Internet sales tax bill seeking collection from Amazon, Overstock heads to Michigan House | MLive.com: "LANSING, MI -- A Michigan House panel on Wednesday approved legislation seeking to require out-of-state internet giants like Amazon and Overstock to collect sales tax on goods sold to residents here.
.....Three of five Democrats joined six of 10 Republicans in supporting the measure. State Rep. Aric Nesbitt, R-Lawton, was the only "no" vote."
Thursday, September 12, 2013
UAW: Majority at VW plant have signed union cards
UAW: Majority at VW plant have signed union cards | MLive.com:
"The UAW has tried to get away from that, portraying itself as an ally of the automakers as they try to boost productivity."
"The UAW has tried to get away from that, portraying itself as an ally of the automakers as they try to boost productivity."
Interpreters to be more available in Michigan courts after state supreme court issues order
Interpreters to be more available in Michigan courts after state supreme court issues order | MLive.com:
"There are an estimated 320,000 Michigan residents with limited English skills based on census data, the supreme court's information office said in a news release on the order."
"There are an estimated 320,000 Michigan residents with limited English skills based on census data, the supreme court's information office said in a news release on the order."
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Poll: Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder jumps ahead of likely Democratic opponent in 2014 race
Poll: Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder jumps ahead of likely Democratic opponent in 2014 race | Detroit Free Press | freep.com:
"The poll shows Snyder with 44% support, compared with 36% for former Democratic congressman Mark Schauer."
"The poll shows Snyder with 44% support, compared with 36% for former Democratic congressman Mark Schauer."
Earliest-ever holiday commercial gives new meaning to 'Christmas Creep,' retailers say
Earliest-ever holiday commercial gives new meaning to 'Christmas Creep,' retailers say | Crain's Detroit Business:
"In an unprecedented move, Kmart has aired its first holiday ad. The commercial, which promotes the retailer's layaway program, features a gingerbread man sneaking up on a woman working in an office cubicle.
A voiceover says: "Don't let the holidays sneak up on you."
"In an unprecedented move, Kmart has aired its first holiday ad. The commercial, which promotes the retailer's layaway program, features a gingerbread man sneaking up on a woman working in an office cubicle.
A voiceover says: "Don't let the holidays sneak up on you."
Detroit Power Outage Due To Public Lighting ‘System Overload’
Detroit Power Outage Due To Public Lighting ‘System Overload’ « CBS Detroit:
"Passengers aboard the People Mover were directed off at the nearest station.
The People Mover is closed until further notice."
Dumped in Detroit?!!!!
"Passengers aboard the People Mover were directed off at the nearest station.
The People Mover is closed until further notice."
Dumped in Detroit?!!!!
Obamacare Medical Device Tax Causes One Company to Lay Off Over 1,000 People
Obamacare Medical Device Tax Causes One Company to Lay Off Over 1,000 People | The Weekly Standard:
""There are also new taxes affecting West Michigan industry, in particular, that took effect this year," says a local reporter.
"There's a new 2.3 percent excise tax on medical device manufacturers.
According to some reports, Kalamazoo based Stryker has laid off more than a thousand people because of it--and owes the federal government upwards of $100 million dollars this year alone.
Late last week a Stryker spokesperson told me that Obamacare will cost the company fully 20 percent of its total research and development investments."
""There are also new taxes affecting West Michigan industry, in particular, that took effect this year," says a local reporter.
"There's a new 2.3 percent excise tax on medical device manufacturers.
According to some reports, Kalamazoo based Stryker has laid off more than a thousand people because of it--and owes the federal government upwards of $100 million dollars this year alone.
Late last week a Stryker spokesperson told me that Obamacare will cost the company fully 20 percent of its total research and development investments."
Increased hunting, fishing license fees get final OK from Michigan House
Increased hunting, fishing license fees get final OK from Michigan House | MLive.com:
"House Bill 4668, approved by the House in June but modified by the Senate later that month, is expected to generate close to $20 million in annual revenue, allowing the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to hire new conservation officers and make other improvements.
The Republican-led House concurred with Senate changes in a 72-36 vote."
"House Bill 4668, approved by the House in June but modified by the Senate later that month, is expected to generate close to $20 million in annual revenue, allowing the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to hire new conservation officers and make other improvements.
The Republican-led House concurred with Senate changes in a 72-36 vote."
Richest 1 percent earn biggest share since '20s
My Way News - Richest 1 percent earn biggest share since '20s:
"WASHINGTON (AP) - The gulf between the richest 1 percent and the rest of America is the widest it's been since the Roaring '20s.
The very wealthiest Americans earned more than 19 percent of the country's household income last year - their biggest share since 1928, the year before the stock market crash.
And the top 10 percent captured a record 48.2 percent of total earnings last year."
"WASHINGTON (AP) - The gulf between the richest 1 percent and the rest of America is the widest it's been since the Roaring '20s.
The very wealthiest Americans earned more than 19 percent of the country's household income last year - their biggest share since 1928, the year before the stock market crash.
And the top 10 percent captured a record 48.2 percent of total earnings last year."
A year after Benghazi, where is the justice?
A year after Benghazi, where is the justice? - Washington Times:
"For Charles E. Woods, mystery still shrouds the death of his son and of three other Americans in the Sept. 11, 2012, terrorist attack on the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya.
“It’s been almost a year, and very few questions have been answered,” said Mr. Woods, father of Tyrone Woods, one of two former Navy SEALs who died that day."
"For Charles E. Woods, mystery still shrouds the death of his son and of three other Americans in the Sept. 11, 2012, terrorist attack on the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya.
“It’s been almost a year, and very few questions have been answered,” said Mr. Woods, father of Tyrone Woods, one of two former Navy SEALs who died that day."
Russia 'to renew offer to supply S-300s to Iran'
Russia 'to renew offer to supply S-300s to Iran' - FRANCE 24:
"AFP - Russian President Vladimir Putin will offer to supply Iran S-300 air defence missile systems as well as build a second reactor at the Bushehr nuclear plant, the Kommersant business daily reported Wednesday.
Putin will renew an old offer to supply Iran with five of the sophisticated ground-to-air missile systems at a meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rowhani on Friday, Kommersant said, quoting a souce close to the Kremlin."
"AFP - Russian President Vladimir Putin will offer to supply Iran S-300 air defence missile systems as well as build a second reactor at the Bushehr nuclear plant, the Kommersant business daily reported Wednesday.
Putin will renew an old offer to supply Iran with five of the sophisticated ground-to-air missile systems at a meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rowhani on Friday, Kommersant said, quoting a souce close to the Kremlin."
2 Colo. Democratic lawmakers ousted in gun control recalls promoted by activists, NRA
2 Colo. Democratic lawmakers ousted in gun control recalls promoted by activists, NRA - The Washington Post:
"DENVER — Two Democratic state lawmakers who backed tighter gun laws in the aftermath of mass shootings have been kicked out of office in a recall election promoted by both grassroots activists and the National Rifle Association."
Oh yeah! Dis those who would support our 2nd Amendment and the pitchforks bloom!
"DENVER — Two Democratic state lawmakers who backed tighter gun laws in the aftermath of mass shootings have been kicked out of office in a recall election promoted by both grassroots activists and the National Rifle Association."
Oh yeah! Dis those who would support our 2nd Amendment and the pitchforks bloom!
Pre 9-11 "knowledge"
Wasn't George W president in 1994? No... it might have been that other guy.... Willie.....
Debt of Honor (1994) is a novel by Tom Clancy.
Debt of Honor - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: "In a parallel to the real-life September 11, 2001 attacks seven years after the book's publication, the book ends with an embittered Japanese airline pilot crashing his Boeing 747 into the U.S. Capitol building during a joint session of Congress with the President attending. He does this to avenge the deaths of his brother and son during the war. This paves the way for Ryan, who has just been appointed Vice President, to become President in the next book, Executive Orders."
September 11, 1994: Suicidal Man Attempts to Crash Small Airplane into White House
Frank Corder piloted this Cessna, which crashed into the White House lawn and skidded up to the side of the building. [Source: Getty Images]A suicidal and apparently apolitical pilot named Frank Corder steals a single-engine plane from an airport north of Baltimore, Maryland, and attempts to crash it into the White House. He crashes into a wall two stories below the presidential bedroom (President Clinton is not there at the time). Corder is killed on impact. . [Time, 9/26/1994; New York Times, 10/3/2001] A Time magazine story shortly after the incident notes, “The unlikely incident confirmed all too publicly what security officials have long feared in private: the White House is vulnerable to sneak attack from the air. ‘For years I have thought a terrorist suicide pilot could readily divert his flight from an approach to Washington to blow up the White House,’ said Richard Helms, CIA director from 1966 to 1972.” The article further notes that an attack of this type had been a concern since 1974, when a disgruntled US Army private staged an unauthorized helicopter landing on the South Lawn. Special communications lines were established between the Secret Service and Washington’s National Airport control tower to the Secret Service operations center, but the line is ineffective in this case because no flight controller pays attention to the flight in time. [Time, 9/26/1994]
Entity Tags: Secret Service, Richard Helms, William Jefferson ("Bill") Clinton, Frank Corder
Category Tags: Warning Signs
Debt of Honor - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: "In a parallel to the real-life September 11, 2001 attacks seven years after the book's publication, the book ends with an embittered Japanese airline pilot crashing his Boeing 747 into the U.S. Capitol building during a joint session of Congress with the President attending. He does this to avenge the deaths of his brother and son during the war. This paves the way for Ryan, who has just been appointed Vice President, to become President in the next book, Executive Orders."
September 11, 1994: Suicidal Man Attempts to Crash Small Airplane into White House
Frank Corder piloted this Cessna, which crashed into the White House lawn and skidded up to the side of the building. [Source: Getty Images]A suicidal and apparently apolitical pilot named Frank Corder steals a single-engine plane from an airport north of Baltimore, Maryland, and attempts to crash it into the White House. He crashes into a wall two stories below the presidential bedroom (President Clinton is not there at the time). Corder is killed on impact. . [Time, 9/26/1994; New York Times, 10/3/2001] A Time magazine story shortly after the incident notes, “The unlikely incident confirmed all too publicly what security officials have long feared in private: the White House is vulnerable to sneak attack from the air. ‘For years I have thought a terrorist suicide pilot could readily divert his flight from an approach to Washington to blow up the White House,’ said Richard Helms, CIA director from 1966 to 1972.” The article further notes that an attack of this type had been a concern since 1974, when a disgruntled US Army private staged an unauthorized helicopter landing on the South Lawn. Special communications lines were established between the Secret Service and Washington’s National Airport control tower to the Secret Service operations center, but the line is ineffective in this case because no flight controller pays attention to the flight in time. [Time, 9/26/1994]
Entity Tags: Secret Service, Richard Helms, William Jefferson ("Bill") Clinton, Frank Corder
Category Tags: Warning Signs
Join Our Premiere Catheter Club!
Join Our Premiere Catheter Club! | The Daily Caller:
Medical Skyboxes: The hospital where I was born–St. John’s in Santa Monica–has just opened new “VIP Caritas Suites,” which “offer an upgraded stay for patients who want additional amenities and a more restful atmosphere.”
“Absent are the clatter of computer keys and the rattle of food carts rumbling down hallways. Signs of comfort are everywhere, such as in the reception area where an artisan glass jug filled with lemon slices dispenses cool water. The fourth-floor windows offer a panoramic view of the city, and nurses sit quietly at the elegant wooden table at the nurses’ station–their noisy equipment stashed in a separate nearby room.“
Hmm. This sort of thing could detract from the socially-egalitarian, class-mixing experience of post-Obamacare medicine … P.S.: I should add that the regular rooms at St John’s are extremely nice and the nurses excellent. This looks like a way to extract a bit more money ($500/day) with over-the-top service and a few strategically placed artisanal jugs. But if the best nurses gravitate toward VIP-high roller duties the end result could eventually look a lot like the market segmentation of airlines. …
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Brawl for the Hall: New York Primary Election Day, Sept. 10, 2013
Brawl for the Hall: New York Primary Election Day, Sept. 10, 2013:
"THE POLLS HAVE CLOSED. HERE ARE OUR INITIAL PROJECTIONS:
Bill de Blasio has a large lead over Bill Thompson and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, according to an exit poll by Edison Research.
The pollster, who did an exit poll for the Daily News and other outlets said, "It is possible, but not certain that de Blasio could hit the 40% threshold and avoid a runoff."
Controller John Liu and former Rep. Anthony Weiner are "trailing in single digits."
State Sen. Daniel Squadron and Brooklyn Councilwoman Letitia James are the top two candidates for Public Advocate.
It is too early to determine whether either will hit the 40% needed to avoid a runoff.
The race for City Controller between candidates Eliot Spitzer and Scott Stringer is too close to call."
"THE POLLS HAVE CLOSED. HERE ARE OUR INITIAL PROJECTIONS:
Bill de Blasio has a large lead over Bill Thompson and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, according to an exit poll by Edison Research.
The pollster, who did an exit poll for the Daily News and other outlets said, "It is possible, but not certain that de Blasio could hit the 40% threshold and avoid a runoff."
Controller John Liu and former Rep. Anthony Weiner are "trailing in single digits."
State Sen. Daniel Squadron and Brooklyn Councilwoman Letitia James are the top two candidates for Public Advocate.
It is too early to determine whether either will hit the 40% needed to avoid a runoff.
The race for City Controller between candidates Eliot Spitzer and Scott Stringer is too close to call."
Dem Senator to MSNBC: ‘We Aren’t Trusting Assad, We’re Trusting the Russians’
Dem Senator to MSNBC: ‘We Aren’t Trusting Assad, We’re Trusting the Russians’ | Mediaite:
“Why would you trust Assad, Mitchell asked Heitkamp.(Sens. Heidi Heitkamp D-ND)
“Assad has, until this initiative, denied there was an attack, denied he was part of it, denied he has chemical weapons.
Why on earth would we trust this man to tell us he’s turned them all over to international monitoring and that he is signing a treaty that he’s never redesigned?”
“We’re not trusting Assad,” Heitkamp explained. “We’re trusting the Russians to come to the table…”
“Whoa,” Mitchell interjected. “You’re trusting the Russians?”"
“Why would you trust Assad, Mitchell asked Heitkamp.(Sens. Heidi Heitkamp D-ND)
“Assad has, until this initiative, denied there was an attack, denied he was part of it, denied he has chemical weapons.
Why on earth would we trust this man to tell us he’s turned them all over to international monitoring and that he is signing a treaty that he’s never redesigned?”
“We’re not trusting Assad,” Heitkamp explained. “We’re trusting the Russians to come to the table…”
“Whoa,” Mitchell interjected. “You’re trusting the Russians?”"
Seeing her for the first time again
"In response to all of the questions: I had a hernia repair to fix residual tears from a previous surgery.
I wish I could remember this but I was definitely out of it.
This was my fifth surgery within our six years of marriage and she's been by my side through all of it. In a previous surgery I suffered a severe complication and we didn't know if I'd ever function the same again. She is the love of my life.
Glad everyone is enjoying the video"
I wish I could remember this but I was definitely out of it.
This was my fifth surgery within our six years of marriage and she's been by my side through all of it. In a previous surgery I suffered a severe complication and we didn't know if I'd ever function the same again. She is the love of my life.
Glad everyone is enjoying the video"
Detroit slows Michigan muni-bond sales to fewest in a decade
Detroit slows Michigan muni-bond sales to fewest in a decade | Crain's Detroit Business:
"The smallest amount of municipal-bond issuance in Michigan in 10 years is threatening to derail the state's economic comeback, showing how Gov. Rick Snyder underestimated the fallout from Detroit's bankruptcy."
"The smallest amount of municipal-bond issuance in Michigan in 10 years is threatening to derail the state's economic comeback, showing how Gov. Rick Snyder underestimated the fallout from Detroit's bankruptcy."
The Next Battle Looms: Taxing "Purchases on the Internet"
The Next Battle Looms: Taxing "Purchases on the Internet":
"As reported at mackinac.org:
Both pieces of legislation ignore the direct benefits brick-and-mortar stores receive in exchange for the state sales taxes they collect; namely, the roads and other infrastructure that are not equally used by Internet retailers. Further, not every Internet retailer is a gigantic behemoth akin to Amazon or Overstock.com. Retailers who provide services from their respective home offices - and who barely scrape by under the current tax structure of over 7,000 U.S. tax jurisdictions - would find the collecting and remittance of sales taxes in-state or nationwide cumbersome, expensive and potentially fatal to their business.
These bills will do nothing to grow a business-friendly environment in Michigan. It will mean more government, more regulation, more compliance, and more tax collection. Please contact your legislators and ask them not to support HB 4202 and 4203. Find Rep. Kowall here and Rep. VerHeulen here."
"As reported at mackinac.org:
Both pieces of legislation ignore the direct benefits brick-and-mortar stores receive in exchange for the state sales taxes they collect; namely, the roads and other infrastructure that are not equally used by Internet retailers. Further, not every Internet retailer is a gigantic behemoth akin to Amazon or Overstock.com. Retailers who provide services from their respective home offices - and who barely scrape by under the current tax structure of over 7,000 U.S. tax jurisdictions - would find the collecting and remittance of sales taxes in-state or nationwide cumbersome, expensive and potentially fatal to their business.
These bills will do nothing to grow a business-friendly environment in Michigan. It will mean more government, more regulation, more compliance, and more tax collection. Please contact your legislators and ask them not to support HB 4202 and 4203. Find Rep. Kowall here and Rep. VerHeulen here."
Lengthy Senate report details EPA FOIA abuses
UPDATED: Lengthy Senate report details EPA FOIA abuses | WashingtonExaminer.com:
"The agency established an alias identity to hide the actions of the former administrator; has purposefully been unresponsive to FOIA request, oftentimes redacting information the public has a right to know; and mismanaged its electronic records system such that federal records have been jeopardized," the report said.
"Moreover, EPA’s leadership abandoned the historic model of a specialized public servant who seeks to fairly administer the law and has instead embraced a number of controversial tactics to advance a secretive agenda," the report said.
In addition to multiple abuses of the FOIA, the Senate report claims EPA officials have sought to cover up such activities when challenged by congressional oversight officials."
"The agency established an alias identity to hide the actions of the former administrator; has purposefully been unresponsive to FOIA request, oftentimes redacting information the public has a right to know; and mismanaged its electronic records system such that federal records have been jeopardized," the report said.
"Moreover, EPA’s leadership abandoned the historic model of a specialized public servant who seeks to fairly administer the law and has instead embraced a number of controversial tactics to advance a secretive agenda," the report said.
In addition to multiple abuses of the FOIA, the Senate report claims EPA officials have sought to cover up such activities when challenged by congressional oversight officials."
Jeb Bush to Award Hillary 'Liberty Medal' on Eve of Benghazi Anniversary
Jeb Bush to Award Hillary 'Liberty Medal' on Eve of Benghazi Anniversary:
"Upon the announcement of Clinton’s award in June, Gateway Pundit’s Jim Hoft wrote, “Really Jeb, no one else came to mind?"
"Upon the announcement of Clinton’s award in June, Gateway Pundit’s Jim Hoft wrote, “Really Jeb, no one else came to mind?"
Missouri Robbery | Store Clerk | Self Defense
Missouri Robbery | Store Clerk | Self Defense:
"Like Most Defensive Uses of Guns, Not a Shot Was Fired
It’s worth noting that this is how the vast majority of defensive uses of firearms end—without a shot being fired, the defensive display of the firearm being sufficient to defuse the situation without injury to either party.
Would Alexander Have Been Justified in Shooting?"
"Like Most Defensive Uses of Guns, Not a Shot Was Fired
It’s worth noting that this is how the vast majority of defensive uses of firearms end—without a shot being fired, the defensive display of the firearm being sufficient to defuse the situation without injury to either party.
Would Alexander Have Been Justified in Shooting?"
Michigan politics preview: Internet sales tax called 'the next battle' for tea party Republicans
Michigan politics preview: Internet sales tax called 'the next battle' for tea party Republicans | MLive.com:
"The "main street fairness" bills are similar to legislation approved earlier this year by the U.S. Senate. The federal legislation, which Republican Gov. Rick Snyder urged lawmakers to approve, is currently stalled in a House committee."
"The "main street fairness" bills are similar to legislation approved earlier this year by the U.S. Senate. The federal legislation, which Republican Gov. Rick Snyder urged lawmakers to approve, is currently stalled in a House committee."
Monday, September 09, 2013
Obama is a laughing stock
Obama is a laughing stock: Column:
"At least Hollywood is still behind the president -- or, anyway, is mostly keeping quiet about its opposition because, as old-line Hollywood liberal Ed Asner reports, they "don't want to feel anti-black."
So it's come to this -- while George W. Bush was savaged for "bombing brown people," now if you're against bombing brown people you're "anti-black.""
"At least Hollywood is still behind the president -- or, anyway, is mostly keeping quiet about its opposition because, as old-line Hollywood liberal Ed Asner reports, they "don't want to feel anti-black."
So it's come to this -- while George W. Bush was savaged for "bombing brown people," now if you're against bombing brown people you're "anti-black.""
What if we had a Bagel Czar?
What if we had a Bagel Czar? - Politics Blog - The Detroit News:
"Realistically, a bagel czar would have to tell us what kind of bagels we would be getting, and tell producers how many and what type of bagels they would have to make.
The czar would then tell us that we can’t have certain types of bagels because they are bad for us, or that we must buy a certain number of bagels each week. "
"Realistically, a bagel czar would have to tell us what kind of bagels we would be getting, and tell producers how many and what type of bagels they would have to make.
The czar would then tell us that we can’t have certain types of bagels because they are bad for us, or that we must buy a certain number of bagels each week. "
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