
For decades, conservatives have documented and criticized how liberal ideology runs rampant throughout higher education. Hence William F. Buckley’s famous quip from the 1960s:
“I’d rather entrust the government of the United States to the first 400 people listed in the Boston telephone directory than to the faculty of Harvard University.”
Fifty years later, few conservatives would disagree.
But could the problem be getting worse?
The Pew Research Center released a study in December showing that more Americans age 18 to 29 have a favorable view of socialism over capitalism.
In fact, this demographic has a net positive view of socialism (49 percent positive to 43 percent negative) and net negative view of capitalism (46 percent positive and 47 percent negative).
For decades, conservatives have documented and criticized how liberal ideology runs rampant throughout higher education. Hence William F. Buckley’s famous quip from the 1960s:
“I’d rather entrust the government of the United States to the first 400 people listed in the Boston telephone directory than to the faculty of Harvard University.”
Fifty years later, few conservatives would disagree.
But could the problem be getting worse?
The Pew Research Center released a study in December showing that more Americans age 18 to 29 have a favorable view of socialism over capitalism.
In fact, this demographic has a net positive view of socialism (49 percent positive to 43 percent negative) and net negative view of capitalism (46 percent positive and 47 percent negative).
Energy Department prepares to approve more green loans
Energy Department prepares to approve more green loans - The Hill's E2-Wire
The Energy Department said Thursday it expects to begin tentatively approving new taxpayer-backed loans for renewable energy projects in the coming months.
The announcement comes about seven months after Solyndra, the California solar firm that received a $535 million loan guarantee from the administration in 2009, went bankrupt, setting off a firestorm in Washington.
The Energy Department said Thursday it expects to begin tentatively approving new taxpayer-backed loans for renewable energy projects in the coming months.
The announcement comes about seven months after Solyndra, the California solar firm that received a $535 million loan guarantee from the administration in 2009, went bankrupt, setting off a firestorm in Washington.
D.C. Dem to Introduce Bill to Change Eating Habits in ‘Workplace and Community Settings’
The PJ Tatler » D.C. Dem to Introduce Bill to Change Eating Habits in ‘Workplace and Community Settings’
The representative for a district with higher-than-average rates of obesity-related conditions will return from recess a week from Monday to reintroduce her Lifelong Improvements in Food and Exercise (LIFE) Act.
D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D) will say on the House floor, according to prepared remarks, that her bill is intended to tackle a health problem “that cannot be remedied through the health care system alone.”
The LIFE Act would give the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention $25 million “for a coordinated national effort to reverse increasingly sedentary lifestyles and diets that are high in fat and sugar.”
The representative for a district with higher-than-average rates of obesity-related conditions will return from recess a week from Monday to reintroduce her Lifelong Improvements in Food and Exercise (LIFE) Act.
D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D) will say on the House floor, according to prepared remarks, that her bill is intended to tackle a health problem “that cannot be remedied through the health care system alone.”
The LIFE Act would give the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention $25 million “for a coordinated national effort to reverse increasingly sedentary lifestyles and diets that are high in fat and sugar.”
Peeps Evolvion into to a Cult Classic
Peeps Evolvion into to a Cult Classic | Easter Candy | BusinessNewsDaily.com
Handmade Peeps
Peeps have been around since at least the 1950s, when in 1953, to be exact, Just Born acquired the candy company that made Peeps — by hand.
Handmade Peeps
Peeps have been around since at least the 1950s, when in 1953, to be exact, Just Born acquired the candy company that made Peeps — by hand.
Academic Crimethink
Academic Crimethink - By Robert Weissberg - Phi Beta Cons - National Review Online
More important is how they promote academic self-censorship.
Step by step, academic novices learn the boundaries of permissible inquiry.
Imagine a fledging assistant professor circulating a meticulously researched, fact-laden article to colleagues concluding that European colonialism cannot explain the contemporary economic mess in Africa, a statement that clearly violates today’s academic orthodoxy.
Faced with a possible heresy in the making, a “helpful” more senior faculty would mentor him with, “I see your point, Smith, and I admire all your carefully assembled data, but let me advise you that this research on the impact of colonialism is very unsettled, is often controversial, and can easily promote stereotypes — perhaps even dangerous ones.”
Unless the fledging Professor Smith is a blockhead, he’ll get the message — don’t even think of going in there, and stick to the prevailing Marxist-favored pieties about the colonial legacy.
In a few short years the young Professor Smith will intuitively know the boundaries and, for good measure, not even think about venturing into taboo terrain.
No need for commissars.
More important is how they promote academic self-censorship.
Step by step, academic novices learn the boundaries of permissible inquiry.
Imagine a fledging assistant professor circulating a meticulously researched, fact-laden article to colleagues concluding that European colonialism cannot explain the contemporary economic mess in Africa, a statement that clearly violates today’s academic orthodoxy.
Faced with a possible heresy in the making, a “helpful” more senior faculty would mentor him with, “I see your point, Smith, and I admire all your carefully assembled data, but let me advise you that this research on the impact of colonialism is very unsettled, is often controversial, and can easily promote stereotypes — perhaps even dangerous ones.”
Unless the fledging Professor Smith is a blockhead, he’ll get the message — don’t even think of going in there, and stick to the prevailing Marxist-favored pieties about the colonial legacy.
In a few short years the young Professor Smith will intuitively know the boundaries and, for good measure, not even think about venturing into taboo terrain.
No need for commissars.
Magazine publisher to launch new monthly covering West Michigan's high school sports scene
Magazine publisher to launch new monthly covering West Michigan's high school sports scene | MLive.com
Kelly Hill, a former contributor to The Grand Rapids Press and Advance Publications, will be managing editor of West Michigan Preps. Jayson Bussa, a former contributor to the Kalamazoo Gazette, will be the publication's associate editor and web editor.
Kelly Hill, a former contributor to The Grand Rapids Press and Advance Publications, will be managing editor of West Michigan Preps. Jayson Bussa, a former contributor to the Kalamazoo Gazette, will be the publication's associate editor and web editor.
Patient care priority as Cheboygan hospital closes
Patient care priority as Cheboygan hospital closes | Detroit Free Press | freep.com
With Cheboygan Memorial Hospital unlikely to reopen, officials said Thursday they are trying to make sure people in the area have access to doctors and other health services.
The hospital closed unexpectedly this week after a sale to Flint-based McLaren Health Care fell through over issues with federal licensing and certification for Medicare and Medicaid services.
With Cheboygan Memorial Hospital unlikely to reopen, officials said Thursday they are trying to make sure people in the area have access to doctors and other health services.
The hospital closed unexpectedly this week after a sale to Flint-based McLaren Health Care fell through over issues with federal licensing and certification for Medicare and Medicaid services.
Report: Michigan relies too much on nursing homes for poor seniors
Report: Michigan relies too much on nursing homes for poor seniors | Detroit Free Press | freep.com
In fact, 35 states spend fewer Medicaid dollars -- the bulk of state funding for long-term care -- on nursing homes, instead finding ways to help seniors age in place, said Lisa Dedden Cooper, author of the report and AARP Michigan manager of advocacy.
Those services include aides or nurses who visit seniors in their homes, for example.
Survey results are clear that seniors want to remain in their homes as long as possible, and by one estimate cited in the report, community-based services, on average, can save $57,338 per participant per year, Dedden Cooper said.
"We know what people want, and we know what costs less. ... What Michigan is doing is neither of these things," she said.
In fact, 35 states spend fewer Medicaid dollars -- the bulk of state funding for long-term care -- on nursing homes, instead finding ways to help seniors age in place, said Lisa Dedden Cooper, author of the report and AARP Michigan manager of advocacy.
Those services include aides or nurses who visit seniors in their homes, for example.
Survey results are clear that seniors want to remain in their homes as long as possible, and by one estimate cited in the report, community-based services, on average, can save $57,338 per participant per year, Dedden Cooper said.
"We know what people want, and we know what costs less. ... What Michigan is doing is neither of these things," she said.
Thursday, April 05, 2012
Marion Barry apologizes for anti-Asian remarks
UPDATE: Marion Barry apologizes for anti-Asian remarks - District of DeBonis - The Washington Post
WRC-TVcameras caught the remarks:
“We’ve got to do something about these Asians coming in, opening up businesses, those dirty shops. They ought to go, I’ll just say that right now, you know.
But we need African-American businesspeople to be able to take their places, too.”
WRC-TVcameras caught the remarks:
“We’ve got to do something about these Asians coming in, opening up businesses, those dirty shops. They ought to go, I’ll just say that right now, you know.
But we need African-American businesspeople to be able to take their places, too.”
Jesse Jackson Calls On Blacks To Wear Hoodies To Polling Places
Jesse Jackson Calls On Blacks To Wear Hoodies To Polling Places
Speaking to The Tom Joyner Morning Show on Wednesday, Jesse Jackson said:
"If a white kills a black we revolt, if a black kills a white it's jail time, we kill each other it's Miller time. It's as if somebody has the right to kill us."
Jackson then added "This right wing, we got to win the election, so wear your hoodie, put a voter registration card under your hoodie if you have a hoodie without a voter card you've been Hoodiewinked."
Speaking to The Tom Joyner Morning Show on Wednesday, Jesse Jackson said:
"If a white kills a black we revolt, if a black kills a white it's jail time, we kill each other it's Miller time. It's as if somebody has the right to kill us."
Jackson then added "This right wing, we got to win the election, so wear your hoodie, put a voter registration card under your hoodie if you have a hoodie without a voter card you've been Hoodiewinked."
Ratings: Stewart & Colbert Trounced By Cartoons, Reruns, 'Pawn Stars'
Ratings: Stewart & Colbert Trounced By Cartoons, Reruns, 'Pawn Stars'Jon Stewart pulled in a whopping 1.372 million viewers Monday, which only looks good when compared to Stephen Colbert, who pulled in less than a million.
Here's the list.
As you can see, something called "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" and "Bad Girls Club" beat both of America's satirists pretty handily.
So did cartoons ... and reruns of cartoons.
Man, 78, recounts assault by 6 youths in E. Toledo
Man, 78, recounts assault by 6 youths in E. Toledo - Toledo Blade
While Mr. Watts was down the boys kicked him, over and over, shouting, "[Get] that white [man].
This is for Trayvon ... Trayvon lives, white [man]. Kill that white [man]," according to a police report.
While Mr. Watts was down the boys kicked him, over and over, shouting, "[Get] that white [man].
This is for Trayvon ... Trayvon lives, white [man]. Kill that white [man]," according to a police report.
White House releases USD 1.5 bln aid to Egypt, meets Brotherhood figures
White House releases USD 1.5 bln aid to Egypt, meets Brotherhood figures
The White House defended the decision to release USD 1.5 billion in foreign aid to Egypt, on Thursday, following meetings between U.S. officials and lawmakers and representatives of the Muslim Brotherhood in Washington.
The White House defended the decision to release USD 1.5 billion in foreign aid to Egypt, on Thursday, following meetings between U.S. officials and lawmakers and representatives of the Muslim Brotherhood in Washington.
Undercover Voter ID Investigation: You’ll Never Guess Which Liberal Groups Are Demanding ID
PJ Media » From PJTV: Undercover Voter ID Investigation: You’ll Never Guess Which Liberal Groups Are Demanding ID
What’s wrong with showing identification when you vote?
That’s an egregious civil rights violation if you ask the Obama Administration and liberal groups like the Center for American Progress, and the Advancement Project.
So what happens if you show up at the front door of these groups without ID?
Find out on this PJTV undercover investigation.
What’s wrong with showing identification when you vote?
That’s an egregious civil rights violation if you ask the Obama Administration and liberal groups like the Center for American Progress, and the Advancement Project.
So what happens if you show up at the front door of these groups without ID?
Find out on this PJTV undercover investigation.
Heard on the Street: Planning lake's future, floating turbines and more
Heard on the Street: Planning lake's future, floating turbines and more | MLive.com
A diverse group of Muskegon leaders representing groups concerned with business and the environment are planning to make the future of the west end of Muskegon Lake a central community issue this year.
They are not just talking about the Sappi paper mill property that that has captured the community’s attention in the past few months.
This group is looking to repeat the downtown Imagine Muskegon process to elevate the public’s dreams for the future of the Muskegon Lake shoreline.
The focus could be on everything from the Lakeside business district to the future of the remaining Pigeon Hill property and, of course, the Sappi paper mill site.
Like was done for the downtown, the Imagine Muskegon Lake West effort would bring planning, architecture and design professionals together with interested citizens to brainstorm about the future.
The planning sessions would generate a consensus plan as to what elements should drive the future of the west end of the lake, which has such a huge impact on the overall community.
A diverse group of Muskegon leaders representing groups concerned with business and the environment are planning to make the future of the west end of Muskegon Lake a central community issue this year.
They are not just talking about the Sappi paper mill property that that has captured the community’s attention in the past few months.
This group is looking to repeat the downtown Imagine Muskegon process to elevate the public’s dreams for the future of the Muskegon Lake shoreline.
The focus could be on everything from the Lakeside business district to the future of the remaining Pigeon Hill property and, of course, the Sappi paper mill site.
Like was done for the downtown, the Imagine Muskegon Lake West effort would bring planning, architecture and design professionals together with interested citizens to brainstorm about the future.
The planning sessions would generate a consensus plan as to what elements should drive the future of the west end of the lake, which has such a huge impact on the overall community.
Union: Muskegon Heights school board unaware of right to advocate for district
Union: Muskegon Heights school board unaware of right to advocate for district | MLive.com
“The union has been banging on the door for over a month, saying we are willing to make concessions,” Kuiper said. “We have a plan.”
Employees had been asked, and refused, to take salary and benefits cuts ranging from 35 percent to 40 percent – the amount the interim administration said is needed to get the district back on track financially.
Kuiper asked for more time to figure out a plan to operate the district without an emergency manager.
“The union has been banging on the door for over a month, saying we are willing to make concessions,” Kuiper said. “We have a plan.”
Employees had been asked, and refused, to take salary and benefits cuts ranging from 35 percent to 40 percent – the amount the interim administration said is needed to get the district back on track financially.
Kuiper asked for more time to figure out a plan to operate the district without an emergency manager.
Muskegon County floats $2 million loan to Brookhaven in accounting move
Muskegon County floats $2 million loan to Brookhaven in accounting move | MLive.com
“This is being more transparent than it’s ever been,” Hammersley said of the concerns raised about the loan.
“This is being more transparent than it’s ever been,” Hammersley said of the concerns raised about the loan.
MEA calls on members to form 'Rapid Response Team' to express union view in online stories, back 'Protect Our Jobs' ballot drive
MEA calls on members to form 'Rapid Response Team' to express union view in online stories, back 'Protect Our Jobs' ballot drive | MLive.com
Michigan Education Association leaders are calling on teachers union members to form a “Rapid Response Team” to quickly respond to online news stories, especially about the union’s “Protect Our Jobs” petition drive.
Michigan Education Association leaders are calling on teachers union members to form a “Rapid Response Team” to quickly respond to online news stories, especially about the union’s “Protect Our Jobs” petition drive.
A sit-down with Muskegon's Sheriff: What should the county do with the existing jail if a new one is built?
A sit-down with Muskegon's Sheriff: What should the county do with the existing jail if a new one is built? | MLive.com
“My question is what are the county officials planning to do with the current jail once it builds a new facility?
Are they going to then find the funds to renovate it to another purpose or demolish it?”
Roesler said there are several options the county is considering regarding the existing jail
“My question is what are the county officials planning to do with the current jail once it builds a new facility?
Are they going to then find the funds to renovate it to another purpose or demolish it?”
Roesler said there are several options the county is considering regarding the existing jail
Muskegon County ranked last in Michigan in unhealthy behaviors and environment in national study | MLive.com
Muskegon County ranked last in Michigan in unhealthy behaviors and environment in national study | MLive.com
Although in the overall rankings for health outcomes and health factors Muskegon County moved up one position among the 82 Michigan counties surveyed, the county’s continued unhealthy behaviors and poor physical environment pose huge community challenges.
Although in the overall rankings for health outcomes and health factors Muskegon County moved up one position among the 82 Michigan counties surveyed, the county’s continued unhealthy behaviors and poor physical environment pose huge community challenges.
Video cameras for Muskegon County sheriff's cruisers closer to reality
Video cameras for Muskegon County sheriff's cruisers closer to reality | MLive.com
The Sheriff's Office has $167,000 budgeted under capital equipment for this purchase.
The Sheriff's Office has $167,000 budgeted under capital equipment for this purchase.
February local labor market improves; Muskegon County jobless rate down
February local labor market improves; Muskegon County jobless rate down | MLive.com
Muskegon’s overall employment rose in February by 1,000 jobs to 74,800 and is up 2,900 jobs from a year ago.
The unemployment rolls declined by 100 people to 7,700 in February, according to the state report.
Muskegon’s overall employment rose in February by 1,000 jobs to 74,800 and is up 2,900 jobs from a year ago.
The unemployment rolls declined by 100 people to 7,700 in February, according to the state report.
Muskegon County ranks high in health screenings, prevention care
Muskegon County ranks high in health screenings, prevention care | MLive.com
Muskegon County’s clinical care system ranked 13th out of 82 Michigan counties in a study by the University of Wisconsin, but 63rd in health outcomes and dead last in health behaviors.
Muskegon County’s clinical care system ranked 13th out of 82 Michigan counties in a study by the University of Wisconsin, but 63rd in health outcomes and dead last in health behaviors.
MAISD official: Muskegon Heights Head Start preschool needs improvement
MAISD official: Muskegon Heights Head Start preschool needs improvement | MLive.com
The decision to take over the program was made after classroom observations found the Muskegon Heights program to be lacking, Jones said.
“Their scores are far, far below the scores of other programs in Muskegon and Oceana counties,” Jones said.
“We are disappointed in those scores and we are making changes.
We need to improve the quality in our Head Start program in Muskegon Heights.”
The decision to take over the program was made after classroom observations found the Muskegon Heights program to be lacking, Jones said.
“Their scores are far, far below the scores of other programs in Muskegon and Oceana counties,” Jones said.
“We are disappointed in those scores and we are making changes.
We need to improve the quality in our Head Start program in Muskegon Heights.”
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