U.S. Student Punished For Refusing to Recite Mexican Pledge:
"A Texas high school student was allegedly punished for refusing to salute and recite the Mexican pledge. Ironically, the girl has an American father and Mexican mother.
Yet, as a U.S. citizen, she felt uncomfortable reciting the Mexican pledge.
Now she is suing her high school, claiming she was wrongfully compelled to recite the pledge, in violation of her free speech rights."
Important stuff you won't get from the liberal media! We do the surfing so you can be informed AND have a life!
Friday, March 22, 2013
Diners shun restaurants as payroll tax hike hits
Diners shun restaurants as payroll tax hike hits:
"LONGEST SALES DECLINE IN ALMOST THREE YEARS; 'PRETTY UGLY' FOR CHAINS"
"LONGEST SALES DECLINE IN ALMOST THREE YEARS; 'PRETTY UGLY' FOR CHAINS"
Wind vs. Nuclear Energy in the UK: A Question of Scale
Wind vs. Nuclear Energy in the UK: A Question of Scale | The Energy Collective:
"So, if we wanted to scale this up to provide as much power as Hinkley C then we would need a wind farm covering about 1,200 square kilometres, which is just a bit less than the area of Greater London."
"So, if we wanted to scale this up to provide as much power as Hinkley C then we would need a wind farm covering about 1,200 square kilometres, which is just a bit less than the area of Greater London."
Think Ethanol is Evironmentally Friendly? Think Again.:
Think Ethanol is Evironmentally Friendly? Think Again.: Newsroom: The Independent Institute:
The roots of this looming environmental disaster can’t be traced to the boardrooms of ethanol manufacturers or to the headquarters of the farm lobby.
The culprit is Washington.
The roots of this looming environmental disaster can’t be traced to the boardrooms of ethanol manufacturers or to the headquarters of the farm lobby.
The culprit is Washington.
Congress passed the Renewable Fuel Standard in 2005, anticipating that there would be considerable production of cellulosic ethanol made from switch grass, wood chips and other plant materials by 2010.
.....Yet the Renewable Fuel Standard mandates that ethanol production ramp up from 13 billion gallons this year to 36 billion gallons by 2022.
Even now, ethanol production consumes 40 percent of America’s total corn crop.
Production in substantially larger volumes will mean removing even more cropland from food production, which will drive up consumer prices across the board, harming millions of people in poor countries who rely heavily on U.S. corn exports.
.....Yet the Renewable Fuel Standard mandates that ethanol production ramp up from 13 billion gallons this year to 36 billion gallons by 2022.
Even now, ethanol production consumes 40 percent of America’s total corn crop.
Production in substantially larger volumes will mean removing even more cropland from food production, which will drive up consumer prices across the board, harming millions of people in poor countries who rely heavily on U.S. corn exports.
Russian Energy Company Tries to Bribe Cyprus
Geography Note: Russian Energy Company Tries to Bribe Cyprus -:
"Russia’s relationship to Cyprus was already deeply weird.
Though average Russians have long used the island as a vacation destination, recently the Putin government has appeared to be seeing the country more strategically.
Reports of official involvement in everything from tax shelter schemes to gun running are commonplace.
It’s also a preferred tax haven for the Russian elite.
Before yesterday, however, they hadn’t tried to just straight-up buy the place.
This is the first time in Europe’s five-year crisis that a private(-ish) entity has offered to pay off a national debt in exchange for raw materials.
Though one wonders.
There are still a few Italian banks that accept deposits in hard cheese.
Perhaps the Russian company is on to something."
"Russia’s relationship to Cyprus was already deeply weird.
Though average Russians have long used the island as a vacation destination, recently the Putin government has appeared to be seeing the country more strategically.
Reports of official involvement in everything from tax shelter schemes to gun running are commonplace.
It’s also a preferred tax haven for the Russian elite.
Before yesterday, however, they hadn’t tried to just straight-up buy the place.
This is the first time in Europe’s five-year crisis that a private(-ish) entity has offered to pay off a national debt in exchange for raw materials.
Though one wonders.
There are still a few Italian banks that accept deposits in hard cheese.
Perhaps the Russian company is on to something."
As Air Traffic Control Towers Close, FAA Hiring ‘Community Planners’
As Air Traffic Control Towers Close, FAA Hiring ‘Community Planners’ | CNS News:
"As the Federal Aviation Administration is set to announce Friday the temporary closure of 238 air traffic control towers because of the sequester, the agency is planning to hire “community planners” paid in excess of $100,000 – one at an airport slated to for a possible tower closure"
"As the Federal Aviation Administration is set to announce Friday the temporary closure of 238 air traffic control towers because of the sequester, the agency is planning to hire “community planners” paid in excess of $100,000 – one at an airport slated to for a possible tower closure"
First scholarships in Michigan available for quality early childhood care
First scholarships in Michigan available for quality early childhood care | MLive.com:
"On Thursday, the state and two non-profits announced the first statewide scholarship program to help families find and pay for quality child care for infants and toddlers.
The Early Start Scholarships will award 200 low-income and working families with up to 40 percent — or $2,880 — of the childcare costs.
The scholarships are available in 81 of Michigan's 83 states."
"On Thursday, the state and two non-profits announced the first statewide scholarship program to help families find and pay for quality child care for infants and toddlers.
The Early Start Scholarships will award 200 low-income and working families with up to 40 percent — or $2,880 — of the childcare costs.
The scholarships are available in 81 of Michigan's 83 states."
NJ town fines businesses for leaving lights on
NJ town fines businesses for leaving lights on - New York News | NYC Breaking News:
Businesses in Paramus, New Jersey are getting tickets when they leave their sign lights on.
Paramus has a quality of life ordinance that fines businesses $200 or more, plus $33 in court costs, if their signs don't go dark after 11 p.m.
All stores must close by 11 p.m. in Paramus.
Business owner Kathy Billard and her husband own Alternate Heat on Route 17.
She said she had no idea her sign was a problem until after she got fined.
"We've been her for 25 years and never had an issue," Billard says.
Her husband also says merchants should be allowed to pay the fine online or by mail instead of having to spend hours waiting in court."
Businesses in Paramus, New Jersey are getting tickets when they leave their sign lights on.
Paramus has a quality of life ordinance that fines businesses $200 or more, plus $33 in court costs, if their signs don't go dark after 11 p.m.
All stores must close by 11 p.m. in Paramus.
Business owner Kathy Billard and her husband own Alternate Heat on Route 17.
She said she had no idea her sign was a problem until after she got fined.
"We've been her for 25 years and never had an issue," Billard says.
Her husband also says merchants should be allowed to pay the fine online or by mail instead of having to spend hours waiting in court."
‘Beachhouse Bailout’ Bill Reintroduced in Congress
‘Beachhouse Bailout’ Bill Reintroduced in Congress | Heartlander Magazine:
"Rep. Albio Sires (D-NJ) has reintroduced legislation establishing a federal bailout system for financially stressed state-run property insurance programs like the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, which has $17 billion in liabilities and likely could not fully pay claims if a large hurricane were to strike the state.
The “beachhouse bailout” bill, as its critics call it, has appeared in several guises over the years.
They call it a beachhouse bailout because expensive beachhouses are usually the first damaged where hurricanes land."
"Rep. Albio Sires (D-NJ) has reintroduced legislation establishing a federal bailout system for financially stressed state-run property insurance programs like the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, which has $17 billion in liabilities and likely could not fully pay claims if a large hurricane were to strike the state.
The “beachhouse bailout” bill, as its critics call it, has appeared in several guises over the years.
They call it a beachhouse bailout because expensive beachhouses are usually the first damaged where hurricanes land."
Greenland Study Shows Cooling Recent Temperatures
Greenland Study Shows Cooling Recent Temperatures | Heartlander Magazine:
"The data provided a temperature record extending back 800 years.
The data showed temperatures during the 1200s and 1300s were similar to current temperatures, and that temperatures in the 1400s were higher than today.
Temperatures during the 1930s were also significantly higher than today, the data showed.
The 1930s data add weight to U.S. temperature data also showing the 1930s were warmer than current temperatures."
"The data provided a temperature record extending back 800 years.
The data showed temperatures during the 1200s and 1300s were similar to current temperatures, and that temperatures in the 1400s were higher than today.
Temperatures during the 1930s were also significantly higher than today, the data showed.
The 1930s data add weight to U.S. temperature data also showing the 1930s were warmer than current temperatures."
Grand Haven discusses gun control
http://tinyurl.com/a85daz7
"If we have the ability to reduce even one or two people that die in the United States from un-just causes, we should do that," said Molly McGinnis.
"If we have the ability to reduce even one or two people that die in the United States from un-just causes, we should do that," said Molly McGinnis.
Tentative state budget includes ‘Jimmy Fallon’ tax credit to lure ‘The Tonight Show’ back to New York
Exclusive: Tentative state budget includes ‘Jimmy Fallon’ tax credit to lure ‘The Tonight Show’ back to New York - NY Daily News:
"Call it the Jimmy Fallon tax credit.
Quietly tucked into tentative state budget is a provision that would help NBC move “The Tonight Show” back to New York, the Daily News has learned.
The provision would make state tax credits available for the producers of “a talk or variety program that filmed at least five seasons outside the state prior to its first relocated season in New York,” budget documents show."
In addition, the episodes “must be filmed before a studio audience” of at least 200 people. And the program must have an annual production budget of at least $30 million or incur at least $10 million a year in capital expenses.
In other words, a program exactly like “The Tonight Show.”
"Call it the Jimmy Fallon tax credit.
Quietly tucked into tentative state budget is a provision that would help NBC move “The Tonight Show” back to New York, the Daily News has learned.
The provision would make state tax credits available for the producers of “a talk or variety program that filmed at least five seasons outside the state prior to its first relocated season in New York,” budget documents show."
In addition, the episodes “must be filmed before a studio audience” of at least 200 people. And the program must have an annual production budget of at least $30 million or incur at least $10 million a year in capital expenses.
In other words, a program exactly like “The Tonight Show.”
N.Y. Gun Rights Advocates File Suit To Block Strictest In The Nation Law
N.Y. Gun Rights Advocates File Suit To Block Strictest In The Nation Law « CBS New York
Instead of the seven-bullet limit on gun magazines, the changes are expected to allow 10-bullet clips, which, sources said, can be used at shooting ranges. Gun owners would then be on the honor system to put only seven bullets in the clip.
“There is no such thing as a seven-bullet magazine. That doesn’t exist, so you really have no practical option,” Cuomo said on Wednesday.
But that’s not Cuomo’s only pull back.
“This state has no future if it is going to be the tax capital of the nation,” Cuomo during his inauguration.
Cuomo then passed a supposedly temporary tax on high-earning New Yorkers that was due to end next year, but now, CBS 2’s Marcia Kramer reported Thursday, that’s not going to happen.
“There will be an extension of the surcharge set to expire next year,” Cuomo said Thursday.
And when asked at if that wasn’t hypocritical, given his prior no-new-taxes positions, Cuomo tried to paint the tax hike as a tax cut, since the budget also provides the middle class with a $350 child tax rebate.
“Some taxes go up, yes, and others go down and the net is they go down. That’s why it’s a tax cut,” Cuomo said.
Business proponents are crying foul.
Instead of the seven-bullet limit on gun magazines, the changes are expected to allow 10-bullet clips, which, sources said, can be used at shooting ranges. Gun owners would then be on the honor system to put only seven bullets in the clip.
“There is no such thing as a seven-bullet magazine. That doesn’t exist, so you really have no practical option,” Cuomo said on Wednesday.
But that’s not Cuomo’s only pull back.
“This state has no future if it is going to be the tax capital of the nation,” Cuomo during his inauguration.
Cuomo then passed a supposedly temporary tax on high-earning New Yorkers that was due to end next year, but now, CBS 2’s Marcia Kramer reported Thursday, that’s not going to happen.
“There will be an extension of the surcharge set to expire next year,” Cuomo said Thursday.
And when asked at if that wasn’t hypocritical, given his prior no-new-taxes positions, Cuomo tried to paint the tax hike as a tax cut, since the budget also provides the middle class with a $350 child tax rebate.
“Some taxes go up, yes, and others go down and the net is they go down. That’s why it’s a tax cut,” Cuomo said.
Business proponents are crying foul.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Euro may be doomed whether Cyprus stays or goes
Euro may be doomed whether Cyprus stays or goes - Darrell Delamaide's Political Capital - MarketWatch:
"It is impossible to imagine that politicians in Germany, for instance, would dare to confiscate nearly 7% of the savings of their own citizens for any reason.
But they were willing to do it to Cypriots.
“What we are witnessing is the slow death of the European Project,” Anthanasios Orphanides, the former head of Cyprus’s central bank, said in an interview with Bloomberg TV this week.
“We are in a situation that some European governments are essentially taking actions that are telling citizens of other member states that they are not equal under the law.”
"It is impossible to imagine that politicians in Germany, for instance, would dare to confiscate nearly 7% of the savings of their own citizens for any reason.
But they were willing to do it to Cypriots.
“What we are witnessing is the slow death of the European Project,” Anthanasios Orphanides, the former head of Cyprus’s central bank, said in an interview with Bloomberg TV this week.
“We are in a situation that some European governments are essentially taking actions that are telling citizens of other member states that they are not equal under the law.”
Forget Spain and Italy. It’s France that’s Greece-ifying before our very eyes
Forget Spain and Italy. It’s France that’s Greece-ifying before our very eyes – Quartz:
"France has so far dodged the “problem child” reputations that Spain and Italy have earned.
But it looks like that will be increasingly hard to keep up. Data today on France’s business output hinted not just that its economy is decaying—but that it’s doing so rapidly."
"France has so far dodged the “problem child” reputations that Spain and Italy have earned.
But it looks like that will be increasingly hard to keep up. Data today on France’s business output hinted not just that its economy is decaying—but that it’s doing so rapidly."
Whose Insured Deposits Will Be Plundered Next?
Guest Post: Whose Insured Deposits Will Be Plundered Next? | Zero Hedge: "
Spain, it would appear, has changed constitutional rules to enable a so-called ‘moderate’ levy on deposits.
New legislation in New Zealand suggests that depositor funds could be used to bail out banks there, too.
Far more worrying for American and British depositors though is this paragraph Golem XIV brings up from a joint Bank of England and FDIC paper from 2012 which points to the possibility of using deposit insurance funds to bail out illiquid banks:"
Spain, it would appear, has changed constitutional rules to enable a so-called ‘moderate’ levy on deposits.
New legislation in New Zealand suggests that depositor funds could be used to bail out banks there, too.
Far more worrying for American and British depositors though is this paragraph Golem XIV brings up from a joint Bank of England and FDIC paper from 2012 which points to the possibility of using deposit insurance funds to bail out illiquid banks:"
Community Conversation Forum
Muskegon Republican: Community Conversation Forum:
"THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2013
Community Conversation Forum:
"Civility and Free Expression: A Conversation about Gun Violence
JOIN US for a Community Conversation on Gun Violence at the Grand Haven Community Center on March 21, 2013 from 6:00 to 9:00.
The Community Center is located at 421 Columbus St, Grand Haven, MI 49417.
Registration is now closed.
Walk-ins are welcome (though food may not be available). "
"THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2013
Community Conversation Forum:
"Civility and Free Expression: A Conversation about Gun Violence
JOIN US for a Community Conversation on Gun Violence at the Grand Haven Community Center on March 21, 2013 from 6:00 to 9:00.
The Community Center is located at 421 Columbus St, Grand Haven, MI 49417.
Registration is now closed.
Walk-ins are welcome (though food may not be available). "
Hollywood Transforms Itself to Milk Multiple States for Movie Money
Hollywood Transforms Itself to Milk Multiple States for Movie Money [Michigan Capitol Confidential]:
"The Michigan Senate Fiscal Agency did an analysis of the film subsidy program a few years ago. For the fiscal year covering 2010-11, it found that the program brought $13.5 million worth of benefit at a cost of $125 million.
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a left-leaning economic think tank, reviewed the literature on state film subsidy and tax rebate programs and found that claims that they are worth the cost are almost unanimously "more fiction than fact."
"The Michigan Senate Fiscal Agency did an analysis of the film subsidy program a few years ago. For the fiscal year covering 2010-11, it found that the program brought $13.5 million worth of benefit at a cost of $125 million.
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a left-leaning economic think tank, reviewed the literature on state film subsidy and tax rebate programs and found that claims that they are worth the cost are almost unanimously "more fiction than fact."
Department of Ed creates new six-figure job, while wielding sequester ax
Department of Ed creates new six-figure job, while wielding sequester ax | Fox News:
"But in Washington, education funding cuts did not stop the appointment this month of a former elementary school teacher and aide to Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y. to the job of executive director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African-Americans.
David Johns was given the newly created job, where he will be “asked to identify evidence-based best practices to improve African-American student achievement from cradle to career,” according to the Department of Education."
"But in Washington, education funding cuts did not stop the appointment this month of a former elementary school teacher and aide to Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y. to the job of executive director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African-Americans.
David Johns was given the newly created job, where he will be “asked to identify evidence-based best practices to improve African-American student achievement from cradle to career,” according to the Department of Education."
Muskegon County falls to 69th in new Michigan county health rankings
Muskegon County falls to 69th in new Michigan county health rankings | MLive.com:
"The new ranking indicates that Muskegon County’s welfare may have worsened in some key areas — last year the county landed in No. 63."
"The new ranking indicates that Muskegon County’s welfare may have worsened in some key areas — last year the county landed in No. 63."
Cyprus Shuts Banks Until Tuesday, Seeks Russia Aid
Cyprus Shuts Banks Until Tuesday, Seeks Russia Aid:
"Cypriot banks will remain closed at least until Tuesday as negotiations between the country and Russia over financial assistance continue in Moscow."
"Cypriot banks will remain closed at least until Tuesday as negotiations between the country and Russia over financial assistance continue in Moscow."
Muskegon County room tax dollars will not support summer festivals, committee decides
Muskegon County room tax dollars will not support summer festivals, committee decides | MLive.com
"Meanwhile, an $11,000 debt Muskegon County was left from last year’s Hot Rod Power Tour event will not be charged to the room tax event marketing program but will be handled in another area of the county budget, according to Muskegon County Community Development Director Bob Lukens.
The tourism advisory committee delayed event market program decisions until the Power Tour payment issue was determined."
"Meanwhile, an $11,000 debt Muskegon County was left from last year’s Hot Rod Power Tour event will not be charged to the room tax event marketing program but will be handled in another area of the county budget, according to Muskegon County Community Development Director Bob Lukens.
The tourism advisory committee delayed event market program decisions until the Power Tour payment issue was determined."
John Kerry Announces U.S. Support For U.N. Arms Trade Treaty
John Kerry Announces U.S. Support For U.N. Arms Trade Treaty - Investors.com:
"U.S. Rights: As the world body meets this week to hammer out an agreement to restrict international arms trade, our Secretary of State commits us to pushing a treaty that may also restrict our Second Amendment rights.
Last Friday, the day of the week when unpopular or controversial announcements are traditionally made, Secretary of State John Kerry announced U.S. support for the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), a final version of which is being hammered out in New York beginning this week."
"U.S. Rights: As the world body meets this week to hammer out an agreement to restrict international arms trade, our Secretary of State commits us to pushing a treaty that may also restrict our Second Amendment rights.
Last Friday, the day of the week when unpopular or controversial announcements are traditionally made, Secretary of State John Kerry announced U.S. support for the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), a final version of which is being hammered out in New York beginning this week."
Michigan's car insurance rates among highest in country
Report: Michigan's car insurance rates among highest in country | MLive.com:
"It came up with an average annual premium of $2,520 in Michigan, the highest behind Louisiana’s rate of $2,699.
Michigan is the only state to offer unlimited lifetime medical care for auto-related injuries under its no-fault auto insurance system.
Policy holders pay an extra $175 per insured vehicle each year for the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association to reimburse auto insurers for personal injury protection (PIP) benefits after they exceed $500,000 per claim."
"It came up with an average annual premium of $2,520 in Michigan, the highest behind Louisiana’s rate of $2,699.
Michigan is the only state to offer unlimited lifetime medical care for auto-related injuries under its no-fault auto insurance system.
Policy holders pay an extra $175 per insured vehicle each year for the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association to reimburse auto insurers for personal injury protection (PIP) benefits after they exceed $500,000 per claim."
Idling bus, trucks in Park City reported to the police
Idling bus, trucks in Park City reported to the police - The Park Record:
"Park City leaders in 2010 adopted the prohibition on idling for more than three minutes as part of City Hall's wide-ranging environmental program.
Officials want to curb emissions, and the prohibition won support from the environmental community."
"Park City leaders in 2010 adopted the prohibition on idling for more than three minutes as part of City Hall's wide-ranging environmental program.
Officials want to curb emissions, and the prohibition won support from the environmental community."
Teenager arrested for tweeting rap lyric containing the word "homicide."
Althouse: Teenager arrested for tweeting rap lyric containing the word "homicide.":
"ADDED: Here's how Talking Points Memo reported the basis for the arrest:
"The older girl was charged with aggravated menacing for a tweet that threatened homicide and said 'you ripped my family apart,' according to the attorney general’s office." Pathetic!"
"ADDED: Here's how Talking Points Memo reported the basis for the arrest:
"The older girl was charged with aggravated menacing for a tweet that threatened homicide and said 'you ripped my family apart,' according to the attorney general’s office." Pathetic!"
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