Thursday, May 16, 2013
Snow days: Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder signs law allowing longer school days rather than makeups
Snow days: Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder signs law allowing longer school days rather than makeups | MLive.com:
"Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder on Thursday signed into law legislation allowing school districts that cancelled class multiple times this winter to meet state requirements by extending existing days rather than scheduling makeups."
"Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder on Thursday signed into law legislation allowing school districts that cancelled class multiple times this winter to meet state requirements by extending existing days rather than scheduling makeups."
American Indian mascots: Michigan bills would force civil rights department to fund school changes
American Indian mascots: Michigan bills would force civil rights department to fund school changes | MLive.com:
"Republican lawmakers are introducing legislation that would strip funding from the Michigan Department of Civil Rights and make the money available to local schools if they are forced to change their American Indian-related mascots as a result of a discrimination complaint filed by the department."
"Republican lawmakers are introducing legislation that would strip funding from the Michigan Department of Civil Rights and make the money available to local schools if they are forced to change their American Indian-related mascots as a result of a discrimination complaint filed by the department."
Venezuela hopes to wipe out toilet paper shortage by importing 50m rolls
Venezuela hopes to wipe out toilet paper shortage by importing 50m rolls | World news | guardian.co.uk: "Minister blames shortage on 'excessive demand caused by media campaign generated to disrupt the country'"
Men who are physically strong are more likely to have right wing political views
Men who are physically strong are more likely to have right wing political views | Mail Online:
"Men who are physically strong are more likely to have right wing political views
Weaker men more likely to support welfare state and wealth redistribution
Link may reflect psychological traits that evolved in our ancestors
Strength was a proxy for ability to defend or acquire resources"
"Men who are physically strong are more likely to have right wing political views
Weaker men more likely to support welfare state and wealth redistribution
Link may reflect psychological traits that evolved in our ancestors
Strength was a proxy for ability to defend or acquire resources"
Mark Hollis, Jim Delany speak on MSU, Big Ten issues: What they said and what I think | Couch on fire
Mark Hollis, Jim Delany speak on MSU, Big Ten issues: What they said and what I think | Couch on fire:
"– Hollis spoke about the seriousness of this upcoming season for MSU football. It should be noted, he was prompted to do so by a question that afforded almost no other response.
What was he supposed to say?
“Well, guys, we’ll do our best and see how it goes.”
Still, they were strong words and I’m sure, by some media outlets, will be sensationalized.
Here’s some of what Hollis said, when asked at what point 6-6 becomes unacceptable:
“(If it happened again) there’d probably be a gathering of troops to ask why are we there two years in a row. … It is a very important season for Michigan State, no question.”
My take: Again, this was prompted and a probably unavoidable response.
But it is important that MSU’s AD is on record with such urgency.
It’s a starting point with him if this season were to play out poorly."
"– Hollis spoke about the seriousness of this upcoming season for MSU football. It should be noted, he was prompted to do so by a question that afforded almost no other response.
What was he supposed to say?
“Well, guys, we’ll do our best and see how it goes.”
Still, they were strong words and I’m sure, by some media outlets, will be sensationalized.
Here’s some of what Hollis said, when asked at what point 6-6 becomes unacceptable:
“(If it happened again) there’d probably be a gathering of troops to ask why are we there two years in a row. … It is a very important season for Michigan State, no question.”
My take: Again, this was prompted and a probably unavoidable response.
But it is important that MSU’s AD is on record with such urgency.
It’s a starting point with him if this season were to play out poorly."
Not just Detroit: New report finds fiscal troubles for dozens of city halls across Michigan
Not just Detroit: New report finds fiscal troubles for dozens of city halls across Michigan | MLive.com:
"While the financial problems of Detroit have captured the headlines this spring, a new analysis released today on government finance finds that dozens of Michigan communities may be on a course for crisis.
According to Munetrix, a Web-based data consultant in Auburn Hills, dozens of local units of government were in a financial state that is “cause for concern” in their 2011 fiscal years.
"While the financial problems of Detroit have captured the headlines this spring, a new analysis released today on government finance finds that dozens of Michigan communities may be on a course for crisis.
According to Munetrix, a Web-based data consultant in Auburn Hills, dozens of local units of government were in a financial state that is “cause for concern” in their 2011 fiscal years.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
HHS Doles Out 2nd Round of Billion Dollar Innovation Awards, But Can’t Say What Savings Seen Yet From 1st Round
HHS Doles Out 2nd Round of Billion Dollar Innovation Awards, But Can’t Say What Savings Seen Yet From 1st Round | CNS News
“Bringing down health care cost is our top priority,” Sebelius said.
But Richard Gilfillan, director of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, who took questions from reporters on the conference call, could not tell reporters how much the $900 million awards given out last year has saved taxpayers in health care costs.
A reporter asked Gilfillan about the $1.9 billion savings over three years that HHS officials had predicted from the first round of awards and whether he could report any savings over the first year.
“All of our round-one proposals, our applicants, have put in operating plans,” Gilfillan said. “They’ve begun operations, but we do not have any estimates to share with you at this time.”
Another reporter asked a more pointed question:
“Has CMS’s actuaries found or confirmed savings by any innovation center project at this point, and are you guys preparing yet to expand any of them to become a permanent nationwide program as you’re authorized under the health law?” the reporter asked.
“We are still in relatively early stages of the roll out of some of the models that we have,” Gilfillan said. “We’re working closely with our colleagues in our evaluations group and our colleagues in the actuarial group to monitor performance.
“We do not have any results that we would use to pursue the path you describe,” Gilfillan said.
“Do you know when you might?” the reporter asked.
“I’m not commenting on that today,” Gilfillan said.
No Warming in Antarctica, Satellite Data Show
No Warming in Antarctica, Satellite Data Show | Heartlander Magazine:
"Antarctic temperatures are not rising at all and have slightly declined during the past 33 years, satellite data show.
Steven Goddard provides a powerful chart on his Real Science website of Antarctic temperatures as measured since 1979 by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) instruments aboard NASA satellites.
Global warming alarmists often claim the Antarctic continent is warming, but the satellite data confirm the ground-based temperature measurements showing Antarctica is cooling rather than warming."
"Antarctic temperatures are not rising at all and have slightly declined during the past 33 years, satellite data show.
Steven Goddard provides a powerful chart on his Real Science website of Antarctic temperatures as measured since 1979 by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) instruments aboard NASA satellites.
Global warming alarmists often claim the Antarctic continent is warming, but the satellite data confirm the ground-based temperature measurements showing Antarctica is cooling rather than warming."
How Computer Manufacturers Are Paid to Make Your Laptop Worse
How Computer Manufacturers Are Paid to Make Your Laptop Worse:
"Based on Microsoft’s tests with six different Windows 7 laptops, removing bloatware made the laptops start up nearly 40% faster on average.
That’s a significant improvement that shows us just how much bloatware can affect performance."
"Based on Microsoft’s tests with six different Windows 7 laptops, removing bloatware made the laptops start up nearly 40% faster on average.
That’s a significant improvement that shows us just how much bloatware can affect performance."
IRS sued for stealing the medical records of 10 million Americans
IRS sued for stealing the medical records of 10 million Americans | Human Events:
"The Internal Revenue Service is now facing a class action lawsuit over allegations that it improperly accessed and stole the health records of some 10 million Americans, including medical records of all California state judges."
"The Internal Revenue Service is now facing a class action lawsuit over allegations that it improperly accessed and stole the health records of some 10 million Americans, including medical records of all California state judges."
Argentina’s Deadbeat Special: Buy a 4% Bond or Go to Jail
Argentina’s Deadbeat Special: Buy a 4% Bond or Go to Jail - Bloomberg:
"President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner wants tax evaders hiding about $160 billion in dollars to help finance Argentina’s oil-producing ambitions.
Her offer: Buy a 4 percent bond or face the prospect of jail time."
"President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner wants tax evaders hiding about $160 billion in dollars to help finance Argentina’s oil-producing ambitions.
Her offer: Buy a 4 percent bond or face the prospect of jail time."
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Pay People to Cook at Home
Pay People to Cook at Home - NYTimes.com:
"I believe the solution to getting people into the kitchen exists in a long-forgotten proposal.
In the 1960s and ’70s, when American feminists were fighting to get women out of the house and into the workplace, there was another feminist arguing for something else.
Selma James, a labor organizer from Brooklyn, pushed the idea of wages for housework. Ms. James, who worked in a factory as a young woman and later became a housewife and a mother, argued that household work was essential to the American economy and wondered why women weren’t being paid for it. "
"I believe the solution to getting people into the kitchen exists in a long-forgotten proposal.
In the 1960s and ’70s, when American feminists were fighting to get women out of the house and into the workplace, there was another feminist arguing for something else.
Selma James, a labor organizer from Brooklyn, pushed the idea of wages for housework. Ms. James, who worked in a factory as a young woman and later became a housewife and a mother, argued that household work was essential to the American economy and wondered why women weren’t being paid for it. "
Tougher drunken driving threshold recommended
My Way News - Tougher drunken driving threshold recommended:
"States should cut their threshold for drunken driving by nearly half- from .08 blood alcohol level to .05_matching a standard that has substantially reduced highway deaths in other countries, a federal safety board recommended Tuesday.
That's about one drink for a woman weighing less than 120 pounds, two for a 160-pound man."
"States should cut their threshold for drunken driving by nearly half- from .08 blood alcohol level to .05_matching a standard that has substantially reduced highway deaths in other countries, a federal safety board recommended Tuesday.
That's about one drink for a woman weighing less than 120 pounds, two for a 160-pound man."
Florida quietly shortened yellow light standards & lengths, resulting in more red light camera tickets for you
Florida quietly shortened yellow light standards & lengths, resulting in more red light camera tickets for you | wtsp.com:
"TAMPA BAY, Florida -- A subtle, but significant tweak to Florida's rules regarding traffic signals has allowed local cities and counties to shorten yellow light intervals, resulting in millions of dollars in additional red light camera fines.
.....While yellow light times were reduced by mere fractions of a second, research indicates a half-second reduction in the interval can double the number of RLC citations -- and the revenue they create."
"TAMPA BAY, Florida -- A subtle, but significant tweak to Florida's rules regarding traffic signals has allowed local cities and counties to shorten yellow light intervals, resulting in millions of dollars in additional red light camera fines.
.....While yellow light times were reduced by mere fractions of a second, research indicates a half-second reduction in the interval can double the number of RLC citations -- and the revenue they create."
Wealthy Manhattan moms hire handicapped tour guides to bypass lines at Disney World
Wealthy Manhattan moms hire handicapped tour guides to bypass lines at Disney World - NYPOST.com:
“You can’t go to Disney without a tour concierge,’’ she sniffed. “This is how the 1 percent does Disney."
“You can’t go to Disney without a tour concierge,’’ she sniffed. “This is how the 1 percent does Disney."
Detroit rescue roadmap may take detour as unions reject cutbacks
Detroit rescue roadmap may take detour as unions reject cutbacks | Crain's Detroit Business:
"Orr’s report, which specifies the depth of Detroit’s fiscal crisis and sketches out ways to resolve it, shows that the city confronts a $386 million cumulative deficit by the end of next month, when it may run out of cash.
At the same time, the city has at least $15.7 billion in long-term debt and retiree obligations."
"Orr’s report, which specifies the depth of Detroit’s fiscal crisis and sketches out ways to resolve it, shows that the city confronts a $386 million cumulative deficit by the end of next month, when it may run out of cash.
At the same time, the city has at least $15.7 billion in long-term debt and retiree obligations."
How the 2013 World Press Photo of the Year was faked with Photoshop
How the 2013 World Press Photo of the Year was faked with Photoshop | ExtremeTech:
"It turns out that the 2013 World Press Photo of the Year — the largest and most prestigious press photography award — was, in actual fact, a fake.
The World Press Photo association hasn’t yet stripped the photographer, Paul Hansen, of the title, but presumably it’s just a matter of time.
Rather than discussing the politics of photo manipulation, though — is it faked, or is it merely enhanced? — we’re going to look at how Hansen managed to trick a panel of experienced judges with his shooping skillz, and how a seasoned computer scientist spotted the fraudulent forgery from a mile off."
"It turns out that the 2013 World Press Photo of the Year — the largest and most prestigious press photography award — was, in actual fact, a fake.
The World Press Photo association hasn’t yet stripped the photographer, Paul Hansen, of the title, but presumably it’s just a matter of time.
Rather than discussing the politics of photo manipulation, though — is it faked, or is it merely enhanced? — we’re going to look at how Hansen managed to trick a panel of experienced judges with his shooping skillz, and how a seasoned computer scientist spotted the fraudulent forgery from a mile off."
WIND FARMS GET PASS ON EAGLE DEATHS
News from The Associated Press:
"Killing these iconic birds is not just an irreplaceable loss for a vulnerable species.
It's also a federal crime, a charge that the Obama administration has used to prosecute oil companies when birds drown in their waste pits, and power companies when birds are electrocuted by their power lines.
But the administration has never fined or prosecuted a wind-energy company, even those that flout the law repeatedly.
Instead, the government is shielding the industry from liability and helping keep the scope of the deaths secret."
"Killing these iconic birds is not just an irreplaceable loss for a vulnerable species.
It's also a federal crime, a charge that the Obama administration has used to prosecute oil companies when birds drown in their waste pits, and power companies when birds are electrocuted by their power lines.
But the administration has never fined or prosecuted a wind-energy company, even those that flout the law repeatedly.
Instead, the government is shielding the industry from liability and helping keep the scope of the deaths secret."
Monday, May 13, 2013
France weighs 'culture tax' for Apple, Google products
France weighs 'culture tax' for Apple, Google products | Reuters:
"President Francois Hollande will decide by the end of July whether France should impose new taxes on technology giants like Apple and Google to finance cultural projects, a move that could feed into an anti-business image days after a spat with Yahoo!.
The Socialist government asked former Canal Plus CEO Pierre Lescure to find new ways of funding culture during an economic downturn, in line with France's "cultural exception" argument that such projects must be shielded from market forces."
"President Francois Hollande will decide by the end of July whether France should impose new taxes on technology giants like Apple and Google to finance cultural projects, a move that could feed into an anti-business image days after a spat with Yahoo!.
The Socialist government asked former Canal Plus CEO Pierre Lescure to find new ways of funding culture during an economic downturn, in line with France's "cultural exception" argument that such projects must be shielded from market forces."
New health insurer plans to break into Michigan market with different way of doing things
New health insurer plans to break into Michigan market with different way of doing things | MLive.com: "Consumers Mutual received a $72 million low-interest loan from the federal government to get off the ground.
It must be repaid by 2033."
It must be repaid by 2033."
Band of Brothers
Band of Brothers | National Review Online:
"CBS News President David Rhodes and ABC News President Ben Sherwood, both of them have siblings that not only work at the White House, that not only work for President Obama, but they work at the NSC on foreign policy issues directly related to Benghazi. Let’s call a spade a spade.
Let’s also show you why CNN did not go very far in covering these hearings because the CNN deputy bureau chief, Virginia Moseley, is married to Hillary Clinton’s deputy, Tom Nides."
"CBS News President David Rhodes and ABC News President Ben Sherwood, both of them have siblings that not only work at the White House, that not only work for President Obama, but they work at the NSC on foreign policy issues directly related to Benghazi. Let’s call a spade a spade.
Let’s also show you why CNN did not go very far in covering these hearings because the CNN deputy bureau chief, Virginia Moseley, is married to Hillary Clinton’s deputy, Tom Nides."
Detroit puts brakes on bus-stop benches
Detroit puts brakes on bus-stop benches:
"Detroit Department of Transportation officials are saying the bench was not approved. If it is affixed to a bus stop, the bench will have to be removed.
"That's ridiculous," said Molnar, 22, who recently finished his junior year at Wayne State University, where he is an urban studies student. "Now there's not going to be a bench there. Let them take that away from the community. A community that built that bench. A community that put their blood, sweat and tears in it. That's all they wanted, a bench at the bus stop."
Angelica Jones, DDOT deputy director, said the bench was not authorized, but a proposal for the project could open a dialogue.
"There is protocol that takes place," she said, "but it is our understanding that it did not take place regarding this bench. DDOT is not aware of this (bench)."
"Detroit Department of Transportation officials are saying the bench was not approved. If it is affixed to a bus stop, the bench will have to be removed.
"That's ridiculous," said Molnar, 22, who recently finished his junior year at Wayne State University, where he is an urban studies student. "Now there's not going to be a bench there. Let them take that away from the community. A community that built that bench. A community that put their blood, sweat and tears in it. That's all they wanted, a bench at the bus stop."
Angelica Jones, DDOT deputy director, said the bench was not authorized, but a proposal for the project could open a dialogue.
"There is protocol that takes place," she said, "but it is our understanding that it did not take place regarding this bench. DDOT is not aware of this (bench)."
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