Tuesday, April 02, 2013
Is Disability the New Welfare?
Is Disability the New Welfare? | RealClearPolitics:
"The government in Britain recently did something interesting.
It asked everyone receiving an "incapacity benefit" — a disability program slowly being phased out under new reforms — to submit to a medical test to confirm they were too disabled to work.
A third of recipients (878,000 people) didn't even bother and dropped out of the program rather than be examined.
Of those tested, more than half (55%) were found fit for work and a quarter were found fit for some work."
"The government in Britain recently did something interesting.
It asked everyone receiving an "incapacity benefit" — a disability program slowly being phased out under new reforms — to submit to a medical test to confirm they were too disabled to work.
A third of recipients (878,000 people) didn't even bother and dropped out of the program rather than be examined.
Of those tested, more than half (55%) were found fit for work and a quarter were found fit for some work."
Associated Press bans the phrase 'illegal immigrant' -
Associated Press bans the phrase 'illegal immigrant' - Washington Times:
“It’s ‘illegal immigrant’ no more” says the Associated Press, which banished the phrase from its usage guide on Tuesday - the latest stylistic edict for journalists who have for years juggled such terms as “undocumented worker” or “illegal alien,” its politically incorrect variant.
“The Stylebook no longer sanctions the term ‘illegal immigrant’ or the use of ‘illegal’ to describe a person. Instead, it tells users that ‘illegal’ should describe only an action, such as living in or immigrating to a country illegally,” said the senior vice president and executive editor Kathleen Carroll.
The wire service’s rationale goes on for many paragraphs before offering the actual Stylebook entry for earnest journalists to consider.
“It’s ‘illegal immigrant’ no more” says the Associated Press, which banished the phrase from its usage guide on Tuesday - the latest stylistic edict for journalists who have for years juggled such terms as “undocumented worker” or “illegal alien,” its politically incorrect variant.
“The Stylebook no longer sanctions the term ‘illegal immigrant’ or the use of ‘illegal’ to describe a person. Instead, it tells users that ‘illegal’ should describe only an action, such as living in or immigrating to a country illegally,” said the senior vice president and executive editor Kathleen Carroll.
The wire service’s rationale goes on for many paragraphs before offering the actual Stylebook entry for earnest journalists to consider.
It reads:
“Illegal immigration
: Entering or residing in a country in violation of civil or criminal law.
“Illegal immigration
: Entering or residing in a country in violation of civil or criminal law. Except in direct quotes essential to the story, use illegal only to refer to an action, not a person: illegal immigration, but not illegal immigrant.
Acceptable variations include living in or entering a country illegally or without legal permission.’
“Except in direct quotations, do not use the terms illegal alien, an illegal, illegals or undocumented.”
“Except in direct quotations, do not use the terms illegal alien, an illegal, illegals or undocumented.”
How Liberal Art Majors Destroyed Stockton
Captain Capitalism: How Liberal Art Majors Destroyed Stockton:
"I pointed this out a while ago, but it needs repeating.
You cannot expect a group of adults whose only experiences are in the non-profit/government/education industries to lead with any measure of competence in that they are politicians first and foremost and have not the ability nor care to adhere to mathematical and financial reality.
They are mentally spoiled little children who just happened to be in adult bodies that purposely and consciously chose weak degrees requiring no rigor, effort or thought, and consequently chose easy "careers."
It should be no shock that Stockton, or any city or organization, led by such weak and talentless people went bankrupt."
"I pointed this out a while ago, but it needs repeating.
You cannot expect a group of adults whose only experiences are in the non-profit/government/education industries to lead with any measure of competence in that they are politicians first and foremost and have not the ability nor care to adhere to mathematical and financial reality.
They are mentally spoiled little children who just happened to be in adult bodies that purposely and consciously chose weak degrees requiring no rigor, effort or thought, and consequently chose easy "careers."
It should be no shock that Stockton, or any city or organization, led by such weak and talentless people went bankrupt."
U.N. passes sweeping international arms regulation viewed by some as Second Amendment overrid
U.N. passes sweeping international arms regulation viewed by some as Second Amendment override - Washington Times:
"American gun rights activists, though, insist the treaty is riddled with loopholes and is unworkable in part because it includes “small arms and light weapons” in its list of weaponry subject to international regulations. They do not trust U.N. assertions that the pact is meant to regulate only cross-border trade and would have no impact on domestic U.S. laws and markets."
"American gun rights activists, though, insist the treaty is riddled with loopholes and is unworkable in part because it includes “small arms and light weapons” in its list of weaponry subject to international regulations. They do not trust U.N. assertions that the pact is meant to regulate only cross-border trade and would have no impact on domestic U.S. laws and markets."
Wal-Mart opponents in White Lake offer free viewing of film critical of the mega retailer (videos)
Wal-Mart opponents in White Lake offer free viewing of film critical of the mega retailer (videos) | MLive.com:
"The national retailer would have a staff of 300 and expect to invest $14 million in the new store.
Whitehall Township officials are expected to begin a site plan review process of the store in May."
"The national retailer would have a staff of 300 and expect to invest $14 million in the new store.
Whitehall Township officials are expected to begin a site plan review process of the store in May."
Resolution opposing Whitehall Township Wal-Mart turned down by deadlocked Montague City Council
Resolution opposing Whitehall Township Wal-Mart turned down by deadlocked Montague City Council | MLive.com:
"“We are two municipalities over from them,” Erb said.
“What gives us the right to act on what they do or what they don’t do on their municipality?”
Three Montague council members voted for the resolution while three voted against it and one did not vote.
The tie means the resolution was defeated."
"“We are two municipalities over from them,” Erb said.
“What gives us the right to act on what they do or what they don’t do on their municipality?”
Three Montague council members voted for the resolution while three voted against it and one did not vote.
The tie means the resolution was defeated."
Monday, April 01, 2013
Court okays adult teacher-student sex in Arkansas
Court okays adult teacher-student sex in Arkansas | The Daily Caller:
"Under an Arkansas statute, no elementary or high school teacher may engage in a sexual relationship with a student who is younger than 21.
But the court disagreed, ruling that the statute had the effect of criminalizing sex between consenting adults and was unconstitutional."
"Under an Arkansas statute, no elementary or high school teacher may engage in a sexual relationship with a student who is younger than 21.
But the court disagreed, ruling that the statute had the effect of criminalizing sex between consenting adults and was unconstitutional."
Michigan State gets $24.5 million from federal government to improve farming, nutrition in Africa, Central America, U.S.
Michigan State gets $24.5 million from federal government to improve farming, nutrition in Africa, Central America, U.S. | MLive.com:
" The U.S. Agency for International Development has awarded Michigan State University $24.5 million to improve farming and nutrition in Africa, Central America and the U.S."
" The U.S. Agency for International Development has awarded Michigan State University $24.5 million to improve farming and nutrition in Africa, Central America and the U.S."
UN Arms Trade Treaty Calls for Disarmament of Persons 55 and Older
UN Arms Trade Treaty Calls for Disarmament of Persons 55 and Older - Guns.com:
“Along with the mentally ill, preventing those who are advancing in age from gaining easy access to firearms is a common sense way to save lives,” concluded Chase."
“Along with the mentally ill, preventing those who are advancing in age from gaining easy access to firearms is a common sense way to save lives,” concluded Chase."
State auditor: California's net worth at negative $127.2 billion
Capitol Alert: State auditor: California's net worth at negative $127.2 billion:
"The report, which covers the fiscal year ending June 30, 2012, says that the state's negative status -- all of its assets minus all of its liabilities -- increased that year, largely because it spent more than it received in revenue."
"The report, which covers the fiscal year ending June 30, 2012, says that the state's negative status -- all of its assets minus all of its liabilities -- increased that year, largely because it spent more than it received in revenue."
1 in 5 Boys Now Diagnosed With ADHD -- Are We Overdrugging Our Kids?
1 in 5 Boys Now Diagnosed With ADHD -- Are We Overdrugging Our Kids? | Alternet:
"The data reveals that an estimated 6.4 million children aged 4 to 17 have received the diagnosis, which is a 16 percent increase from 2007.
The 6.4 million children diagnosed is also a 53 percent rise over the last decade. "
"The data reveals that an estimated 6.4 million children aged 4 to 17 have received the diagnosis, which is a 16 percent increase from 2007.
The 6.4 million children diagnosed is also a 53 percent rise over the last decade. "
Toy model of Jabba The Hutt's palace resembles a mosque, group says
Toy model of Jabba The Hutt's palace resembles a mosque, group says - World News:
"MUNICH – Danish toy maker Lego is to stop selling a model of the “palace” of slug-like Star Wars character Jabba The Hutt after complaints that it resembles a revered mosque, according to a group that raised the grievance."
"MUNICH – Danish toy maker Lego is to stop selling a model of the “palace” of slug-like Star Wars character Jabba The Hutt after complaints that it resembles a revered mosque, according to a group that raised the grievance."
Frontier Airlines says it will end service to Grand Rapids this summer
Frontier Airlines says it will end service to Grand Rapids this summer | MLive.com:
"In this case – particularly considering the large number of future opportunities we see as we continue to evolve the Frontier business – we reached the conclusion that the best course of action for Frontier was to discontinue service to GRR."
O'Malley said the move will not affect affect passengers who have already purchased tickets because Frontier's schedule only goes to Sept. 8 now."
"In this case – particularly considering the large number of future opportunities we see as we continue to evolve the Frontier business – we reached the conclusion that the best course of action for Frontier was to discontinue service to GRR."
O'Malley said the move will not affect affect passengers who have already purchased tickets because Frontier's schedule only goes to Sept. 8 now."
Hillary Clinton to give first paid speech since leaving State Dept.
Hillary Clinton to give first paid speech since leaving State Dept. - The Hill's Blog Briefing Room:
"The agency also represents her husband and former president Bill Clinton, who is estimated to have pulled in nearly $100 million in speaking fees since leaving office in 1999."
"The agency also represents her husband and former president Bill Clinton, who is estimated to have pulled in nearly $100 million in speaking fees since leaving office in 1999."
Consensus for new Muskegon farmers market building, city commissioners to address plan in April
Consensus for new Muskegon farmers market building, city commissioners to address plan in April | MLive.com:
"An unscientific MLive poll March 21 on the market plans and relocation showed support for the current proposal. Of the 3,355 online votes, MLive readers supported city endorsement of the new market plans by a thin 52.9 to 47.1 percent margin."
"An unscientific MLive poll March 21 on the market plans and relocation showed support for the current proposal. Of the 3,355 online votes, MLive readers supported city endorsement of the new market plans by a thin 52.9 to 47.1 percent margin."
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Judge Won’t Grant ‘Pregnant Man’ Thomas Beatie A Divorce
Judge Won’t Grant ‘Pregnant Man’ Thomas Beatie A Divorce:
"Welcome to the world’s most confusing divorce case.
A judge in Arizona today declined to grant a divorce to Thomas Beatie, who attained minor celebrity status as the “pregnant man” a few years back and gave birth to three children.
Beatie, who was born a woman but identifies as a man, married wife Nancy in Hawaii in 2003.
But was he a man or a woman at the time?
Beatie had undergone a double-mastectomy by then and was starting hormone therapy, but he still had a woman’s reproductive organs, reports AP.
The judge today decreed that there wasn’t enough evidence proving Beatie was a man at the time of the wedding.
That makes it a same-sex marriage, which means that the state of Arizona doesn’t recognize it.
And if the state doesn’t recognize the marriage, it can’t grant a divorce, either. Read more…"
"Welcome to the world’s most confusing divorce case.
A judge in Arizona today declined to grant a divorce to Thomas Beatie, who attained minor celebrity status as the “pregnant man” a few years back and gave birth to three children.
Beatie, who was born a woman but identifies as a man, married wife Nancy in Hawaii in 2003.
But was he a man or a woman at the time?
Beatie had undergone a double-mastectomy by then and was starting hormone therapy, but he still had a woman’s reproductive organs, reports AP.
The judge today decreed that there wasn’t enough evidence proving Beatie was a man at the time of the wedding.
That makes it a same-sex marriage, which means that the state of Arizona doesn’t recognize it.
And if the state doesn’t recognize the marriage, it can’t grant a divorce, either. Read more…"
Google honors Cesar Chavez on Easter
Google honors Cesar Chavez on Easter | The Daily Caller:
"While Google frequently decorates its logo to celebrate various holidays and special events, it is unclear why the company chose specifically to honor Chavez’s birthday, instead of Easter Sunday."
"While Google frequently decorates its logo to celebrate various holidays and special events, it is unclear why the company chose specifically to honor Chavez’s birthday, instead of Easter Sunday."
Articles: Universal Background Checks: the Liberal Holy Grail
Articles: Universal Background Checks: the Liberal Holy Grail: "The worst part of UBC will be the check on the seller (that's you and me). In the interest of getting illegal guns off the street, the left will want to throw in this little addition to the universal background check scheme: the seller must prove that they legally own the gun they are seeking to sell. I have a very modest gun collection (the number of guns just barely breaks into double digits). Half of the guns I have bought in the last several years, the other half go back to the 1970s and 80s. For example, I have a .22 my parents gave me for Christmas in 1980. My folks are long gone and I certainly don't have a bill of sale for the rifle. Half of my guns fit this mold. I have no proof that I own them. All the government needs to do is write the law so the seller must provide proof of ownership (original bill of sale, in your name) and we are all in trouble. "
'via Blog this'
'via Blog this'
How to fight the left-wing hate machine pt. 2
How to fight the left-wing hate machine | WashingtonExaminer.com:
"Of course, the progressive stance against bigotry has nothing to do with principles and everything to do with politics.
After all, less than a year ago, President Obama opposed redefining marriage.
Neither CAP, nor Bowers nor any other major progressive entity was devoting resources to calling Obama a bigot.
It was an election year, for Pete's sake.
CAP is not content with name-calling, either. The group has led progressive efforts to ostracize anyone who disagrees with it.
Take the Boy Scouts of America. Like any large nationwide organization, it has its flaws, but it still provides countless community service and leadership opportunities to almost 3 million boys nationwide.
Because BSA does not allow gay adults to become Scout leaders, the BSA must be isolated and punished.
Earlier this month, Chipotle was set to sponsor a Scout-O-Rama fundraising event in Utah. CAP sprang into action, organizing a pressure campaign to get Chipotle to drop its sponsorship.
Within 24 hours, Chipotle ended its sponsorship of Scouting entirely."
"Of course, the progressive stance against bigotry has nothing to do with principles and everything to do with politics.
After all, less than a year ago, President Obama opposed redefining marriage.
Neither CAP, nor Bowers nor any other major progressive entity was devoting resources to calling Obama a bigot.
It was an election year, for Pete's sake.
CAP is not content with name-calling, either. The group has led progressive efforts to ostracize anyone who disagrees with it.
Take the Boy Scouts of America. Like any large nationwide organization, it has its flaws, but it still provides countless community service and leadership opportunities to almost 3 million boys nationwide.
Because BSA does not allow gay adults to become Scout leaders, the BSA must be isolated and punished.
Earlier this month, Chipotle was set to sponsor a Scout-O-Rama fundraising event in Utah. CAP sprang into action, organizing a pressure campaign to get Chipotle to drop its sponsorship.
Within 24 hours, Chipotle ended its sponsorship of Scouting entirely."
How to fight the left-wing hate machine
How to fight the left-wing hate machine | WashingtonExaminer.com:
"That is not good enough for the progressive movement. Progressives want marriage to be redefined in every state to include same-sex relationships.
And they will not stop there, either. As the court was listening to oral arguments Wednesday, progressive blogger and former Pennsylvania State Democratic Committee member Chris Bowers wrote,
"The step after victory in legal LGBT rights will be social ostricization of those who oppose it."
Don't think for a second that Bowers' desire to punish those who disagree with the progressive agenda is an isolated case.
The Center for American Progress, or CAP, the nonprofit organization founded by President Clinton's Chief of Staff John Podesta, has also labeled anyone and everyone who opposed redefining marriage as a bigot."
"That is not good enough for the progressive movement. Progressives want marriage to be redefined in every state to include same-sex relationships.
And they will not stop there, either. As the court was listening to oral arguments Wednesday, progressive blogger and former Pennsylvania State Democratic Committee member Chris Bowers wrote,
"The step after victory in legal LGBT rights will be social ostricization of those who oppose it."
Don't think for a second that Bowers' desire to punish those who disagree with the progressive agenda is an isolated case.
The Center for American Progress, or CAP, the nonprofit organization founded by President Clinton's Chief of Staff John Podesta, has also labeled anyone and everyone who opposed redefining marriage as a bigot."
Google honors Cesar Chavez on Easter
Google honors Cesar Chavez on Easter | The Daily Caller:
"While Google frequently decorates its logo to celebrate various holidays and special events, it is unclear why the company chose specifically to honor Chavez’s birthday, instead of Easter Sunday."
"While Google frequently decorates its logo to celebrate various holidays and special events, it is unclear why the company chose specifically to honor Chavez’s birthday, instead of Easter Sunday."
Climate Change Endgame In Sight?
Climate Change Endgame In Sight? | Power Line:
"That day appears to have arrived.
The new issue of The Economist has a long feature on the declining confidence in the high estimates of climate sensitivity.
That this appears in The Economist is significant, because this august British news organ has been fully on board with climate alarmism for years now.
A Washington-based Economist correspondent admitted to me privately several years ago that the senior editors in London had mandated consistent and regular alarmist climate coverage in its pages."
"That day appears to have arrived.
The new issue of The Economist has a long feature on the declining confidence in the high estimates of climate sensitivity.
That this appears in The Economist is significant, because this august British news organ has been fully on board with climate alarmism for years now.
A Washington-based Economist correspondent admitted to me privately several years ago that the senior editors in London had mandated consistent and regular alarmist climate coverage in its pages."
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Court: EPA can stop changes at DTE's Monroe coal plant
Court: EPA can stop changes at DTE's Monroe coal plant | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com:
"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sued Detroit-based DTE Energy in 2010, because the company was replacing key boiler parts at its Monroe Unit 2 coal-fired power plant without installing pollution controls.
The EPA said the controls were required because the utility was performing a major overhaul, but DTE argued the $65 million project was only routine maintenance and was therefore exempt."
"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sued Detroit-based DTE Energy in 2010, because the company was replacing key boiler parts at its Monroe Unit 2 coal-fired power plant without installing pollution controls.
The EPA said the controls were required because the utility was performing a major overhaul, but DTE argued the $65 million project was only routine maintenance and was therefore exempt."
Former Newark schools chief indicted in Georgia cheating scandal
Former Newark schools chief indicted in Georgia cheating scandal | NJ.com:
"The former superintendent of the Newark, N.J., public school district and nearly three dozen administrators, teachers, principals and other educators from Atlanta were indicted today in one of the nation’s largest cheating scandals.
Former Atlanta Superintendent Beverly Hall faces charges including racketeering, false statements and theft.
She retired just days before a state probe was released in 2011, and has previously denied the allegations. The indictment represents the first criminal charges in the investigation."
"The former superintendent of the Newark, N.J., public school district and nearly three dozen administrators, teachers, principals and other educators from Atlanta were indicted today in one of the nation’s largest cheating scandals.
Former Atlanta Superintendent Beverly Hall faces charges including racketeering, false statements and theft.
She retired just days before a state probe was released in 2011, and has previously denied the allegations. The indictment represents the first criminal charges in the investigation."
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