Alameda County rewards boss: $400k…for life | Matier And Ross | an SFGate.com blog:
"Alameda County supervisors have really taken to heart the adage that government should run like a business — rewarding County Administrator Susan Muranishi with the Wall Street-like wage of $423,664 a year.
For the rest of her life.
According to county pay records, in addition to her $301,000 base salary, Muranishi receives:
– $24,000, plus change, in “equity pay’’ to guarantee that she makes at least 10 percent more than anyone else in the county.
– About $54,000 a year in “longevity” pay for having stayed with the county for more than 30 years.
– An annual performance bonus of $24,000.
– And another $9,000 a year for serving on the county’s three-member Surplus Property Authority, an ad hoc committee of the Board of Supervisors that oversees the sale of excess land.
Like other county executives, Muranishi also gets an $8,292-a-year car allowance."
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Muskegon County port committee sets spring and summer timeline for work goals
Muskegon County port committee sets spring and summer timeline for work goals | MLive.com:
"Muskegon County’s staff is taking the lead on some of the work projects.
But committee members say it’s not just a county project. It involves the participation of municipalities in the area and businesses across the region.
“We intend for this to be a regional thing,” Sabo said.
Committee member Ben Cross said the Muskegon port has few, if any, competitors when it comes to businesses in West Michigan looking to ship through a deep water port.
“There’s no major ports.
We’re the largest from the (Mackinac ) Bridge to here,” Cross said.
"Muskegon County’s staff is taking the lead on some of the work projects.
But committee members say it’s not just a county project. It involves the participation of municipalities in the area and businesses across the region.
“We intend for this to be a regional thing,” Sabo said.
Committee member Ben Cross said the Muskegon port has few, if any, competitors when it comes to businesses in West Michigan looking to ship through a deep water port.
“There’s no major ports.
We’re the largest from the (Mackinac ) Bridge to here,” Cross said.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Soaring Social Security disability rolls headed for collapse
National Editorial: Soaring Social Security disability rolls headed for collapse | WashingtonExaminer.com:
"In 2011, on average, one net person has been added to Social Security's Disability Insurance rolls (and 3.3 to its retirement program) for every five net new jobs created.
.......The federal government now spends more on disability than food stamps and welfare combined.
In 2009, DI began paying out more in benefits than it took in from payroll taxes.
By 2016, it is set to run out of money."
"In 2011, on average, one net person has been added to Social Security's Disability Insurance rolls (and 3.3 to its retirement program) for every five net new jobs created.
.......The federal government now spends more on disability than food stamps and welfare combined.
In 2009, DI began paying out more in benefits than it took in from payroll taxes.
By 2016, it is set to run out of money."
The harsh reality of life in the UK without shale gas and with a misguided faith in green energy
The harsh reality of life in the UK without shale gas and with a misguided faith in green energy | AEIdeas:
"......in the UK — they’re having a gas crisis, with low reserves, chronic shortages, price spikes, and rising gas and electric utility bills, which along with unseasonably cold winter weather, is potentially forcing more than one-third of UK households to turn off their heat entirely. "
"......in the UK — they’re having a gas crisis, with low reserves, chronic shortages, price spikes, and rising gas and electric utility bills, which along with unseasonably cold winter weather, is potentially forcing more than one-third of UK households to turn off their heat entirely. "
See who's undercutting GOP cries that Democrats are behind illegal voting in Michigan
Tim Skubick: See who's undercutting GOP cries that Democrats are behind illegal voting in Michigan | MLive.com:
"Are there some persons who are voting who should not be?
Yes, she observes. She sights a recent Pew Research Center study suggesting Michigan has more voters registered than there are citizens.
Or another federal analysis that shows 20 counties have more folks voting than reside in those counties."
"Are there some persons who are voting who should not be?
Yes, she observes. She sights a recent Pew Research Center study suggesting Michigan has more voters registered than there are citizens.
Or another federal analysis that shows 20 counties have more folks voting than reside in those counties."
Marriage and the Supreme Court
Review & Outlook: Marriage and the Supreme Court - WSJ.com
Liberals do not merely contend that laws based on sexual orientation lack any "rational basis." They also claim the only motivation for such laws is prejudice against gays. They therefore want the Court to designate homosexuals as a legally protected group like minorities or women and apply to Proposition 8 the highest levels of constitutional protection, called strict or heightened scrutiny.
Related Video
Editorial page editor Paul Gigot on why the evolving cultural debate over same-sex marriage is best settled democratically.
The Court has not used the equal protection clause to create a new category of people who need extra legal defenses in three decades, largely because doing so disrupts the ebb and flow of the ordinary political process. Such caution is prudent, especially here. Homosexuals are not disenfranchised like blacks in the mid-20th century, as the very progress of the gay rights movement shows.
Nine states and the District of Columbia now recognize same-sex marriages, up from zero less than a generation ago. Though the early states were ordered to do so by their courts, more recent gains came through legislatures, as in New York. Last year, proponents won three of three popular referenda in Maine, Maryland and Washington state. Through persuasion, gay marriage has come to enjoy a slight popular majority.
Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero proposes $112 million city budget, eliminates $5 million deficit with streetlight fees
Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero proposes $112 million city budget, eliminates $5 million deficit with streetlight fees | MLive.com:
"Under Bernero’s proposed budget, those fees would be assessed to BWL ratepayers on their monthly bills, an average cost of $46 per residential customer."
"Under Bernero’s proposed budget, those fees would be assessed to BWL ratepayers on their monthly bills, an average cost of $46 per residential customer."
Grand Rapids lands on Forbes list of 15 U.S. cities with 'emerging downtowns'
Grand Rapids lands on Forbes list of 15 U.S. cities with 'emerging downtowns' | MLive.com:
"Although not competitively ranked, Grand Rapids joins cities like Denver, Des Moines, Detroit, Cincinnati, Milwaukee and Cleveland on the list of cities that are attracting reinvestment and population growth downtown."
"Although not competitively ranked, Grand Rapids joins cities like Denver, Des Moines, Detroit, Cincinnati, Milwaukee and Cleveland on the list of cities that are attracting reinvestment and population growth downtown."
Eagle death at Nevada wind farm brings federal scrutiny
Eagle death at Nevada wind farm brings federal scrutiny | Las Vegas Review-Journal:
"Even so, the wind farm could face a fine of up to $200,000 because it does not hold a federal “take” permit that would allow the incidental death of a golden or bald eagle."
GREAT way to enable Obama's ".....my plan, electricity costs would necessarily skyrocket...". scheme.
"Even so, the wind farm could face a fine of up to $200,000 because it does not hold a federal “take” permit that would allow the incidental death of a golden or bald eagle."
GREAT way to enable Obama's ".....my plan, electricity costs would necessarily skyrocket...". scheme.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Have The Russians Already Quietly Withdrawn All Their Cash From Cyprus?
Have The Russians Already Quietly Withdrawn All Their Cash From Cyprus? | Zero Hedge:
"As it turns out, these same oligrachs may have used the one week hiatus period of total chaos in the banking system to transfer the bulk of the cash they had deposited with one of the two main Cypriot banks, in the process making the whole punitive point of collapsing the Cyprus financial system entirely moot."
"As it turns out, these same oligrachs may have used the one week hiatus period of total chaos in the banking system to transfer the bulk of the cash they had deposited with one of the two main Cypriot banks, in the process making the whole punitive point of collapsing the Cyprus financial system entirely moot."
Monaco Penthouse 'World's Most Expensive'
Monaco Penthouse 'World's Most Expensive':
"With private infinity pool and exclusive lobby, the apartment could apparently command an asking price of as much as £256m."
"With private infinity pool and exclusive lobby, the apartment could apparently command an asking price of as much as £256m."
Gulp! The Quiz - NYTimes.com
Gulp! The Quiz - NYTimes.com: "6Which of these celebrities had a megacolon, a colon much larger in diameter than average?
Brian Wilson.
Elvis Presley.
Elvis Presley reportedly had a colon that was two to three times normal size. It is unclear what caused his megacolon, since they can form congenitally or be a side effect of taking certain medications or even some parasitic illnesses. One of the complications of having an extra large colon is constipation because the enlarged colon can’t efficiently push out waste. While there is much speculation about the reasons behind the Elvis’s death, it is possible that the superstar’s extra large colon played a role.
Marilyn Monroe.
John Lennon."
'via Blog this'
Brian Wilson.
Elvis Presley.
Elvis Presley reportedly had a colon that was two to three times normal size. It is unclear what caused his megacolon, since they can form congenitally or be a side effect of taking certain medications or even some parasitic illnesses. One of the complications of having an extra large colon is constipation because the enlarged colon can’t efficiently push out waste. While there is much speculation about the reasons behind the Elvis’s death, it is possible that the superstar’s extra large colon played a role.
Marilyn Monroe.
John Lennon."
'via Blog this'
Sharpton & Barnicle Agree: Anti-Semitism Explains Opposition To Bloomberg On Gun Control
Sharpton & Barnicle Agree: Anti-Semitism Explains Opposition To Bloomberg On Gun Control | NewsBusters:
"If ever there were an expert on anti-Semitism in America, it could be Al Sharpton, he of Freddie's Fashion Mart and Crown Heights riot infamy.
The spectacle of Sharpton lamenting the supposed anti-Semitism of others was ironic, if not repulsive. "
"If ever there were an expert on anti-Semitism in America, it could be Al Sharpton, he of Freddie's Fashion Mart and Crown Heights riot infamy.
The spectacle of Sharpton lamenting the supposed anti-Semitism of others was ironic, if not repulsive. "
FAA policy on electronics during flight to likely change before 2014
FAA policy on electronics during flight to likely change before 2014 | Ars Technica: "
"According to people who work with an industry working group that the Federal Aviation Administration set up last year to study the use of portable electronics on planes, the agency hopes to announce by the end of this year that it will relax the rules for reading devices during takeoff and landing," Bilton wrote."
"According to people who work with an industry working group that the Federal Aviation Administration set up last year to study the use of portable electronics on planes, the agency hopes to announce by the end of this year that it will relax the rules for reading devices during takeoff and landing," Bilton wrote."
Sunday, March 24, 2013
WILSON: Obama's dangerous love of unions
WILSON: Obama's dangerous love of unions - Washington Times
These efforts reached a fever pitch during last year’s “December massacre,” when Barack Obama’s National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued a flood of constitutionally dubious pro-union rulings targeting workers’ rights.
In one of these rulings – the Kent Hospital case – the NLRB effectively invalidated a 1988 Supreme Court ruling banning forced employee subsidization of their lobbying and political activities. The ruling also stripped away strict definitions of what constituted “lobbying and political activities” – effectively leaving these definitions at the unions’ discretion. Making matters worse, the Kent case held that unions no longer had to provide employees with a detailed accounting of these lobbying and political activities – creating a “perfect storm” for corruption.
In another case the NLRB overturned a 34-year precedent protecting witness statements obtained by employers during internal misconduct investigations – requiring that these confidential documents be turned over to the unions.
The board also overturned a 50-year precedent when it ruled employers must continue collecting dues even after the expiration of a collective bargaining agreement.
These efforts reached a fever pitch during last year’s “December massacre,” when Barack Obama’s National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued a flood of constitutionally dubious pro-union rulings targeting workers’ rights.
In one of these rulings – the Kent Hospital case – the NLRB effectively invalidated a 1988 Supreme Court ruling banning forced employee subsidization of their lobbying and political activities. The ruling also stripped away strict definitions of what constituted “lobbying and political activities” – effectively leaving these definitions at the unions’ discretion. Making matters worse, the Kent case held that unions no longer had to provide employees with a detailed accounting of these lobbying and political activities – creating a “perfect storm” for corruption.
In another case the NLRB overturned a 34-year precedent protecting witness statements obtained by employers during internal misconduct investigations – requiring that these confidential documents be turned over to the unions.
The board also overturned a 50-year precedent when it ruled employers must continue collecting dues even after the expiration of a collective bargaining agreement.
Muskegon-area violence: Additional manpower, task forces may be key to curbing crime
Muskegon-area violence: Additional manpower, task forces may be key to curbing crime | MLive.com:
"Gill also hopes to see another gun buyback program happen this spring or summer, as it was relatively successful in 2011.
The buyback, held at Corinthians Baptist Church at 2027 Peck St. in Muskegon Heights, invited residents of Muskegon and Muskegon Heights to turn in firearms for a monetary refund. Payouts ranged from $25 for nonworking handguns to $100 for assault weapons.
He said police will attempt to return the stolen guns to their owners.
But if they are unable to, those weapons will be melted down, along with the other guns turned in at the event, including several handguns, long guns and one assault rifle."
"Gill also hopes to see another gun buyback program happen this spring or summer, as it was relatively successful in 2011.
The buyback, held at Corinthians Baptist Church at 2027 Peck St. in Muskegon Heights, invited residents of Muskegon and Muskegon Heights to turn in firearms for a monetary refund. Payouts ranged from $25 for nonworking handguns to $100 for assault weapons.
He said police will attempt to return the stolen guns to their owners.
But if they are unable to, those weapons will be melted down, along with the other guns turned in at the event, including several handguns, long guns and one assault rifle."
What it really costs when Walmart comes to town
What it really costs when Walmart comes to town | MNN - Mother Nature Network:
"The research, done by a Northwest community group, estimates that one Walmart store, which is set to open in a Washington neighborhood, will decrease the community's economic output over 20 years by an estimated $13 million.
It also estimates the Walmart will cost the community an additional $14 million in lost wages over the next 20 years. "
"The research, done by a Northwest community group, estimates that one Walmart store, which is set to open in a Washington neighborhood, will decrease the community's economic output over 20 years by an estimated $13 million.
It also estimates the Walmart will cost the community an additional $14 million in lost wages over the next 20 years. "
Walmart plan puts White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce in tight spot
Walmart plan puts White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce in tight spot | MLive.com: "On the other hand, it’s Walmart.
In thousands of small communities across America, the building of a new Walmart has dramatically changed the local retail scene, many times at the expense of small, local retailers.
Speaking on behalf of the White Lake chamber board of directors, Executive Director Amy VanLoon issued a prepared statement Thursday, selecting her words carefully and remaining noncommittal."
In thousands of small communities across America, the building of a new Walmart has dramatically changed the local retail scene, many times at the expense of small, local retailers.
Speaking on behalf of the White Lake chamber board of directors, Executive Director Amy VanLoon issued a prepared statement Thursday, selecting her words carefully and remaining noncommittal."
U.S. Sen. Carl Levin: Army Corps commits $19 million for Great Lakes Hurricane Sandy restoration
U.S. Sen. Carl Levin: Army Corps commits $19 million for Great Lakes Hurricane Sandy restoration | MLive.com:
"Levin, D-Mich., said in a release on March 20 that he had received a public commitment from the civilian head of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that $19 million in Hurricane Sandy recovery funding will be available to repair the storm’s damage to Great Lakes harbors."
..Among the line items in the Hurricane Sandy funding, according to Levin’s office:
"Levin, D-Mich., said in a release on March 20 that he had received a public commitment from the civilian head of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that $19 million in Hurricane Sandy recovery funding will be available to repair the storm’s damage to Great Lakes harbors."
..Among the line items in the Hurricane Sandy funding, according to Levin’s office:
- New Buffalo Harbor $270,000
- Holland Harbor $200,000
- Muskegon Harbor $200,000
- Saugatuck Harbor $370,000
- South Haven Harbor $355,000
- St. Joseph Harbor $550,000
U.S. Will Pay $2 Million So Prison Inmates Can Teach Wild Horses to be 'Gentle'
U.S. Will Pay $2 Million So Prison Inmates Can Teach Wild Horses to be 'Gentle' | CNS News:
" The Department of Interior’s Bureau of Land Management will pay $2 million in taxpayer funds over five years so that prison inmates in Kansas can teach wild horses and burros to be "gentle."
The grant description reads: “This program provides funding for the rehabilitation and positive animal husbandry work experience for inmates by allowing the inmates to train and care for wild horses and burros and preparing the animals for adoption."
" The Department of Interior’s Bureau of Land Management will pay $2 million in taxpayer funds over five years so that prison inmates in Kansas can teach wild horses and burros to be "gentle."
The grant description reads: “This program provides funding for the rehabilitation and positive animal husbandry work experience for inmates by allowing the inmates to train and care for wild horses and burros and preparing the animals for adoption."
Outrage as Joe Biden's hotel tab runs up to more than 1MILLION for just TWO NIGHTS in London and Paris
Outrage as Joe Biden's hotel tab runs up to more than 1MILLION for just TWO NIGHTS in London and Paris | Mail Online:
"Vice President Joe Biden spent more than $1 million for two nights in hotels in London and Paris, according to government documents.
Biden and his hefty entourage spent the night at two five-star hotels in early February - one night at the Hyatt Regency London for a total of $459,338.65 and another night at the Hotel Intercontinental Paris Le Grand for $585,000.50."
"Vice President Joe Biden spent more than $1 million for two nights in hotels in London and Paris, according to government documents.
Biden and his hefty entourage spent the night at two five-star hotels in early February - one night at the Hyatt Regency London for a total of $459,338.65 and another night at the Hotel Intercontinental Paris Le Grand for $585,000.50."
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Cyprus Depositor Haircut: 25% Off the Top for the Rich
The PJ Tatler » Cyprus Depositor Haircut: 25% Off the Top for the Rich:
"He confirmed discussions were centered on a possible levy of around 25 percent on holdings of over 100,000 euros at Bank of Cyprus, and expressed hope that a package could be ready by the end of the day for approval by parliament.
Cyprus faces a Monday deadline to clinch a bailout deal with the EU or the European Central Bank says it will cut off emergency cash to the island’s over-sized and stricken banks, spelling certain collapse and a potential exit from Europe’s single currency."
"He confirmed discussions were centered on a possible levy of around 25 percent on holdings of over 100,000 euros at Bank of Cyprus, and expressed hope that a package could be ready by the end of the day for approval by parliament.
Cyprus faces a Monday deadline to clinch a bailout deal with the EU or the European Central Bank says it will cut off emergency cash to the island’s over-sized and stricken banks, spelling certain collapse and a potential exit from Europe’s single currency."
Rep. Levin: GOP 'extremism' halting budget process
Rep. Levin: GOP 'extremism' halting budget process - Washington Times:
"The top Democrat on the House Ways and Means Committee blames the budget impasse on a “radicalized” Republican Party that refuses to compromise.
“The distance [between the parties] has really widened dramatically, and it’s hard to know how to deal with [Republican] extremism,” Rep. Sander Levin of Michigan told MSNBC Friday.
“It doesn’t provide a basis for compromise.”
Mr. Levin said the level and productiveness of talks between Republicans and Democrats have never been worse during his 26 years on the powerful tax-writing panel.
“It’s really disturbing,” he said.
“The extremism that has captured the Republicans in the House I think creates a gap that I think is very difficult to bridge. [But] we have to try.”
"The top Democrat on the House Ways and Means Committee blames the budget impasse on a “radicalized” Republican Party that refuses to compromise.
“The distance [between the parties] has really widened dramatically, and it’s hard to know how to deal with [Republican] extremism,” Rep. Sander Levin of Michigan told MSNBC Friday.
“It doesn’t provide a basis for compromise.”
Mr. Levin said the level and productiveness of talks between Republicans and Democrats have never been worse during his 26 years on the powerful tax-writing panel.
“It’s really disturbing,” he said.
“The extremism that has captured the Republicans in the House I think creates a gap that I think is very difficult to bridge. [But] we have to try.”
Health Insurers Warn on Premiums
Health Insurers Warn on Premiums - WSJ.com:
"Health insurers are privately warning brokers that premiums for many individuals and small businesses could increase sharply next year because of the health-care overhaul law, with the nation's biggest firm projecting that rates could more than double for some consumers buying their own plans."
"Health insurers are privately warning brokers that premiums for many individuals and small businesses could increase sharply next year because of the health-care overhaul law, with the nation's biggest firm projecting that rates could more than double for some consumers buying their own plans."
Senate passes Democratic budget plan
Senate passes Democratic budget plan | Detroit Free Press | freep.com:
"An exhausted Senate gave pre-dawn approval today to a Democratic $3.7 trillion budget for next year that embraces nearly $1 trillion in tax increases over the coming decade but shelters domestic programs targeted for cuts by House Republicans.
While their victory was by a razor-thin 50-49, the vote let Democrats tout their priorities.
.....The Democratic budget's $975 billion in new taxes would be matched by an equal amount of spending reductions coming chiefly from health programs, defense and reduced interest payments as deficits get smaller than previously anticipated.
This year's projected deficit of nearly $900 billion would fall to around $700 billion next year and bottom out near $400 billion in 2016 before trending upward again.
Shoehorned into the package is $100 billion for public works projects and other programs aimed at creating jobs."
"An exhausted Senate gave pre-dawn approval today to a Democratic $3.7 trillion budget for next year that embraces nearly $1 trillion in tax increases over the coming decade but shelters domestic programs targeted for cuts by House Republicans.
While their victory was by a razor-thin 50-49, the vote let Democrats tout their priorities.
.....The Democratic budget's $975 billion in new taxes would be matched by an equal amount of spending reductions coming chiefly from health programs, defense and reduced interest payments as deficits get smaller than previously anticipated.
This year's projected deficit of nearly $900 billion would fall to around $700 billion next year and bottom out near $400 billion in 2016 before trending upward again.
Shoehorned into the package is $100 billion for public works projects and other programs aimed at creating jobs."
Biden's One-Night Paris Hotel Tab: $585,000.50
Biden's One-Night Paris Hotel Tab: $585,000.50 | The Weekly Standard:
"As it turns out, Vice President Joe Biden's London stay in February was not the most expensive part of his trip. A government document released on February 14, 2013 shows that the contract for the Hotel Intercontinental Paris Le Grand came in at $585,000.50."
"As it turns out, Vice President Joe Biden's London stay in February was not the most expensive part of his trip. A government document released on February 14, 2013 shows that the contract for the Hotel Intercontinental Paris Le Grand came in at $585,000.50."
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