Advance Illinois releases dismal report on education in Illinois - chicagotribune.com
According to a report released by the organization Tuesday, only one-third of Illinois students complete fourth grade proficient in reading; the same percentage of students is academically prepared at the start of high school; and fewer than one-third of students leave high school ready for college.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Lawyer calls Attorney General's lawsuit seeking removal of Detroit school board members 'racist'
Lawyer calls Attorney General's lawsuit seeking removal of Detroit school board members 'racist' | MLive.com#incart_river#incart_river#incart_river#incart_river
The board members' attorney called the case a racist attempt to nullify the decisions of Detroit voters.
"It shows contempt," attorney George Washing told the News.
"It's a racist lawsuit and should be thrown out."
The board members' attorney called the case a racist attempt to nullify the decisions of Detroit voters.
"It shows contempt," attorney George Washing told the News.
"It's a racist lawsuit and should be thrown out."
Journalists attacked for reporting on Christmas tree controversy
Journalists attacked for reporting on Christmas tree controversy
The board had voted against paying 8,000 kroner for the annual Christmas tree and party, but had earlier in the year approved the payment of 60,000 kroner for a party celebrating the Muslim holiday of Eid. Five out of nine of the board members are Muslims.
The board had voted against paying 8,000 kroner for the annual Christmas tree and party, but had earlier in the year approved the payment of 60,000 kroner for a party celebrating the Muslim holiday of Eid. Five out of nine of the board members are Muslims.
Special Report: How a vicious circle of self-interest sank a California city
Special Report: How a vicious circle of self-interest sank a California city | Reuters
The mayor blamed a dysfunctional city council and greedy police and fire unions.
The unions blamed the mayor.
Even now, there is little agreement on how the city got into this crisis or how it can extricate itself.
"It's total political chaos," said John Husing, a former San Bernardino resident and regional economist.
"There is no solution.
They'll never fix anything."
Yet on close examination, the city's decades-long journey from prosperous, middle-class community to bankrupt, crime-ridden, foreclosure-blighted basket case is straightforward — and alarmingly similar to the path traveled by many municipalities around America's largest state.
San Bernardino succumbed to a vicious circle of self-interests among city workers, local politicians and state pension overseers.
The mayor blamed a dysfunctional city council and greedy police and fire unions.
The unions blamed the mayor.
Even now, there is little agreement on how the city got into this crisis or how it can extricate itself.
"It's total political chaos," said John Husing, a former San Bernardino resident and regional economist.
"There is no solution.
They'll never fix anything."
Yet on close examination, the city's decades-long journey from prosperous, middle-class community to bankrupt, crime-ridden, foreclosure-blighted basket case is straightforward — and alarmingly similar to the path traveled by many municipalities around America's largest state.
San Bernardino succumbed to a vicious circle of self-interests among city workers, local politicians and state pension overseers.
Quarter mile of old train cars left on tracks below Lakeshore Drive on Muskegon Lake shoreline
Quarter mile of old train cars left on tracks below Lakeshore Drive on Muskegon Lake shoreline | MLive.com
A train of 39 old “hopper” freight-train cars were pushed along the railroad tracks below Lakeshore Drive and adjacent to the city of Muskegon’s Lakeshore Trail.
Many of them are rusting and covered with graffiti.
A train of 39 old “hopper” freight-train cars were pushed along the railroad tracks below Lakeshore Drive and adjacent to the city of Muskegon’s Lakeshore Trail.
Many of them are rusting and covered with graffiti.
Ballots still being counted in Muskegon County more than a week after election
Ballots still being counted in Muskegon County more than a week after election | MLive.com#incart_river
Officials with Muskegon Heights who were retabulating votes Wednesday arrived at 8:30 a.m. and still were far from finished by late afternoon, Grimm said.
“It’s a long process,” she said.
Also retabulating results are Whitehall Township, White River Township, Laketon Township, Muskegon Township and the city of Muskegon, Grimm said. In Laketon Township, for example, ballots were retabulated because there was one more ballot than the number of voters, she said.
“It’s not a perfect system, but it’s the one we have,” Grimm said.
Officials with Muskegon Heights who were retabulating votes Wednesday arrived at 8:30 a.m. and still were far from finished by late afternoon, Grimm said.
“It’s a long process,” she said.
Also retabulating results are Whitehall Township, White River Township, Laketon Township, Muskegon Township and the city of Muskegon, Grimm said. In Laketon Township, for example, ballots were retabulated because there was one more ballot than the number of voters, she said.
“It’s not a perfect system, but it’s the one we have,” Grimm said.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Ludington resident sues city, alleges Open Meetings Act violated
Ludington resident sues city, alleges Open Meetings Act violated | MLive.com
LUDINGTON, MI – Ludington resident Tom Rotta has sued the city of Ludington, alleging city officials violated Michigan’s Open Meetings Act by authorizing a $90,000-plus sewer repair in July 2011 without a public vote by the city council and without soliciting multiple bids.
According to the lawsuit, City Manager John Shay sought and obtained approval from city council members via email to award a contract to Hallack Contracting to replace a sewer main under Brother Street.
Shay then authorized the contract, the lawsuit alleges.
LUDINGTON, MI – Ludington resident Tom Rotta has sued the city of Ludington, alleging city officials violated Michigan’s Open Meetings Act by authorizing a $90,000-plus sewer repair in July 2011 without a public vote by the city council and without soliciting multiple bids.
According to the lawsuit, City Manager John Shay sought and obtained approval from city council members via email to award a contract to Hallack Contracting to replace a sewer main under Brother Street.
Shay then authorized the contract, the lawsuit alleges.
Monday, November 12, 2012
John McAfee Wanted for Murder
Exclusive: John McAfee Wanted for Murder (Updated)
Antivirus pioneer John McAfee is on the run from murder charges, Belize police say.
According to Marco Vidal, head of the national police force's Gang Suppression Unit, McAfee is a prime suspect in the murder of American expatriate Gregory Faull, who was gunned down Saturday night at his home in San Pedro Town on the island of Ambergris Caye.
Antivirus pioneer John McAfee is on the run from murder charges, Belize police say.
According to Marco Vidal, head of the national police force's Gang Suppression Unit, McAfee is a prime suspect in the murder of American expatriate Gregory Faull, who was gunned down Saturday night at his home in San Pedro Town on the island of Ambergris Caye.
Picture this: Cabinet portraits for big bucks
Picture this: Cabinet portraits for big bucks - Washington Times
The Environmental Protection Agency spent nearly $40,000 on a portrait of Administrator Lisa P. Jackson, while a painting of Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley will cost $41,200, according to federal purchasing records.
The price tag for a 3-by-4-foot oil portrait of Agriculture Department Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack: $22,500.
The Environmental Protection Agency spent nearly $40,000 on a portrait of Administrator Lisa P. Jackson, while a painting of Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley will cost $41,200, according to federal purchasing records.
The price tag for a 3-by-4-foot oil portrait of Agriculture Department Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack: $22,500.
In 59 Philadelphia voting divisions, Mitt Romney got zero votes
In 59 Philadelphia voting divisions, Mitt Romney got zero votes
It's one thing for a Democratic presidential candidate to dominate a Democratic city like Philadelphia, but check out this head-spinning figure:
In 59 voting divisions in the city, Mitt Romney received not one vote.
Zero.
Zilch.
It's one thing for a Democratic presidential candidate to dominate a Democratic city like Philadelphia, but check out this head-spinning figure:
In 59 voting divisions in the city, Mitt Romney received not one vote.
Zero.
Zilch.
MCC | International Education Week
MCC | International Education Week
International Education Week
Schedule of Events at MCC – November 12-16, 2012
International Education Week
Schedule of Events at MCC – November 12-16, 2012
Michigan Home to Half of the Largest Bankrupt Green Energy Companies
Michigan Home to Half of the Largest Bankrupt Green Energy Companies [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
The Heritage Foundation put together a list of the 19 federally supported green energy companies that filed for bankruptcy and Michigan was represented significantly.
The Heritage Foundation put together a list of the 19 federally supported green energy companies that filed for bankruptcy and Michigan was represented significantly.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Update: Massive Voter Fraud in St. Lucie County, FL Called into Question - 141% Turnout
Update: Massive Voter Fraud in St. Lucie County, FL Called into Question - 141% Turnout | WatchDogWire - Florida
Click on the link below for the official St Lucie County, FL 2012 election results.
Only one precinct had less than 113% turnout.
The unofficial vote count is 175,554 registered voters 247,713 vote cards cast (141.10% ).
The National SEAL Museum, a St. Lucie county polling place, had 158.85% voter turn out, the highest in the county.
Click on the link below for the official St Lucie County, FL 2012 election results.
Only one precinct had less than 113% turnout.
The unofficial vote count is 175,554 registered voters 247,713 vote cards cast (141.10% ).
The National SEAL Museum, a St. Lucie county polling place, had 158.85% voter turn out, the highest in the county.
The Squirrel Whisperer Will Put Tiny Hats On All Your Squirrels
The Squirrel Whisperer Will Put Tiny Hats On All Your SquirrelsThe Squirrel Whisperer Will Put Tiny Hats On All Your Squirrels
Julie GersteinNovember 10, 2012
Mary Krupa is a freshman at Penn State University, but kids around campus know her mostly as The Squirrel Whisperer.
Mary has taken to befriending the local fauna, and loves squirrels the best — so much so, that she’s designed a series of tiny squirrel hats for her bushy-tailed friends to wear.
The squirrels gladly oblige Mary, but only if she’s got food.
“It’s kind of a give and take. They’re not going to play with me unless I have food to give them,” she admitted.
How much does Mary love squirrels?
She’s even created a Facebook page for her favorite, Sneezy.
Sneezy wears a lot of hats. [Onward State] (click link above to get Facebook link-very cool!)
Worst City in America Votes 98 Percent for Obama
Worst City in America Votes 98 Percent for Obama
20 percent of Detroit is on food stamps.
Its violent crime rate is 5 times the national average and it’s rated as America’s Most Dangerous City.
40 percent of Detroit residents want to leave the city.
Home prices have fallen 54 percent in the last 3 years.
And Detroit has the highest poverty rate in the nation.
So guess who Detroit voted for by 98 percent?
Obama, naturally.
20 percent of Detroit is on food stamps.
Its violent crime rate is 5 times the national average and it’s rated as America’s Most Dangerous City.
40 percent of Detroit residents want to leave the city.
Home prices have fallen 54 percent in the last 3 years.
And Detroit has the highest poverty rate in the nation.
So guess who Detroit voted for by 98 percent?
Obama, naturally.
Occupy Muskegon News | "The Real News Without Fear or Favor"
Occupy Muskegon News | "The Real News Without Fear or Favor"
Marve Engle, a Muskegon County Commissioner, evidently suffers from delusions of threats and of lies, given his recent statements to citizens who showed to voice concern of his practices on the Board of Commissioners.
This signals a form of paranoia.
Marve Engle, a Muskegon County Commissioner, evidently suffers from delusions of threats and of lies, given his recent statements to citizens who showed to voice concern of his practices on the Board of Commissioners.
This signals a form of paranoia.
Britain Announces Halt to Onshore Wind Farms
Britain Announces Halt to Onshore Wind Farms | Heartlander Magazine
British officials are putting an end to new onshore wind farm construction, halting an energy experiment that has produced little usable electricity while draining the finances of British taxpayers and electricity consumers.
British officials are putting an end to new onshore wind farm construction, halting an energy experiment that has produced little usable electricity while draining the finances of British taxpayers and electricity consumers.
Do you want to know why the power is STILL off on Long Island?
small dead animals
"You want to know why they don't cut the f-ing trees Davenport?
It isn't because they are stupid, it isn't because they don't know, it isn't because private enterprise is inherently corrupt, it isn't even because union workers are a bunch of rent-seeking layabouts.
Its because every time they go to cut down a tree, some local Greenies get up a petition or a court order to make them stop.
So they stop.
So the trees break and knock down the power lines.
Same thing all over the North East until you get up into snow country, where even the f-ing tree huggers know better.
Well -this- time it all came home to roost the same day, and every overhanging branch from New Jersey to Connecticut took out a line.
"You want to know why they don't cut the f-ing trees Davenport?
It isn't because they are stupid, it isn't because they don't know, it isn't because private enterprise is inherently corrupt, it isn't even because union workers are a bunch of rent-seeking layabouts.
Its because every time they go to cut down a tree, some local Greenies get up a petition or a court order to make them stop.
So they stop.
So the trees break and knock down the power lines.
Same thing all over the North East until you get up into snow country, where even the f-ing tree huggers know better.
Well -this- time it all came home to roost the same day, and every overhanging branch from New Jersey to Connecticut took out a line.
Michigan emergency manager law: What's next after Public Act 4 repeal
Michigan emergency manager law: What's next after Public Act 4 repeal | MLive.com
4. Prospect of municipal bankruptcy: PA 4 was designed, in part, to help cash-strapped municipalities avoid bankruptcy by providing emergency managers with broad powers.
No city in Michigan has ever filed for Chapter 9, and Snyder has previously said he'd like to keep it that way.
But the governor on Wednesday acknowledged that, without PA 4, "the probability of municipal bankruptcies could increase, because that could really be the only option left."
4. Prospect of municipal bankruptcy: PA 4 was designed, in part, to help cash-strapped municipalities avoid bankruptcy by providing emergency managers with broad powers.
No city in Michigan has ever filed for Chapter 9, and Snyder has previously said he'd like to keep it that way.
But the governor on Wednesday acknowledged that, without PA 4, "the probability of municipal bankruptcies could increase, because that could really be the only option left."
$5 Trillion Price Tag for Public Pensions
$5 Trillion Price Tag for Public Pensions - The Best Life (usnews.com)
As strapped state and local governments scramble for ways to balance their budgets, it's become very clear that it will be impossible for many to honor their pension promises to new employees and even current retirees.
According to a recent economic study, the cost to fully fund these promises would cost taxpayers $5 trillion over a 30-year period, or nearly $1,400 a year in higher state and local taxes and fees for every household in the country.
As strapped state and local governments scramble for ways to balance their budgets, it's become very clear that it will be impossible for many to honor their pension promises to new employees and even current retirees.
According to a recent economic study, the cost to fully fund these promises would cost taxpayers $5 trillion over a 30-year period, or nearly $1,400 a year in higher state and local taxes and fees for every household in the country.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Daily Kos: Buying Debt - What OWS has been up to.
Daily Kos: Buying Debt - What OWS has been up to.
Brilliant!
Why hasn't anyone thought of this sooner?
If you are in debt, from medical issues or what have you, most companies sell that debt to a debt collection company that hounds you to pay it off. Usually buying the debt is cheap.
A few hundred dollars will buy you thousands of dollars of debt. So a company pays $500 for $10,000 of bad debt.
The company calls and harrasses you and says they got a great deal for you - pay them just $2000 and they will wipe the debt away.
They make a 400% profit as they act like vultures on the poor and downtrodden.
Let me tell you of the brilliant plan Occupy Wall Street has come up with.
They bought $14,000 of bad debt for a whopping $500 and then "poof" made the debt disappear forever!
Now OWS is launching the ROLLING JUBILEE, a program that has been in development for months. OWS is going to start buying distressed debt (medical bills, student loans, etc.) in order to forgive it. As a test run, we spent $500, which bought $14,000 of distressed debt.
We then ERASED THAT DEBT.
And now they are taking it nationwide with a show and fundraiser.
AND YOU CAN HELP.
A brilliant name too - The People's Bailout.
Brilliant!
Why hasn't anyone thought of this sooner?
If you are in debt, from medical issues or what have you, most companies sell that debt to a debt collection company that hounds you to pay it off. Usually buying the debt is cheap.
A few hundred dollars will buy you thousands of dollars of debt. So a company pays $500 for $10,000 of bad debt.
The company calls and harrasses you and says they got a great deal for you - pay them just $2000 and they will wipe the debt away.
They make a 400% profit as they act like vultures on the poor and downtrodden.
Let me tell you of the brilliant plan Occupy Wall Street has come up with.
They bought $14,000 of bad debt for a whopping $500 and then "poof" made the debt disappear forever!
Now OWS is launching the ROLLING JUBILEE, a program that has been in development for months. OWS is going to start buying distressed debt (medical bills, student loans, etc.) in order to forgive it. As a test run, we spent $500, which bought $14,000 of distressed debt.
We then ERASED THAT DEBT.
And now they are taking it nationwide with a show and fundraiser.
AND YOU CAN HELP.
A brilliant name too - The People's Bailout.
Foodstamps Surge By Most In One Year To New All Time Record, In Delayed Release
Foodstamps Surge By Most In One Year To New All Time Record, In Delayed Release | ZeroHedge
There was, however, another closely tracked number which perhaps is far more indicative of the economic "growth" in the past 4 years, which certainly had a delayed release.
The number of course is that showing how many Americans are on foodstamps, and usually is released at the end of the month, or the first day or two of the next month.
This time the USDA delayed its release nine days past the semi-official deadline, far past the election, and until Friday night to report August foodstamp data.
One glance at the number reveals why: at 47.1 million, this was not only a new all time record, but the monthly increase of 420,947 from July was the biggest monthly increase in one year.
One can see why a reported surge in foodstamps ahead of the elections is something the USDA, and the administration may not have been too keen on disclosing.
There was, however, another closely tracked number which perhaps is far more indicative of the economic "growth" in the past 4 years, which certainly had a delayed release.
The number of course is that showing how many Americans are on foodstamps, and usually is released at the end of the month, or the first day or two of the next month.
This time the USDA delayed its release nine days past the semi-official deadline, far past the election, and until Friday night to report August foodstamp data.
One glance at the number reveals why: at 47.1 million, this was not only a new all time record, but the monthly increase of 420,947 from July was the biggest monthly increase in one year.
One can see why a reported surge in foodstamps ahead of the elections is something the USDA, and the administration may not have been too keen on disclosing.
Papa John's Pizza CEO John Schnatter will cut hours of employees due to Obamacare
Papa John's Pizza CEO John Schnatter will cut hours of employees due to Obamacare| TheCelebrityCafe.com: “That's what you do, is you pass on costs.
Unfortunately, I don't think people know what they're going to pay for this.”
Unfortunately, I don't think people know what they're going to pay for this.”
Colorado Counties Have More Voters Than People
Colorado Counties Have More Voters Than People | RedState
Using publicly available voter data and comparing it to U.S. Census records reveals the ten counties having a total registration ranging between 104 to 140 percent of the respective populations.
Using publicly available voter data and comparing it to U.S. Census records reveals the ten counties having a total registration ranging between 104 to 140 percent of the respective populations.
Brussels Bans Annual Christmas Tree Display – It May Offend Muslims | The Gateway Pundit
Brussels Bans Annual Christmas Tree Display – It May Offend Muslims | The Gateway Pundit
Brussels replaced its popular Christmas tree exhibit this year at the city center due to concerns that it may offend the local Muslim population.
Government officials in Brussels, Belgium banned Wednesday a popular Christmas tree exhibit out of concerns that the local Muslim population found it “offensive.”
City councilwoman Bianca Debaets believes a “misplaced argument” over religious sensitivities has moved Brussels to put up the light sculpture. S
he points to the fact that it display not be referred to “Christmas” in any way to make her point.
“I suspect that the reference to the Christian religion was the decisive factor” in replacing the tree, she told reporters.
“For a lot of people who are not Christians, the tree there is offensive to them.”
Brussels replaced its popular Christmas tree exhibit this year at the city center due to concerns that it may offend the local Muslim population.
Government officials in Brussels, Belgium banned Wednesday a popular Christmas tree exhibit out of concerns that the local Muslim population found it “offensive.”
City councilwoman Bianca Debaets believes a “misplaced argument” over religious sensitivities has moved Brussels to put up the light sculpture. S
he points to the fact that it display not be referred to “Christmas” in any way to make her point.
“I suspect that the reference to the Christian religion was the decisive factor” in replacing the tree, she told reporters.
“For a lot of people who are not Christians, the tree there is offensive to them.”
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