Saturday, April 28, 2012
In apparent first, a public pension plan files for bankruptcy
In apparent first, a public pension plan files for bankruptcy - Pensions & Investments
In what's believed to be a first by a public pension plan, the Northern Mariana Islands Retirement Fund, Saipan, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Tuesday.
In what's believed to be a first by a public pension plan, the Northern Mariana Islands Retirement Fund, Saipan, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Tuesday.
Record Subpar Economic Growth Streak Now 6 Years
Record Subpar Economic Growth Streak Now 6 Years
The U.S. economy expanded at a 2.2% annual rate in the first quarter, somewhat below expectations.
But it also marked a new milestone for economic futility.
U.S. GDP hasn’t risen 4% or more in any quarter since the first quarter of 2006.
That’s the longest such stretch on record going back to 1950
The U.S. economy expanded at a 2.2% annual rate in the first quarter, somewhat below expectations.
But it also marked a new milestone for economic futility.
U.S. GDP hasn’t risen 4% or more in any quarter since the first quarter of 2006.
That’s the longest such stretch on record going back to 1950
Friday, April 27, 2012
8 Reasons Why Today’s Occupiers Are Tomorrow’s Tea Partiers
PJ Media » 8 Reasons Why Today’s Occupiers Are Tomorrow’s Tea Partiers
Something creepy is happening in Minnesota.
A dialogue has begun between the Tea Party and Occupy movements.
Stranger still, it may be leading somewhere.
Something creepy is happening in Minnesota.
A dialogue has begun between the Tea Party and Occupy movements.
Stranger still, it may be leading somewhere.
House Votes To Raise Cyber School Cap
House Votes To Raise Cyber School Cap [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
One House Democrat, Rep. Shanelle Jackson, D-Detroit, voted for the legislation.
In December, Rep. Jackson was the only House Democrat to vote in favor of lifting the cap on the number of charter schools in Michigan.
“What this legislation does for me; is give people - working class people – more choices,” she said during the House floor debate.
One House Democrat, Rep. Shanelle Jackson, D-Detroit, voted for the legislation.
In December, Rep. Jackson was the only House Democrat to vote in favor of lifting the cap on the number of charter schools in Michigan.
“What this legislation does for me; is give people - working class people – more choices,” she said during the House floor debate.
LST 393 museum in Muskegon opens for seventh season on Saturday
LST 393 museum in Muskegon opens for seventh season on Saturday | MLive.com
LST 393 was built in 1942 to help America defeat the Axis powers in World War II.
She has three battle stars and made 30 round trips to Omaha Beach during the invasion of Normandy, delivering weapons of war.
Sold as surplus in 1948 to Sand Products Inc., owners of West Michigan Dock and Market in Muskegon, she was converted to a cross-lake ferry called Highway 16 and was a fixture on Lake Michigan for three decades.
She was retired from service in 1979.
LST 393 is located at the Mart Dock adjacent to Heritage Landing county park on the downtown Muskegon waterfront. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. seven days a week.
LST 393 was built in 1942 to help America defeat the Axis powers in World War II.
She has three battle stars and made 30 round trips to Omaha Beach during the invasion of Normandy, delivering weapons of war.
Sold as surplus in 1948 to Sand Products Inc., owners of West Michigan Dock and Market in Muskegon, she was converted to a cross-lake ferry called Highway 16 and was a fixture on Lake Michigan for three decades.
She was retired from service in 1979.
LST 393 is located at the Mart Dock adjacent to Heritage Landing county park on the downtown Muskegon waterfront. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. seven days a week.
'It makes everything fun': Ravenna fourth-graders embrace new iPads
'It makes everything fun': Ravenna fourth-graders embrace new iPads | MLive.com
He and the other 80-some fourth-graders at his school each were given their own iPad this week as part of Ravenna Public Schools’ “One Step Ahead” initiative to put a laptop, iPad, Netbook or other digital device in the hands of every fourth- through 12th-grader.
He and the other 80-some fourth-graders at his school each were given their own iPad this week as part of Ravenna Public Schools’ “One Step Ahead” initiative to put a laptop, iPad, Netbook or other digital device in the hands of every fourth- through 12th-grader.
Milwaukee County DA investigating voter fraud claims
Milwaukee County DA investigating voter fraud claims - 620 WTMJ - Milwaukee's Source for Local News and Weather
The three including Austin Thompson, who was arrested last year during an occupy protest, are accused of voter fraud by registering and voting even though they lived in a hotel.
The three including Austin Thompson, who was arrested last year during an occupy protest, are accused of voter fraud by registering and voting even though they lived in a hotel.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Obama administration scraps child labor restrictions for farms
Obama administration scraps child labor restrictions for farms - TheHill.com
The new regulations would have forbidden children younger than 16 years of age from completing “agricultural work with animals and in pesticide handling, timber operations, manure pits and storage bins.”
It would also have barred farm workers under 16 from handling most “power-driven equipment” and from contributing to the “cultivation, harvesting and curing of tobacco.”
The new regulations would have forbidden children younger than 16 years of age from completing “agricultural work with animals and in pesticide handling, timber operations, manure pits and storage bins.”
It would also have barred farm workers under 16 from handling most “power-driven equipment” and from contributing to the “cultivation, harvesting and curing of tobacco.”
Frankenmuth man clutching sub sandwich chases down hit-and-run culprit on foot in Saginaw
Frankenmuth man clutching sub sandwich chases down hit-and-run culprit on foot in Saginaw | MLive.com
Scott K. Hall, 44, of Frankenmuth, while clutching a Jimmy John's submarine sandwich bag in one hand — a No. 9 Italian Night Club inside —
Scott K. Hall, 44, of Frankenmuth, while clutching a Jimmy John's submarine sandwich bag in one hand — a No. 9 Italian Night Club inside —
Wisconsin's New Aristocracy Is On The Ballot
Wisconsin's New Aristocracy Is On The Ballot - Forbes
Indeed, the Manhattan Institute’s E.J. McMahon reports that for public school teachers in Milwaukee, the annual cost of family health coverage is $26,844, for which the teachers were paying nothing.
Indeed, the Manhattan Institute’s E.J. McMahon reports that for public school teachers in Milwaukee, the annual cost of family health coverage is $26,844, for which the teachers were paying nothing.
Muskegon County Jail committee moves forward with research, tours
Muskegon County Jail committee moves forward with research, tours | MLive.com
He said the conditions of the current jail need to be addressed, whether that means a retrofit into an existing building, a renovation/expansion of the current facility or a newly constructed jail.
He pointed out that the current jail does not meet the philosophical change in jail operations and does not have room for most rehabilitation programs.
He said the conditions of the current jail need to be addressed, whether that means a retrofit into an existing building, a renovation/expansion of the current facility or a newly constructed jail.
He pointed out that the current jail does not meet the philosophical change in jail operations and does not have room for most rehabilitation programs.
Michigan House members: Making state universities post spending 'not an assault on their autonomy'
Michigan House members: Making state universities post spending 'not an assault on their autonomy' | MLive.com
McMillin, who chairs the House Oversight, Reform and Ethics Committee, said Tuesday the amendment would require the universities to submit an annual accounting of their expenditures to the Legislature.
McMillin, who chairs the House Oversight, Reform and Ethics Committee, said Tuesday the amendment would require the universities to submit an annual accounting of their expenditures to the Legislature.
Public has a right to know how government officials make their decisions
In the margins: Public has a right to know how government officials make their decisions | MLive.com
Muskegon Chronicle Editorial Board: Government meetings need to be conducted as transparently as possible. Citizens deserve -- and are allowed under law -- access to government actions either through attending meetings or reviewing public documents.
Voters need this information in order to make informed decisions during elections and any other time of the year.
With the current economic conditions and declining government revenues, it is even more important that citizens know how tax dollars are being spent and why they are being spent the way they are.
Excellent comments!
The Chronicle gets it.
Our Muskegon county leaders still don't.
And we all pay for their hubris.
Muskegon Chronicle Editorial Board: Government meetings need to be conducted as transparently as possible. Citizens deserve -- and are allowed under law -- access to government actions either through attending meetings or reviewing public documents.
Voters need this information in order to make informed decisions during elections and any other time of the year.
With the current economic conditions and declining government revenues, it is even more important that citizens know how tax dollars are being spent and why they are being spent the way they are.
Excellent comments!
The Chronicle gets it.
Our Muskegon county leaders still don't.
And we all pay for their hubris.
Lie, Cheat, Steal: Save the Planet!
Lie, Cheat, Steal: Save the Planet! - John Ransom - Townhall Finance Conservative Columnists and Financial Commentary
Gleick, who was chairman of the ethics committee at the American Geophysical Union, admitted that he recently stole some documents- and he may have forged others- from the conservative think-tank.
But that’s all in a day’s work for a work-a-day climate warrior.
Gleick, who was chairman of the ethics committee at the American Geophysical Union, admitted that he recently stole some documents- and he may have forged others- from the conservative think-tank.
But that’s all in a day’s work for a work-a-day climate warrior.
Muskegon state representative wants referendum on emergency financial manager law
Muskegon state representative wants referendum on emergency financial manager law | MLive.com
State Rep. Marcia Hovey-Wright, D-Muskegon, introduced a state House resolution Tuesday with a hoped-for result of allowing Michigan voters to decide the fate of the controversial emergency financial manager law.
State Rep. Marcia Hovey-Wright, D-Muskegon, introduced a state House resolution Tuesday with a hoped-for result of allowing Michigan voters to decide the fate of the controversial emergency financial manager law.
A sit-down with Muskegon's sheriff: Why is the county looking for a larger facility to replace the current jail?
A sit-down with Muskegon's sheriff: Why is the county looking for a larger facility to replace the current jail? | MLive.com
Commenter realoldlady asked the sheriff this:
“How is a jail with more people in it NOT going to cost more? Really 200 to 300 EXTRA prisoners is adding to the heat, cooling, water, food, health care, guards, gyms, cable, and laundry bills. I don't care how 'green' they build it you still have INCREASED the amount of services and goods needed to run it.”
Absolutly NO mention of ANY increase in costs.
It helps if the interviewer is on the PR team.
Commenter realoldlady asked the sheriff this:
“How is a jail with more people in it NOT going to cost more? Really 200 to 300 EXTRA prisoners is adding to the heat, cooling, water, food, health care, guards, gyms, cable, and laundry bills. I don't care how 'green' they build it you still have INCREASED the amount of services and goods needed to run it.”
Absolutly NO mention of ANY increase in costs.
It helps if the interviewer is on the PR team.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Senate Dem: Save the US Postal Service with Wind Farms
Senate Dem: Save the US Postal Service with Wind Farms - United States Postal Service - Fox Nation: As the potential collapse of the United States Postal Service looms on the horizon, one Senate Democrat has proposed an unusual plan to solve the crisis.
Senator Tom Carper (D-DE) looks to harvest the electricity that windmill farms produce in order to power a new fleet of battery-operated postal delivery vehicles, replacing the previous '25 to 30 years old' 'dilapidated' vehicles.
The Senator admits the idea is “out there” but concludes that "we need to be thinking boldly, and the postal service needs to do that"
Moronic thinking is not bold thinking.
Senator Tom Carper (D-DE) looks to harvest the electricity that windmill farms produce in order to power a new fleet of battery-operated postal delivery vehicles, replacing the previous '25 to 30 years old' 'dilapidated' vehicles.
The Senator admits the idea is “out there” but concludes that "we need to be thinking boldly, and the postal service needs to do that"
Moronic thinking is not bold thinking.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Muskegon County plans to re-enact closed session after lawsuit filed
Muskegon County plans to re-enact closed session after lawsuit filed | MLive.com
County Board Chairman Ken Mahoney said the re-enactment option is a way “to avoid confusion,” while County Commissioner Scott Plummer added the re-enactment is being held “so the public can be present.”
When Jager suggested that the Brookhaven discussion or re-enactment be delayed until after the audit is presented, County Board Vice-Chairman John Snider countered that the re-enactment is only about what was said at that closed session, not additional debate about the topic.
“It’s not to justify what we did,” Snider said. “It was not done in secret.”
Jager disagreed, contending the issue was conducted in secret.
Williams said he takes any blame regarding the closed session issue, pointing out it is his job to protect the board. He said the case law on the Open Meetings Act’s allowance for closed sessions can be interpreted in different ways.
“If any mistakes were made, they were mine,” Williams said.
County Board Chairman Ken Mahoney said the re-enactment option is a way “to avoid confusion,” while County Commissioner Scott Plummer added the re-enactment is being held “so the public can be present.”
When Jager suggested that the Brookhaven discussion or re-enactment be delayed until after the audit is presented, County Board Vice-Chairman John Snider countered that the re-enactment is only about what was said at that closed session, not additional debate about the topic.
“It’s not to justify what we did,” Snider said. “It was not done in secret.”
Jager disagreed, contending the issue was conducted in secret.
Williams said he takes any blame regarding the closed session issue, pointing out it is his job to protect the board. He said the case law on the Open Meetings Act’s allowance for closed sessions can be interpreted in different ways.
“If any mistakes were made, they were mine,” Williams said.
Indoctrination 101: Teaching Chicago Students to Protest
Exclusive - Indoctrination 101: Teaching Chicago Students to Protest
Jones College Prep, a Chicago Public Schools “selective enrollment” school, held “Social Justice Week” in March, a collection of events geared towards turning students into activists. See the schedule of events here.
According to a flyer on the school’s website:
Social Justice Week was created to promote community advancement through dialogue and community service based activism. Moreover, we hope to unify the voice of various JCP and community organizations in which to facilitate collaboration for the betterment of the community at large and promote a unified human rights advancement initiative.”
The school is, according to U.S. News & World Report, a Top 100 high school in the country.
It’s one of the best of the best--the cream of the crop.
Jones College Prep, a Chicago Public Schools “selective enrollment” school, held “Social Justice Week” in March, a collection of events geared towards turning students into activists. See the schedule of events here.
According to a flyer on the school’s website:
Social Justice Week was created to promote community advancement through dialogue and community service based activism. Moreover, we hope to unify the voice of various JCP and community organizations in which to facilitate collaboration for the betterment of the community at large and promote a unified human rights advancement initiative.”
The school is, according to U.S. News & World Report, a Top 100 high school in the country.
It’s one of the best of the best--the cream of the crop.
Weeping four-year-old girl accused of carrying a GUN by TSA officers after she hugged her grandmother while passing through security
Weeping four-year-old girl accused of carrying a GUN by TSA officers after she hugged her grandmother while passing through security | Mail Online
But their nightmare was not yet over, as on a connecting flight in Denver, an airport employee demanded to know which of the family was Isabella - and 'looked really confused' when the girl was pointed out to her.
But their nightmare was not yet over, as on a connecting flight in Denver, an airport employee demanded to know which of the family was Isabella - and 'looked really confused' when the girl was pointed out to her.
Where Are the Rolling Heads from NOAA?
Articles: Where Are the Rolling Heads from NOAA?
NOAA law enforcement was running essentially unsupervised for years, inflicting huge fines on fishermen for small infractions and putting the collected monies in a slush fund used for lavish trips and booze-cruise luxury boats.
The GSA conference cost $822,751 according to the GSA IG Report.
To give this some context, Leon Panetta's trips home have totaled about $860,000.
..NOAA law enforcement collected close to $100,000,000 in fines and seized goods from fishermen over the past several years.
The Department of Commerce IG investigated and found that only about $60M could be accounted for, while some $40M is just plain gone.
This is not taxpayer money, but money taken in huge chunks from fishermen for infractions, some very minor.
Claims by the fishermen of coercion and extortion were validated by the IG. See the IG reports here, here, and here.
One single fisherman, Larry Yacobian, ended up paying $450,000 in fines and owing $250,000 in legal fees.
He was forced to sell his boats, his gear, and the farm that had been in his wife's family since the days of the Pilgrims.
A special master appointed by the IG found that Mr. Yacobian had been treated unfairly.
The government returned $400,000 to Mr. Yacobian, and the Secretary of Commerce, Gary Locke, apologized personally.
But nobody has ever been punished.
NOAA law enforcement was running essentially unsupervised for years, inflicting huge fines on fishermen for small infractions and putting the collected monies in a slush fund used for lavish trips and booze-cruise luxury boats.
The GSA conference cost $822,751 according to the GSA IG Report.
To give this some context, Leon Panetta's trips home have totaled about $860,000.
..NOAA law enforcement collected close to $100,000,000 in fines and seized goods from fishermen over the past several years.
The Department of Commerce IG investigated and found that only about $60M could be accounted for, while some $40M is just plain gone.
This is not taxpayer money, but money taken in huge chunks from fishermen for infractions, some very minor.
Claims by the fishermen of coercion and extortion were validated by the IG. See the IG reports here, here, and here.
One single fisherman, Larry Yacobian, ended up paying $450,000 in fines and owing $250,000 in legal fees.
He was forced to sell his boats, his gear, and the farm that had been in his wife's family since the days of the Pilgrims.
A special master appointed by the IG found that Mr. Yacobian had been treated unfairly.
The government returned $400,000 to Mr. Yacobian, and the Secretary of Commerce, Gary Locke, apologized personally.
But nobody has ever been punished.
Monday, April 23, 2012
The Generic Ballot Bomb
Articles: The Generic Ballot Bomb
Since March, however, the Republican advantage has been growing -- the practical end of the Republican fighting for the nomination is a logical explanation for the change -- and since the beginning of March, the Republican advantage per week has progressed thus: +3%, +6%, +4%, +5%, +6%, +5%, +10%.
Since March, however, the Republican advantage has been growing -- the practical end of the Republican fighting for the nomination is a logical explanation for the change -- and since the beginning of March, the Republican advantage per week has progressed thus: +3%, +6%, +4%, +5%, +6%, +5%, +10%.
Columnist says that global warming skeptics 'should have their houses burnt down'
Columnist says that global warming skeptics 'should have their houses burnt down' | Mail Online
'We know who the active denialists are... Let’s start keeping track of them now, and when the famines come, let’s make them pay.
Let’s let their houses burn until the innocent are rescued,' Mr Zwick wrote in Forbes on Friday.
'Let’s swap their safe land for submerged islands.
Let’s force them to bear the cost of rising food prices.'
'We know who the active denialists are... Let’s start keeping track of them now, and when the famines come, let’s make them pay.
Let’s let their houses burn until the innocent are rescued,' Mr Zwick wrote in Forbes on Friday.
'Let’s swap their safe land for submerged islands.
Let’s force them to bear the cost of rising food prices.'
Within A Month, Which Refinery Will Be The Largest In The US?
Within A Month, Which Refinery Will Be The Largest In The US? | Energy | Minyanville.com
The operation is owned by Motiva Enterprises, a joint venture of Saudi Refining, Inc. and Shell (RDS.A).
Each entity owns a 50% share of the JV. Saudi Refining is a subsidiary of the Saudi Arabian national oil company, Saudi Aramco.
The operation is owned by Motiva Enterprises, a joint venture of Saudi Refining, Inc. and Shell (RDS.A).
Each entity owns a 50% share of the JV. Saudi Refining is a subsidiary of the Saudi Arabian national oil company, Saudi Aramco.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
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