Motorcycle fatalities up 18% in 2012; total number of crashes down 4% - Michigan State Police | MLive.com: "Motorcycle fatalities in Michigan increased by 18 percent in 2012 while the total number of vehicle crashes decreased 4 percent, according to new traffic crash data released Monday by the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP).
The 129 motorcycle deaths are part of the an overall increase in fatalities caused by crashes. The total number of fatalities increased 5 percent over 2011, from 889 to 936."
Important stuff you won't get from the liberal media! We do the surfing so you can be informed AND have a life!
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Michigan police heighten drunk driving enforcement during NCAA tournament
Michigan police heighten drunk driving enforcement during NCAA tournament | MLive.com:
"More than 155 agencies will have officers assigned to 13,200 hours of overtime to patrol for people driving while intoxicated.
The enforcement, which is funded by federal traffic safety money, began on March 13 and will continue through the end of the tournament."
"More than 155 agencies will have officers assigned to 13,200 hours of overtime to patrol for people driving while intoxicated.
The enforcement, which is funded by federal traffic safety money, began on March 13 and will continue through the end of the tournament."
U.S. Rep. Justin Amash reveals 3-legged stool of immigration reform in letter supporting Sen. Rand Paul
U.S. Rep. Justin Amash reveals 3-legged stool of immigration reform in letter supporting Sen. Rand Paul | MLive.com: "
"three-legged stool of systemic immigration reform." The legs are:
Border security, both the physical border and the "virtual" border of visa enforcement;
Expanding legal immigration to focus on encouraged highly-skilled workers educated in the United States to stay in the United States, expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs and allowing for migrant workers to support agriculture and tourism;
Addressing immigrants who came to the United States "knowingly and illegally - in a way that is best for all Americans."
"This means protecting the rights of those who are seeking and continue to seek to come here legally.
But it also may mean providing a legal status, upon certain conditions and that may not include full rights of citizenship, to people who are currently here," the letter stated."
"three-legged stool of systemic immigration reform." The legs are:
Border security, both the physical border and the "virtual" border of visa enforcement;
Expanding legal immigration to focus on encouraged highly-skilled workers educated in the United States to stay in the United States, expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs and allowing for migrant workers to support agriculture and tourism;
Addressing immigrants who came to the United States "knowingly and illegally - in a way that is best for all Americans."
"This means protecting the rights of those who are seeking and continue to seek to come here legally.
But it also may mean providing a legal status, upon certain conditions and that may not include full rights of citizenship, to people who are currently here," the letter stated."
I-69 freeway signs to get $3 million upgrade in Genesee, Lapeer counties
I-69 freeway signs to get $3 million upgrade in Genesee, Lapeer counties | MLive.com:
"The state is spending $3 million to change signs along eastbound Interstate 69 in Genesee and Lapeer counties.
The Michigan Department of Transportation released a statement, announcing crews will be setting up traffic control starting Monday, March 25, to place the new signs on the freeway.
Shoulder closures will take place in east and west directions of I-69 and lane closures could be required, according to the statement.
Electronic message boards on Interstate 75 and I-69 are being used to inform motorists of the work that will take place."
"The state is spending $3 million to change signs along eastbound Interstate 69 in Genesee and Lapeer counties.
The Michigan Department of Transportation released a statement, announcing crews will be setting up traffic control starting Monday, March 25, to place the new signs on the freeway.
Shoulder closures will take place in east and west directions of I-69 and lane closures could be required, according to the statement.
Electronic message boards on Interstate 75 and I-69 are being used to inform motorists of the work that will take place."
Who'll Check the Checkers?
Best of the Web Today: Revenge of the Nerds - WSJ.com:
"If it's opened up to all prospective sellers of guns--that is, to everybody--what's to prevent someone from abusing it, say by requesting a background check on Greg Sargent, who presumably has no interest in acquiring a gun?
The system only gives a yes-or-no answer as to whether the putative buyer is eligible to own firearms under federal law.
But if you're looking to dig up dirt on someone, a "no" answer on a firearms background check would give you a nice clump of it."
"If it's opened up to all prospective sellers of guns--that is, to everybody--what's to prevent someone from abusing it, say by requesting a background check on Greg Sargent, who presumably has no interest in acquiring a gun?
The system only gives a yes-or-no answer as to whether the putative buyer is eligible to own firearms under federal law.
But if you're looking to dig up dirt on someone, a "no" answer on a firearms background check would give you a nice clump of it."
Friday, March 22, 2013
Fan Base on Web Tips Scale to Fallon From Leno
Fan Base on Web Tips Scale to Fallon From Leno - WSJ.com:
"Messrs. Kimmel and Fallon also have built big social-media-followings.
Mr. Fallon has more than eight million followers on Twitter, for example, whereas Mr. Leno does not have a personal twitter account.
The Tonight Show's Twitter account has just over half a million followers."
"Messrs. Kimmel and Fallon also have built big social-media-followings.
Mr. Fallon has more than eight million followers on Twitter, for example, whereas Mr. Leno does not have a personal twitter account.
The Tonight Show's Twitter account has just over half a million followers."
Comcast Cable Bans All Firearm, Ammunition Advertisers
Comcast Cable Bans All Firearm, Ammunition Advertisers:
"This decision comes after Comcast has been running ads for some gun and hunting groups for decades."
"This decision comes after Comcast has been running ads for some gun and hunting groups for decades."
Teacher pension problems catch lawmakers' attention
Teacher pension problems catch lawmakers' attention - latimes.com:
"The teachers pension fund had an unfunded liability of $73 billion as of June 2012, an increase from $64.5 billion the year before. "
"The teachers pension fund had an unfunded liability of $73 billion as of June 2012, an increase from $64.5 billion the year before. "
FAU Student Claims He Was Suspended For Refusing To Step On Jesus
FAU Student Claims He Was Suspended For Refusing To Step On Jesus « CBS Miami:
"Rotella said he voiced his concerns to his teacher’s supervisor and later learned he was suspended from the class."
"Rotella said he voiced his concerns to his teacher’s supervisor and later learned he was suspended from the class."
Pelosi: ‘I Don’t Want Anybody to Lose’ in March Madness Tourney
Pelosi: ‘I Don’t Want Anybody to Lose’ in March Madness Tourney - By Andrew Johnson - The Corner - National Review Online:
"Sports fans across the country have filled out their March Madness brackets.
But not Nancy Pelosi: She’s no fan of the whole winner-loser part of sports.
The NCAA tournament may be the pinnacle of collegiate athletic competition, but Pelosi told reporters today that though she is “March mad” and “addicted to basketball,” she doesn’t “want anybody to lose” and is “just rooting for everybody.”"
"Sports fans across the country have filled out their March Madness brackets.
But not Nancy Pelosi: She’s no fan of the whole winner-loser part of sports.
The NCAA tournament may be the pinnacle of collegiate athletic competition, but Pelosi told reporters today that though she is “March mad” and “addicted to basketball,” she doesn’t “want anybody to lose” and is “just rooting for everybody.”"
Nine Percent of Yale Students Surveyed Say They’ve Accepted Money for Sex
Nine Percent of Yale Students Surveyed Say They’ve Accepted Money for Sex:
"Nine percent of Yale University students who participated in a recent survey on sexual behavior reported having been paid for sex at least once.
Three percent said they had participated in bestiality, and more than half said they had “engaged in consensual pain” during sex."
"Nine percent of Yale University students who participated in a recent survey on sexual behavior reported having been paid for sex at least once.
Three percent said they had participated in bestiality, and more than half said they had “engaged in consensual pain” during sex."
Study: Michigan will need more college graduates to remedy skills shortage
Study: Michigan will need more college graduates to remedy skills shortage | Crain's Detroit Business: "Michigan businesses are facing a shortage of applicants with the right experience and skills, and the state faces long-term challenges to produce enough educated workers, according to a study to be released Thursday by Business Leaders for Michigan."
House approves budget bill that can lead to forgiveness of Katrina disaster loans
House approves budget bill that can lead to forgiveness of Katrina disaster loans | NOLA.com:
"The House gave final congressional approval Thursday (March 21) to a spending bill that could lead to forgiveness of outstanding federal disaster loans from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita for Metro New Orleans school districts, government offices and law enforcement agencies.
Nearly, $500 million in loans are outstanding in Louisiana communities.
The bill passed 318-109."
"The House gave final congressional approval Thursday (March 21) to a spending bill that could lead to forgiveness of outstanding federal disaster loans from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita for Metro New Orleans school districts, government offices and law enforcement agencies.
Nearly, $500 million in loans are outstanding in Louisiana communities.
The bill passed 318-109."
U.S. Student Punished For Refusing to Recite Mexican Pledge
U.S. Student Punished For Refusing to Recite Mexican Pledge:
"A Texas high school student was allegedly punished for refusing to salute and recite the Mexican pledge. Ironically, the girl has an American father and Mexican mother.
Yet, as a U.S. citizen, she felt uncomfortable reciting the Mexican pledge.
Now she is suing her high school, claiming she was wrongfully compelled to recite the pledge, in violation of her free speech rights."
"A Texas high school student was allegedly punished for refusing to salute and recite the Mexican pledge. Ironically, the girl has an American father and Mexican mother.
Yet, as a U.S. citizen, she felt uncomfortable reciting the Mexican pledge.
Now she is suing her high school, claiming she was wrongfully compelled to recite the pledge, in violation of her free speech rights."
Diners shun restaurants as payroll tax hike hits
Diners shun restaurants as payroll tax hike hits:
"LONGEST SALES DECLINE IN ALMOST THREE YEARS; 'PRETTY UGLY' FOR CHAINS"
"LONGEST SALES DECLINE IN ALMOST THREE YEARS; 'PRETTY UGLY' FOR CHAINS"
Wind vs. Nuclear Energy in the UK: A Question of Scale
Wind vs. Nuclear Energy in the UK: A Question of Scale | The Energy Collective:
"So, if we wanted to scale this up to provide as much power as Hinkley C then we would need a wind farm covering about 1,200 square kilometres, which is just a bit less than the area of Greater London."
"So, if we wanted to scale this up to provide as much power as Hinkley C then we would need a wind farm covering about 1,200 square kilometres, which is just a bit less than the area of Greater London."
Think Ethanol is Evironmentally Friendly? Think Again.:
Think Ethanol is Evironmentally Friendly? Think Again.: Newsroom: The Independent Institute:
The roots of this looming environmental disaster can’t be traced to the boardrooms of ethanol manufacturers or to the headquarters of the farm lobby.
The culprit is Washington.
The roots of this looming environmental disaster can’t be traced to the boardrooms of ethanol manufacturers or to the headquarters of the farm lobby.
The culprit is Washington.
Congress passed the Renewable Fuel Standard in 2005, anticipating that there would be considerable production of cellulosic ethanol made from switch grass, wood chips and other plant materials by 2010.
.....Yet the Renewable Fuel Standard mandates that ethanol production ramp up from 13 billion gallons this year to 36 billion gallons by 2022.
Even now, ethanol production consumes 40 percent of America’s total corn crop.
Production in substantially larger volumes will mean removing even more cropland from food production, which will drive up consumer prices across the board, harming millions of people in poor countries who rely heavily on U.S. corn exports.
.....Yet the Renewable Fuel Standard mandates that ethanol production ramp up from 13 billion gallons this year to 36 billion gallons by 2022.
Even now, ethanol production consumes 40 percent of America’s total corn crop.
Production in substantially larger volumes will mean removing even more cropland from food production, which will drive up consumer prices across the board, harming millions of people in poor countries who rely heavily on U.S. corn exports.
Russian Energy Company Tries to Bribe Cyprus
Geography Note: Russian Energy Company Tries to Bribe Cyprus -:
"Russia’s relationship to Cyprus was already deeply weird.
Though average Russians have long used the island as a vacation destination, recently the Putin government has appeared to be seeing the country more strategically.
Reports of official involvement in everything from tax shelter schemes to gun running are commonplace.
It’s also a preferred tax haven for the Russian elite.
Before yesterday, however, they hadn’t tried to just straight-up buy the place.
This is the first time in Europe’s five-year crisis that a private(-ish) entity has offered to pay off a national debt in exchange for raw materials.
Though one wonders.
There are still a few Italian banks that accept deposits in hard cheese.
Perhaps the Russian company is on to something."
"Russia’s relationship to Cyprus was already deeply weird.
Though average Russians have long used the island as a vacation destination, recently the Putin government has appeared to be seeing the country more strategically.
Reports of official involvement in everything from tax shelter schemes to gun running are commonplace.
It’s also a preferred tax haven for the Russian elite.
Before yesterday, however, they hadn’t tried to just straight-up buy the place.
This is the first time in Europe’s five-year crisis that a private(-ish) entity has offered to pay off a national debt in exchange for raw materials.
Though one wonders.
There are still a few Italian banks that accept deposits in hard cheese.
Perhaps the Russian company is on to something."
As Air Traffic Control Towers Close, FAA Hiring ‘Community Planners’
As Air Traffic Control Towers Close, FAA Hiring ‘Community Planners’ | CNS News:
"As the Federal Aviation Administration is set to announce Friday the temporary closure of 238 air traffic control towers because of the sequester, the agency is planning to hire “community planners” paid in excess of $100,000 – one at an airport slated to for a possible tower closure"
"As the Federal Aviation Administration is set to announce Friday the temporary closure of 238 air traffic control towers because of the sequester, the agency is planning to hire “community planners” paid in excess of $100,000 – one at an airport slated to for a possible tower closure"
First scholarships in Michigan available for quality early childhood care
First scholarships in Michigan available for quality early childhood care | MLive.com:
"On Thursday, the state and two non-profits announced the first statewide scholarship program to help families find and pay for quality child care for infants and toddlers.
The Early Start Scholarships will award 200 low-income and working families with up to 40 percent — or $2,880 — of the childcare costs.
The scholarships are available in 81 of Michigan's 83 states."
"On Thursday, the state and two non-profits announced the first statewide scholarship program to help families find and pay for quality child care for infants and toddlers.
The Early Start Scholarships will award 200 low-income and working families with up to 40 percent — or $2,880 — of the childcare costs.
The scholarships are available in 81 of Michigan's 83 states."
NJ town fines businesses for leaving lights on
NJ town fines businesses for leaving lights on - New York News | NYC Breaking News:
Businesses in Paramus, New Jersey are getting tickets when they leave their sign lights on.
Paramus has a quality of life ordinance that fines businesses $200 or more, plus $33 in court costs, if their signs don't go dark after 11 p.m.
All stores must close by 11 p.m. in Paramus.
Business owner Kathy Billard and her husband own Alternate Heat on Route 17.
She said she had no idea her sign was a problem until after she got fined.
"We've been her for 25 years and never had an issue," Billard says.
Her husband also says merchants should be allowed to pay the fine online or by mail instead of having to spend hours waiting in court."
Businesses in Paramus, New Jersey are getting tickets when they leave their sign lights on.
Paramus has a quality of life ordinance that fines businesses $200 or more, plus $33 in court costs, if their signs don't go dark after 11 p.m.
All stores must close by 11 p.m. in Paramus.
Business owner Kathy Billard and her husband own Alternate Heat on Route 17.
She said she had no idea her sign was a problem until after she got fined.
"We've been her for 25 years and never had an issue," Billard says.
Her husband also says merchants should be allowed to pay the fine online or by mail instead of having to spend hours waiting in court."
‘Beachhouse Bailout’ Bill Reintroduced in Congress
‘Beachhouse Bailout’ Bill Reintroduced in Congress | Heartlander Magazine:
"Rep. Albio Sires (D-NJ) has reintroduced legislation establishing a federal bailout system for financially stressed state-run property insurance programs like the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, which has $17 billion in liabilities and likely could not fully pay claims if a large hurricane were to strike the state.
The “beachhouse bailout” bill, as its critics call it, has appeared in several guises over the years.
They call it a beachhouse bailout because expensive beachhouses are usually the first damaged where hurricanes land."
"Rep. Albio Sires (D-NJ) has reintroduced legislation establishing a federal bailout system for financially stressed state-run property insurance programs like the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, which has $17 billion in liabilities and likely could not fully pay claims if a large hurricane were to strike the state.
The “beachhouse bailout” bill, as its critics call it, has appeared in several guises over the years.
They call it a beachhouse bailout because expensive beachhouses are usually the first damaged where hurricanes land."
Greenland Study Shows Cooling Recent Temperatures
Greenland Study Shows Cooling Recent Temperatures | Heartlander Magazine:
"The data provided a temperature record extending back 800 years.
The data showed temperatures during the 1200s and 1300s were similar to current temperatures, and that temperatures in the 1400s were higher than today.
Temperatures during the 1930s were also significantly higher than today, the data showed.
The 1930s data add weight to U.S. temperature data also showing the 1930s were warmer than current temperatures."
"The data provided a temperature record extending back 800 years.
The data showed temperatures during the 1200s and 1300s were similar to current temperatures, and that temperatures in the 1400s were higher than today.
Temperatures during the 1930s were also significantly higher than today, the data showed.
The 1930s data add weight to U.S. temperature data also showing the 1930s were warmer than current temperatures."
Grand Haven discusses gun control
http://tinyurl.com/a85daz7
"If we have the ability to reduce even one or two people that die in the United States from un-just causes, we should do that," said Molly McGinnis.
"If we have the ability to reduce even one or two people that die in the United States from un-just causes, we should do that," said Molly McGinnis.
Tentative state budget includes ‘Jimmy Fallon’ tax credit to lure ‘The Tonight Show’ back to New York
Exclusive: Tentative state budget includes ‘Jimmy Fallon’ tax credit to lure ‘The Tonight Show’ back to New York - NY Daily News:
"Call it the Jimmy Fallon tax credit.
Quietly tucked into tentative state budget is a provision that would help NBC move “The Tonight Show” back to New York, the Daily News has learned.
The provision would make state tax credits available for the producers of “a talk or variety program that filmed at least five seasons outside the state prior to its first relocated season in New York,” budget documents show."
In addition, the episodes “must be filmed before a studio audience” of at least 200 people. And the program must have an annual production budget of at least $30 million or incur at least $10 million a year in capital expenses.
In other words, a program exactly like “The Tonight Show.”
"Call it the Jimmy Fallon tax credit.
Quietly tucked into tentative state budget is a provision that would help NBC move “The Tonight Show” back to New York, the Daily News has learned.
The provision would make state tax credits available for the producers of “a talk or variety program that filmed at least five seasons outside the state prior to its first relocated season in New York,” budget documents show."
In addition, the episodes “must be filmed before a studio audience” of at least 200 people. And the program must have an annual production budget of at least $30 million or incur at least $10 million a year in capital expenses.
In other words, a program exactly like “The Tonight Show.”
N.Y. Gun Rights Advocates File Suit To Block Strictest In The Nation Law
N.Y. Gun Rights Advocates File Suit To Block Strictest In The Nation Law « CBS New York
Instead of the seven-bullet limit on gun magazines, the changes are expected to allow 10-bullet clips, which, sources said, can be used at shooting ranges. Gun owners would then be on the honor system to put only seven bullets in the clip.
“There is no such thing as a seven-bullet magazine. That doesn’t exist, so you really have no practical option,” Cuomo said on Wednesday.
But that’s not Cuomo’s only pull back.
“This state has no future if it is going to be the tax capital of the nation,” Cuomo during his inauguration.
Cuomo then passed a supposedly temporary tax on high-earning New Yorkers that was due to end next year, but now, CBS 2’s Marcia Kramer reported Thursday, that’s not going to happen.
“There will be an extension of the surcharge set to expire next year,” Cuomo said Thursday.
And when asked at if that wasn’t hypocritical, given his prior no-new-taxes positions, Cuomo tried to paint the tax hike as a tax cut, since the budget also provides the middle class with a $350 child tax rebate.
“Some taxes go up, yes, and others go down and the net is they go down. That’s why it’s a tax cut,” Cuomo said.
Business proponents are crying foul.
Instead of the seven-bullet limit on gun magazines, the changes are expected to allow 10-bullet clips, which, sources said, can be used at shooting ranges. Gun owners would then be on the honor system to put only seven bullets in the clip.
“There is no such thing as a seven-bullet magazine. That doesn’t exist, so you really have no practical option,” Cuomo said on Wednesday.
But that’s not Cuomo’s only pull back.
“This state has no future if it is going to be the tax capital of the nation,” Cuomo during his inauguration.
Cuomo then passed a supposedly temporary tax on high-earning New Yorkers that was due to end next year, but now, CBS 2’s Marcia Kramer reported Thursday, that’s not going to happen.
“There will be an extension of the surcharge set to expire next year,” Cuomo said Thursday.
And when asked at if that wasn’t hypocritical, given his prior no-new-taxes positions, Cuomo tried to paint the tax hike as a tax cut, since the budget also provides the middle class with a $350 child tax rebate.
“Some taxes go up, yes, and others go down and the net is they go down. That’s why it’s a tax cut,” Cuomo said.
Business proponents are crying foul.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Euro may be doomed whether Cyprus stays or goes
Euro may be doomed whether Cyprus stays or goes - Darrell Delamaide's Political Capital - MarketWatch:
"It is impossible to imagine that politicians in Germany, for instance, would dare to confiscate nearly 7% of the savings of their own citizens for any reason.
But they were willing to do it to Cypriots.
“What we are witnessing is the slow death of the European Project,” Anthanasios Orphanides, the former head of Cyprus’s central bank, said in an interview with Bloomberg TV this week.
“We are in a situation that some European governments are essentially taking actions that are telling citizens of other member states that they are not equal under the law.”
"It is impossible to imagine that politicians in Germany, for instance, would dare to confiscate nearly 7% of the savings of their own citizens for any reason.
But they were willing to do it to Cypriots.
“What we are witnessing is the slow death of the European Project,” Anthanasios Orphanides, the former head of Cyprus’s central bank, said in an interview with Bloomberg TV this week.
“We are in a situation that some European governments are essentially taking actions that are telling citizens of other member states that they are not equal under the law.”
Forget Spain and Italy. It’s France that’s Greece-ifying before our very eyes
Forget Spain and Italy. It’s France that’s Greece-ifying before our very eyes – Quartz:
"France has so far dodged the “problem child” reputations that Spain and Italy have earned.
But it looks like that will be increasingly hard to keep up. Data today on France’s business output hinted not just that its economy is decaying—but that it’s doing so rapidly."
"France has so far dodged the “problem child” reputations that Spain and Italy have earned.
But it looks like that will be increasingly hard to keep up. Data today on France’s business output hinted not just that its economy is decaying—but that it’s doing so rapidly."
Whose Insured Deposits Will Be Plundered Next?
Guest Post: Whose Insured Deposits Will Be Plundered Next? | Zero Hedge: "
Spain, it would appear, has changed constitutional rules to enable a so-called ‘moderate’ levy on deposits.
New legislation in New Zealand suggests that depositor funds could be used to bail out banks there, too.
Far more worrying for American and British depositors though is this paragraph Golem XIV brings up from a joint Bank of England and FDIC paper from 2012 which points to the possibility of using deposit insurance funds to bail out illiquid banks:"
Spain, it would appear, has changed constitutional rules to enable a so-called ‘moderate’ levy on deposits.
New legislation in New Zealand suggests that depositor funds could be used to bail out banks there, too.
Far more worrying for American and British depositors though is this paragraph Golem XIV brings up from a joint Bank of England and FDIC paper from 2012 which points to the possibility of using deposit insurance funds to bail out illiquid banks:"
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