An eleventh hour change in candidates for a federal judgeship seems to be going the way of Sen. Charles (Chuck You) Schumer's Brother in law.
In the New York Post article (which plays 'guess which party'), the bad actors all claim there were no shenanigans.
This scandal will not be important enough for the alphabet news networks or major news outlets to flog (like they would if it was a bunch of Republicans).
Monday, December 26, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Businessman chased by IRS while Senator's Mother-in-Law ignored
Arkansas businessman Ralph Bradbury owes $800K to the IRS for financial shenanigans at an Arkansas trucking firm he worked at as CEO.
So the IRS says.
The owners of the company had apparently worked against it's best interests from the beginning and the IRS doesn't appear to be interested in getting any answers or money out of them, even though they removed any power over financial matters from the CEO.
The connection between the owners and their Son-in-Law, Democrat Senator Mark Pryor, may have something to do with the IRS's misdirected attacks.
So the IRS says.
The owners of the company had apparently worked against it's best interests from the beginning and the IRS doesn't appear to be interested in getting any answers or money out of them, even though they removed any power over financial matters from the CEO.
The connection between the owners and their Son-in-Law, Democrat Senator Mark Pryor, may have something to do with the IRS's misdirected attacks.
Put your butter on eBay
Norway had a shortfall of butter production that was exacerbated by a diet fad using more fats.
Butter now costs ~$300/lb!
When a poor Russian entrepreneur tried to help the Norwegians out, he was stopped at the border for smuggling.
I guess the government in Norway wants Christmas to suck.
Butter now costs ~$300/lb!
When a poor Russian entrepreneur tried to help the Norwegians out, he was stopped at the border for smuggling.
I guess the government in Norway wants Christmas to suck.
Iranian Ex-Revolutionary Guard leader visits White House
Hadi al-Amri, ex-leader in Iran's Revolutionary Guard visited the White House with Iraqi President Nouri al-Malaki.
al-Amri worked against Saddam Hussein while he was in power and most certainly knows of links between terrorist acts against American interests and Iran's leadership.
While not as bad as having the leaders of Hezbollah or Hamas over for dinner, this is not something that an American President should allow.
Better to have this man sit down with people from the CIA for a "friendly chat".
I wonder. Did he have to exit where the garbage cans are like the Dalai Lama?
al-Amri worked against Saddam Hussein while he was in power and most certainly knows of links between terrorist acts against American interests and Iran's leadership.
While not as bad as having the leaders of Hezbollah or Hamas over for dinner, this is not something that an American President should allow.
Better to have this man sit down with people from the CIA for a "friendly chat".
I wonder. Did he have to exit where the garbage cans are like the Dalai Lama?
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Civilization?
China likes to claim that they were an advanced civilization when we were still barbarians (well, actually, they still think we are).
Their ancient herbal medicine was thought of as backward and useless for much of the modern era.
Only in recent decades have many herbal remedies and acupuncture been proven to work and accepted by western medicine.
One reason that acceptance was so long in coming is a refusal on the Chinese side to accept that some of their "cures" are not only worthless, but manufactured via unacceptable practices.
Rhinoceros and Bears are still killed for body parts that have no proven positive effect.
In China, there are even "Bear Farms" that cage Asian black bears in tight quarters, deny them adequate water, and cause and leave open wounds in order to harvest bile from their gall bladders.
Civilization indeed!
Their ancient herbal medicine was thought of as backward and useless for much of the modern era.
Only in recent decades have many herbal remedies and acupuncture been proven to work and accepted by western medicine.
One reason that acceptance was so long in coming is a refusal on the Chinese side to accept that some of their "cures" are not only worthless, but manufactured via unacceptable practices.
Rhinoceros and Bears are still killed for body parts that have no proven positive effect.
In China, there are even "Bear Farms" that cage Asian black bears in tight quarters, deny them adequate water, and cause and leave open wounds in order to harvest bile from their gall bladders.
Civilization indeed!
More suppressed Climate Science
A recent CERN report shows that cosmic rays are responsible for much the cloud formation on our planet.
The sun has a large impact on those rays by deflecting them or allowing them to impact earth by it's changing magnetic field.
In and of itself, this is a major scientific development.
Duplicating the earth's atmosphere and proving the effects are a major step in more accurately predicting climate change and weather.
But the real story is how the project was nearly cancelled and the scientists involved have been muzzled when it comes to stating conclusions.
This is just one more example of the Warmist Cabal trying to prevent real science from collapsing their house of cards.
The sun has a large impact on those rays by deflecting them or allowing them to impact earth by it's changing magnetic field.
In and of itself, this is a major scientific development.
Duplicating the earth's atmosphere and proving the effects are a major step in more accurately predicting climate change and weather.
But the real story is how the project was nearly cancelled and the scientists involved have been muzzled when it comes to stating conclusions.
This is just one more example of the Warmist Cabal trying to prevent real science from collapsing their house of cards.
Obama's base
Even though he has an historically low rating with the general public (but better than Congress'), Obama has a 70% approval rating from American Muslims.
Having abandoned his historical base and incurred the "wrath" of the Congressional Black Caucus, Obama must be happy to know one group will give him unwavering support as long as he keeps bowing and scraping.
Having abandoned his historical base and incurred the "wrath" of the Congressional Black Caucus, Obama must be happy to know one group will give him unwavering support as long as he keeps bowing and scraping.
If the Candidates had stones
An american president has illegal alien relatives living in the United States.
One is living quite well, on government aid.
Another was just arrested for DUI and a near crash with a police cruiser.
The DUI driver (the president's uncle) has a valid driver's license and a social security card.
If Republican Candidates had stones, this would be one of the biggest gotcha stories to use against Obama.
One is living quite well, on government aid.
Another was just arrested for DUI and a near crash with a police cruiser.
The DUI driver (the president's uncle) has a valid driver's license and a social security card.
If Republican Candidates had stones, this would be one of the biggest gotcha stories to use against Obama.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Happy ending
A young girl kidnapped at playground was saved by alert neighbor who followed the kidnapper's borrowed van until he crashed and ran.
Police caught the kidnapper soon after the crash.
Police caught the kidnapper soon after the crash.
Promoting incompetence
If you haven't heard by now, the ATF ran a "sting" operation that used straw buyers to obtain firearms and use them to catch gun runners supplying Mexico with weapons.
Two of those weapons were found at the scene where criminals killed a Border Patrol Agent.
People are still steamed about it and at the administration for allowing such a poorly thought out operation that actually delivered weapons to criminals south of the border.
Now three people that ran the operation have received promotions.
From the LA Times: "The three supervisors have been given new management positions at the agency's headquarters in Washington. They are William G. McMahon, who was the ATF's deputy director of operations in the West, where the illegal trafficking program was focused, and William D. Newell and David Voth, both field supervisors who oversaw the program out of the agency's Phoenix office."
As of this morning, Obama has made no statements claiming that anyone involved acted "stupidly".
Two of those weapons were found at the scene where criminals killed a Border Patrol Agent.
People are still steamed about it and at the administration for allowing such a poorly thought out operation that actually delivered weapons to criminals south of the border.
Now three people that ran the operation have received promotions.
From the LA Times: "The three supervisors have been given new management positions at the agency's headquarters in Washington. They are William G. McMahon, who was the ATF's deputy director of operations in the West, where the illegal trafficking program was focused, and William D. Newell and David Voth, both field supervisors who oversaw the program out of the agency's Phoenix office."
As of this morning, Obama has made no statements claiming that anyone involved acted "stupidly".
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Warn the mechanics and utility workers
A woman was attacked by a police dog in Cincinnati after the dog's handler let him off the leash to answer nature's call.
The dog spotted a parks employee wearing coveralls resembling the ones used in attack dog training and he did what he was trained to do.
That's right!
The police say that she was attacked because of the way she dressed.
Warn everyone that works in coveralls.
The dog spotted a parks employee wearing coveralls resembling the ones used in attack dog training and he did what he was trained to do.
That's right!
The police say that she was attacked because of the way she dressed.
Warn everyone that works in coveralls.
Some never learn
On the heels of another story about a teen being trapped in a sand cave, a teen gets trapped in a sand cave.
Instead of a hillside, this genius dug his cave on a flat stretch of beach.
It took 25 minutes to get him out and he was only able to breath because he had a hole around his head large enough to keep him alive.
Video
What is wrong with some people that they insist on doing what has proven to be so stupid and dangerous?
Instead of a hillside, this genius dug his cave on a flat stretch of beach.
It took 25 minutes to get him out and he was only able to breath because he had a hole around his head large enough to keep him alive.
Video
What is wrong with some people that they insist on doing what has proven to be so stupid and dangerous?
Amateur Scientist scares Real Scientists
A Swedish amateur scientist wanted to split atoms in his apartment so he obtained radioactive material and set out on his personal voyage of discovery.
His experiments included a "meltdown" in his kitchen (not a nuclear meltdown).
Only after contacting the real scientists with questions were his actions noticed by authorities.
Police confiscated his materials and determined that there were no radiation hazards left in his abode.
His experiments included a "meltdown" in his kitchen (not a nuclear meltdown).
Only after contacting the real scientists with questions were his actions noticed by authorities.
Police confiscated his materials and determined that there were no radiation hazards left in his abode.
While we were distracted by the debt debate
The Obama administration has reportedly added regulations in July that have proposed 229 new rules and finalized 379 more.
The estimated cost to the economy is $9.5B.
Just like termites, they keep undermining the foundation while we go about our business.
Meanwhile the MSM ignore this perfidy and continue their pogrom against Conservatives.
The estimated cost to the economy is $9.5B.
Just like termites, they keep undermining the foundation while we go about our business.
Meanwhile the MSM ignore this perfidy and continue their pogrom against Conservatives.
No tactic too low for the left
I would like to say that this is the "latest" tactic of the left, but it has been around for centuries.
The latest use of the attack is chronicled here at the Weekly Standard.
Essentially anyone that disagrees with the left is crazy and therefore not allowed to take part in the process moving forward.
The chuckle inducing part of the story is when Stanton Steele claims: "They are adamant about achieving something that's unachievable, which reminds us of a couple of things. It reminds us of delusion and psychosis,"
How convenient that Steele can forget that every attempt at establishing a Socialist paradise has failed and that America succeeded for generations as a conservative, capitalist powerhouse.
The latest use of the attack is chronicled here at the Weekly Standard.
Essentially anyone that disagrees with the left is crazy and therefore not allowed to take part in the process moving forward.
The chuckle inducing part of the story is when Stanton Steele claims: "They are adamant about achieving something that's unachievable, which reminds us of a couple of things. It reminds us of delusion and psychosis,"
How convenient that Steele can forget that every attempt at establishing a Socialist paradise has failed and that America succeeded for generations as a conservative, capitalist powerhouse.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Perspective
I have to admit that I missed this one.
Two attacks happened within days of each other and I had already forgotten one of them because I only saw it in the news one time.
Then it went down the memory hole.
Thanks to Pamela Gellar article at American Thinker, I won't forget that the media are ignoring the roots of evil behind the latest attack in Mumbai while they pile onto Christians and Conservatives over the attacks in Oslo.
While they examine every tenuous link they can find between their ideological enemies and the Norwegian Nut Job, there is no effort to show people who is urging Islamic Fundamentalists to kill innocents.
Not just complaining like those "right wing crazies", but calling for mass murder.
Thank you Pamela for putting things into perspective.
Two attacks happened within days of each other and I had already forgotten one of them because I only saw it in the news one time.
Then it went down the memory hole.
Thanks to Pamela Gellar article at American Thinker, I won't forget that the media are ignoring the roots of evil behind the latest attack in Mumbai while they pile onto Christians and Conservatives over the attacks in Oslo.
While they examine every tenuous link they can find between their ideological enemies and the Norwegian Nut Job, there is no effort to show people who is urging Islamic Fundamentalists to kill innocents.
Not just complaining like those "right wing crazies", but calling for mass murder.
Thank you Pamela for putting things into perspective.
NASA data shows climate models are wrong
NASA data from 2000 to 2011 shows more heat escaping the atmosphere than "alarmist" climate models predicted.
Not enough water vapor has been generated to trap heat to the extent that failed assumptions in computer models claimed there would be.
Add that to the NOAA data showing ocean temps have dropped slightly and you see the climate alarmism train coming to a screeching halt (the screeching is Al Gore wailing and lamenting his downfall as oracle).
Not enough water vapor has been generated to trap heat to the extent that failed assumptions in computer models claimed there would be.
Add that to the NOAA data showing ocean temps have dropped slightly and you see the climate alarmism train coming to a screeching halt (the screeching is Al Gore wailing and lamenting his downfall as oracle).
Friday, July 15, 2011
Prison study will cause debate
A study of prisoners in North Carolina will undoubtedly cause debate about where social policies should go from here.
The study of 100K male prisoners found that black males between the ages of 20 and 79 can experience survival rates 30-40% greater than those outside of prison for some conditions.
White prisoners were slightly more likely to die sooner in prison.
Some will argue that this illustrates a failure of society and/or black culture on the outside when it comes to protecting black males from disease, injury and murder.
Others will claim it is a mandate for universal healthcare as the healthcare in the prisons is credited for extending the lives of the cons who otherwise would have less or no access to healthcare on the outside.
Then there are those that will say: "Lock 'em all up! It's good for 'em!"
The study of 100K male prisoners found that black males between the ages of 20 and 79 can experience survival rates 30-40% greater than those outside of prison for some conditions.
White prisoners were slightly more likely to die sooner in prison.
Some will argue that this illustrates a failure of society and/or black culture on the outside when it comes to protecting black males from disease, injury and murder.
Others will claim it is a mandate for universal healthcare as the healthcare in the prisons is credited for extending the lives of the cons who otherwise would have less or no access to healthcare on the outside.
Then there are those that will say: "Lock 'em all up! It's good for 'em!"
Yep, they are really that dumb
Cattle in Texas are dying because of the drought.
Not because they can't get enough water.
When they are moved to pasture where water is plentiful they drink too much, too fast, and keel over.
Next to relieving themselves in the same water they drink, this is the clearest evidence that domestication makes you dumb.
I am trying really hard not to compare certain humans with these animals.
Not because they can't get enough water.
When they are moved to pasture where water is plentiful they drink too much, too fast, and keel over.
Next to relieving themselves in the same water they drink, this is the clearest evidence that domestication makes you dumb.
I am trying really hard not to compare certain humans with these animals.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
That really blows
Tourists in Maui watched a man dancing close to the edge of a blowhole when a wave knocked him in.
He showed at the next wave, but disappeared after that and has not been seen since.
The search for David Potts has been called off.
How long before they put up a dufus railing around the blowhole?
He showed at the next wave, but disappeared after that and has not been seen since.
The search for David Potts has been called off.
How long before they put up a dufus railing around the blowhole?
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
"Bike to work day" cancelled
Holy Yogi Bear!
A Florida man was riding his bike into work when a black bear collided with his bike and tore off the back wheel.
The 300lb (estimated) bear left the cyclist with major injuries.
Experts say this type of bear behavior is unusual.
You think?
I'm guessing that more than a few have rethought their "Bike to work" day plans.
A Florida man was riding his bike into work when a black bear collided with his bike and tore off the back wheel.
The 300lb (estimated) bear left the cyclist with major injuries.
Experts say this type of bear behavior is unusual.
You think?
I'm guessing that more than a few have rethought their "Bike to work" day plans.
Friday, July 8, 2011
I may need to hide mine
Some of us have tried growing gardens in our small, suburban properties in order to have fresh (and cheaper) food.
If you have the right sun exposure and soil, or add the right soil, you can have a nice little patch of fresh produce right outside your door.
If you live in some cities, it better be your back door, sucker!
Julie Bass of Oak Park Michigan found out the hard way that converting her front yard into a raised bed garden was an invitation to prosecution (or is it persecution).
From the picture accompanying the story, she did a great job of making it look good.
Someone in her 'hood disagreed and called the infamous code enforcement trolls, who threatened her if she didn't move the whole shebang into the back yard.
After poring over the local ordinance, Bass decided she was not in violation and left the garden in place, only to have the "Planning and Technology Director" Kevin Rulkowski claim that the word "suitable" means "common" and therefore, Bass' "uncommon" use of her yard was "unsuitable".
I don't need to see a dictionary to know that "common" stretches the meaning of "suitable" to the breaking point.
Someone needs to be fired.
If you have the right sun exposure and soil, or add the right soil, you can have a nice little patch of fresh produce right outside your door.
If you live in some cities, it better be your back door, sucker!
Julie Bass of Oak Park Michigan found out the hard way that converting her front yard into a raised bed garden was an invitation to prosecution (or is it persecution).
From the picture accompanying the story, she did a great job of making it look good.
Someone in her 'hood disagreed and called the infamous code enforcement trolls, who threatened her if she didn't move the whole shebang into the back yard.
After poring over the local ordinance, Bass decided she was not in violation and left the garden in place, only to have the "Planning and Technology Director" Kevin Rulkowski claim that the word "suitable" means "common" and therefore, Bass' "uncommon" use of her yard was "unsuitable".
I don't need to see a dictionary to know that "common" stretches the meaning of "suitable" to the breaking point.
Someone needs to be fired.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Fargo II
The movie Fargo was about an unlikely series of events leading to a series of tragic deaths and injuries.
As if looking to spark a sequel, a Fargo man somehow obtained what may have been commercial fireworks and set them off in the street.
The Fargoish twist is that he managed to literally blow his head off with the second round.
He only half qualifies for the Darwin award because he is survived by his two sons.
As if looking to spark a sequel, a Fargo man somehow obtained what may have been commercial fireworks and set them off in the street.
The Fargoish twist is that he managed to literally blow his head off with the second round.
He only half qualifies for the Darwin award because he is survived by his two sons.
More pot shops than Starbucks?
Denver Colorado has welcomed medical pot shops more than many places where you can legally buy medical pot.
Now it is claimed that their are more pot shops than Starbucks.
Can you believe that there are as many qualified medical pot users in the city of Denver as there are Starbucks customers?
There are about 100 Starbucks in the Denver area and each averages about 400 customers per day.
That is 40,000 customers per day buying medical marijuana if the traffic is equal and the pot dispensaries about the same in number.
It is said that there are about 125,000 people with medical pot cards, so abut 30% of them are buying pot every day.
Of course NONE of them sell or give pot to third parties.
None of them drive stoned.
None of them perform work that involves safety risks, like operating heavy equipment or providing health care.
I see this pot shop overload coming to the People's Republik of Kalifornia and it ain't going to be pretty.
Now it is claimed that their are more pot shops than Starbucks.
Can you believe that there are as many qualified medical pot users in the city of Denver as there are Starbucks customers?
There are about 100 Starbucks in the Denver area and each averages about 400 customers per day.
That is 40,000 customers per day buying medical marijuana if the traffic is equal and the pot dispensaries about the same in number.
It is said that there are about 125,000 people with medical pot cards, so abut 30% of them are buying pot every day.
Of course NONE of them sell or give pot to third parties.
None of them drive stoned.
None of them perform work that involves safety risks, like operating heavy equipment or providing health care.
I see this pot shop overload coming to the People's Republik of Kalifornia and it ain't going to be pretty.
Teachers only want what's best for your child
That's why they engage in organized cheating to secure their jobs and make the school look good, even when they are failing to teach the children.
Teachers and administrators in the Atlanta Public School system (APS) have been caught in a massive cheating scam designed to make the schools performance figures spike.
If that isn't bad enough, there are some that still defend the teachers by claiming they were "pressured" and feared retaliation if they didn't help with the cheating.
Really?
Are these the same, courageous category of hero that storms Capital buildings to preserve wages and benefits during school days?
And they are too afraid to protect the kids from administrators?
Teachers and administrators in the Atlanta Public School system (APS) have been caught in a massive cheating scam designed to make the schools performance figures spike.
If that isn't bad enough, there are some that still defend the teachers by claiming they were "pressured" and feared retaliation if they didn't help with the cheating.
Really?
Are these the same, courageous category of hero that storms Capital buildings to preserve wages and benefits during school days?
And they are too afraid to protect the kids from administrators?
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
ChiComs saving the world?
First there was Global Warming, then it became Climate Change, then there were many arguments over who or what was at fault.
One of the arguments was between those that claim the temperature is still climbing and those that claim it has stopped or even declined.
Now the Warmists are admitting that the temperature hasn't increased since 1998, but blame the cooling on the Chinese.
That's right!
Chinese pollution is apparently creating more clouds and fog and that is deflecting the suns heat back out into space.
Never mind that the sun's cycle is in an abnormal low, similar to the one connected to the last mini ice age.
One of the arguments was between those that claim the temperature is still climbing and those that claim it has stopped or even declined.
Now the Warmists are admitting that the temperature hasn't increased since 1998, but blame the cooling on the Chinese.
That's right!
Chinese pollution is apparently creating more clouds and fog and that is deflecting the suns heat back out into space.
Never mind that the sun's cycle is in an abnormal low, similar to the one connected to the last mini ice age.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Wilders wins
Geert Wilders; famous for the film Fitna, which tells hard truths about Islam, has won in court by proving that his speech is protected by the law.
The court decided that his opinions (and facts) did not rise to the level of illegality despite outrageous reactions from the people he was exposing in his film.
If we let people rule our behavior and speech by their selective outrage, we will have no freedom.
The court decided that his opinions (and facts) did not rise to the level of illegality despite outrageous reactions from the people he was exposing in his film.
If we let people rule our behavior and speech by their selective outrage, we will have no freedom.
Chavez had surgery?
Apparently, Hugo "El Diablo" Chavez had surgery for a 'pelvic abcess' in Cuba and is recovering.
Spokespeople claim he will be back in Venezuela in about 12 days.
All this time I thought Hugo was just a giant pus-ball and it turns out that he had one in his fat gut.
Once again, we have to learn this from foreign media because our news people don't think we need to know when a Communist dictator is closer to death.
Spokespeople claim he will be back in Venezuela in about 12 days.
All this time I thought Hugo was just a giant pus-ball and it turns out that he had one in his fat gut.
Once again, we have to learn this from foreign media because our news people don't think we need to know when a Communist dictator is closer to death.
Saab story
Swedish automobile company Saab cannot pay its workers.
Company spokesmen claim that they are not headed to bankruptcy and the company is working hard to solve it's problems.
One possible savior is Russian investor Vladimir Antonov who was, ironically, pushed out when GM rescued Saab during an earlier financial crisis.
One of the worker's unions has 'sent a letter' to the company to urge them to pay the workers.
I'm sure that will spur them to greater efforts.
Company spokesmen claim that they are not headed to bankruptcy and the company is working hard to solve it's problems.
One possible savior is Russian investor Vladimir Antonov who was, ironically, pushed out when GM rescued Saab during an earlier financial crisis.
One of the worker's unions has 'sent a letter' to the company to urge them to pay the workers.
I'm sure that will spur them to greater efforts.
Karma or payback?
5 Russian scientists that helped Iran build a nuclear reactor are reported to have died in a recent air crash.
Is this just Karma, or did someone on our side actually do something proactive for once?
Is this just Karma, or did someone on our side actually do something proactive for once?
Friday, June 10, 2011
Weiner has no fallback option
Anthony Weiner (famous for sending salacious pics of himself to young women) has been facing increasing pressure to resign.
As more (and more 'adult') pictures and facts about Weiner are 'exposed' his defenders are dropping like flies.
It is so bad that the press can only try to help him by drumming up sympathy by telling us how badly off he will be if he leaves office now.
Apparently, Anthony 'Tony the Weener' Weiner has no useful college degrees or skills and there is no market for unelected grand-standers out there.
If he is so close to the edge financially, why take such risks?
Obviously he has issues and needs to leave office until he deals with them.
Welcome to our world Tony.
Too few jobs and businesses that won't hire the unemployed.
Thank your fellow Dems (yes, the Republicans helped spend too much money too) for the crappy job market pal.
As more (and more 'adult') pictures and facts about Weiner are 'exposed' his defenders are dropping like flies.
It is so bad that the press can only try to help him by drumming up sympathy by telling us how badly off he will be if he leaves office now.
Apparently, Anthony 'Tony the Weener' Weiner has no useful college degrees or skills and there is no market for unelected grand-standers out there.
If he is so close to the edge financially, why take such risks?
Obviously he has issues and needs to leave office until he deals with them.
Welcome to our world Tony.
Too few jobs and businesses that won't hire the unemployed.
Thank your fellow Dems (yes, the Republicans helped spend too much money too) for the crappy job market pal.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
UN gun grab
The UN is pushing a 'small arms treaty' that will require signatory nations to confiscate and destroy all 'unauthorized' weapons from civilian owners.
What is unauthorized?
Any semi-automatic.
This story is not new.
The UN proposed this years ago and the infamous Snopes claimed it was false, based on the e-mail claims that the UN wanted ALL of our firearms; not on the true proposal that called for tighter licensing requirements and banning of semi-auto weapons (weaseling out of the truth).
Well, that may be the end game, but they are only proposing to force tighter restrictions on gun owners and confiscation of semi-auto weapons.
What is unauthorized?
Any semi-automatic.
This story is not new.
The UN proposed this years ago and the infamous Snopes claimed it was false, based on the e-mail claims that the UN wanted ALL of our firearms; not on the true proposal that called for tighter licensing requirements and banning of semi-auto weapons (weaseling out of the truth).
Well, that may be the end game, but they are only proposing to force tighter restrictions on gun owners and confiscation of semi-auto weapons.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Yeah, it's that bad
You know things are bad when people steal rails from an active railroad track.
A CSX train in Taunton, MA derailed after crossing a section of track where thieves had stolen a length of rail, supposedly for scrap sale.
The thing about this kind of crime is that it isn't easy or smart.
First, you need a heavy cutting torch.
Then you need a lonely section of track (although in another case, the thieves operated in sight of the company whose spur line they were cutting).
The cut rails are HEAVY!
The scrap yard will hear about the derailment and remember you.
You are responsible for any damage or injury, like when a dozen tank cars spew toxic waste or burn down a town.
And last but nit least, it is a federal offense to mess with the railroad infrastructure.
I guess things are pretty bad if people feel compelled to do something like this.
A CSX train in Taunton, MA derailed after crossing a section of track where thieves had stolen a length of rail, supposedly for scrap sale.
The thing about this kind of crime is that it isn't easy or smart.
First, you need a heavy cutting torch.
Then you need a lonely section of track (although in another case, the thieves operated in sight of the company whose spur line they were cutting).
The cut rails are HEAVY!
The scrap yard will hear about the derailment and remember you.
You are responsible for any damage or injury, like when a dozen tank cars spew toxic waste or burn down a town.
And last but nit least, it is a federal offense to mess with the railroad infrastructure.
I guess things are pretty bad if people feel compelled to do something like this.
Still missing the point
A Gay softball league has won the right to limit the number of straight players on each team, but the case involving players that claim they were kicked out for not being 'Gay enough' was allowed to proceed.
The whole point of equal rights has been ignored in this case.
Unless you can have a "Straight" league where gays are limited, you cannot have a "Gay" or "Lesbian" or anything league that limits the number of players because of their sexual orientation (or religion, or race, sex, etc.)
The whole point of equal rights has been ignored in this case.
Unless you can have a "Straight" league where gays are limited, you cannot have a "Gay" or "Lesbian" or anything league that limits the number of players because of their sexual orientation (or religion, or race, sex, etc.)
Disturbing the dead
A woman was injured after a tombstone fell on her leg while she was on the ground in a Jewish cemetery.
There are suspicions that she and her male companion were engaged in a sex act when the injury occurred.
I guess it was the only way for the dearly departed to say "Get a room!".
There are suspicions that she and her male companion were engaged in a sex act when the injury occurred.
I guess it was the only way for the dearly departed to say "Get a room!".
Friday, May 27, 2011
Patriot act (quietly) extended
Key provisions of the Patriot act have been extended by both the House and Senate.
You might not know this if you get your news from the mainstream media.
There apparently was not a lot of drama in the Senate where it passed 72-23 even though Democrats (who haven't stopped criticizing the act since its inception) have the majority.
In the house, political maneuvering left more than a few bruised egos and reasons to get on their soap boxes to express their ire.
Even with the passage of the extension, parts of the act will expire for a short period of time because they and the President waited so long to act.
You might not know this if you get your news from the mainstream media.
There apparently was not a lot of drama in the Senate where it passed 72-23 even though Democrats (who haven't stopped criticizing the act since its inception) have the majority.
In the house, political maneuvering left more than a few bruised egos and reasons to get on their soap boxes to express their ire.
Even with the passage of the extension, parts of the act will expire for a short period of time because they and the President waited so long to act.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Obama Administration "skirts" the law
More like ignores it completely.
Is it mere coincidence that the vast majority of waivers exempting businesses from Obamacare are granted to his supporters?
Is it fair that a large percentage of recent waivers happen to have been granted in Nancy Pelosi's district?
Is it justifiable for the NLRB to tell Boeing that they cannot build a plant in a right-to-work state which forces the company to hire more union workers in Washington State?
Does it smell suspicious when the IRS warns non-profits that it will be charging a gift tax on donors when the organizations in question mainly support Conservative politicians?
The only thing worse than the administration's selective obedience and enforcement of the law is the complicit media and their blackout of any coverage concerning this perfidious behavior.
Is it mere coincidence that the vast majority of waivers exempting businesses from Obamacare are granted to his supporters?
Is it fair that a large percentage of recent waivers happen to have been granted in Nancy Pelosi's district?
Is it justifiable for the NLRB to tell Boeing that they cannot build a plant in a right-to-work state which forces the company to hire more union workers in Washington State?
Does it smell suspicious when the IRS warns non-profits that it will be charging a gift tax on donors when the organizations in question mainly support Conservative politicians?
The only thing worse than the administration's selective obedience and enforcement of the law is the complicit media and their blackout of any coverage concerning this perfidious behavior.
Bibi gets support from the House
Both sides of the aisle in the House showed strong support for Benjamin Netanyahu when he spoke before Congress.
In doing so, they came down solidly against the administration's ridiculous call to shrink their borders to those that existed in 1967.
Robert Andrews (D, New Jersey) even stated that the president was "tilting toward Hamas" in his demands.
Even 'Dingy' Harry Reid and Steny Hoyer sided against the president, who has been doing some back pedaling since he has seen and heard the reactions against his speech.
It's too bad this and all his other huge mistakes will be conveniently ignored when he runs for re-election.
In doing so, they came down solidly against the administration's ridiculous call to shrink their borders to those that existed in 1967.
Robert Andrews (D, New Jersey) even stated that the president was "tilting toward Hamas" in his demands.
Even 'Dingy' Harry Reid and Steny Hoyer sided against the president, who has been doing some back pedaling since he has seen and heard the reactions against his speech.
It's too bad this and all his other huge mistakes will be conveniently ignored when he runs for re-election.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Not very 'stimulating' for the rest of us
Most people have an idea that the 'stimulus' money went to some people that frankly did not deserve any help.
Now we find that some of those who got stimulus checks were (and may still be) delinquent on their taxes.
According to a GAO, one company that received $100K was more than $9M behind in payroll taxes from as far back as 2001.
"The report said the tax delinquents accounted for nearly 6 percent of the 63,000 contractors and grantees examined, and it cautioned that the real number might be higher because the known tax debt does not measure such factors as income underreporting."
Your tax dollars at work...for someone who never paid them.
Now we find that some of those who got stimulus checks were (and may still be) delinquent on their taxes.
According to a GAO, one company that received $100K was more than $9M behind in payroll taxes from as far back as 2001.
"The report said the tax delinquents accounted for nearly 6 percent of the 63,000 contractors and grantees examined, and it cautioned that the real number might be higher because the known tax debt does not measure such factors as income underreporting."
Your tax dollars at work...for someone who never paid them.
Stinky Mecca is a threefor
Mecca stinks, and the locals agree!
Mecca California, that is.
A "propane like" smell caused a panic reaction at a local school causing paramedics to respond.
It was determined the source was a landfill that receives and treats contaminated soil.
Naturally, the government was more than ready to swoop in and nail someone to a cross for this heinous deed.
They did not get far though.
You see, the site is operating on Tribal land and not subject to the administrative laws that can ruin your company in the time it take a bureaucrat to fill out a form D226.
The regulators still managed to shut down operations and prevent more contaminated soil from being received but the smell, while diminished, is still there.
It is important to note that tests of the surrounding area show no 'significant' levels of toxins in the soil or air.
So I guess the headaches, asthma attacks, nosebleeds and other symptoms are psychosomatic.
So, in one story we learn that Mecca stinks, Indian sovereignty is easily abused, and people get sick merely because something stinks.
Mecca California, that is.
A "propane like" smell caused a panic reaction at a local school causing paramedics to respond.
It was determined the source was a landfill that receives and treats contaminated soil.
Naturally, the government was more than ready to swoop in and nail someone to a cross for this heinous deed.
They did not get far though.
You see, the site is operating on Tribal land and not subject to the administrative laws that can ruin your company in the time it take a bureaucrat to fill out a form D226.
The regulators still managed to shut down operations and prevent more contaminated soil from being received but the smell, while diminished, is still there.
It is important to note that tests of the surrounding area show no 'significant' levels of toxins in the soil or air.
So I guess the headaches, asthma attacks, nosebleeds and other symptoms are psychosomatic.
So, in one story we learn that Mecca stinks, Indian sovereignty is easily abused, and people get sick merely because something stinks.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Why Obama pushed for drilling
Obama made a speech about boosting domestic oil production that seemed rather out of character for the man that did everything to stop drilling after the Gulf spill.
Those of us that know him better than the general public knew that he felt safe in making these comments because the rigs needed for drilling had already left the gulf and Alaskan waters to go where the work and money were.
They won't be back anytime soon, no matter what our politicians say or do.
But the President had another reason for feeling safe.
The Congress has to move on legislation to make things happen in a timely fashion and the Senate Democrats will never let that happen while they hold a majority.
Those of us that know him better than the general public knew that he felt safe in making these comments because the rigs needed for drilling had already left the gulf and Alaskan waters to go where the work and money were.
They won't be back anytime soon, no matter what our politicians say or do.
But the President had another reason for feeling safe.
The Congress has to move on legislation to make things happen in a timely fashion and the Senate Democrats will never let that happen while they hold a majority.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
We need JFK, not BHO
Iran is helping Venezuela to build medium range ballistic missile (MRBM) launchers.
MRBMs have a range of less than 3500 miles.
Iranian MRBMs have a range that would make it difficult for them to strike American targets, but they could easily be used against Colombia, which is a lot more friendly with American than Venezuela.
This should be front page news!
There is no justification for missile bases in Venezuela other than Venezuelan aggression.
They aren't at war with anyone and Hugo Chavez' rhetoric about America planning to invade and conquer is not credible.
If JFK were the president (or just about any Republican), there would be great efforts to stop this just like JFK stopped the Cubans.
MRBMs have a range of less than 3500 miles.
Iranian MRBMs have a range that would make it difficult for them to strike American targets, but they could easily be used against Colombia, which is a lot more friendly with American than Venezuela.
This should be front page news!
There is no justification for missile bases in Venezuela other than Venezuelan aggression.
They aren't at war with anyone and Hugo Chavez' rhetoric about America planning to invade and conquer is not credible.
If JFK were the president (or just about any Republican), there would be great efforts to stop this just like JFK stopped the Cubans.
Pelosi's district gets 20% of Obamacare waivers
Nancy Pelosi was the head Cheerleader for Obamacare.
Nancy kept telling us how much cheaper and better healthcare would be once the law was in full effect.
Now that it is getting closer to full operation, Nancy's district has begun receiving waivers that allow businesses to opt out.
20 percent of the 204 new waivers went to snooty restaurants and hip nightclubs in Pelosi's district.
Do as I say, not as I do.
Will the Liberals in San Francisco boycott these businesses?
Do they even care, or are they ready to excuse them because they are owned by the right (left) kind of rich people?
Nancy kept telling us how much cheaper and better healthcare would be once the law was in full effect.
Now that it is getting closer to full operation, Nancy's district has begun receiving waivers that allow businesses to opt out.
20 percent of the 204 new waivers went to snooty restaurants and hip nightclubs in Pelosi's district.
Do as I say, not as I do.
Will the Liberals in San Francisco boycott these businesses?
Do they even care, or are they ready to excuse them because they are owned by the right (left) kind of rich people?
Monday, May 16, 2011
The 'Religion of Peace' attacks Christians (again)
I suppose you can argue the situation in Egypt either way: Better for Christians because they can protest openly, or worse because their churches have been shut down; damaged; or burned and they have been attacked by Muslims.
They have been protesting for 'change' (there is that word again) and the government (the Military) has promised to do 'something' eventually.
Meanwhile, strange incidents like a motorist trying to enter the protest zone and refusing to be searched who then pulls out a gun and fires blanks only to be chased and beaten by the crowd.
A group of ~100 showed up later to 'avenge' the man and the military chased them off by firing over their heads after they lobbed rocks and firebombs at the protesters.
That one doesn't pass the smell test.
The Muslims still had enough bandwidth left to bomb more than 5 Muslim sites for 'violating the rules of Islam'.
What a great religion!
They have been protesting for 'change' (there is that word again) and the government (the Military) has promised to do 'something' eventually.
Meanwhile, strange incidents like a motorist trying to enter the protest zone and refusing to be searched who then pulls out a gun and fires blanks only to be chased and beaten by the crowd.
A group of ~100 showed up later to 'avenge' the man and the military chased them off by firing over their heads after they lobbed rocks and firebombs at the protesters.
That one doesn't pass the smell test.
The Muslims still had enough bandwidth left to bomb more than 5 Muslim sites for 'violating the rules of Islam'.
What a great religion!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Mexicans protest (in Mexico)
Finally!
An Hispanic protest I can understand and support.
Tired of a dysfunctional government and ineffective law enforcement, Mexicans are going to protest in Mexico to actually improve their country instead of insisting that we take care of their citizens that illegally live in our country.
An Hispanic protest I can understand and support.
Tired of a dysfunctional government and ineffective law enforcement, Mexicans are going to protest in Mexico to actually improve their country instead of insisting that we take care of their citizens that illegally live in our country.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
11 year old climbs Kilimanjaro
Nico Saporito decided at the age of nine that he wanted to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro.
His Dad, who has taken his son on trips around the world that other kids would kill for, said he would have to wait.
Two years later, they took the mountain on and made it to the top of the 19,000 foot peak (above sea level).
Not bad, kid!
Of course, Nico and his Dad have the savvy to prepare themselves for success.
Ann Curry did not plan, or train well.
Her trip turned out differently.
His Dad, who has taken his son on trips around the world that other kids would kill for, said he would have to wait.
Two years later, they took the mountain on and made it to the top of the 19,000 foot peak (above sea level).
Not bad, kid!
Of course, Nico and his Dad have the savvy to prepare themselves for success.
Ann Curry did not plan, or train well.
Her trip turned out differently.
Been there, done that
So now the buzz is that Obama has approved 'covert' missions in Libya.
The rebels are glad, but wary about this new development.
So, Obama sends in (CIA?) and they don't count as 'boots on the ground' because they are not 'soldiers'.
What's next?
Advisors that 'won't engage the enemy' or participate in any battles?
Isn't this how a Democrat got us into the Vietnam war?
The rebels are glad, but wary about this new development.
So, Obama sends in (CIA?) and they don't count as 'boots on the ground' because they are not 'soldiers'.
What's next?
Advisors that 'won't engage the enemy' or participate in any battles?
Isn't this how a Democrat got us into the Vietnam war?
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Unions vs Taxpayers war heating up
Wisconsin voters won yesterday when the assembly passed an altered version of the pro-taxpayer bill that had all the financial language stripped out but still removed some collective bargaining powers from the unions.
After learning they had lost despite their illegal occupation of the statehouse and tactics of harassment and intimidation, union thugs got surly and started beating drums, yelling, chanting, and whistling.
There were no reports of actual violence and the police actually abandoned ground floor entrances when it was evident that there was no way to stop the union supporters from invading.
The police showed remarkable restraint and shrewdness in not arresting these thugs, many of which had the ACLU phone number written on their hands or arms for when they got sent to the slammer.
Speaking of violence, Republican lawmakers in Wisconsin have received death threats, including one unambiguous e-mail, that are being investigated.
And now that they have failed (as they knew they would from the start) to stop the bill from passing, the Democrats are coming back from under their rock.
Meanwhile, in Sacramento a face-off between Tea Partiers and Moveon.org thugs ended with a fizzle after a megaphone wielding thug from Stockton tried to mix it up with the Tea Party by crossing the street and tussling with someone (on video).
The thug was arrested and it was all over but the shouting (literally, they shouted at each other for a while and it was over).
So, no big violence yet and the good guys aren't falling for the thugs tactics.
I wish that were the end of it, but we know it will escalate before it ends.
After learning they had lost despite their illegal occupation of the statehouse and tactics of harassment and intimidation, union thugs got surly and started beating drums, yelling, chanting, and whistling.
There were no reports of actual violence and the police actually abandoned ground floor entrances when it was evident that there was no way to stop the union supporters from invading.
The police showed remarkable restraint and shrewdness in not arresting these thugs, many of which had the ACLU phone number written on their hands or arms for when they got sent to the slammer.
Speaking of violence, Republican lawmakers in Wisconsin have received death threats, including one unambiguous e-mail, that are being investigated.
And now that they have failed (as they knew they would from the start) to stop the bill from passing, the Democrats are coming back from under their rock.
Meanwhile, in Sacramento a face-off between Tea Partiers and Moveon.org thugs ended with a fizzle after a megaphone wielding thug from Stockton tried to mix it up with the Tea Party by crossing the street and tussling with someone (on video).
The thug was arrested and it was all over but the shouting (literally, they shouted at each other for a while and it was over).
So, no big violence yet and the good guys aren't falling for the thugs tactics.
I wish that were the end of it, but we know it will escalate before it ends.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
How quickly things "Change"
Last year over 1000 High Schools competed to be the one that had President Obama speak at their commencement ceremony in honor of their success at reaching high graduation levels.
This year only 14 have applied to date and the White House is getting desperate.
I guess "Hope" can only carry you so far before the people see you "Change" into something they don't like.
This year only 14 have applied to date and the White House is getting desperate.
I guess "Hope" can only carry you so far before the people see you "Change" into something they don't like.
NPR Exec gets real
James O'Keefe is back and he nails an NPR exec over funding and objectivity.
Caught on tape, Ron Schiller admits his bias against the Tea Party and the unwashed majority of Americans while openly courting money from a fake organization that he apparently believed was formed and financed by the Muslim Brotherhood.
Can we at long last finally pull their funding?
Caught on tape, Ron Schiller admits his bias against the Tea Party and the unwashed majority of Americans while openly courting money from a fake organization that he apparently believed was formed and financed by the Muslim Brotherhood.
Can we at long last finally pull their funding?
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Google goes three wheeling
Is it going green?
Maybe it is a response to increased fuel costs.
Nope!
Google is using large (heavy?) tricycles to provide street views of parks and paved trails.
I wonder what they will do to protect the peddlers from those that hate Google's "spying"?
Maybe it is a response to increased fuel costs.
Nope!
Google is using large (heavy?) tricycles to provide street views of parks and paved trails.
I wonder what they will do to protect the peddlers from those that hate Google's "spying"?
Monday, February 28, 2011
They stole my idea
A Texas group has figured out that there are more scholarships for minorities and women than for men and they want to start leveling the playing field.
The Former Majority Association for Equality (FMAS) will grant $500 to any male that is at least 25% Caucasian and proves the financial need.
Instead of welcoming than, all the school officials can say is that there is no way to stop them.
I had this on on my list of things to do if I hit the lottery.
The Former Majority Association for Equality (FMAS) will grant $500 to any male that is at least 25% Caucasian and proves the financial need.
Instead of welcoming than, all the school officials can say is that there is no way to stop them.
I had this on on my list of things to do if I hit the lottery.
San Francisco Stinks!
Add this to your list of unintended consequences:
San Fransisco (and the rest of the People's Republik of Kalifornia) has mandated low flow toilets that use less than 1.6 gallons of water per flush.
We need to save water because the NIMBYs and eco-freaks won't allow new reservoirs and no one has suggested any serious alternative to the current methods of water control and storage (like reservoirs that are next to the river instead of in the stream) .
Well, the problem with low-flow is that there is not enough turbulence and pressure to keep sludge from sticking to the sewer pipes.
Besides making for a big stench all over town, it creates a problem with treated water that led to the treatment facilities stocking up on chlorine in order to treat the system and the water further before discharge.
You don't have to be a genius to predict the response to that.
That's right, there is now a "Don't Bleach Our Bay!" alarm on an environmental blog.
San Fransisco (and the rest of the People's Republik of Kalifornia) has mandated low flow toilets that use less than 1.6 gallons of water per flush.
We need to save water because the NIMBYs and eco-freaks won't allow new reservoirs and no one has suggested any serious alternative to the current methods of water control and storage (like reservoirs that are next to the river instead of in the stream) .
Well, the problem with low-flow is that there is not enough turbulence and pressure to keep sludge from sticking to the sewer pipes.
Besides making for a big stench all over town, it creates a problem with treated water that led to the treatment facilities stocking up on chlorine in order to treat the system and the water further before discharge.
You don't have to be a genius to predict the response to that.
That's right, there is now a "Don't Bleach Our Bay!" alarm on an environmental blog.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
You might be a Redneck...
A Bradenton Florida police report lists Joshua Lee Joehlin's religion as "Redneck"
Joehlin was arrested for "engaging in a lewd and lascivious act with a minor" and is in jail unless and until he pays the $10K bail.
So, now that "Redneck" is a "recognized" religion, can they demand equal protection under civil rights laws?
Joehlin was arrested for "engaging in a lewd and lascivious act with a minor" and is in jail unless and until he pays the $10K bail.
So, now that "Redneck" is a "recognized" religion, can they demand equal protection under civil rights laws?
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
And the real criminal got away
A Delaware theater was showing a movie that had a great appeal to minorities and had large crowds attending.
It had recently suffered a robbery and had increased security.
It had a policy of checking tickets more closely during sell outs.
The theater manager personally made an announcement telling the patrons they needed keep quite and insure their cell phones were off, even though the pre-movie screen show also provided the warning.
Juana Fuentes-Bowles, then director of the state's Human Relations Division was in the theater that night.
she stood up, announced that she was offended and proceeded to take names and numbers of patrons in order to organize a complaint against the theater.
An initial investigation and hearing by the state Human Relations Commission fined the theater and charged them with violating the equal accommodations law.
The state supreme court reversed the decision and stated that the commission erred in its findings and failed to explain their reasoning for them in the first place.
Juana (who left her position with the state) could not be reached for comment.
It seems to me that yelling "Fire!" in a theater is not the only speech that should be restricted.
It had recently suffered a robbery and had increased security.
It had a policy of checking tickets more closely during sell outs.
The theater manager personally made an announcement telling the patrons they needed keep quite and insure their cell phones were off, even though the pre-movie screen show also provided the warning.
Juana Fuentes-Bowles, then director of the state's Human Relations Division was in the theater that night.
she stood up, announced that she was offended and proceeded to take names and numbers of patrons in order to organize a complaint against the theater.
An initial investigation and hearing by the state Human Relations Commission fined the theater and charged them with violating the equal accommodations law.
The state supreme court reversed the decision and stated that the commission erred in its findings and failed to explain their reasoning for them in the first place.
Juana (who left her position with the state) could not be reached for comment.
It seems to me that yelling "Fire!" in a theater is not the only speech that should be restricted.
Cell phones increase brain activity
Another day, another study.
A newly released study of the effect of cell phones on the brain indicates that areas near a cell phone that is on is increased.
This has lead to some speculating that proximity may lead to greater risk of cancer or other health issues.
Since members of my family have suffered from Alzheimer-like brain issues, I have another take on this study's results.:
A newly released study of the effect of cell phones on the brain indicates that areas near a cell phone that is on is increased.
This has lead to some speculating that proximity may lead to greater risk of cancer or other health issues.
Since members of my family have suffered from Alzheimer-like brain issues, I have another take on this study's results.:
I am going to stimulate the heck out my brain by getting one of these and strapping on a dozen cell phones.
Good night, Westley. Good work. Sleep well. I'll most likely kill you in the morning.
Unions are great for union workers.
They boost pay and benefits to levels that drive companies to offshore jobs and lay people off, or even fold completely.
They protect bad employees from being fired, so the good ones have to work in a hostile environment.
They also make it necessary to place large numbers of people in limbo.
Just ask the Providence, Rhode Island teachers.
Every one of the 1,926 teachers have been given notice that they may be let go.
The district had to send out the notifications in order to meet requirements that call for advanced notification of any job actions.
Now these teachers can fret and worry until the last day of school, when final decisions will list those actually being cut.
They boost pay and benefits to levels that drive companies to offshore jobs and lay people off, or even fold completely.
They protect bad employees from being fired, so the good ones have to work in a hostile environment.
They also make it necessary to place large numbers of people in limbo.
Just ask the Providence, Rhode Island teachers.
Every one of the 1,926 teachers have been given notice that they may be let go.
The district had to send out the notifications in order to meet requirements that call for advanced notification of any job actions.
Now these teachers can fret and worry until the last day of school, when final decisions will list those actually being cut.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Wisconsin explained
Some people may be confused as to why public employee unions have illegally occupied the statehouse, filed false sick leave requests, and freaked out about actually having to pay for a small portion of their retirement.
Well, a report showing that 2/3rds of Wisconsin 8th graders are not proficient at reading provides at least a partial explanation.
I was mad at the teachers for abandoning the students by staging sick-outs so they could protest, but I know see that they were allowing the kids to self educate.
They will likely fare better playing video games or burgling the neighbor's house than they would sitting in classes run by a failed, union run system.
The most telling statistic is that the state basically doubled the per student spending from 1998 to 2008 yet no improvement in test scores was seen.
Well, a report showing that 2/3rds of Wisconsin 8th graders are not proficient at reading provides at least a partial explanation.
I was mad at the teachers for abandoning the students by staging sick-outs so they could protest, but I know see that they were allowing the kids to self educate.
They will likely fare better playing video games or burgling the neighbor's house than they would sitting in classes run by a failed, union run system.
The most telling statistic is that the state basically doubled the per student spending from 1998 to 2008 yet no improvement in test scores was seen.
At least he smells good
Joseph Mingolello was just trying to be a better person through hygiene.
Unfortunately, the 58 deodorant sticks he secreted under his clothing were not paid for when he departed the Ocean State Job Lot store.
Police identified him via surveillance tapes and arrested him for the $188 theft.
Unfortunately, the 58 deodorant sticks he secreted under his clothing were not paid for when he departed the Ocean State Job Lot store.
Police identified him via surveillance tapes and arrested him for the $188 theft.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Wisconsin leads the way
Considering its past and the left leaning politics of the region, it is surprising that Wisconsin is leading the way in fighting back against union abuse of taxpayers.
But the last elections turned over the state house and governorship to Republicans and they are working to pull the teeth of the Socialist beast that has been ravaging every state in the union in its rapacious pursuit of more power and money.
You go Wisconsin!
Win one for the rest of us.
On a side note; if the picture in the article is correct, I would say there might be more than 'hundreds' at the rally.
Maybe that's just a miscalculation on my part after having my crowd calculator messed up by 'million man math'.
But the last elections turned over the state house and governorship to Republicans and they are working to pull the teeth of the Socialist beast that has been ravaging every state in the union in its rapacious pursuit of more power and money.
You go Wisconsin!
Win one for the rest of us.
On a side note; if the picture in the article is correct, I would say there might be more than 'hundreds' at the rally.
Maybe that's just a miscalculation on my part after having my crowd calculator messed up by 'million man math'.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Sheriff Joe for Senator?
In a recent poll (never trust them) Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio leads other possible candidates for the US Senate.
It is unclear whether Joe is willing to make a run or if he wants to run for Sheriff one more time.
Considering the negative value of the runner up's name, I think maybe Joe should run.
The second place finisher in the poll is Jeff Flake.
Not a name that inspires confidence.
It is unclear whether Joe is willing to make a run or if he wants to run for Sheriff one more time.
Considering the negative value of the runner up's name, I think maybe Joe should run.
The second place finisher in the poll is Jeff Flake.
Not a name that inspires confidence.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
The secret of my CIA success
How to get ahead by doing all the wrong things may be the title of some memoirs when current CIA employees retire.
According to an MSNBC story, the CIA has not only failed to punish employees for making huge mistakes, they have promoted some of them to plumb positions within the bureaucracy.
The CIA needs to have someone from the outside who understands our real world needs where security is concerned come in and clean house.
There has been something wrong inside the CIA for decades and it hasn't gone away just because Obama is in office.
According to an MSNBC story, the CIA has not only failed to punish employees for making huge mistakes, they have promoted some of them to plumb positions within the bureaucracy.
The CIA needs to have someone from the outside who understands our real world needs where security is concerned come in and clean house.
There has been something wrong inside the CIA for decades and it hasn't gone away just because Obama is in office.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
No more pens in school?
It finally happened.
A school kid pulled a pen apart and made a "weapon" out of it using plastic balls from an airsoft gun.
Usually, straws and other tubes are used for spit wads but this kid obviously didn't want to be accused of trying to spread diseases.
Using the letter of the law as a weapon, the school administration claimed his pen body and pellets fell under the description of "projectile weapon" and had him charged with 3 misdemeanor assaults for shooting pellets at fellow students (who were apparently "annoyed").
Now they have to wrestle with the problem of any kid being able to convert a pen into a "weapon" at any time during the school day.
Maybe we should just ban pens; even in the administration areas.
A school kid pulled a pen apart and made a "weapon" out of it using plastic balls from an airsoft gun.
Usually, straws and other tubes are used for spit wads but this kid obviously didn't want to be accused of trying to spread diseases.
Using the letter of the law as a weapon, the school administration claimed his pen body and pellets fell under the description of "projectile weapon" and had him charged with 3 misdemeanor assaults for shooting pellets at fellow students (who were apparently "annoyed").
Now they have to wrestle with the problem of any kid being able to convert a pen into a "weapon" at any time during the school day.
Maybe we should just ban pens; even in the administration areas.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Message received if not understood
Israeli political commentators are shocked at what they call Obama's "betrayal" of Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak.
Benjamin Netanyahu has urged his government to refrain from commenting on the situation, lest they add fuel to the fire now burning a path through the middle east, but many outside the government are making their shock and anger known.
The Israelis understand just how damning Obama's comments have been and how everything coming from his administration supports the rioters, not Mubarak.
Nice of them to finally "get it" that Obama is absolutely no friend of Israel.
Actually the Israeli government already knew this; they just didn't understand the depth of his animus towards them.
Benjamin Netanyahu has urged his government to refrain from commenting on the situation, lest they add fuel to the fire now burning a path through the middle east, but many outside the government are making their shock and anger known.
The Israelis understand just how damning Obama's comments have been and how everything coming from his administration supports the rioters, not Mubarak.
Nice of them to finally "get it" that Obama is absolutely no friend of Israel.
Actually the Israeli government already knew this; they just didn't understand the depth of his animus towards them.
Friday, January 28, 2011
If we lay off cops we get less service, right?
In an era where cops and firemen are threatened by politicians in order to guilt us into paying higher taxes and first responders are actually getting laid off, we are led to expect lower levels of service.
The belief is that small crimes will be ignored in order to spend resources on more important work.
So why are New Jersey cops on the docks in Bayonne spending time and money on a crime that is very small potatoes and apparently solved?
Your guess is as good as mine.
The belief is that small crimes will be ignored in order to spend resources on more important work.
So why are New Jersey cops on the docks in Bayonne spending time and money on a crime that is very small potatoes and apparently solved?
Your guess is as good as mine.
How many did we miss?
A radical Muslim cleric was caught in the trunk of a Mexican vehicle attempting to enter the US.
43 year old Said Jaziri has called for the death of a Danish cartoonist for mocking the prophet Mohamed and claims that Homosexuality is a disease.
He was deported from Canada in 2007 and claimed that he was mistreated on the way back to Tunisia.
It is a little confusing that the article claims he was in a car, but also states he walked across the border.
More confusing is why he would want to come to California if he is a Homophobe.
Maybe he was coming out of the closet.
So, how many Muslim Clerics made it across already?
43 year old Said Jaziri has called for the death of a Danish cartoonist for mocking the prophet Mohamed and claims that Homosexuality is a disease.
He was deported from Canada in 2007 and claimed that he was mistreated on the way back to Tunisia.
It is a little confusing that the article claims he was in a car, but also states he walked across the border.
More confusing is why he would want to come to California if he is a Homophobe.
Maybe he was coming out of the closet.
So, how many Muslim Clerics made it across already?
Friday, January 21, 2011
That Sinking Feeling in Dubai
I'm sure there is a great explanation for why we find it amusing when something bad happens to people that have a lot more money than we do.
And it is even more amusing when you add the fact that they should have seen it coming.
Dubai has been building a lot of luxury "Islands" and selling them for millions to well heeled people all over the world.
One of their gimmicks was forming them into shapes of countries.
The problem from the start is that they are mainly made of sand.
I wondered from the start what they would do about settling and erosion.
I guess the answer is: "Not Enough".
And it is even more amusing when you add the fact that they should have seen it coming.
Dubai has been building a lot of luxury "Islands" and selling them for millions to well heeled people all over the world.
One of their gimmicks was forming them into shapes of countries.
The problem from the start is that they are mainly made of sand.
I wondered from the start what they would do about settling and erosion.
I guess the answer is: "Not Enough".
SF Lunatics have control of the asylum
San Francisco is trying to deal with a $360M budget deficit for the coming year, or maybe not "trying" after all.
Handing out $170M in cost of living bonuses doesn't seem a very effective way to fight a budget imbalance.
This fiasco follows the November 2010 defeat of a measure that would have made union employees pay more into their retirement.
The unfunded liability for retirements has tripled from last year to $1.6 Billion.
I wonder how much worse it has to get for the taxpayers in that city to wake up?
Handing out $170M in cost of living bonuses doesn't seem a very effective way to fight a budget imbalance.
This fiasco follows the November 2010 defeat of a measure that would have made union employees pay more into their retirement.
The unfunded liability for retirements has tripled from last year to $1.6 Billion.
I wonder how much worse it has to get for the taxpayers in that city to wake up?
Thursday, January 20, 2011
People Eating Tasty Animals
Arizona has been in the news a lot over the six months for good and bad alike.
Now there is a story that will make people on both sides of the "animal rights" issue take notice.
Boca Tacos y Tequila serves tacos made from exotic animal meat on "Exotic Taco Wednesdays" and now they have added African Lion meat to the list which includes python; alligator; elk; kangaroo and rattlesnake. Frog legs, turtle, duck and Rocky Mountain oysters have also made appearances.
Alligator seems to be the favorite amongst return customers, followed by Rattlesnake.
I wish there was a Boca near me.
Just being able to smile and bite into a little Lion meat while grinning at the PETA protesters would make my day.
Now there is a story that will make people on both sides of the "animal rights" issue take notice.
Boca Tacos y Tequila serves tacos made from exotic animal meat on "Exotic Taco Wednesdays" and now they have added African Lion meat to the list which includes python; alligator; elk; kangaroo and rattlesnake. Frog legs, turtle, duck and Rocky Mountain oysters have also made appearances.
Alligator seems to be the favorite amongst return customers, followed by Rattlesnake.
I wish there was a Boca near me.
Just being able to smile and bite into a little Lion meat while grinning at the PETA protesters would make my day.
China is being assimilated
American companies face increasing pressure to reduce or eliminate pollution.
This has been one of the drivers for offshoring jobs to countries that are more interested in commerce than environmental extremism.
However, as Apple has learned, there is a growing activist movement in China and they have set their sights on companies like Apple which rates last in a list of 29 companies that are not meeting their expectations.
HP, BT, Alcatel-Lucent, Vodafone, Samsung, Toshiba, Sharp and Hitachi have been listed as responsive and improving when it comes to managing their partners in China.
Gee, isn't Apple the darling of the American Left-Wingnuts?
I see this as a positive sign.
China will be dragged down to our level by their homegrown activists forcing over regulation on their tech sector.
This has been one of the drivers for offshoring jobs to countries that are more interested in commerce than environmental extremism.
However, as Apple has learned, there is a growing activist movement in China and they have set their sights on companies like Apple which rates last in a list of 29 companies that are not meeting their expectations.
HP, BT, Alcatel-Lucent, Vodafone, Samsung, Toshiba, Sharp and Hitachi have been listed as responsive and improving when it comes to managing their partners in China.
Gee, isn't Apple the darling of the American Left-Wingnuts?
I see this as a positive sign.
China will be dragged down to our level by their homegrown activists forcing over regulation on their tech sector.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Fat Brit to sue NHS for "allowing" him to get there
A British man who recently (finally) received an operation to reduce his ability to absorb food, is threatening to sue the National Health Service (NHS) for "allowing" him to get so fat.
At his peak weight Paul Mason was consuming ten times the average caloric intake of an adult male.
I don't imagine there were any representatives of NHS forcing this food down his gullet or even bringing it to him, but they are apparently at fault by his reckoning.
I do have to agree with Mr. Mason that NHS should have approved the operation much sooner and that they should have had enough sense to send him to an eating disorder specialist instead of a dietitian when he first sought help but they failed to do even that until his weight more than doubled to 64 stone (896lbs).
NHS showed by not acting much sooner why we should NEVER accept government run healthcare and Mr. Mason shows one more reason why: It is too easy when someone else is supposedly "responsible" to just do whatever you want and blame them for not stopping you.
At his peak weight Paul Mason was consuming ten times the average caloric intake of an adult male.
I don't imagine there were any representatives of NHS forcing this food down his gullet or even bringing it to him, but they are apparently at fault by his reckoning.
I do have to agree with Mr. Mason that NHS should have approved the operation much sooner and that they should have had enough sense to send him to an eating disorder specialist instead of a dietitian when he first sought help but they failed to do even that until his weight more than doubled to 64 stone (896lbs).
NHS showed by not acting much sooner why we should NEVER accept government run healthcare and Mr. Mason shows one more reason why: It is too easy when someone else is supposedly "responsible" to just do whatever you want and blame them for not stopping you.
Illinois Democrats want people to leave
I can only assume that Illinois Democrats want more people to vacate the state.
Why would I believe that?
They are proposing to increase personal income taxes by 75%, cigarette taxes by more than 100%, and eliminate the homeowner tax deduction in favor of a rebate check.
So, why not allow a tax deduction for property taxes instead of a rebate check?
Either way, the state holds your money until you file.
I can only guess that the check will be for a fixed amount that shorts those with more expensive properties and everyone can have their rebate amount reduced or canceled with greater ease and speed.
Now, to be fair, the personal tax rate in Illinois is only 3% and the new "temporary" tax rate will be 5..25% where the (temporary) rate in the People's Republik of Kalifornia is 9.5% (max) and likely to stay there or go higher if Governor Ichabod Brown has his way.
Be that as it may, increasing taxes by the percentages they propose will enrage the people (especially the greedy, selfish Democrats that want everyone but them to pay more).
Many are likely to follow those before them that voted with their feet and went elsewhere.
As many in Illinois say: "Good luck having those rates go down on the future!"
Why would I believe that?
They are proposing to increase personal income taxes by 75%, cigarette taxes by more than 100%, and eliminate the homeowner tax deduction in favor of a rebate check.
So, why not allow a tax deduction for property taxes instead of a rebate check?
Either way, the state holds your money until you file.
I can only guess that the check will be for a fixed amount that shorts those with more expensive properties and everyone can have their rebate amount reduced or canceled with greater ease and speed.
Now, to be fair, the personal tax rate in Illinois is only 3% and the new "temporary" tax rate will be 5..25% where the (temporary) rate in the People's Republik of Kalifornia is 9.5% (max) and likely to stay there or go higher if Governor Ichabod Brown has his way.
Be that as it may, increasing taxes by the percentages they propose will enrage the people (especially the greedy, selfish Democrats that want everyone but them to pay more).
Many are likely to follow those before them that voted with their feet and went elsewhere.
As many in Illinois say: "Good luck having those rates go down on the future!"
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