Agency spent $3.5 million on furniture pre-shutdown | The Daily Caller:
"VA spent $7,559,675 on September 30, the last day the government was fully operating before this month’s partial shutdown.
Federal government agencies faced a “spend it or lose it” scenario on that day, the last day of the 2013 fiscal year, prompting excessive spending binges as the White Houseand Congress failed to reach a continuing resolution agreement."
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Roger Simon and Media Bias
Roger Simon and Media Bias | National Review Online:
"Most mainstream journalists roll their eyes at the idea the MSM is biased.
It’s a tired argument, I know.
But it’s simply remarkable that when supposedly objective reporters move on to the opinion column racket they reveal themselves as utterly conventional liberal Democrats.
When any longtime New York Times reporter rewarded with a column at the Times or elsewhere — Nick Kristoff, Bill Keller, Maureen Dowd, Anthony Lewis, EJ Dionne et al. — rips off the mask it turns out that they were exactly as liberal as conservatives suspected.
It’s like that Saturday Night Live skit where Obama takes off his Obama mask to reveal that he’s Barack Obama."
"Most mainstream journalists roll their eyes at the idea the MSM is biased.
It’s a tired argument, I know.
But it’s simply remarkable that when supposedly objective reporters move on to the opinion column racket they reveal themselves as utterly conventional liberal Democrats.
When any longtime New York Times reporter rewarded with a column at the Times or elsewhere — Nick Kristoff, Bill Keller, Maureen Dowd, Anthony Lewis, EJ Dionne et al. — rips off the mask it turns out that they were exactly as liberal as conservatives suspected.
It’s like that Saturday Night Live skit where Obama takes off his Obama mask to reveal that he’s Barack Obama."
Money-pit Detroit deepens-M-1 Rail to bidders: Contract will begin Dec. 1; streetcar service will begin February 2016
M-1 Rail to bidders: Contract will begin Dec. 1; streetcar service will begin February 2016 | Crain's Detroit Business:"The $137 million nonprofit M-1 Rail effort is seeking a company to design, engineer and manufacture six streetcars for use on the 3.2-mile grade-level rail loop that will be constructed over the next two years on Detroit's Woodward Avenue between West Grand Boulevard and Congress streets.
The system is projected to be operating for paying passengers by February 2016, according to the request-for-proposal."
Mega banks win another one.......Michigan Commerce Bank to be sold to Troy's Talmer Bancorp
Michigan Commerce Bank to be sold to Troy's Talmer Bancorp | MLive.com:
"Michigan Commerce Bank is one of Capitol Bancorp’s largest remaining affiliate banks, with offices in Auburn Hills, Brighton, Detroit, Grand Haven, Holland, Kentwood, Macomb, Muskegon, Farmington Hills and Pontiac. In 2010, federal and state banking regulators ordered the bank to correct “unsound banking practices.”
"Michigan Commerce Bank is one of Capitol Bancorp’s largest remaining affiliate banks, with offices in Auburn Hills, Brighton, Detroit, Grand Haven, Holland, Kentwood, Macomb, Muskegon, Farmington Hills and Pontiac. In 2010, federal and state banking regulators ordered the bank to correct “unsound banking practices.”
Real world intrudes on the govmen't class. Squeals of angst ensue.....Detroit emergency manager tells retirees too young for Medicare to find insurance on their own
Detroit emergency manager tells retirees too young for Medicare to find insurance on their own | MLive.com:
"Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr is advising Detroit retirees who are too young for Medicare to start seeking new health insurance plans through their spouses, their current employers or the Affordable Care Act.
They won't be covered by city plans next year, and enrollment in new insurance plans that are less costly to the city have begun for current employees and retirees who are old enough for Medicare, Orr said."
"Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr is advising Detroit retirees who are too young for Medicare to start seeking new health insurance plans through their spouses, their current employers or the Affordable Care Act.
They won't be covered by city plans next year, and enrollment in new insurance plans that are less costly to the city have begun for current employees and retirees who are old enough for Medicare, Orr said."
National Common Core curriculum standards topic of discussion in Muskegon Tuesday
National Common Core curriculum standards topic of discussion in Muskegon Tuesday | MLive.com:"Talking about the Core Curriculum standards will be Muskegon Area Intermediate School District Superintendent Dave Sipka, a supporter of the common standards and assessments, and Melanie Kurdys, an outspoken opponent of Common Core who is seeking a seat on the state board of education this November.
The nationally developed standards have become a source of controversy in recent months, mainly from conservative groups concerned about losing local control over curriculum.
The event, which is open to the public, will be 6:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 15 at Living Word Church, 1551 Wood St. It is being presented by the Muskegon County Prayer Initiative, Prayer Voice of Michigan and West Michigan Prayer Center."
Bumped-TONIGHT 6:30-8:30PM Learn about it!
National Common Core curriculum standards topic of discussion in Muskegon Tuesday | MLive.com:
"Talking about the Core Curriculum standards will be Muskegon Area Intermediate School District Superintendent Dave Sipka, a supporter of the common standards and assessments, and Melanie Kurdys, an outspoken opponent of Common Core who is seeking a seat on the state board of education this November.
The nationally developed standards have become a source of controversy in recent months, mainly from conservative groups concerned about losing local control over curriculum.
The event, which is open to the public, will be 6:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 15 at Living Word Church, 1551 Wood St. It is being presented by the Muskegon County Prayer Initiative, Prayer Voice of Michigan and West Michigan Prayer Center."
If you want more info click link: http://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com/features/search/?site=MCC&text=common+core&x=-1243&y=-166
Monday, October 14, 2013
At nearly 12 million words, Obamacare regulations now 30 times longer than the law itself
Poor Richard's News - Super. At nearly 12 million words, Obamacare regulations now 30 times longer than the law itself:
"For each word actually in the Obamacare law that Congress enacted, the Obama administration has written 30 more words in regulations indicating how it will be enforced."
"For each word actually in the Obamacare law that Congress enacted, the Obama administration has written 30 more words in regulations indicating how it will be enforced."
The Silver Griffin that the U.S. Gave to Iranian President Rouhani Is a Fake
The Silver Griffin that the U.S. Gave to Iranian President Rouhani Is a Fake – Tablet Magazine:
"Sometimes an ancient artifact symbolizes more than its admirers necessarily imagine.
Take for example the silver griffin that was returned by the United States to Iran as a gesture of respect and—at least according to tea-leaf readers—a sign of an emerging thaw between the two nations.
There’s only one problem:
It’s a fake.
Not only is it a fake, it’s a bad fake. "
"Sometimes an ancient artifact symbolizes more than its admirers necessarily imagine.
Take for example the silver griffin that was returned by the United States to Iran as a gesture of respect and—at least according to tea-leaf readers—a sign of an emerging thaw between the two nations.
There’s only one problem:
It’s a fake.
Not only is it a fake, it’s a bad fake. "
London firefighters beg men: Stop putting privates in machinery
London firefighters beg men: Stop putting privates in machinery « The Greenroom:
"The campaign simply urges people in London — especially guys — to exercise more common sense before inserting their manhood into gadgets made for cooking or cleaning.
The brigade reports that it responded to 416 stuck-body-part calls in 2010-11, another 441 in 2011-12 and 453 in 2012-13. "
"The campaign simply urges people in London — especially guys — to exercise more common sense before inserting their manhood into gadgets made for cooking or cleaning.
The brigade reports that it responded to 416 stuck-body-part calls in 2010-11, another 441 in 2011-12 and 453 in 2012-13. "
"How the Health Care Law Harms Fast Food Workers"
JCN - Information Station:
"How the Health Care Law Harms Fast Food Workers
The new health care law requires that every business with 50 or more “full time” employees offer health insurance to the full timers or pay a $2,000 fine per employee.
The fine applies to all but the first 30 full time employees.
The law defines “full time” as any employee working 30 or more hours per week.
These rules will cost the fast food chain owner $400,000 per year if he does nothing.
So instead, he is cutting back hours of employees so they don’t reach the 30 hour weekly limit.
Otherwise, he cannot afford to stay in business.
This health care law was sold as a reform to help workers.
Instead, it is forcing employers to hurt workers."
"How the Health Care Law Harms Fast Food Workers
The new health care law requires that every business with 50 or more “full time” employees offer health insurance to the full timers or pay a $2,000 fine per employee.
The fine applies to all but the first 30 full time employees.
The law defines “full time” as any employee working 30 or more hours per week.
These rules will cost the fast food chain owner $400,000 per year if he does nothing.
So instead, he is cutting back hours of employees so they don’t reach the 30 hour weekly limit.
Otherwise, he cannot afford to stay in business.
This health care law was sold as a reform to help workers.
Instead, it is forcing employers to hurt workers."
Questions for Hillary By Charlie Daniels
Questions for Hillary | CNS News:"I think this list of questions should be presented to Hillary Clinton.
Who called the stand-down order in Benghazi?
An ad for your presidential bid mentioned you were better equipped to handle a 3am phone call.
Do you realize you got the 3am phone and failed?
Why, if elected, should we have confidence that you would act any differently on any future such calls?
Do you still believe that it makes no difference whether the four Americans who died in Benghazi were killed by a planned concerted attack or random violence?"
Suicide City-Permanently Degraded Detroit
The American Spectator : Permanently Degraded Detroit:"The former Arsenal of Democracy that produced the machinery to win World War II now primarily churns out tales of barbarism.
There has been a lot of media attention recently on an estimated 50,000 wild dogs that are running around in rabid packs, yet it’s the human misery that is hardest to comprehend.
There were 411 homicides reported last year, but the actual number is much higher and unknown, according to one federal official.
“There are over 70,000 empty buildings, and on a daily basis when law enforcement enters them, they turn up dead bodies whose date of death can’t be accurately estimated because they are too decomposed or torched,” I was told.
“Countless murders in Detroit aren’t counted in official data.”"
..... The bleak reality is that Detroit’s problems may be too deep and the political will too shallow for the city to ever make a comeback.
To see what a completely failed large city looks like, take a walk around Motown.
But what can be done about it?
The hard truth might be that there is no way out other than to get the heck out.
QE Is "At Best An Unfair And At Worst An Evil Policy"
QE Is "At Best An Unfair And At Worst An Evil Policy" | Zero Hedge:"Five years ago, when QE first started, we blasted the Fed's "Plan Z" systemic rescue "policy" - which was merely a tried and true dilutive fallback plan used by every collapsing monetary regime starting with the Romans - stating it does absolutely nothing to resolve the biggest underlying threat to the economy and the western way of life, namely the epic accumulation of debt (most of it bad), courtesy of a Fed which has now unleashed a perpetual "buyer of only resort" QE (as we predicted months before QEternity was revealed), which instead only redistributes wealth from the middle class to the wealthiest 0.01%, while providing scraps to the poorest to keep them occupied and away from very violent thoughts."
Muskegon exporting thugs via party buses-Man, 21, died from trauma to the abdomen after brawl outside The B.O.B., say police
Man, 21, died from trauma to the abdomen after brawl outside The B.O.B., say police | MLive.com:"Barker’s group was coming out of The B.O.B. while the group from the Muskegon area was arriving on a party bus, Potter said.
Both groups had been barhopping and were drinking at other establishments prior, he said.
In an email Sunday morning, B.O.B. owner Greg Gilmore pointed blame toward people coming off the party bus"
Snyder adviser explored legislation to help low-income Detroit pensioners
Snyder adviser explored legislation to help low-income Detroit pensioners, he testified | Detroit Free Press | freep.com:
"Baird, who has held the title “transformation manager” in the Snyder administration, testified in a deposition Friday in the Detroit bankruptcy case he asked Detroit Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr for data that would help him analyze the possibility, but Orr never got back to him.
“I requested data on whether the data existed on the distribution by pension amount, numbers of pensioners and pension amount for the current roughly 20,000 pensioners,” Baird testified.
“He said it was a good question and he'd get back to me,” Baird said of Orr.
“But to the best of my recollection he didn't.”"
"Baird, who has held the title “transformation manager” in the Snyder administration, testified in a deposition Friday in the Detroit bankruptcy case he asked Detroit Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr for data that would help him analyze the possibility, but Orr never got back to him.
“I requested data on whether the data existed on the distribution by pension amount, numbers of pensioners and pension amount for the current roughly 20,000 pensioners,” Baird testified.
“He said it was a good question and he'd get back to me,” Baird said of Orr.
“But to the best of my recollection he didn't.”"
Crooked Virginia Democrats fight purge of voter rolls ordered weeks before election
Virginia Democrats fight purge of voter rolls ordered weeks before election - Washington Times:
"Election officials across Virginia are grappling with how to follow through with a directive from the State Board of Elections to purge up to 57,000 registered voters from the state rolls — a move that has prompted a lawsuit from the Democratic Party of Virginia and outright defiance by at least one registrar."
"Election officials across Virginia are grappling with how to follow through with a directive from the State Board of Elections to purge up to 57,000 registered voters from the state rolls — a move that has prompted a lawsuit from the Democratic Party of Virginia and outright defiance by at least one registrar."
Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac to go after more strategic defaulters
Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac to go after more strategic defaulters - latimes.com:
"Anyone thinking of skating on mortgages owned by either Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac may want to think again. As a result of new government reports, the two companies say they are going to do a better job of going after so-called strategic defaulters."
"Anyone thinking of skating on mortgages owned by either Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac may want to think again. As a result of new government reports, the two companies say they are going to do a better job of going after so-called strategic defaulters."
Walmart shelves in Springhill, Mansfield, cleared in EBT glitch
Walmart shelves in Springhill, Mansfield, cleared in EBT glitch - KSLA News 12 Shreveport, Louisiana News Weather & Sports:
"A spokesperson for the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services says they take all allegations of potential fraud seriously, they are aware of the reports and they will be investigating."
"A spokesperson for the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services says they take all allegations of potential fraud seriously, they are aware of the reports and they will be investigating."
Vote buying, crook, democrat ( a redundancy, I acknowledge) bureaucrats dole out billions in tax credits to illegal immigrants
Bungling bureaucrats dole out billions in tax credits to illegal immigrants - Washington Times:
"The federal government’s decision to pay out billions of dollars in tax credits to illegal immigrants likely was made by midlevel bureaucrats and has never received full congressional scrutiny, according to a study that the Center for Immigration Studies is releasing Monday.
The report, written by CIS fellow David North, says the Internal Revenue Service doled out $4.2 billion in what is known as the “additional child tax credit” in 2010 to those using an individual taxpayer identification number, or ITIN, which is usually a signal of an illegal immigrant."
"The federal government’s decision to pay out billions of dollars in tax credits to illegal immigrants likely was made by midlevel bureaucrats and has never received full congressional scrutiny, according to a study that the Center for Immigration Studies is releasing Monday.
The report, written by CIS fellow David North, says the Internal Revenue Service doled out $4.2 billion in what is known as the “additional child tax credit” in 2010 to those using an individual taxpayer identification number, or ITIN, which is usually a signal of an illegal immigrant."
Feel good photo of the day! Michigan Wolverines vs. Penn State Nittany Lions
Michigan Wolverines vs. Penn State Nittany Lions - Photos - October 12, 2013 - ESPN:"STATE COLLEGE, PA - OCTOBER 12:
A Michigan Wolverines fan is maced by police during the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions on October 12, 2013 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)"
Proponents of Raising the Debt Ceiling Want To Bankrupt Your Kids
Proponents of Raising the Debt Ceiling Want To Bankrupt Your Kids | Jammie Wearing Fools:"Whether it’s long-term or short-term, proposals to hike the debt ceiling are schemes for allowing the federal government to borrow more money so it can continue to spend beyond its means.
Politicians want to borrow more money because they have spending plans that consistently exceed the amount of money that the federal government takes in as taxes, and that are projected to continue to outpace revenues into the foreseeable future.
Raising the debt ceiling means snowballing debt rolling downhill right toward our children and their children."
Popular sports supplements contain meth-like compound
Popular sports supplements contain meth-like compound:"A popular and controversial sports supplement widely sold in the USA and other countries is secretly spiked with a chemical similar to methamphetamine that appears to have its origins as an illicit designer recreational drug, according to new tests by scientists in the USA and South Korea.
The U.S. researchers also said they found the same methamphetamine-like chemical in another supplement, Detonate, which is sold as an all-natural weight loss pill by another company: Gaspari Nutrition."
Maher: Obama modulated to the center out of fear of hate
Maher: Obama modulated to the center out of fear of hate | The Daily Caller:"Maher proposed to his guests that Obama has moderated to the center out of a fear of being “cut out of the picture” as John F. Kennedy was during his presidency.
The claim got an incredulous response from MSNBC “Hardball” host Chris Matthews.
“It seems like the people like that, Kennedy — they just seem to always, at the end of the day, either somehow get cut out of the picture — violently, or otherwise,” Maher said.
“And maybe that is why Barack Obama is a little more of the centrist than we want him to be.”"
An Economy Buried by Regulations
An Economy Buried by Regulations | Mercatus:"Part of the reason is that regulations act as a hidden tax on individuals.
If the Department of Transportation sets a higher fuel efficiency mandate for cars, then cars become more expensive, just as if the government imposed a new tax on vehicle purchases.
Another unintended consequence is the stifling of entrepreneurship.
Regulations can create barriers to people interested in selling goods or services or starting a small business.
For example, 17 states require an individual to earn a license to do hair braiding.
To obtain a license in Pennsylvania, you have to train for 300 hours, pass a practical and theoretical exam and then pay a fee.
Barriers such as these give consumers fewer choices, and with fewer practitioners offering their services in a particular field, customers may face higher prices."
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