This Isn't Hard, Mr. President: Do You Think You Can Kill Us on American Soil or Not? - Conor Friedersdorf - The Atlantic
"It's an easy question.
Answering it wouldn't jeopardize national security in any way.
So why do Obama Administration officials keep dodging it?
Asked the question in a Google Plus interview Thursday, Obama himself said, "Well first of all, there has never been a drone used on an American citizen on American soil."
Duh.
But will there ever be?
He went on to say that it's easier to capture accused terrorists in the United States than abroad.
But he still didn't give a straight answer. "
Saturday, February 16, 2013
House overrides Obama, votes to freeze federal pay for third year
House overrides Obama, votes to freeze federal pay for third year - The Hill's RegWatch
"On Thursday, however, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) argued that freezing the pay of members undermines the dignity of the job.
"I think it's necessary for us to have the dignity of the job that we have rewarded," she said."
"On Thursday, however, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) argued that freezing the pay of members undermines the dignity of the job.
"I think it's necessary for us to have the dignity of the job that we have rewarded," she said."
Of Carnival Triumph, Media, and Lawyers
Blog: Of Carnival Triumph, Media, and Lawyers
"I laughed so hard on day one of the coverage when the nitwit reporter dude on CNN said, in a breathless dramatic fashion, that on top of all the carnage and devastation wrought by the power outage on board, the ship could also expect "six foot seas!"
He said this as if the nine-hundred foot long, fourteen-story ship would be lurching about, with water breaching the uppermost decks and crew members battening down all the hatches.
Six foot seas, to anyone familiar with a cruise ship of that size, means very smooth sailing indeed.
The newsjerk was either a moron, or more likely, an alarmist looking to make his assignment the story of the day.
But as day one became day two I stopped laughing."
"I laughed so hard on day one of the coverage when the nitwit reporter dude on CNN said, in a breathless dramatic fashion, that on top of all the carnage and devastation wrought by the power outage on board, the ship could also expect "six foot seas!"
He said this as if the nine-hundred foot long, fourteen-story ship would be lurching about, with water breaching the uppermost decks and crew members battening down all the hatches.
Six foot seas, to anyone familiar with a cruise ship of that size, means very smooth sailing indeed.
The newsjerk was either a moron, or more likely, an alarmist looking to make his assignment the story of the day.
But as day one became day two I stopped laughing."
Michigan 'fracking' opponents plan to begin voter signature collection effort in April
Michigan 'fracking' opponents plan to begin voter signature collection effort in April | MLive.com
"The Board of State Canvassers on Friday also approved the form of a petition that could be used by a committee called Voters for Fair Use of Ballot Referendum.
That effort seeks to change the state constitution to widen the scope of state laws that Michigan voters can seek to overturn through the referendum process.
If the measure is successful, voters also would be allowed to challenge state laws that include appropriations or spending clauses.
That is now prohibited by the Michigan constitution.
Some of the more recent laws with appropriations – making them referendum-proof – are Michigan’s right-to-work law and the state’s revised emergency manager law from 2012.
Some critics have questioned whether lawmakers sometimes might include appropriations in controversial bills mainly so voters can't repeal them."
"The Board of State Canvassers on Friday also approved the form of a petition that could be used by a committee called Voters for Fair Use of Ballot Referendum.
That effort seeks to change the state constitution to widen the scope of state laws that Michigan voters can seek to overturn through the referendum process.
If the measure is successful, voters also would be allowed to challenge state laws that include appropriations or spending clauses.
That is now prohibited by the Michigan constitution.
Some of the more recent laws with appropriations – making them referendum-proof – are Michigan’s right-to-work law and the state’s revised emergency manager law from 2012.
Some critics have questioned whether lawmakers sometimes might include appropriations in controversial bills mainly so voters can't repeal them."
Does the Distinguished Warfare Medal degrade military honors?
Does the Distinguished Warfare Medal degrade military honors? | Fox News
"Sound far-fetched?
Look at how the combat action badge is handed out these days."
"Sound far-fetched?
Look at how the combat action badge is handed out these days."
Friday, February 15, 2013
Obama’s minimum wage proposal a stealth pay raise for unions
Obama’s minimum wage proposal a stealth pay raise for unions | WashingtonExaminer.com:
If President Obama succeeds in raising the minimum wage law, he’ll have given many unions an automatic pay increase, a new report shows.
“An analysis of union collective bargaining agreements available from the Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards indicates that many service, retail and hospitality industry labor unions—such as UNITE-HERE or the Service Employees International Union (SEIU)—peg baseline wages to the federal minimum wage,” the Center for Union Facts (CUF) observes.
“Thus, in many cases, raising the federal minimum wage will either trigger wage renegotiations or automatic wage hikes for certain unionized employees.”"
If President Obama succeeds in raising the minimum wage law, he’ll have given many unions an automatic pay increase, a new report shows.
“An analysis of union collective bargaining agreements available from the Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards indicates that many service, retail and hospitality industry labor unions—such as UNITE-HERE or the Service Employees International Union (SEIU)—peg baseline wages to the federal minimum wage,” the Center for Union Facts (CUF) observes.
“Thus, in many cases, raising the federal minimum wage will either trigger wage renegotiations or automatic wage hikes for certain unionized employees.”"
How To Overwrite Free Space Securely in Windows
How To Overwrite Free Space Securely in Windows
"When you delete a file from the recycle bin in Windows, rather than deleting the actual file, the space the file is occupying is simply marked as free so that another file can come and use those blocks on your hard drive.
One way of making sure that your data is not recoverable is to simply overwrite all the free space with random data. "
"When you delete a file from the recycle bin in Windows, rather than deleting the actual file, the space the file is occupying is simply marked as free so that another file can come and use those blocks on your hard drive.
One way of making sure that your data is not recoverable is to simply overwrite all the free space with random data. "
Central Banks Buy the Most Gold Since 1964
Central Banks Buy the Most Gold Since 1964 - 24/7 Wall St
"Central bank buying for 2012 rose by 17% over 2011 to some 534.6 tonnes.
As far as central bank gold buying, this was the highest level since 1964. "
"Central bank buying for 2012 rose by 17% over 2011 to some 534.6 tonnes.
As far as central bank gold buying, this was the highest level since 1964. "
Employment is down to 150 at controversial LG Chem plant in Holland, says company spokesman
Employment is down to 150 at controversial LG Chem plant in Holland, says company spokesman | MLive.com
"Although it has produced batteries while testing its new production facilities, the Holland facility has produced no batteries for the production models of the Volt and other electric vehicles. LG Chem has flown those batteries in from Korea."
"Although it has produced batteries while testing its new production facilities, the Holland facility has produced no batteries for the production models of the Volt and other electric vehicles. LG Chem has flown those batteries in from Korea."
'New urbanism' residential development proposed in downtown Muskegon by Jon Rooks
'New urbanism' residential development proposed in downtown Muskegon by Jon Rooks | MLive.com
"the residential development would feature small lots measuring 36 feet by 100 feet"
"the residential development would feature small lots measuring 36 feet by 100 feet"
Terrace Point Landing: Muskegon Lake $14 million residential development called 'game changing'
Terrace Point Landing: Muskegon Lake $14 million residential development called 'game changing' | MLive.com
"The lot prices will range from $125,000 for waterfront land to $50,000 for interior parcels. Home designs will have the final land and house packages in the $150,000 to $300,000."
"The lot prices will range from $125,000 for waterfront land to $50,000 for interior parcels. Home designs will have the final land and house packages in the $150,000 to $300,000."
Thursday, February 14, 2013
The Rules of Attraction
Best of the Web Today: The Rules of Attraction - WSJ.com
"The better-looking a man is, the more lifetime sexual partners he reports; the better-looking a woman, the fewer.
Good-looking men are more likely to have had sex soon after meeting a partner; good-looking women, less likely.
Good-looking women are likelier to describe their relationships as "committed"; good-looking men, less likely."
"The better-looking a man is, the more lifetime sexual partners he reports; the better-looking a woman, the fewer.
Good-looking men are more likely to have had sex soon after meeting a partner; good-looking women, less likely.
Good-looking women are likelier to describe their relationships as "committed"; good-looking men, less likely."
Sunk: The Incredible Truth About the 'Bounty,' a Ship That Never Should Have Sailed
Sunk: The Incredible Truth About the 'Bounty,' a Ship That Never Should Have Sailed | Outdoor Adventure | OutsideOnline.com
"But the full answer to why the Bounty sank was much more complex than a captain’s rash decision.
It was a story decades in the making, a veritable opera of near misses and fantastic schemes involving a dogged captain, a fiercely loyal crew, and an owner who was looking to sell.
And in the ship’s last act, an unlikely new character had emerged: a young woman with Down syndrome who, perhaps inconceivably, held the key to the Bounty’s future."
"But the full answer to why the Bounty sank was much more complex than a captain’s rash decision.
It was a story decades in the making, a veritable opera of near misses and fantastic schemes involving a dogged captain, a fiercely loyal crew, and an owner who was looking to sell.
And in the ship’s last act, an unlikely new character had emerged: a young woman with Down syndrome who, perhaps inconceivably, held the key to the Bounty’s future."
Internet tax gains steam with GOP support
Internet tax gains steam with GOP support | WashingtonExaminer.com
"On Thursday, Wyoming Republican Sen. Michael Enzi and Tennessee's Lamar Alexander are joining Illinois Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin to unveil the "Marketplace Fairness Act" which would let states compel online and catalog merchants, no matter where they're located, to collect sales tax.
Their move follows demands from Republicans governors, struggling to balance budgets, that Washington end the practice of letting online retailers ignore collecting the tax which is required in most states--but not enforced."
"On Thursday, Wyoming Republican Sen. Michael Enzi and Tennessee's Lamar Alexander are joining Illinois Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin to unveil the "Marketplace Fairness Act" which would let states compel online and catalog merchants, no matter where they're located, to collect sales tax.
Their move follows demands from Republicans governors, struggling to balance budgets, that Washington end the practice of letting online retailers ignore collecting the tax which is required in most states--but not enforced."
Michigan's obesity straining more than waistlines
Michigan's obesity straining more than waistlines | MLive.com
News and Analysis from The Center for Michigan
Now ranked fifth in the nation in obesity, state residents are on track to rack up 1.4 million new cases of type 2 diabetes, 2.9 million cases of coronary heart disease and 2.6 million cases of high blood pressure over the next 20 years, a national study found.
According to the nonprofit Trust for America's Health, 31 percent of Michigan adults were obese in 2011. It projects that will climb to nearly 60 percent by 2030. An estimated 30 percent of children ages 10 to 17 are now overweight or obese.
In 2008, Michigan spent an estimated $3.1 billion on obesity-related medical costs. If trends continue, state officials estimate that will quadruple to $12.5 billion by 2018.
News and Analysis from The Center for Michigan They warn that trajectory -- if not reversed -- will eventually overwhelm the health-care system's ability to pay.
“People won't get services. The (insurance) premiums will be so high that companies will just stop paying,” said James Haveman, director of the Michigan Department of Community Health.
That prognosis only underscores the stakes for Michigan's health-care network, given the fact it already leads the nation in the number of people dropped from employer-based health care in the past decade.
On Jan. 23, the state launched a publicity campaign to encourage overweight residents to lose 10 percent of their body weight.
“People can’t wait. They need to start making decisions today,” Haveman said.
Called MI Healthier Tomorrow, it is an outgrowth of a 2011 Lansing summit convened by Gov. Rick Snyder to develop strategies for reducing obesity. Among its key findings was the need to drive up public awareness of the serious health costs of obesity.
American Indian mascots targeted by Michigan Department of Civil Rights complaint
American Indian mascots targeted by Michigan Department of Civil Rights complaint | MLive.com
"A complaint filed with the U.S. Department of Education cites 35 school districts in Michigan – from the Athens Indians to the White Pigeon Chiefs.
The filing relates to K-12 schools but doesn’t involve community colleges or universities."
"A complaint filed with the U.S. Department of Education cites 35 school districts in Michigan – from the Athens Indians to the White Pigeon Chiefs.
The filing relates to K-12 schools but doesn’t involve community colleges or universities."
Activists to rally against Keystone XL pipeline, while Michigan Senate supports controversial project
Activists to rally against Keystone XL pipeline, while Michigan Senate supports controversial project | MLive.com:
"Six buses from Battle Creek, Detroit, East Lansing, Traverse City and Ann Arbor will bring participants to the Sunday rally."
"Six buses from Battle Creek, Detroit, East Lansing, Traverse City and Ann Arbor will bring participants to the Sunday rally."
Muskegon County's Child Haven shelter shut down after building problem
Muskegon County's Child Haven shelter shut down after building problem | MLive.com
"Child Haven had been operated as a partnership between Muskegon County and the Michigan Department of Human Services, said Bonnie Hammersley, the county’s top administrator."
"Child Haven had been operated as a partnership between Muskegon County and the Michigan Department of Human Services, said Bonnie Hammersley, the county’s top administrator."
Pure Michigan advertising that mentions right to work is on hold after controversy
MEDC: Pure Michigan advertising that mentions right to work is on hold after controversy | MLive.com
"Democrats have criticized the MEDC and Gov. Rick Snyder, who later said the issue was divisive enough that it shouldn't have been front-and-center on the ad."
"Democrats have criticized the MEDC and Gov. Rick Snyder, who later said the issue was divisive enough that it shouldn't have been front-and-center on the ad."
Rubio Previews SOTU Response
Rubio Previews SOTU Response: Says He'll Push Contrast on Policy, Tone | The Weekly Standard
"They were certain that Rubio was so gifted an orator and possessed such a unique set of political skills that he would be able to make immediate and improbable leaps that most politicians could not execute."
BEFORE the "response"....
"They were certain that Rubio was so gifted an orator and possessed such a unique set of political skills that he would be able to make immediate and improbable leaps that most politicians could not execute."
BEFORE the "response"....
False Memories of Fabricated Political Events
False Memories of Fabricated Political Events by Steven Frenda, Eric Knowles, William Saletan, Elizabeth Loftus :: SSRN
"In the largest false memory study to date, 5,269 participants were asked about their memories for three true and one of five fabricated political events.
Each fabricated event was accompanied by a photographic image purportedly depicting that event. Approximately half the participants falsely remembered that the false event happened, with 27% remembering that they saw the events happen on the news.
Political orientation appeared to influence the formation of false memories, with conservatives more likely to falsely remember seeing Barack Obama shaking hands with the president of Iran, and liberals more likely to remember George W. Bush vacationing with a baseball celebrity during the Hurricane Katrina disaster.
A follow-up study supported the explanation that events are more easily implanted in memory when they are congruent with a person's preexisting attitudes and evaluations, in part because attitude-congruent false events promote feelings of recognition and familiarity, which in turn interfere with source attributions."
"In the largest false memory study to date, 5,269 participants were asked about their memories for three true and one of five fabricated political events.
Each fabricated event was accompanied by a photographic image purportedly depicting that event. Approximately half the participants falsely remembered that the false event happened, with 27% remembering that they saw the events happen on the news.
Political orientation appeared to influence the formation of false memories, with conservatives more likely to falsely remember seeing Barack Obama shaking hands with the president of Iran, and liberals more likely to remember George W. Bush vacationing with a baseball celebrity during the Hurricane Katrina disaster.
A follow-up study supported the explanation that events are more easily implanted in memory when they are congruent with a person's preexisting attitudes and evaluations, in part because attitude-congruent false events promote feelings of recognition and familiarity, which in turn interfere with source attributions."
American Airlines, US Airways to merge
My Way News - AP Sources: American Airlines, US Airways to merge
"The merger of American Airlines and US Airways, to be formally announced Thursday, caps a turbulent half-decade of bankruptcies and consolidation for the U.S. airline industry and leaves travelers four big carriers to choose from."
"The merger of American Airlines and US Airways, to be formally announced Thursday, caps a turbulent half-decade of bankruptcies and consolidation for the U.S. airline industry and leaves travelers four big carriers to choose from."
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