Thursday, April 11, 2013

Safe from Sequester: $704,198 for Gardening at NATO Ambassador’s Home

Safe from Sequester: $704,198 for Gardening at NATO Ambassador’s Home | CNS News:
"Just over a week after sequestration took effect, the State Department allotted more than $700,000 for gardening at a U.S. Ambassador’s residence in Brussels, Belgium."

Muskegon Community College board chairman promises changes to millage increase campaign

Muskegon Community College board chairman promises changes to millage increase campaign | MLive.com:
"Crandall then talked about improving and expanding MCC’s health education facility.
Improvements include expanding the facility and renovating it.
He also went over the renovation of creative and performing arts facilities, which includes moving creative art department out of the existing building into a new space.
There would be five new art studies, three classrooms, an exhibition gallery, a kiln room, improvements to the Overbrook Theater, expanded lab and a multimedia instructional space."

The most shocking news you won't see in the MSM today

Blog: The most shocking news you won't see in the MSM today:
"I can't describe it.
It sounded like a little alien," West testified, telling a judge and Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas jury that the body of the child was about 18 to 24 inches long and was one of the largest babies she had seen delivered during abortion procedures at Gosnell's clinic.
West said she saw the child, whose face and features were not yet completely formed, lying on a glass tray on a shelf and she told a co-worker to call Gosnell about it and fled the room."

EPA acknowledges releasing personal details on farmers, senator slams agency

EPA acknowledges releasing personal details on farmers, senator slams agency | Fox News:
"But Sen. John Thune, who originally complained about the release, slammed the EPA for trying to retroactively recover the sensitive data.
"It is inexcusable for the EPA to release the personal information of American families and then call for it back, knowing full well that the erroneously released information will never be fully returned," he said in a statement to FoxNews.com.
"While EPA acknowledging that it erred is a first step, more must be done to protect the personal information of our farmers and ranchers now and in the future.
I will continue to demand answers from the EPA on how this information was collected and why it is still being distributed to extreme environmental groups to the detriment of our farm and ranch families."

Completely Predictable

Completely Predictable | Sumner Books:
"That means total net government spending per household ($50,074) exceeded median household income (49,445) by $629.
Government in the United States, of course, has not always spent more per year than the median household earns.
As recently as 2000, the relationship between government spending and household income was dramatically different.
Data from the Census Bureau and the OMB show that in that year net spending by all levels of government was $3,239,913,876,000.
That equaled $29,941 for each of the nation’s then 108,209,000 households. In 2000, the median household income was $41,990.
Thus, between 2000 and 2010, government in this country went from spending $12,049 less than the median household income to spending $629 more."

Megabus or weather? MDOT weighs in on Amtrak's Grand Rapids-to-Chicago ridership loss

Megabus or weather? MDOT weighs in on Amtrak's Grand Rapids-to-Chicago ridership loss | MLive.com
"Janet Foran, spokeswoman for the Michigan Department of Transportation, which subsidizes the route, said a combination of factors likely caused an 11 percent ridership decrease on the Pere Marquette Line in March.
The decrease over March 2012 — and ridership being down 2.2 percent for the first six months of the fiscal year that began Oct. 1 — was announced Tuesday by Amtrak.
Despite some MLive readers' pondering whether one cause for the decrease was the low-cost Megabus service, which began traveling from Grand Rapids to Chicago last summer, Foran said it was an unlikely scenario.
"We have no way to confirm that, but certainly [Megabus] is another means to get to Chicago and back," Foran said. "And I think that … I feel more strongly that the weather had an impact on travel."

Smoking Is a ‘Preexisting Condition’

Smoking Is a ‘Preexisting Condition’ - Kevin D. Williamson - National Review Online:
"The District of Columbia’s Obamacare czars — the board that sets rules for the phony insurance marketplace, or “exchange,” that the law creates — have decided that henceforth insurers shall be forbidden by law to charge smokers higher rates than non-smokers.
Smoking, as it turns out, “is a preexisting medical condition,” according to Dr. Mohammad Akhter, the chairman of the D.C. Health Exchange Board.
Two liberal states, California and Connecticut, have decided likewise, while Colorado and Alaska have rejected the idea."

Captain Capitalism: They Are Coming For Your 401k's

Captain Capitalism: They Are Coming For Your 401k's:
 "They Are Coming For Your 401k's
What do I keep telling you?

It is going to happen.

Enjoy the decline."

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

All the News that Fit To Serve Democrats

Da Tech Guy's Blog » Blog Archive » All the News that Fit To Serve Democrats

During my conference call Captain Larry Bailey, a navy seal with 27 years of service noted that Watergate involved a break-in and the theft of papers but lead to years of dedicated investigation from the congress culminating in the resignation of a president in the United States. 
That being the case you would think an event that lead to the death of an American Ambassador, an attack that took place on the anniversary of 9/11 just two months before an election might have gotten a little bit of traction in the press. 
Alas the press that was so anxious to bring down a Republican president had no interest in dead Americans if it could hamper the re-election of a Democrat one.
 With the president re-elected the thought was some attention might take place, Senators Kelly Ayotte, John McCain & Lindsey Graham  managed to use it to achieve hearings but the meat and the potatoes of what happened and why we didn’t act to stop it remains unclear. 
What is clear is that with a Democrat majority in the senate and the media solidly behind them such hearing are of little danger to Obama.  
Even if the midterm elections flip the senate, the Obama administration with two years to go is unlikely to face an awful lot of trouble from such a hearing. 
So why such opposition to such a committee, why the knee jerk attempt to protect Barack Obama when he doesn’t need protecting? 
Ah but it is NOT Barack Obama the mainstream media is protecting, nor is it the Obama administration that is being shielded, it is not even any type of covert operation that is being protected from public disclosure.
They are protecting Hillary Clinton.

Senate appears unlikely to penalize higher ed for long-term contracts signed ahead of right-to-work law

Senate appears unlikely to penalize higher ed for long-term contracts signed ahead of right-to-work law | Crain's Detroit Business:
"Last month, Wayne State governors ratified an eight-year contract, and the University of Michigan reached a tentative agreement on a five-year contract with a union representing 1,500 lecturers. Both contracts were settled before the right-to-work law went into effect."

What is the future of the Black community in Muskegon and Muskegon Heights?

Question of the Day: What is the future of the Black community in Muskegon and Muskegon Heights? | MLive.com:
"The predominately African-American city of Muskegon Heights in particular continues to face obstacles impacting the vitality of the city.
In 2012, Gov. Rick Snyder appointed an emergency manager for Muskegon Heights Public Schools, who in turn transformed the district into privately-ran public charter system.
Most recently, testing results conducted by Mosaica Education, the company running the city’s schools, found that nearly all ninth graders started the school year at least three grades behind in reading and mathematics."

Eight Fruitport Township teens honored for apprehending alleged fleeing felon

Eight Fruitport Township teens honored for apprehending alleged fleeing felon | MLive.com

Muskegon's brownfield authority considers $2 million assistance for Terrace Point Landing

Muskegon's brownfield authority considers $2 million assistance for Terrace Point Landing | MLive.com:
"Rooks and his Terrace Point Landing LLC have asked to be included in the city’s Brownfield Redevelopment Authority plan.
Inclusion would offer the residential developer up to $2 million in property-tax captured dollars to complete an environmental assessment, cleanup activities and installation of roads and utilities."

Obama 2014 budget analysis: Numbers based on imagined spending cuts and a middle-class tax hike

Obama 2014 budget analysis: Numbers based on imagined spending cuts and a middle-class tax hike | Mail Online:
"Early analysis: Obama's 2014 budget numbers are based on bad math, phantom revenues, imagined spending cuts and a middle-class tax hike
White House promises $1.8 trillion in deficit reduction, although similar previous claims have been debunked.

New method of measuring cost-of-living increases will lower benefit payouts and push middle-class earners into higher tax brackets
Speaker Boehner's spokesperson: 'Any deficit reduction will come exclusively from tax hikes'
Administration's formula depends on cost savings from Obamacare, which may be more costly to implement than previously thought"

Silting and low water close Muskegon harbor to large freighters, dredging to begin soon

Silting and low water close Muskegon harbor to large freighters, dredging to begin soon | MLive.com:
"Huizenga and Hansen, along with federal and state officials, outlined commercial harbor dredging plans for this spring, a state-funded emergency dredging program for public marinas in West Michigan communities and possible relaxation of environmental restrictions on dredging during this low-water emergency."

ABC, CBS and NBC Turn a Blind Eye to ObamaCare Setbacks

ABC, CBS and NBC Turn a Blind Eye to ObamaCare Setbacks | Media Research Center:
"For the past couple of weeks there has been a steady drip of bad news for ObamaCare, but you wouldn't know it if you only get your news from the Big Three (ABC, CBS, NBC) networks.
From a Society of Actuaries report that determined premium costs will shoot up thanks to a thirty-three percent average increase in claims;
to thirty-three Senate Democrats joining Republicans in voting to repeal an ObamaCare tax on medical devices; to a Quinnipiac University poll showing even two-thirds of self-identified Democrats saying the law will either hurt them or have no effect, the recent news has been bad for the President's chief legislative victory.
However, not one of these trouble spots for ObamaCare has been mentioned on ABC, CBS or NBC's evening or morning show broadcasts.
The following setbacks for ObamaCare haven't received a single second of air time on the Big Three networks: "

Air Force One Becomes Tool For Gun Control, Exploiting Mass Murder

Air Force One Becomes Tool For Gun Control, Exploiting Mass Murder - Investors.com:
"According to Hawkins, for Alinsky and followers such as Obama, "you do whatever it takes ... even if what it takes is telling bald-face lie after bald-face lie."
In a speech Monday at the University of Hartford, accompanied by some of the parents of the victims of the Newtown massacre in December, in which 20 elementary school children and six adult staff were slaughtered, Obama claimed that his push for gun control was apolitical.
Why, then, was he yelling?"

Obama declares Thursday 'National Equal Pay Day,' despite paying female staffers less than male counterparts

Obama declares Thursday 'National Equal Pay Day,' despite paying female staffers less than male counterparts | The Daily Caller:
"...... the Obama White House has failed in recent years to pay female employees the same amount as male ones."

Tuesday, April 09, 2013

Superintendent’s shocking comment reminds us that school choice is an uphill battle

Superintendent’s shocking comment reminds us that school choice is an uphill battle - EAGnews.org :: Education Research, Reporting, Analysis and Commentary:
“I think Milwaukee is a good example of what will happen on a smaller scale here. 
In Milwaukee, it’s pretty much been white families who’ve taken advantage of private schools, with a few African-American families. 
The African-American families are the ones who are most prone to enroll their kids in the fly-by-night schools that cropped up after vouchers existed.
“They don’t know how to make good choices for their children. 
They really don’t. 
They didn’t have parents who made good choices for them or help them learn how to make good choices, so they don’t know how to do that.”

U.S. Ready to Spend Up to $300,000 for ‘Workforce Development’--In Serbia

U.S. Ready to Spend Up to $300,000 for ‘Workforce Development’--In Serbia | CNS News
“Currently, there is a mismatch between private sector needs and the capacity of the existing workforce, which continues to contribute to the high unemployment rate, especially among youth,” said USAID in a March 29 announcement.
“Therefore, USAID/Serbia has identified workforce development as a means to address the broader problem of unemployment,” reads the announcement."

The World-Changing Margaret Thatcher

Paul Johnson: The World-Changing Margaret Thatcher - WSJ.com:
"Margaret Thatcher had more impact on the world than any woman ruler since Catherine the Great of Russia.
Not only did she turn around—decisively—the British economy in the 1980s, she also saw her methods copied in more than 50 countries.
"Thatcherism" was the most popular and successful way of running a country in the last quarter of the 20th century and into the 21st."

Army Email Labels Christian Ministries as “Domestic Hate Groups”

Army Email Labels Christian Ministries as “Domestic Hate Groups” | FOX News & Commentary: Todd Starnes:
“It’s very disturbing to see where the Obama Administration is taking the military and using it as a laboratory for social experimentation  — and also as an instrument to fundamentally change the culture,” he said.
“The message is very clear – if you are a Christian who believes in the Bible, who believes in transcendent truth, there is no place for you in the military.”

Caribou leaving Michigan; Some stores will close, others will become Peet's Coffee

Caribou leaving Michigan; Some stores will close, others will become Peet's Coffee | Crain's Detroit Business: "He noted that 80 "underperforming" Midwest and East Coast locations would close on Sunday, while 88 others will be converted to Peet's."

Catholic University Bans Catholic Group over Catholicism

Catholic University Bans Catholic Group over Catholicism | FOX News & Commentary: Todd Starnes: "Gonzaga University will not allow students to organize a Knights of Columbus chapter because the group only admits Catholics – a violation of the school’s non-discrimination policy."

Illinois senator calls S.S. Badger 'filthy,' pushes for stronger restrictions

Illinois senator calls S.S. Badger 'filthy,' pushes for stronger restrictions | wzzm13.com:
"Sen. Dick Durbin of Chicago is continuing to push for even stronger restrictions than those proposed by federal regulators for the S.S. Badger, the last coal-fired ferry operating on the Great Lakes."

Blue Angels crushed!

Cancellations blamed on federal budget cuts | wzzm13.com:
"The U.S. Navy has canceled the remainder of the elite Blue Angels demonstration team's 2013 season because of federal cuts."

Medicaid Vs. Veterans Benefits

Infographic: Medicaid Vs. Veterans Benefits | NetRight Daily
How long does it take to get benefits? 316-327 Days for Veterans Affairs, 11-45 Days for Medicaid Eligibility. 900,000 Veterans are waiting for benefits right now. In Los Angeles, Veterans wait up to 619 days for benefits.

Fluffed up ferrets sold as toy poodles

Quirky News Article | Orange UK:
"One pensioner was duped into buying two of the "pedigree" pets from a market in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires.
But when he took the animals to a vet for their vaccinations he was told he had bought two ferrets which are known in Argentine as 'Brazilian rats'."

Muskegon City Commission moves toward support of downtown farmers market plan, vote Tuesday

Muskegon City Commission moves toward support of downtown farmers market plan, vote Tuesday | MLive.com:
"The plans are for private donations to build the $3 million facility on land donated by the Downtown Muskegon Development Corp. and then deeded to the city of Muskegon to operate like the current facility."

Obama on Gun Control: 'This Is Not About Politics' ...Unless You Disagree With Me

Obama on Gun Control: 'This Is Not About Politics' ...Unless You Disagree With Me - Hit & Run : Reason.com:
"In Obama's telling, only "powerful interests that are very good at confusing the subject, that are good at amplifying conflict and extremes, that are good at drowning out rational debate, good at ginning up irrational fears."
That's pretty rich, coming from a man who claims 
that massacres like the one that took 26 lives at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, last December have become "routine," 
who falsely asserts that the man responsible for those murders used a "fully automatic weapon," 
and who in response to that horrible event pushes policies that could not possibly have prevented it, while citing the grief and outrage it generated as if they were arguments for the same gun control policies he has supported all along."