Chicago NATO summit asks a lot - chicagotribune.com
McCormick's newspaper earlier warned in editorials that NATO would help "wreck America and permit Stalin and the Communists to take over here" and represent "the final sellout of the United States as an independent nation."
One editorial said the pact inevitably would lead to war and backers "should be frank enough to say … the alliance will be worth the million American lives it will probably cost."
These epistles may not exactly constitute a warm welcome for the world leaders converging on the lakefront convention center that bears the colonel's name.
But they also should remind locals that our worst fears are rarely fully realized.
Then again, neither are our greatest aspirations.
Maybe the summit will do for Chicago everything organizers say it will.
Producing an economic windfall of $128 million, raising the city's profile globally, and precipitating a surge in foreign investment and tourism would be just swell.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Pete Hoekstra tries to clear up stance on Great Lakes drilling
http://tinyurl.com/8xo79mx
At the town hall, the moderator asked a question about drilling for oil and gas in Alaska, a proposal the three GOP candidates -- Hoekstra, American Family Association of Michigan President Gary Glenn and charter school founder Clark Durant -- supported as a way to make the U.S. more energy independent.
Then the moderator asked about the Great Lakes.
"I would not support putting a well in the lake," Hoekstra answered.
"I would support the new technology now that allows you to drill, you know, onshore, drill down, and drill -- I'm a marketing guy -- and then drill sideways. Laterally."
At the town hall, the moderator asked a question about drilling for oil and gas in Alaska, a proposal the three GOP candidates -- Hoekstra, American Family Association of Michigan President Gary Glenn and charter school founder Clark Durant -- supported as a way to make the U.S. more energy independent.
Then the moderator asked about the Great Lakes.
"I would not support putting a well in the lake," Hoekstra answered.
"I would support the new technology now that allows you to drill, you know, onshore, drill down, and drill -- I'm a marketing guy -- and then drill sideways. Laterally."
News You Won’t Find At The New York Times
News You Won’t Find At The New York Times | Via Meadia
However, those who rely on the New York Times for their Wisconsin news won’t have any idea about some of the factors shaping this race;
Weigel’s piece provides a healthy reality check for them.
A few things Times readers ought to know but likely don’t:
An unprecedented turnout in the essentially uncontested GOP primary shows Walker with extremely high and energized support;
Walker got more votes than the two leading Democratic contenders.
Public weariness with the incessant political wars in Wisconsin is working against Democrats more than the GOP at this point, with many voters blaming the unions for endlessly prolonging the struggle.
Walker’s labor reforms are generally seen as successful.
However, those who rely on the New York Times for their Wisconsin news won’t have any idea about some of the factors shaping this race;
Weigel’s piece provides a healthy reality check for them.
A few things Times readers ought to know but likely don’t:
An unprecedented turnout in the essentially uncontested GOP primary shows Walker with extremely high and energized support;
Walker got more votes than the two leading Democratic contenders.
Public weariness with the incessant political wars in Wisconsin is working against Democrats more than the GOP at this point, with many voters blaming the unions for endlessly prolonging the struggle.
Walker’s labor reforms are generally seen as successful.
Too Big To Exist
JPMorgan Chase: Too Big To Exist - Seeking Alpha
One quote from that Dallas Fed report underlines the scope of the danger that we narrowly escaped just a few years ago.
"The term 'too big to fail' disguised the fact that commercial banks holding roughly one-third of the assets in the banking system did essentially fail, surviving only with extraordinary government assistance."
That government assistance either comes out of your pockets and mine or those of our grandchildren or their grandchildren.
Notwithstanding how much of that assistance has been recovered this time through the continuing largesse of essentially free money from the Fed, it must never occur again.
One quote from that Dallas Fed report underlines the scope of the danger that we narrowly escaped just a few years ago.
"The term 'too big to fail' disguised the fact that commercial banks holding roughly one-third of the assets in the banking system did essentially fail, surviving only with extraordinary government assistance."
That government assistance either comes out of your pockets and mine or those of our grandchildren or their grandchildren.
Notwithstanding how much of that assistance has been recovered this time through the continuing largesse of essentially free money from the Fed, it must never occur again.
California Voters to Have Say Over Cigarette Tax Hike Measure
California Voters to Have Say Over Cigarette Tax Hike Measure | Heartlander Magazine
California citizens will soon vote whether to raise the state’s cigarette tax from 87 cents to $1.87 a pack, with supporters saying the money would fund cancer research and opponents saying there’s no guarantee how the money would be used – or where.
..................Supporters say Prop 29 would provide more money for cancer research, tobacco law enforcement and smoking prevention programs to reduce illness and medical-related costs.
California citizens will soon vote whether to raise the state’s cigarette tax from 87 cents to $1.87 a pack, with supporters saying the money would fund cancer research and opponents saying there’s no guarantee how the money would be used – or where.
..................Supporters say Prop 29 would provide more money for cancer research, tobacco law enforcement and smoking prevention programs to reduce illness and medical-related costs.
Road resurfacing on Sherman Boulevard around U.S. 31 in Muskegon to begin May 15
Road resurfacing on Sherman Boulevard around U.S. 31 in Muskegon to begin May 15 | MLive.com
Residents should brace themselves for anotherroad improvement project, this time on Sherman Boulevard, which will start on May15.
According to a notice from the Muskegon County RoadCommission, the stretch of Sherman between Black Creek Drive and Worden Street willbe resurfaced, and will cause closures on the ramps for both north- andsouthbound U.S. 31.
The resurfacing is expected to be complete by May 25.
Residents should brace themselves for anotherroad improvement project, this time on Sherman Boulevard, which will start on May15.
According to a notice from the Muskegon County RoadCommission, the stretch of Sherman between Black Creek Drive and Worden Street willbe resurfaced, and will cause closures on the ramps for both north- andsouthbound U.S. 31.
The resurfacing is expected to be complete by May 25.
Holly Hughes' State House challenger Collene Lamonte making an issue of school funding
Holly Hughes' State House challenger Collene Lamonte making an issue of school funding | MLive.com: “I think public schools are under attack,” said Markel, who also is president of the Whitehall school board.
French president who claims to 'dislike the rich' has 3 French Riviera homes
Francois Hollande: French president who claims to 'dislike the rich' has 3 French Riviera homes | Mail Online
France's new Socialist president owns three holiday homes in the glamorous Riviera resort of Cannes, it emerged today.
The 57-year-old who 'dislikes the rich' and wants to revolutionise his country with high taxes and an onslaught against bankers is in fact hugely wealthy himself
France's new Socialist president owns three holiday homes in the glamorous Riviera resort of Cannes, it emerged today.
The 57-year-old who 'dislikes the rich' and wants to revolutionise his country with high taxes and an onslaught against bankers is in fact hugely wealthy himself
Muskegon County conducts re-enactment, approves $2 million loan for Brookhaven again
Muskegon County conducts re-enactment, approves $2 million loan for Brookhaven again | MLive.com
The county was sued last month by local talk-radio host and fiscal conservative James Riley, making allegations that the board violated the Open Meetings Act and the Freedom of Information Act stemming from its closed-session discussions involving the Brookhaven loan.
In approving the re-enactment, several county commissioners made it clear they were not admitting any wrongdoing by conducting the closed session involving a legal opinion.
The county was sued last month by local talk-radio host and fiscal conservative James Riley, making allegations that the board violated the Open Meetings Act and the Freedom of Information Act stemming from its closed-session discussions involving the Brookhaven loan.
In approving the re-enactment, several county commissioners made it clear they were not admitting any wrongdoing by conducting the closed session involving a legal opinion.
Comments on Muskegon Causeway northbound lanes set to re-open Thursday, transportation official says
Comments on Muskegon Causeway northbound lanes set to re-open Thursday, transportation official says | Muskegon News
The contractor, Rieth-Riley, is finishing up some work Thursday afternoon with the goal of re-opening the northbound lanes.
The Causeway will be open for only northbound travelers Thursday.
The contractor, Rieth-Riley, is finishing up some work Thursday afternoon with the goal of re-opening the northbound lanes.
The Causeway will be open for only northbound travelers Thursday.
Taxpayers Are Liable For $850 Billion In Student Loan Debt If Higher-Ed Bubble Bursts
Taxpayers Are Liable For $850 Billion In Student Loan Debt If Higher-Ed Bubble Bursts - Investors.com
With a possible higher-education bubble looming, taxpayers are on the hook for about $850 billion in student loan debt.
Exactly how much of that the federal government would have to bail out if the bubble bursts is unknown, but with delinquency and default rates rising, it could be substantial.
Yet Congress may exacerbate the problem with current efforts to maintain lower interest rates on student loans.
With a possible higher-education bubble looming, taxpayers are on the hook for about $850 billion in student loan debt.
Exactly how much of that the federal government would have to bail out if the bubble bursts is unknown, but with delinquency and default rates rising, it could be substantial.
Yet Congress may exacerbate the problem with current efforts to maintain lower interest rates on student loans.
Metra Unveils Commuter Rail Security Restrictions For NATO
Metra Unveils Commuter Rail Security Restrictions For NATO « CBS Chicago
Some commuters will have to make alternate plans during the NATO Summit, as Metra today said it will close several stations on the Electric Line.
All Metra passengers–not just those on the Electric Line–will also face carry-on restrictions and security screenings from May 19-21.
Riders will be allowed one briefcase-sized bag up to 15 by 15 inches and four inches deep.
Riders will not be allowed to carry boxes, luggage, backpacks, pocket knives, bikes, food or liquid.
This includes all beverages, such as coffee and soda.
Some commuters will have to make alternate plans during the NATO Summit, as Metra today said it will close several stations on the Electric Line.
All Metra passengers–not just those on the Electric Line–will also face carry-on restrictions and security screenings from May 19-21.
Riders will be allowed one briefcase-sized bag up to 15 by 15 inches and four inches deep.
Riders will not be allowed to carry boxes, luggage, backpacks, pocket knives, bikes, food or liquid.
This includes all beverages, such as coffee and soda.
Canceled: Muskegon summer festival efforts now focused on a new event for 2013
Canceled: Muskegon summer festival efforts now focused on a new event for 2013 | MLive.com
But if Art in the Park was the highlight of past Summer Celebration events, art and craft fans will get their annual fix of a juried art show in Hackley Park and craft marketplace along adjacent streets.
The art fair event is still scheduled for June 29 to July 1.
But if Art in the Park was the highlight of past Summer Celebration events, art and craft fans will get their annual fix of a juried art show in Hackley Park and craft marketplace along adjacent streets.
The art fair event is still scheduled for June 29 to July 1.
Editorial: Will it take binding arbitration to get Muskegon pulling together?
Editorial: Will it take binding arbitration to get Muskegon pulling together? | MLive.com
What's the problem? A disagreement between the City of Muskegon and the rest of the members of the wastewater system over $800,000 the city thinks it was overcharged.
Because of that dispute, the city has not signed the new wastewater pact, which was created in 2010 for a 20-year period.
Last month, Muskegon city commissioners went so far as to direct city staff to “explore alternate long-term wastewater system options for the city.”
What's the problem? A disagreement between the City of Muskegon and the rest of the members of the wastewater system over $800,000 the city thinks it was overcharged.
Because of that dispute, the city has not signed the new wastewater pact, which was created in 2010 for a 20-year period.
Last month, Muskegon city commissioners went so far as to direct city staff to “explore alternate long-term wastewater system options for the city.”
Should voters decide who is on Michigan Supreme Court? Debate between former mayor and chief justice gets heated
Should voters decide who is on Michigan Supreme Court? Debate between former mayor and chief justice gets heated | MLive.com
Taylor calls the Michigan Judicial Selection Task Force recommendations “the product of the well-funded, politically-motivated” proponents of so-called merit selection of judges.
The deciders of merit among judicial candidates would be heavy with lawyers who are not elected.
He said the proponents of merit selection tend to believe that law is complicated and “beyond the ken of common folks.”
Taylor calls the Michigan Judicial Selection Task Force recommendations “the product of the well-funded, politically-motivated” proponents of so-called merit selection of judges.
The deciders of merit among judicial candidates would be heavy with lawyers who are not elected.
He said the proponents of merit selection tend to believe that law is complicated and “beyond the ken of common folks.”
Muskegon County executes wind-farm lease with Gamesa Energy
Muskegon County executes wind-farm lease with Gamesa Energy | MLive.com
After months of completing environmental, birds and wind studies, Gamesa Energy would decide whether to move forward with construction of a 150-megawatt wind farm.
County officials have estimated the value of the project at about $300 million.
After months of completing environmental, birds and wind studies, Gamesa Energy would decide whether to move forward with construction of a 150-megawatt wind farm.
County officials have estimated the value of the project at about $300 million.
Gamesa's Muskegon County wind farm could be operating in late 2014
Gamesa's Muskegon County wind farm could be operating in late 2014 | MLive.com
If all goes as planned and the upcoming studies produce favorable results, a 150-megawatt wind farm built by Gamesa Energy USA on the county’s wastewater site could be producing energy in late 2014.
If all goes as planned and the upcoming studies produce favorable results, a 150-megawatt wind farm built by Gamesa Energy USA on the county’s wastewater site could be producing energy in late 2014.
Muskegon County wind farm lease 'major big deal' for larger industry
Muskegon County wind farm lease 'major big deal' for larger industry | MLive.com
Gamesa Energy recently executed the lease agreement, giving the company exclusive rights to investigate constructing a 150-megawatt wind farm on the 11,000-acre Muskegon County Wastewater System in Egelston and Moorland townships.
The county is set to consider final approval of the lease Thursday.
Gamesa Energy recently executed the lease agreement, giving the company exclusive rights to investigate constructing a 150-megawatt wind farm on the 11,000-acre Muskegon County Wastewater System in Egelston and Moorland townships.
The county is set to consider final approval of the lease Thursday.
Wind power stays aloft in renewable energy race
Wind power stays aloft in renewable energy race | MLive.com
Michigan electricity providers are making good progress toward meeting the state’s 2015 renewable-energy mandate, mainly because of a sharp drop in wind-power generation costs, a recent state Public Service Commission report found.
The commission also says the cost of renewables is lower than the projected cost of producing electricity from a new coal-fired plant.
Michigan electricity providers are making good progress toward meeting the state’s 2015 renewable-energy mandate, mainly because of a sharp drop in wind-power generation costs, a recent state Public Service Commission report found.
The commission also says the cost of renewables is lower than the projected cost of producing electricity from a new coal-fired plant.
Lake Winds construction to resume, Mason County wind farm to be completed by year's end
Lake Winds construction to resume, Mason County wind farm to be completed by year's end | MLive.com
Consumers Energy's 56-turbine commercial wind farm construction will continue this month. Contractors last fall and early winter completed 25 turbine foundations and about a third of the associated underground electrical system needed for the $235 million wind energy development.
Consumers Energy's 56-turbine commercial wind farm construction will continue this month. Contractors last fall and early winter completed 25 turbine foundations and about a third of the associated underground electrical system needed for the $235 million wind energy development.
GVSU wind buoy now collecting information in the middle of Lake Michigan
GVSU wind buoy now collecting information in the middle of Lake Michigan | MLive.com
A U.S. Department of Energy research grant was the financial foundation for the $3.3 million wind buoy project.
Because of a loss of funding from the Michigan Public Services Commission, GVSU is financially supporting this year’s data collection effort.
However, scientists will have a huge collection of information that will not be able to be analyzed until further research dollars are secured, Boezaart said.
The university continues to seek funding partners on the project, he said.
"We won't look at the info until you give us more of your money"?
A U.S. Department of Energy research grant was the financial foundation for the $3.3 million wind buoy project.
Because of a loss of funding from the Michigan Public Services Commission, GVSU is financially supporting this year’s data collection effort.
However, scientists will have a huge collection of information that will not be able to be analyzed until further research dollars are secured, Boezaart said.
The university continues to seek funding partners on the project, he said.
"We won't look at the info until you give us more of your money"?
Friday, May 11, 2012
Reusable shopping bags may give consumers the ‘runs’ for their money
Reusable shopping bags may give consumers the ‘runs’ for their money | The Daily Caller
Thanks to proposed legislation scheduled for a vote May 23, shoppers in the Los Angeles area will no longer be able to get disposable plastic shopping bags in stores.
But what environmentalists see as a win for landfills may also be a loss for public health.
Oregon researchers discovered norovirus — “the perfect human pathogen” — Wednesday on reusable shopping bags that were left in a hotel bathroom, reports the Los Angeles Times.
The virus is believed to have caused an outbreak of diarrhea, vomiting and nausea that afflicted nine of thirteen girls on a youth soccer team, along with parent chaperones and members of the girls’ families.
Thanks to proposed legislation scheduled for a vote May 23, shoppers in the Los Angeles area will no longer be able to get disposable plastic shopping bags in stores.
But what environmentalists see as a win for landfills may also be a loss for public health.
Oregon researchers discovered norovirus — “the perfect human pathogen” — Wednesday on reusable shopping bags that were left in a hotel bathroom, reports the Los Angeles Times.
The virus is believed to have caused an outbreak of diarrhea, vomiting and nausea that afflicted nine of thirteen girls on a youth soccer team, along with parent chaperones and members of the girls’ families.
Wednesday, May 09, 2012
Why the euro is doomed to fall apart: it was an incredibly stupid idea in the first place
Why the euro is doomed to fall apart: it was an incredibly stupid idea in the first place – Telegraph Blogs
And, let me remind you, just because you want to ignore economics does not mean that economics is going to ignore you.
And, let me remind you, just because you want to ignore economics does not mean that economics is going to ignore you.
NYC can’t fire this $100,049-a-year teacher pulled from the classroom 11 years ago
NYC can’t fire this $100,049-a-year teacher pulled from the classroom 11 years ago - NYPOST.com
Hell no, he won’t go.
In a defiant raspberry to the city Department of Education — and taxpayers — disgraced teacher Alan Rosenfeld, 66, won’t retire.
Deemed a danger to kids, the typing teacher with a $10 million real estate portfolio hasn’t been allowed in a classroom for more than a decade, but still collects $100,049 a year in city salary — plus health benefits, a growing pension nest egg, vacation and sick pay.
Mayor Bloomberg and Gov. Cuomo can call for better teacher evaluations until they’re blue-faced, but Rosenfeld and six peers with similar gigs costing about $650,000 a year in total salaries are untouchable. Under a system shackled by protections for tenured teachers, they can’t be fired, the DOE says.
Hell no, he won’t go.
In a defiant raspberry to the city Department of Education — and taxpayers — disgraced teacher Alan Rosenfeld, 66, won’t retire.
Deemed a danger to kids, the typing teacher with a $10 million real estate portfolio hasn’t been allowed in a classroom for more than a decade, but still collects $100,049 a year in city salary — plus health benefits, a growing pension nest egg, vacation and sick pay.
Mayor Bloomberg and Gov. Cuomo can call for better teacher evaluations until they’re blue-faced, but Rosenfeld and six peers with similar gigs costing about $650,000 a year in total salaries are untouchable. Under a system shackled by protections for tenured teachers, they can’t be fired, the DOE says.
Rogue Democrats Loot Detroit As Nation Sleeps
Rogue Democrats Loot Detroit As Nation Sleeps | Via Meadia
The 41 year old Kwame Kilpatrick may well be the worst and most destructive American of his generation; his two terms as Mayor of Detroit are among the most sordid and stomach churning episodes in the storied history of American municipal corruption.
The 41 year old Kwame Kilpatrick may well be the worst and most destructive American of his generation; his two terms as Mayor of Detroit are among the most sordid and stomach churning episodes in the storied history of American municipal corruption.
Effort underway to stop Muskegon crime
Effort underway to stop Muskegon crime | News | Muskegon News
An annual summer initiative to reduce crime in and around Muskegon kicks off Saturday.
The Social Justice Commission's summer events include recreation and mentor programs, truancy sweeps, and curfew enforcement.
There will also be a gun buy back event.
The Social Justice Commission was formed following several homicides in Muskegon and Muskegon Heights in 2010.
The commission is made up of prosecutors, police, pastors, and community activists.
Muskegon County Senior Assistant Prosecutor D.J. Hilson says the group's effort is to build a strong connection to area youth and "To give them those opportunities to do something fun but also positive. And to surround themselves with the people who are going to give them those positive influences that they need in order to get through this stage in their life."
Members of the group will hold a picnic Saturday from 11am to 1pm Heritage Landing.
The event includes free food, speakers, and a time for youth to meet with event organizers.
An annual summer initiative to reduce crime in and around Muskegon kicks off Saturday.
The Social Justice Commission's summer events include recreation and mentor programs, truancy sweeps, and curfew enforcement.
There will also be a gun buy back event.
The Social Justice Commission was formed following several homicides in Muskegon and Muskegon Heights in 2010.
The commission is made up of prosecutors, police, pastors, and community activists.
Muskegon County Senior Assistant Prosecutor D.J. Hilson says the group's effort is to build a strong connection to area youth and "To give them those opportunities to do something fun but also positive. And to surround themselves with the people who are going to give them those positive influences that they need in order to get through this stage in their life."
Members of the group will hold a picnic Saturday from 11am to 1pm Heritage Landing.
The event includes free food, speakers, and a time for youth to meet with event organizers.
» Sowell: The Moral Infrastructure
» Sowell: The Moral Infrastructure » Commentary -- GOPUSA
The unwillingness of authorities to put a stop to their organized disruptions of other people's lives, their trespassing, vandalism and violence is a de facto suspension, if not repeal, of the 14th Amendment's requirement that the government provide "equal protection of the laws" to all its citizens.
The unwillingness of authorities to put a stop to their organized disruptions of other people's lives, their trespassing, vandalism and violence is a de facto suspension, if not repeal, of the 14th Amendment's requirement that the government provide "equal protection of the laws" to all its citizens.
Tuesday, May 08, 2012
NBC News projects Lugar defeated in Indiana primary
NBC Politics - NBC News projects Lugar defeated in Indiana primary
Mourdock defeated six-term Republican foreign policy elder statesman Sen. Richard Lugar.
Mourdock defeated six-term Republican foreign policy elder statesman Sen. Richard Lugar.
To the Class of 2012
Stephens: To the Class of 2012 - WSJ.com
Dear Class of 2012:
Allow me to be the first one not to congratulate you.
Through exertions that—let's be honest—were probably less than heroic, most of you have spent the last few years getting inflated grades in useless subjects in order to obtain a debased degree.
Now you're entering a lousy economy, courtesy of the very president whom you, as freshmen, voted for with such enthusiasm.
Please spare us the self-pity about how tough it is to look for a job while living with your parents. They're the ones who spent a fortune on your education only to get you back— return-to-sender, forwarding address unknown.
No doubt some of you have overcome real hardships or taken real degrees.
A couple of years ago I hired a summer intern from West Point.
She came to the office directly from weeks of field exercises in which she kept a bulletproof vest on at all times, even while sleeping.
She writes brilliantly and is as self-effacing as she is accomplished.
Now she's in Afghanistan fighting the Taliban.
If you're like that intern, please feel free to feel sorry for yourself.
Just remember she doesn't.
Unfortunately, dear graduates, chances are you're nothing like her.
And since you're no longer children, at least officially, it's time someone tells you the facts of life.
The other facts.
Fact One is that, in our "knowledge-based" economy, knowledge counts.
Yet here you are, probably the least knowledgeable graduating class in history.
Dear Class of 2012:
Allow me to be the first one not to congratulate you.
Through exertions that—let's be honest—were probably less than heroic, most of you have spent the last few years getting inflated grades in useless subjects in order to obtain a debased degree.
Now you're entering a lousy economy, courtesy of the very president whom you, as freshmen, voted for with such enthusiasm.
Please spare us the self-pity about how tough it is to look for a job while living with your parents. They're the ones who spent a fortune on your education only to get you back— return-to-sender, forwarding address unknown.
No doubt some of you have overcome real hardships or taken real degrees.
A couple of years ago I hired a summer intern from West Point.
She came to the office directly from weeks of field exercises in which she kept a bulletproof vest on at all times, even while sleeping.
She writes brilliantly and is as self-effacing as she is accomplished.
Now she's in Afghanistan fighting the Taliban.
If you're like that intern, please feel free to feel sorry for yourself.
Just remember she doesn't.
Unfortunately, dear graduates, chances are you're nothing like her.
And since you're no longer children, at least officially, it's time someone tells you the facts of life.
The other facts.
Fact One is that, in our "knowledge-based" economy, knowledge counts.
Yet here you are, probably the least knowledgeable graduating class in history.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)