No guns allowed, but punishment varies for those caught packing at federal courthouse | Detroit Free Press | freep.com:
"The sign on the federal courthouse in Detroit reads plain and simple: No weapons allowed.
U.S. Rep. John Conyers’ office manager broke that rule recently when security officers found a gun in her purse.
But unlike others caught doing the same thing, the Michigan Democrat’s clerk didn’t lose her job — or get criminally charged.
Conyers’ Detroit office manager Betty Petrenz, who was in court for her fiasco on May 1, got luckier.
She got a ticket for having a gun on federal property and was recommended for pretrial diversion — a form of punishment that one federal magistrate recently referred to as “a gift.”
It involves no fine or jail time, but essentially requires a person to have good behavior for a certain amount of time, and then the ticket gets dismissed."
Monday, July 08, 2013
DPS students lose class time as power outage problems grow
DPS students lose class time as power outage problems grow | Detroit Free Press | freep.com:
"While the city prepares to hand over its limping power system to DTE Energy, Detroit students continue to see their classes canceled due to frequent outages.
For the 2012-13 school year ending June 13, a total of 31 schools in the Detroit Public Schools district lost power for one to four days each due to problems with the Detroit Public Lighting Department, "
"While the city prepares to hand over its limping power system to DTE Energy, Detroit students continue to see their classes canceled due to frequent outages.
For the 2012-13 school year ending June 13, a total of 31 schools in the Detroit Public Schools district lost power for one to four days each due to problems with the Detroit Public Lighting Department, "
Sunday, July 07, 2013
MIA work 'acutely dysfunctional'
My Way News - AP IMPACT: MIA work 'acutely dysfunctional':
"The Pentagon's effort to account for tens of thousands of Americans missing in action from foreign wars is so inept, mismanaged and wasteful that it risks descending from "dysfunction to total failure," according to an internal study suppressed by military officials."
"The Pentagon's effort to account for tens of thousands of Americans missing in action from foreign wars is so inept, mismanaged and wasteful that it risks descending from "dysfunction to total failure," according to an internal study suppressed by military officials."
Solar storm of 1859
Solar storm of 1859 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:
"On September 1–2, 1859, the largest recorded geomagnetic storm occurred.
Aurorae were seen around the world, even over the Caribbean; those over the Rocky Mountains were so bright that their glow awoke gold miners, who began preparing breakfast because they thought it was morning.[3] People who happened to be awake in the northeastern US could read a newspaper by the aurora's light.[5]
The aurora was visible from as far from the poles as Cuba and Hawaii.[6]
Telegraph systems all over Europe and North America failed, in some cases shocking telegraph operators.[7] Telegraph pylons threw sparks. [8]
Some telegraph systems continued to send and receive messages despite having been disconnected from their power supplies.[9]"
"On September 1–2, 1859, the largest recorded geomagnetic storm occurred.
Aurorae were seen around the world, even over the Caribbean; those over the Rocky Mountains were so bright that their glow awoke gold miners, who began preparing breakfast because they thought it was morning.[3] People who happened to be awake in the northeastern US could read a newspaper by the aurora's light.[5]
The aurora was visible from as far from the poles as Cuba and Hawaii.[6]
Telegraph systems all over Europe and North America failed, in some cases shocking telegraph operators.[7] Telegraph pylons threw sparks. [8]
Some telegraph systems continued to send and receive messages despite having been disconnected from their power supplies.[9]"
Why Politicians Don't Cut Spending
Only 2 minutes long and it answers the question "Why don't we demand spending cuts-and why politicians NEVER will make those cuts.
We ARE doomed.......
We ARE doomed.......
Metro rips out Phantom Planter’s flowers at Dupont Circle station
Metro rips out Phantom Planter’s flowers at Dupont Circle station - The Washington Post:
"It turns out I underestimated Metro bureaucrats’ capacity for folly.
Two weeks ago, I wrote that the transit system would look silly if it let perish 1,000 flowers planted secretly at the Dupont Circle station by local garden artist Henry Docter, the self-described Phantom Planter."
"It turns out I underestimated Metro bureaucrats’ capacity for folly.
Two weeks ago, I wrote that the transit system would look silly if it let perish 1,000 flowers planted secretly at the Dupont Circle station by local garden artist Henry Docter, the self-described Phantom Planter."
Millage election for Muskegon County schools moves step closer with filing of petitions
Millage election for Muskegon County schools moves step closer with filing of petitions | MLive.com:
"The petitions seek a 1-mill, 10-year property tax increase. Tax revenues would be distributed to the county’s 11 traditional school districts according to enrollment and could be used for technology or security improvements.
It is estimated the millage would generate $4.3 million in 2014, its first year in effect.
“This is not about schools wanting more,” said MAISD Superintendent Dave Sipka. “This is schools trying to provide the learning tools for kids in a different age than we’ve ever been in before.”
"The petitions seek a 1-mill, 10-year property tax increase. Tax revenues would be distributed to the county’s 11 traditional school districts according to enrollment and could be used for technology or security improvements.
It is estimated the millage would generate $4.3 million in 2014, its first year in effect.
“This is not about schools wanting more,” said MAISD Superintendent Dave Sipka. “This is schools trying to provide the learning tools for kids in a different age than we’ve ever been in before.”
Ethanol trade undermines U.S. biofuels policy
Ethanol trade undermines U.S. biofuels policy:
"An update to the RFS, which took effect in July 2010, stipulates that a proportion of the mandate must be met by fuels with lower greenhouse gas emissions than corn ethanol, which is home-grown and plentiful.
This policy change created an incentive for U.S. companies to import sugarcane ethanol from Brazil, a major producer, as it produces fewer emissions.
At the same time, more corn ethanol made in the United States is now being exported to Brazil, as U.S. demand has dropped.
As a result, since the start of 2011, the United States and Brazil have shipped over 1 billion gallons of ethanol back and forth – more than 500 million gallons each way.
The emissions generated by the shipping have worsened the carbon footprint of both fuels."
....“Swapping of ethanol with Brazil results in twice as many transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions, undermining the objective of the policy,” said Geoff Cooper, vice-president of research and analysis at the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), a Washington, D.C.-based industry organisation.
"An update to the RFS, which took effect in July 2010, stipulates that a proportion of the mandate must be met by fuels with lower greenhouse gas emissions than corn ethanol, which is home-grown and plentiful.
This policy change created an incentive for U.S. companies to import sugarcane ethanol from Brazil, a major producer, as it produces fewer emissions.
At the same time, more corn ethanol made in the United States is now being exported to Brazil, as U.S. demand has dropped.
As a result, since the start of 2011, the United States and Brazil have shipped over 1 billion gallons of ethanol back and forth – more than 500 million gallons each way.
The emissions generated by the shipping have worsened the carbon footprint of both fuels."
....“Swapping of ethanol with Brazil results in twice as many transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions, undermining the objective of the policy,” said Geoff Cooper, vice-president of research and analysis at the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), a Washington, D.C.-based industry organisation.
Cooper said the trade amounts to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions, over and above the saving that comes from using sugarcane ethanol instead of fossil fuels, because of the way the ethanol is shunted between the two countries.
Report: Government is responsible for housing bubble, not banks
Report: Government is responsible for housing bubble, not banks | The Daily Caller:
"The housing bubble was inflated by federal policies created by President Bill Clinton, then expanded by President George W. Bush.
The policies were supported by Senator and then President Barack Obama.
The policies were intended to help low-skilled Americans — especially African-Americans — and Hispanic immigrants gain housing wealth by pushing down mortgage requirements, such as down-payments.
But the government policy had the reverse effect, and the housing collapse after 2007 eliminated much of the wealth held by African-American and Hispanic families.
Since the 2007 crash, Obama and his Democrats allies have argued the crash was caused by greedy bankers’ unfair and illegal treatment of African-American and Hispanic borrowers."
"The housing bubble was inflated by federal policies created by President Bill Clinton, then expanded by President George W. Bush.
The policies were supported by Senator and then President Barack Obama.
The policies were intended to help low-skilled Americans — especially African-Americans — and Hispanic immigrants gain housing wealth by pushing down mortgage requirements, such as down-payments.
But the government policy had the reverse effect, and the housing collapse after 2007 eliminated much of the wealth held by African-American and Hispanic families.
Since the 2007 crash, Obama and his Democrats allies have argued the crash was caused by greedy bankers’ unfair and illegal treatment of African-American and Hispanic borrowers."
MichiganVotes.org Weekly Vote Report
June 28, 2013, MichiganVotes.org Weekly Vote Report [Michigan Capitol Confidential]:
"House Bill 4242, Raise burden of proof to justify new government regulations: Passed 108 to 0 in the House
To require government agencies to demonstrate that a rule they want to impose is “necessary and suitable to achieve its purpose in proportion to the burdens it places on individuals.”"
"House Bill 4242, Raise burden of proof to justify new government regulations: Passed 108 to 0 in the House
To require government agencies to demonstrate that a rule they want to impose is “necessary and suitable to achieve its purpose in proportion to the burdens it places on individuals.”"
MichiganVotes.org Weekly Vote Report
June 28, 2013, MichiganVotes.org Weekly Vote Report [Michigan Capitol Confidential]:
"Senate Bill 175, Undo National Guard pension reform: Passed 37 to 0 in the Senate
To reverse a 2010 reform that eliminated "defined benefit" pensions for future Michigan National Guard commanders and their assistants, and instead provided 401k benefits.
The 2010 reform was adopted following reports of these "Adjutant Generals" being granted generous state pensions based on limited state service ($78,000 to $133,000 for 1.5 years to 13 years service)."
"Senate Bill 175, Undo National Guard pension reform: Passed 37 to 0 in the Senate
To reverse a 2010 reform that eliminated "defined benefit" pensions for future Michigan National Guard commanders and their assistants, and instead provided 401k benefits.
The 2010 reform was adopted following reports of these "Adjutant Generals" being granted generous state pensions based on limited state service ($78,000 to $133,000 for 1.5 years to 13 years service)."
Please Don't Be Satisfied With This Jobs Report
Please Don't Be Satisfied With This Jobs Report - Jordan Weissmann - The Atlantic:
"The government's broadest underemployment measure , known as U-6, jumped from 13.8 percent to 14.3 percent, thanks a huge leap in the number of employees working part time because they couldn't find full-time work. "
"The government's broadest underemployment measure , known as U-6, jumped from 13.8 percent to 14.3 percent, thanks a huge leap in the number of employees working part time because they couldn't find full-time work. "
Castle Dunes development of Nugent Sand's South Lake before Norton Shores planners July 9
Castle Dunes development of Nugent Sand's South Lake before Norton Shores planners July 9 | MLive.com:
"The Norton Shores Planning Commission meeting and public hearing on the Castle Dunes zoning issue is set for Tuesday, July 9 at 5:30 p.m. in the community room of the Norton Shores Branch Library, 705 Seminole. "
"The Norton Shores Planning Commission meeting and public hearing on the Castle Dunes zoning issue is set for Tuesday, July 9 at 5:30 p.m. in the community room of the Norton Shores Branch Library, 705 Seminole. "
Let The Progressive Groups Targeted and Harassed by the IRS Come Forward
Let The Progressive Groups Targeted and Harassed by the IRS Come Forward - Forbes:
"In a piece that extends over two pages, the Times did not speak with one conservative group that had been singled out and harassed.
More importantly, it did not mention any progressive group that had been targeted and harassed, although its article claims equal mistreatment for all."
"In a piece that extends over two pages, the Times did not speak with one conservative group that had been singled out and harassed.
More importantly, it did not mention any progressive group that had been targeted and harassed, although its article claims equal mistreatment for all."
Chillling the filling: Hostess will freeze Twinkies to extend freshness
Chillling the filling: Hostess will freeze Twinkies to extend freshness - NYPOST.com:
"Twinkie’s legendary shelf life is getting even longer.
The leaner, non-union Hostess Brands — looking to get by with fewer bakeries under new ownership — will start freezing Twinkies and other snack cakes to extend their expiration date instead of delivering them directly to stores, The Post has learned.
It’s a myth that Twinkies have an infinite shelf life.
The seemingly indestructible snack cake actually expires after 45 days."
"Twinkie’s legendary shelf life is getting even longer.
The leaner, non-union Hostess Brands — looking to get by with fewer bakeries under new ownership — will start freezing Twinkies and other snack cakes to extend their expiration date instead of delivering them directly to stores, The Post has learned.
It’s a myth that Twinkies have an infinite shelf life.
The seemingly indestructible snack cake actually expires after 45 days."
Did Taxes Help Drive Dwight Howard to Sign With the Houston Rockets Rather Than the L.A. Lakers?
TaxProf Blog: Did Taxes Help Drive Dwight Howard to Sign With the Houston Rockets Rather Than the L.A. Lakers?:
Seven-time NBA all star Dwight Howard yesterday signed with the Houston Rockets for the maximum free agent contract permitted under the NBA's "Larry Bird Rule" -- $87.6 million over four years (4.5% annual increases over his existing contract). He spurned a much higher offer from the L.A. Lakers -- $118.0 million over five years (7.5% annual increases). Several tax folks have run the numbers and concluded that Howard will receive more after-tax income by signing with the Rockets rather than the Lakers, based on California's 13.3% top marginal income tax rate and the absence of a state income tax in Texas, after taking into account the application of various state and local "jock taxes."
Seven-time NBA all star Dwight Howard yesterday signed with the Houston Rockets for the maximum free agent contract permitted under the NBA's "Larry Bird Rule" -- $87.6 million over four years (4.5% annual increases over his existing contract). He spurned a much higher offer from the L.A. Lakers -- $118.0 million over five years (7.5% annual increases). Several tax folks have run the numbers and concluded that Howard will receive more after-tax income by signing with the Rockets rather than the Lakers, based on California's 13.3% top marginal income tax rate and the absence of a state income tax in Texas, after taking into account the application of various state and local "jock taxes." - Accounting Web: Will Taxes Affect Dwight Howard's 'Decision?'
- Dream Shake: Will State Income Tax Bring Dwight Howard to Houston?
- Forbes: Could State Taxes Cause Dwight Howard to Flee L.A. for Houston?
- Joy of Tax Law: The Taxing Lives of Dwight Howard and Professional Athletes
- Wall Street Journal: Dwight Howard and the Tax Man
- Wall Street Journal: Tax Break Could Give Texas Teams an Edge
- The Week: Could Low Taxes Help Texas Teams Lure Dwight Howard?
(Hat Tip: Tony Nitti.)
54 Months: Record Stretch of 7.5%+ Unemployment Continues
54 Months: Record Stretch of 7.5%+ Unemployment Continues | CNS News:
"Since January 2009, when Barack Obama was inaugurated as president, the United States has seen 54 straight months with the unemployment rate at 7.5 percent or higher, which is the longest stretch of unemployment at or above that rate since 1948, when the Bureau of Labor Statistics started calculating the national unemployment rate."
"Since January 2009, when Barack Obama was inaugurated as president, the United States has seen 54 straight months with the unemployment rate at 7.5 percent or higher, which is the longest stretch of unemployment at or above that rate since 1948, when the Bureau of Labor Statistics started calculating the national unemployment rate."
Saturday, July 06, 2013
NYC Bill Would Ban Styrofoam Containers
NYC Bill Would Ban Styrofoam Containers | Heartlander Magazine:
"The New York City Council is considering a bill to ban the sale of food served in polystyrene foam containers. Mayor Michael Bloomberg and at least 11 Council members publicly support the proposed ban, but consumers and small business owners are rallying against it."
"The New York City Council is considering a bill to ban the sale of food served in polystyrene foam containers. Mayor Michael Bloomberg and at least 11 Council members publicly support the proposed ban, but consumers and small business owners are rallying against it."
5 Things The Republican Party Can Learn From McDonald's
5 Things The Republican Party Can Learn From McDonald's - John Hawkins - Page 1:
"Ultimately, people vote for politicians because they want to MAKE THEIR LIFE BETTER.
Sure, voters may also care about the Constitution, the country, and their kid's future, but most of them are going to vote for the politician they believe will change their life for the better in some fashion -- or at least not make it worse.
So, what are Republicans going to offer?
Will we cut the price of gas?
Will we reduce energy costs?
Will we stop crime in their area?
Will we reduce their taxes?
Will we save their health care?
Principles and big themes matter, but ultimately, we're going to win elections by the same way McDonald's wins customers: by fulfilling the personal wants and needs of the voters."
"Ultimately, people vote for politicians because they want to MAKE THEIR LIFE BETTER.
Sure, voters may also care about the Constitution, the country, and their kid's future, but most of them are going to vote for the politician they believe will change their life for the better in some fashion -- or at least not make it worse.
So, what are Republicans going to offer?
Will we cut the price of gas?
Will we reduce energy costs?
Will we stop crime in their area?
Will we reduce their taxes?
Will we save their health care?
Principles and big themes matter, but ultimately, we're going to win elections by the same way McDonald's wins customers: by fulfilling the personal wants and needs of the voters."
June Jobs: An Employment Report Only a Central Banker Could Love
June Jobs: An Employment Report Only a Central Banker Could Love - Ricochet.com:
"1. The economy lost 240,000 full-time workers last month, according to the more volatile household survey, while gaining 360,000 part-time workers.
In other words, the entire increase in the household measure of employment was accounted for by persons working part-time for economic reasons.
The underemployment rate surged to 14.3% from 13.8%."
"1. The economy lost 240,000 full-time workers last month, according to the more volatile household survey, while gaining 360,000 part-time workers.
In other words, the entire increase in the household measure of employment was accounted for by persons working part-time for economic reasons.
The underemployment rate surged to 14.3% from 13.8%."
EPA Pushes Smart-Grid Connections For Refrigerators To Control Energy
EPA Pushes Smart-Grid Connections For Refrigerators To Control Energy - Investors.com
Regulation: No longer the stuff of science fiction, a little-noticed change in energy-efficiency requirements for appliances could lead to government controlling the power used in your home and how you set your thermostat.
In a seemingly innocuous revision of its Energy Star efficiency requirements announced June 27, the Environmental Protection Agency included an "optional" requirement for a "smart-grid" connection for customers to electronically connect their refrigerators or freezers with a utility provider.
The feature lets the utility provider regulate the appliances' power consumption, "including curtailing operations during more expensive peak-demand times."
So far, manufacturers are not required to include the feature, only "encouraged," and consumers must still give permission to turn it on. But with the Obama administration's renewed focus on fighting mythical climate change, we expect it to become mandatory to save the planet from the perils of keeping your beer too cold.
"Manufacturers that build in and certify optional 'connected features' will earn a credit towards meeting the Energy Star efficiency requirements," according to an EPA email to CNSNews.com.
We are both intrigued and bothered by the notion that a utility company, the regulated energy sock-puppet of government, could and probably will have the power to regulate the power we use and how we use it, as long as we're paying our electricity bills, even to the point of turning these devices and appliances off at will.
We're reminded that former EPA director Carol Browner was a big fan of the smart grid and its potential ability to monitor and control power usage down to the thermostat in your home.
"Eventually," she told U.S. News & World Report in 2009, "we can get to a system when an electric company will be able to hold back some of the power so that maybe your air-conditioner won't operate at its peak."
The same year, President Obama, who had won election on a pledge to "fundamentally transform America," signed a stimulus bill to "transform the way we use energy" with a smart grid that would abandon "a grid of lines and wires that dates back to Thomas Edison — a grid that can't support the demands of clean energy."
To make sure we respond properly to the "demands of clean energy," Obama said this "investment will place Smart Meters in homes to make our energy bills lower, make outages less likely and make it easier to use clean energy." It'll also make it easier to monitor and control our energy use.
So if one day you keep your house too cool or your beer too cold and the dials start moving, don't be surprised. Its just a campaign promise being kept.
Botched Paramilitary Police Raids
Botched Paramilitary Police Raids | Cato Institute:
An Epidemic of "Isolated Incidents"
"If a widespread pattern of [knock-and-announce] violations were shown . . . there would be reason for grave concern."
—Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, in Hudson v. Michigan, June 15, 2006.
An interactive map of botched SWAT and paramilitary police raids, released in conjunction with the Cato policy paper "Overkill: The Rise of Paramilitary Police Raids," by Radley Balko. "
An Epidemic of "Isolated Incidents"
"If a widespread pattern of [knock-and-announce] violations were shown . . . there would be reason for grave concern."
—Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, in Hudson v. Michigan, June 15, 2006.
An interactive map of botched SWAT and paramilitary police raids, released in conjunction with the Cato policy paper "Overkill: The Rise of Paramilitary Police Raids," by Radley Balko. "
'Carbon Pollution' and Wealth Redistribution
'Carbon Pollution' and Wealth Redistribution — The American Magazine:
"President Obama’s recently proposed policies will do little to combat climate change — but they will do much for his political and economic objectives."
"President Obama’s recently proposed policies will do little to combat climate change — but they will do much for his political and economic objectives."
Ethanol trade undermines U.S. biofuels policy
Ethanol trade undermines U.S. biofuels policy:
"U.S. policy to boost the use of fuel from renewable sources is generating additional greenhouse gas emissions due to rising trade in ethanol between the United States and Brazil, rather than lowering emissions as intended,"
"U.S. policy to boost the use of fuel from renewable sources is generating additional greenhouse gas emissions due to rising trade in ethanol between the United States and Brazil, rather than lowering emissions as intended,"
How Aspirin Might Stem Cance
How Aspirin Might Stem Cancer - NYTimes.com:
"The scientists studied 13 people with Barrett’s esophagus, a condition in which cells in the esophagus become damaged, usually by acid reflux.
Sometimes the cells become precancerous, and rarely the problem leads to esophageal cancer.
The researchers tracked S.G.A.’s with periodic biopsies over an average of almost 12 years.
Over all, the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was associated with a 90 percent reduction in the rate of mutations."
"The scientists studied 13 people with Barrett’s esophagus, a condition in which cells in the esophagus become damaged, usually by acid reflux.
Sometimes the cells become precancerous, and rarely the problem leads to esophageal cancer.
The researchers tracked S.G.A.’s with periodic biopsies over an average of almost 12 years.
Over all, the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was associated with a 90 percent reduction in the rate of mutations."
Muskegon one of eight selected statewide for 'redevelopment ready' economic development program
Muskegon one of eight selected statewide for 'redevelopment ready' economic development program | MLive.com:
"If the redevelopment strategy is successful on the initial lot, it can be used to redevelop other vacant lots further east on West Western Avenue, he said.
“The grad students had a goal of attracting 25-34-year-old professionals,” Garner said.
“They are trying to figure out a way to attract a developer and a workable deal for a bank.
But to get there, we’d need some anchor tenants that would be willing to give pre-commitments.”"
"If the redevelopment strategy is successful on the initial lot, it can be used to redevelop other vacant lots further east on West Western Avenue, he said.
“The grad students had a goal of attracting 25-34-year-old professionals,” Garner said.
“They are trying to figure out a way to attract a developer and a workable deal for a bank.
But to get there, we’d need some anchor tenants that would be willing to give pre-commitments.”"
Friday, July 05, 2013
‘Authentic Frontier Gibberish’
‘Authentic Frontier Gibberish’ : The Other McCain
After Gabby has finished making noises about these sidewindin’ bushwackin’ hornswagglin’ cracker croakers, Olson Johnson then stands up to address the assembled citizenry of Rock Ridge:
“Now who can argue with that? I think we’re all indebted to Gabby Johnson for clearly stating what needed to be said. I’m particularly glad that these lovely children were here today to hear that speech. Not only was it authentic frontier gibberish, it expressed a courage little seen in this day and age.”
For some reason, that came to mind today as I was reading President Obama’s statement about the military coup in Egypt. No, it’s not authentic frontier gibberish, but it is certainly as incomprehensible as anything Gabby Johnson said that day in Rock Ridge:
“Core principles . . . universal human rights . . . legitimate aspirations . . . the democratic process . . . we are deeply concerned . . . an inclusive and transparent process . . . Given today’s developments, I have also directed the relevant departments and agencies to review the implications under U.S. law for our assistance to the Government of Egypt.”
Exactly what the hell does this mean? Have the White House speech writers been replaced by a Random Platitude Generator, a computer program that automatically cranks out empty rhetoric, glittering generalities and vague diplomatic argle-bargle?
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