A full moon is seen over Cinderella Castle at Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
Jan 10, 2011
Full moon over Disney World
A full moon is seen over Cinderella Castle at Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
Oprah 18 minute answer leaves critics cranky
A report at the link below is titled, "TV Critics Reeling After Oprah Holds Them Hostage With 18 Minute Long Answer At Press Tour."
Actually, they must have trying to get even for her 18 minute answer with their sixteen word report title.
It must have been like a long-winded self-centered Obama press conference without a teleprompter.
Link
Report: The censorship of madmen
We cannot give lunatics editorial control of our discourse.
Within hours of the attack on Arizona Representative Gabrielle Giffords, liberal bloggers, pundits, and even politicians raced to pin responsibility on the Tea Party, Sarah Palin, Fox News, Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, and the general “climate of hate” produced by opposition to President Obama's agenda.
To his credit, President Obama has not descended to the depths of Bill Clinton, who blamed the Oklahoma City bombings on Rush Limbaugh back in the 90s.
Much more here.
Chris Matthews fanaticizes watching Rush Limbaugh being shot
If the media really wants someone to blame for inciting a climate of hate look no further than the political hacks on MSNBC.
Below is just one example:
Below is just one example:
Jan 9, 2011
FBI Chief sent to Tucson because of unhinged sheriff?
When was the last time a President had to send his FBI Chief to take over a local incident? If your reply was never you'd probably be correct.
The photo below was a screen grab from Fox News as Megyn Kelly took on Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik over his political spin on the shooting.
Sheriff Dupnik used "vitriolic" political rhetoric while blaming "vitriolic" political rhetoric for the shootings in Tucson Saturday.
When asked if he had evidence suggesting the young shooter was motivated by conservative rhetoric, the sheriff replied, "not yet."
It's no wonder the President had to send his FBI Chief to take over.
Link
The photo below was a screen grab from Fox News as Megyn Kelly took on Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik over his political spin on the shooting.
Sheriff Dupnik used "vitriolic" political rhetoric while blaming "vitriolic" political rhetoric for the shootings in Tucson Saturday.When asked if he had evidence suggesting the young shooter was motivated by conservative rhetoric, the sheriff replied, "not yet."
It's no wonder the President had to send his FBI Chief to take over.
Link
House Democrats adjust to life with no power
Barney Frank and Henry Waxman brood over life in the House with no power.
Barney Frank says he’ll have “more free time” on his hands.
Henry Waxman says “I don’t think it was fair that we lost this time around,” he says, blaming the Democrats’ downfall on the lousy economy that President Obama inherited. C'mon Waxman, Blaming Bush is so yesterday.
"Losing on a day-to-day basis and seeing the Republicans prevail when I so strongly disagree with them—that’s not going to be easy," he says. "It’s a less-than-pleasant situation."
Barney Frank left and Henry Waxman right
I suggest That Mr. Frank and Mr. Waxman get out their Big Chief tablets, number 2 pencils and proceed to the exercise outlined here.
Out of power House Democrats will have two years to brood over their misuse of power during the last two years - such as working on ObamaCare behind closed doors and then calling Republicans the "party of no" when they wouldn't vote for it.
These and other tactics of the last two years will be coming home to roost in the next two years.
Link
Barney Frank says he’ll have “more free time” on his hands.
Henry Waxman says “I don’t think it was fair that we lost this time around,” he says, blaming the Democrats’ downfall on the lousy economy that President Obama inherited. C'mon Waxman, Blaming Bush is so yesterday.
"Losing on a day-to-day basis and seeing the Republicans prevail when I so strongly disagree with them—that’s not going to be easy," he says. "It’s a less-than-pleasant situation."
I suggest That Mr. Frank and Mr. Waxman get out their Big Chief tablets, number 2 pencils and proceed to the exercise outlined here.
Out of power House Democrats will have two years to brood over their misuse of power during the last two years - such as working on ObamaCare behind closed doors and then calling Republicans the "party of no" when they wouldn't vote for it.
These and other tactics of the last two years will be coming home to roost in the next two years.
Link
Jan 8, 2011
Giffords' astronaut husband at her side in hospital
Rep. Gabrielle Giffords reportedly was in surgery Saturday afternoon and was in critical condition after being shot in the head during a public meeting. Her husband NASA astronaut Mark Kelly flew to Arizona to be at her side.
Gabrielle Giffords’ and husband, NASA astronaut Mark Kelly are shown above.
Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, 40, an Arizona Congresswoman married to veteran astronaut Mark Kelly, was shot in the head during a public meeting outside a Tucson supermarket Saturday. More than a dozen bystanders also were shot -- and some reportedly killed, including a 9-year-old child, officials said -- when a lone gunman allegedly opened fire.
More here and here.
Gabrielle Giffords’ and husband, NASA astronaut Mark Kelly are shown above.Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, 40, an Arizona Congresswoman married to veteran astronaut Mark Kelly, was shot in the head during a public meeting outside a Tucson supermarket Saturday. More than a dozen bystanders also were shot -- and some reportedly killed, including a 9-year-old child, officials said -- when a lone gunman allegedly opened fire.
More here and here.
Jan 7, 2011
Eleven on a bike
Chinese performers ride on a bicycle during the "Grand China National Acrobatic Circus Splendide!" at Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City Metro Manila.Hope the tires hold up.
Professor arrested for suspicious package on plane
A man was arrested and removed from a plane because passengers claimed he had a suspicious package in the overhead compartment.
The man was a mathematics and statistics professor at the University of North Florida.
The "suspicious package" turned out to be keys, a bagel with cream cheese and a hat.
He was acting a bit odd but most of us have known professor's that have acted a bit goofy.
Hmm… keys, a cream cheese bagel and a hat? C'mon.
Link
The man was a mathematics and statistics professor at the University of North Florida.
The "suspicious package" turned out to be keys, a bagel with cream cheese and a hat.
He was acting a bit odd but most of us have known professor's that have acted a bit goofy.
Hmm… keys, a cream cheese bagel and a hat? C'mon.
Link
Pelosi actually said that! She said her Congress was pay-as-you-go!
At her final press conference as House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said:
"Deficit reduction has been a high priority for us. It is our mantra, pay-as-you-go."
The reality:
When the Pelosi Democrats took control of Congress on January 4, 2007, the national debt stood at $8,670,596,242,973.04.
The last day of the 111th Congress and Pelosi's Speakership on December 22, 2010 the national debt was $13,858,529,371,601.09 - a roughly $5.2 trillion increase in just four years.
Furthermore, the year over year federal deficit has roughly quadrupled during Pelosi's four years as speaker, from $342 billion in fiscal year 2007 to an estimated $1.6 trillion at the end of fiscal year 2010.
Ms. Pelosi has always counted on the fact that the liberal media would report her statements without fact checking.
Link
Jan 6, 2011
Illinois mom gives birth to twins in different years
Talk about a New Year's countdown - a northern Illinois couple welcomed their new daughter to the world in the last minute of 2010 — and a twin son in the first minute of 2011.
Ashley Fansler gave birth to Madisen Carin Lewis at 11:59 p.m. on New Year's Eve in Machesney Park, 85 miles northwest of Chicago. Aiden Everette Lewis was born a minute later, at 12 a.m. on New Year's Day.
The Rockford Register Star reports that Fansler wasn't due until the end of January but doctors at Rockford Memorial Hospital scheduled a cesarean section for Friday evening to avoid complications.
Link
Ashley Fansler gave birth to Madisen Carin Lewis at 11:59 p.m. on New Year's Eve in Machesney Park, 85 miles northwest of Chicago. Aiden Everette Lewis was born a minute later, at 12 a.m. on New Year's Day.
The Rockford Register Star reports that Fansler wasn't due until the end of January but doctors at Rockford Memorial Hospital scheduled a cesarean section for Friday evening to avoid complications.
Link
Global warming committee iced by GOP
Dear Mr. President:
Welcome back from Hawaii.
Oh, by the way, we iced your Global Warming Committee.
Have a nice day.
Signed,
Republican members of the House
Republicans have pledged to save taxpayers' money by reducing waste and duplication in Congress.
Wasting no time toward this goal House Republicans have dismantled the Select Committee on Global Warming which had no real authority anyway.
The committee was a clear example of waste in Congress.
Any House Republicans who disagree, please come on down to the front row and join the House Democrats:
OK, now boys and girls … get out your Big Chief tablets and your number 2 pencils and write 200 times:
Elections have consequences
Elections have consequences
Elections have consequences
Elections have consequences
Elections have consequences
Elections have consequences
Elections have consequences
Elections have consequences
Elections have consequences
Elections have consequences
Elections have consequences
Elections have consequences
Link to the death of the Global Warming Committee report here.
Witches in Romania must now pay income tax
From an Associated Press report at the link below:
Romanian witches, like the two pictured, plan to meet on the southern plains and the Danube River to threaten the government with spells and spirits because of the tax law, which came into effect Jan. 1.
Everyone curses the tax man, but Romanian witches angry about having to pay up for the first time are planning to use cat excrement and dead dogs to cast spells on the president and government.
Also among Romania's newest taxpayers are fortune tellers — but they probably should have seen it coming.
Superstitions are no laughing matter in Romania — the land of the medieval ruler who inspired the "Dracula" tale — and have been part of its culture for centuries.
President Traian Basescu and his aides have been known to wear purple on certain days, supposedly to ward off evil.
Romanian witches, like the two pictured, plan to meet on the southern plains and the Danube River to threaten the government with spells and spirits because of the tax law, which came into effect Jan. 1.A dozen witches will hurl the poisonous mandrake plant into the Danube to put a hex on government officials "so evil will befall them," said a witch named Alisia. She identified herself with one name — customary among Romania's witches.
Not every witch is threatening fire and brimstone, however.
One witch said "This law is very good. "It means that our magic gifts are recognized and I can open my own practice."
Other witches are unhappy that they will be forced to pay 16 percent income tax and make contributions to health and pension programs.
Link
5000 birds and 100000 fish suddenly die
From Arkansas to Sweden - birds have been falling out of the sky as reported at the links below.
There have been many reasons cited - all the way from global warming, the usual culprit if nothing else fits, to government weapons testing.
And don't forget to blame mysterious programs such as HARP (High Altitude Research Project) or HAARP (High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program).
Some even say civilization itself is coming to a rapid end.
I think they're all wrong - it's Bush's fault. Yeah, that's it. It's gotta be Bush's fault.
Link here, here and here.
There have been many reasons cited - all the way from global warming, the usual culprit if nothing else fits, to government weapons testing.
And don't forget to blame mysterious programs such as HARP (High Altitude Research Project) or HAARP (High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program).
Some even say civilization itself is coming to a rapid end.
I think they're all wrong - it's Bush's fault. Yeah, that's it. It's gotta be Bush's fault.
Link here, here and here.
Jan 5, 2011
Don't look now but the anti-Pelosi vote has arrived
From a Washington Times Political Blog report:
When Rep. Nancy Pelosi lost 19 Democrats on Wednesday's vote to be House speaker, it marked the worst showing for a party's nominee in more than 80 years.
Mrs. Pelosi won the support of 173 Democrats, but 18 others voted for someone else and one voted "present."
The anti-Pelosi vote was no surprise.
The former Speaker knew the liberal media would not hold her accountable for cramming ObamaCare down Americans throats but she hadn't reckoned on the voters.
Link
Republicans end floor voting rights for delegates
An Associated Press report on MSNBC says:
One of the first acts of the new Republican-controlled House is to take away the floor voting rights of six delegates representing areas such as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and American Samoa.
The liberal media will cry foul but the six delegates should not have been allowed voting rights in the first place.
Five of those delegates are Democrats, while one, from the Northern Marianas Islands, is an independent.
The AP report goes on to say that Democrats extended the voting rights in 1993 when they controlled the House and then Republicans disenfranchised the delegates when they became the majority in 1995 and Democrats restored delegate rights when they regained control of the House in 2007.
These delegates should never have been allowed voting rights in the first place. Democrats used this as a way to grab more power.
The report says Republicans disenfranchised the delegates which is incorrect.
How can you disenfranchise delegates when they were never franchised in the first place. They are not states and do not have voting rights.
Republicans were correct in taking away their voting rights. If the delegates hadn't been Democrats they would never have been given the right to vote.
This is just one of many "sour grapes" reports we will see in the mediaa now that Republicans have wrested control of the House from Ms. Pelosi, crying that "this is a very undemocratic way to start the 112th Congress."
It is a fair way to start the 112th Congress!
Link
Florida man to live in lions den for month
James Jablon of Spring Hill, Florida plans to live in a fenced enclosure with two African lions.
Jablon hopes the stunt will raise money for his wildlife center, Wildlife Rehabilitation of Hernando.
Jablon hopes the stunt will raise money for his wildlife center, Wildlife Rehabilitation of Hernando.
Jablon entered the lions' den Saturday. He says he's going to sleep on hay near the lions named Lea and Ed and eat when they eat.
He says he's also going to build a place to sleep and hide in the trees in the enclosure, in case the lions fight with each other.
If worse comes to worse, they won't have too far to look for what's left of the brave man (or idiot - your choice) because the enclosure isn't really that big.
Instead of raising money, Mr. Jablon may be raising the cholesterol level of the lions. Searchers may be sifting though debris in the enclosure for what's left.
Wonder if there is much call for lion poop?
Link
Feds open investigation into city worker conspiracy during storm response
A report at the link below is titled, "NYC blizzard: Feds open criminal probe into alleged city worker conspiracy during storm response."
The photo shows a snowplow operator napping during the blizzard.
The photo shows a snowplow operator napping during the blizzard.
The investigation by the Brooklyn U.S. attorney's public integrity unit was prompted by the claim by City Councilman Dan Halloran (R-Queens) that guilt-racked workers told him a slowdown was ordered as vengeance for budget cuts and demotions.
If true, the feds could examine whether wire or mail fraud statutes were violated by workers pocketing overtime pay during an illegal job action, sources said.
The city Department of Investigation is also probing the allegations, and the Brooklyn and Queens district attorneys are reviewing the claims.
More here.
Did Michael Jackson's kids see him die?
From a report at the link below:
Michael Jackson's son and daughter, Prince and Paris, saw the pop star's doctor administering CPR to his lifeless body, Jackson's head of security (Faheem Muhammad) testified during a hearing in the manslaughter case against Dr. Conrad Murray
Faheem Muhammad said he first saw Jackson's feet, then observed Murray "on his knees in a panicked state trying to administer CPR."
According to Muhammad, Jackson's children witnessed this scene.
Murray is accused of killing Jackson by giving him a lethal dose of the powerful sedative propofol on June 25, 2009.
Jan 4, 2011
Issa will be a target as he targets 'broken bureaucracy'
A report in USAToday warns:
The Obama administration can expect congressional hearings this year on WikiLeaks, foreclosures, corruption in Afghanistan and food safety as Republicans take over the House oversight committee.
That's the agenda that Rep. Darrell Issa (pictured), the incoming chairman of the committee, laid out Monday.
One thing is for sure - the Obama administration will be bristling and investigators will be on their way at this very moment to sift through Issa's trash cans in hopes of finding dirt on him - anything. Did he leave Kent State with an unpaid parking ticket? Does he have overdue books from the Vista library? etc., etc.
Discrediting Congressman Issa will be a top priority for the Obama administration because they will be expecting subpoenas from Issa's committee starting February if not sooner.
From one commenter:
You go Issa! I love the smell of corruption investigations in the morning! Even better 'n sizzlin' bacon 'n coffee! Bring it on!
Link to the USAToday report here.
ZDNet: lockdown your Facebook profile
Found on ZDNet yesterday:
The Definitive Facebook Lockdown Guide:
Lockdown your own Facebook profile like it was your own personal Fort Knox.
In just a few minutes you can secure your Facebook profile by following the four step gallery guide found here.
Waning interest in climate change
The climate cause needs its own messiah, argues environmental researcher Andreas Ernst.
Al Gore seemed to be successfully fulfilling this role for a while, but recently he has largely disappeared from the public eye - largely because of his sex scandals in 2010.
The disappointing climate summit in Cancun was under attended and underreported by the media.
From the report at the link below:
Al Gore seemed to be successfully fulfilling this role for a while, but recently he has largely disappeared from the public eye - largely because of his sex scandals in 2010.
The disappointing climate summit in Cancun was under attended and underreported by the media.
From the report at the link below:
Climate researchers confirm a noticeable decline in interest.
Global warming as an issue is a "loser" in media terms.
Let's face it - global warming is no longer cool (pun intended) - it's yesterdays story.
Hippies are going back to saving whales and attacking the fur industry.
Link
National debt climbing fast since 2008 hits $14,025,215,218,708.52
From a CBS News report:
It took just 7 months for the National Debt to increase from $13 trillion on June 1, 2010 to $14 trillion on Dec. 31. It also means the debt is fast approaching the statutory ceiling $14.294 trillion set by Congress and signed into law by President Obama last February.
And now Mr. Obama wants to increase the ceiling again.
In fact, if the ceiling isn't raised the federal government would have to stop borrowing and might even default on its obligations if Congress dos not increase the ceiling before the limit is reached.
Some Republicans in the new Congress have said they'll seek to block an increase in the Debt Ceiling unless a plan is in place to significantly reduce federal spending and unfunded government liabilities on entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare.
This is why Americans turned a host of Congressmen out of office last November.
Will the irresponsible spending of the Obama administration finally come to an end?
The country would be in even worse financial trouble if Reid could have crammed the bloated Omnibus bill through the Senate in December.
Link
Jan 3, 2011
Big Ten goes 0 for 5 in New Year's Day bowl games
Big Ten teams fell like a poorly stacked house of cards on New Year's Day.
Five games.
Five losses.
It was the first time since 2002 that none of the league's teams had a win on New Year's Day.
The biggest disappointments were Michigan and Michigan State. They embarrassed themselves and the conference, losing by a combined 101-21 to Mississippi State and Alabama.
Adding salt to the Big Ten wounds, Nebraska, which becomes the Big Ten's 12th member next season, was upset by Washington 19-7 in the Bridgeport Education Holiday Bowl.
The Big Ten did manage to win two non-New Year's Day bowl games with one more to be played.
Link here and here.
Five games.
Five losses.
NorthwesternIt was the first time since 2002 that none of the league's teams could muster a win on New Year's Day.Wisconsin
Penn State
Michigan State
Michigan
It was the first time since 2002 that none of the league's teams had a win on New Year's Day.
The biggest disappointments were Michigan and Michigan State. They embarrassed themselves and the conference, losing by a combined 101-21 to Mississippi State and Alabama.
Adding salt to the Big Ten wounds, Nebraska, which becomes the Big Ten's 12th member next season, was upset by Washington 19-7 in the Bridgeport Education Holiday Bowl.
The Big Ten did manage to win two non-New Year's Day bowl games with one more to be played.
Link here and here.
New GOP House to overhaul ObamaCare stating immediately
CNN reports:
The new Republican-majority House will vote on repealing or changing last year's health care overhaul before the State of the Union address, Rep. Fred Upton, incoming chairman of the energy and commerce committee, said on "Fox News Sunday."
Upton, a Michigan Republican, said that his party had 242 votes in favor of repeal, and that "there will be a significant number of Democrats who will join us."
If the House does manage to repeal the health care bill, such a move would likely meet strong obstacles in the Democrat-controlled Senate and White House.
More here.
Jan 2, 2011
50 million itemizers can't file taxes early
The Obama administration and congressional Democrats fought hard to block the extension of the Bush tax cuts after the November elections.
They finally realized they couldn't win and passed the Bush tax cuts but not soon enough for the IRS to reprogram its processing systems in time for early filers who itemize deductions.
They finally realized they couldn't win and passed the Bush tax cuts but not soon enough for the IRS to reprogram its processing systems in time for early filers who itemize deductions.The IRS said that it needs until mid-to late-February to reprogram its processing systems because Congress acted so late this year with the changes for the Bush tax cuts.
The bill, which includes deductions for state and local sales taxes, college tuition and teacher expenses, wasn't signed into law until Dec. 17.
As a result, the 50 million taxpayers who itemize their deductions will have to hold off for a bit before they file.
Of course, not everyone files early: only about 9 million of the 140 million U.S. tax filers filed in January or February of last year.
The bill ensured that the federal income tax rates would not change, and itemized deductions will continue to be allowed in full for high-income taxpayers.
Top GOP House investigator puts White House on notice
From a report in the Washington Times:
Rep. Darrell Issa (pictured), California Republican, is set to lead the House Oversight and Government Reform — and gain the chairman's subpoena power.
Issa is putting the White House on notice that he's going to be aggressive in going after what he considers wasteful spending by the Obama administration.
He won't have far to look.
Mr. Issa suggested on "Fox News Sunday" that the White House should hire more accountants — not lawyers — to deal with requests for information from the Republican-led House.
He also said the White House should look at wasteful spending, not the GOP, as the enemy.
Fighters scramble and Capitol evacuates for mystery plane
From a Reuters report at the link below:
A mystery airplane prompted an evacuation of the Capitol building and scrambling of military fighter jets on Saturday but authorities said the false alarm was caused by a commercial airliner briefly losing radio contact.
The mystery plane turned out to be a Piedmont Airlines plane in the Washington, D.C. area that briefly lost radio contact and military planes took off to find it.
A Federal Aviation Administration official said a Piedmont Airlines plane in the Washington, D.C. area briefly lost radio contact and military planes took off to find it.
Somehow I am not surprised. Several years ago as an auditor I often flew Piedmont Airlines from Charlottesville, Virginia to the old Washington National Airport, now called Reagan National Airport.
The Martin 404's were seldom on schedule and always appeared to be well-worn with little passenger comfort. I was never impressed with Piedmont Airlines then and after this story I am even less impressed now.
Link
There oughta be a law? In California there are 725 new ones!
Californians welcomed 725 new laws yesterday whether they knew it or not.
Below is a list of just a few of the new laws that took effect while Californinans celebrated the New year:
AB 119 - prevents insurance companies from charging different rates for men and women for identical coverage.
AB 782 - prevents landlords from evicting tenants who are victims of domestic or sexual abuse or stalking.
AB 1844 - will increase penalties, parole provisions and oversight of sex offenders, including a "one-strike, life-without-parole penalty" for some.
AB 1871 - allows people to lease out their cars when they are not being used—alleviating the need to purchase additional insurance.
AB 537 - will make food stamps an acceptable form of payment at farmers markets through an EB process.
SB 1411- makes it a misdemeanor to maliciously impersonate someone via a social media outlet or through e-mails.
SB 1317 - allows the state to slap parents with a $2,000 fine if their K-8 child misses more than 10 percent of the school year without a valid excuse. It also allows the state to punish parents with up to a year in prison for the misdemeanor.
AB 715 - makes a change to the California Green Building Standards code. The change will require new California buildings to be energy efficient.
AB 1449 - makes the possession of one ounce of marijuana an infraction with a penalty of a $100 fine.
AB 12 - allows foster youth to acquire state services until the age of 21.
AB 1399 - allows California to medically parole state prison inmates with physical incapacitating conditions and ultimately shifts some of the cost of care to the federal government.
AB 97 - bans the use of trans-fats in food facilities.
Link
Jan 1, 2011
Lights at the Denver City-County building
The lights at the Denver City-County building are turned on from December 1 though January 1. They are turned on again for the National Western Stock Show in mid January.
Dec 31, 2010
Warming skeptic predicts brutal winter
From a report at the link below:
British meteorologist Piers Corbyn appeared on Fox and Friends to not only celebrate his accurate prediction of a bone-chillingly cold winter, but to also share his disgust with what he believes to be the “failed science” behind global warming.
Despite it often being mentioned that the consensus in the scientific community is that global warming is undisputedly occurring, Corbyn proudly goes against the grain and advocates for his hypothesis of the coming global cooling.
From one commenter:
This is why they have stopped calling it Global Warming and started calling it Global Climate Change.
Global Climate Change is a much more flexible scam than Global Warming or Global Cooling.Is it hotter than average today? It is caused by Global Climate Change.
Is it colder than average today? It is caused by Global Climate Change.
Wetter? Dryer? Windier? Less Windy? It doesn't matter! No matter what the weather happens to be, it is caused by Global Climate Change.And besides, it's all Bush's fault. Look at all those SUV's they cranked out while he was in the White House.
When they talk about consensus, I'm reminded of the consensus many years ago of the best medical knowledge that had patients treated with leeches, bleeding, and even arsenic.
Link
University protester in Rome
A student wears a mask during a march on the ring road during a demonstration in Rome.Thousands of students gathered in Rome to protest a new university law.
The new education law, which the government says will strengthen Italy's crumbling university system but which critics say will merely cut funding.
PGA producer dings Obama for excessive golfing
Most do not seem to begrudge Barack Obama the occasional golf outing.
John Kim, however, a producer for PGA.com (the PGA Tour runs the primary men's professional golf tours in North America), went on Twitter to ding Mr. Obama for excessive golfing.
John Kim, however, a producer for PGA.com (the PGA Tour runs the primary men's professional golf tours in North America), went on Twitter to ding Mr. Obama for excessive golfing.In response to learning of Obama's 50-plus rounds of golf since taking office, Kim wrote, "that's more than me! But then again, my job is ... golf. Wait, that doesn't seem right."
And later: "the old adage is: those who work in golf never get to play. Guess I need to run for president to hit the links!"
Dec 30, 2010
Prince William and Kate to have no servants
Prince William and Kate Middleton will have no servants after they get married.
The pair - who will marry in London's Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011 - have decided to continue to live a simple lifestyle at William's rented cottage in Wales for the next three years while he finishes his Royal Air Force (RAF) rescue pilot training.
A senior royal source told the Daily Telegraph: "It's very much their instinct to manage on their own.
By contrast Prince Charles, father of Prince William, has 149 servants, 25 of them are personal attention servants!
The future king and queen already do their own cooking, cleaning and shopping at their Welsh cottage where they spend weekends together.
The couple are said to believe a lack of staff at their home will allow them to enjoy a closer, more intimate relationship.
However they will have round-the-clock bodyguards protecting their isolated home.
Multi-million dollar Christmas vacation in Hawaii for Obama family
The following are estimates on part of the costs of the latest Obama Hawaii trip during a recession:
* Mrs. Obama’s early flight to Hawaii: $63,000 (White House Dossier)
* Obama’s round trip flight to Hawaii: $1 million (GAO estimates)
* Housing in beachfront homes for Secret Service and Seals in Kailua ($1,200 a day for 14 days): $16,800
* Costs for White House staff staying at Moana Hotel: $134,400 ($400 per day for 24 staff) – excluding meals and other room costs
* Police overtime: $250,000 (2009 costs reported by Honolulu Police Department)
* Ambulance: $10,000 (City Spokesperson)
TOTAL COST: $1,474,200
But that $1.47 million figure leaves out a number of significant costs that simply could not be calculated by the Hawaii Reporter newspaper:
* Rental of office building in Kailua on canal
* Security upgrades and additional phone lines.
* Costs for car rentals and fuel for White House staff staying at Moana Hotel (Secret Service imports most of the cars used here to escort the president).
* Surveillance before the president arrives.
* Travel costs for Secret Service and White House staff traveling ahead of the President.
While WH spokesmen say Obama's vacation expenses are not out of line, but the government refuses to disclose many important details about any presidential journey, nobody can know for sure.
There appear to be reasons to suspect the Obamas' trip could have been done for less, according to the Hawaii Reporter newspaper. And now the multi-million dollar vacation has been extended (see third link below).
Link here, here and here.
NY union workers selfishly slowed down snow removal
From a New York Post report:
Selfish Sanitation Department bosses from the snow-slammed outer boroughs ordered their drivers to snarl the blizzard cleanup to protest budget cuts -- a disastrous move that turned streets into a minefield for emergency-services vehicles.
Miles of roads stretching from as north as Whitestone, Queens, to the south shore of Staten Island still remained treacherously unplowed last night because of the shameless job action, several sources and a city lawmaker said, which was over a raft of demotions, attrition and budget cuts.Center photo shows a snowplow operator taking a 'plower nap.'
"They sent a message to the rest of the city that these particular labor issues are more important," said City Councilman Dan Halloran (R-Queens), who was visited yesterday by a group of guilt-ridden sanitation workers who confessed the shameless plot.
Report: Liberals give till it hurts (you)
Ann Coulter has never been one of our favorite pundits, however, she hit the nail squarely on the head concerning the lack of generosity by liberal politicians in her report at the link below.
Liberals never tire of discussing their own generosity, particularly when demanding that the government take your money by force to fund shiftless government employees overseeing counterproductive government programs.
Coulter takes a look at the charitable giving of a few liberals:
In 2009, the Obamas gave 5.9 percent of their income to charity, about the same as they gave in 2006 and 2007. In the eight years before he became president, Obama gave an average of 3.5 percent of his income to charity, upping that to 6.5 percent in 2008.
How generous. But then, Jeremiah Wright, his radical Chicago pastor, preached hating America rather then tithing.
Others with underwhelming charitable contributions:
In the decade before Joe Biden became vice president, the Bidens gave a total – all 10 years combined – of $3,690 to charity, or 0.2 percent of their income. They gave in a decade what most Americans in their tax bracket give in an average year.
That's a whopping two tenths of one percent for the Bidens. We wonder how they could spare it.
John Kerry hasn't been mentioned yet. In 1994, Kerry gave a stunning $175.
In 1998, Al Gore gave $353 to charity – about a day's take for a lemonade stand in his neighborhood.
And what about the late Sen. Ted Kennedy? When Kennedy released his tax returns to run for president in the '70s, they showed that he gave a bare 1 percent of his income to charity. That's right, only one percent. As the report reminds us, cash tips to bartenders and cocktail waitresses are not considered charitable donations.
Link
Republicans name top 2012 Senate targets
The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) has its eye on five key races it hopes will pave the way for the GOP to take the majority in the upper chamber in 2012.
The committee believes there is "fertile ground" for Republican gains in Montana, Virginia, Nebraska, Florida and North Dakota.
Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson is in "serious trouble and kind of in a league of his own," and that Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) also "is in a lot of trouble."
The report also says Republicans appear eager to challenge Democrat Sen. Jim Webb in Virginia.
Link
The committee believes there is "fertile ground" for Republican gains in Montana, Virginia, Nebraska, Florida and North Dakota.
Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson is in "serious trouble and kind of in a league of his own," and that Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) also "is in a lot of trouble."
The report also says Republicans appear eager to challenge Democrat Sen. Jim Webb in Virginia.
Link
Dec 29, 2010
Darth Vader floats over Leon, Mexico
A Star Wars Darth Vader hot air balloon hovers next to another participant during the Hot Air Balloons Festival in Leon, Mexico last November.
United States geography test
Click here for a United States geography test. Drag the state names to the correct state outline on the map.
Gore: snow and ice around world vanishing quickly
Flashback to December, 2009 Climate Summit in Copenhagen:
Snow and ice across the planet are melting much faster than anticipated, and the cryosphere - the Earth's ice and snow cover - is very vulnerable to climate change, finds a new report presented today at the United Nations Climate Summit by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore and Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
Snow cover is diminishing, and glaciers from the Himalayas to the Alps are melting rapidly, with the greatest reductions in the Andes and the Rockies, the report shows.
It is interesting to note that Mr. Gore didn't even bother to attend the Climate Summit in Cancún this year.
Was he afraid to answer embarrassing questions about his predictions made in Copenhagen last year? Or maybe he was afraid of embarrassing questions about the sexual assault charges filed against him in 2010.
Link here and here.
No income tax States lure New Yorkers
A New York Post report is titled, Taxes trigger a texodus in New York:
The Lone Star State is scooping up more than just our congressional seats -- some $846 million in personal income shifted from New York to Texas in an eight-year period during the last decade, according to an analysis of IRS tax returns.
Texas, which has no state or local income taxes and an enviably low cost of living, has been steadily poaching New Yorkers since the '90s, according to data from the Tax Foundation, a nonpartisan tax research organization based in Washington.
From 2000 to 2008, more than $846 million in personal income moved from New York to Texas -- with more than $212 million leaving in 2006 and '07.
New Jersey and California are also states that have been rapidly raising taxes on their productive citizens in order to spread the wealth to those who choose not to work.
Right-to-work states with no income taxes are becoming more attractive all the time for both businesses and wage earners.
Link
Man passed out in taxi possessed $450K in drugs
A Chicago taxi driver had a passenger pass out in his cab. When the man couldn't be aroused, the driver took him to a police station.
Police searched the passenger bag and found bottles of a "clear, crystalline substance" connected by wires to a "power source," which together apparently amounted to a miniature methamphetamine lab
The street value of the drugs in the man's bag was nearly $450,000
Report: 111th Congress added more debt than 1st 100 Congresses combined!
The federal government has accumulated more new debt--$3.22 trillion ($3,220,103,625,307.29) -- during the tenure of the 111th Congress than it did during the first 100 Congresses combined, according to official debt figures published by the U.S. Treasury.
That equals $10,429.64 in new debt for each and every one of the 308,745,538 people counted in the United States by the 2010 census.
Elections have consequences. Americans will long regret and forever pay for the national elections in 2008.Link
Dec 28, 2010
Panic at Miami airport as bullets explode in luggage
What officials originally said was an exploding can of hairspray was actually 500 to 700 bullet primers in a 37-year-old mans luggage.
Primers are considered the "spark plugs" of a bullet and ignites the metal, projecting it toward the intended target.
The situation turned out to be much more serious and could have been even more dangerous if the plane were to get airborne with the combustible elements in its undercarriage.
The man who owned the luggage arrested.
FBI and TSA officials said his luggage contained volatile gun parts, which caused his bag to explode Tuesday just before it was about to be loaded on a plane.
Link
More on the whistle blowing pilot targeted by TSA
The airline pilot who was harassed by federal agents and lost his federally-issued gun and badge for posting video on YouTube critical of airport security has chosen to go public with his identity.
Liu's cell phone video tour of security at San Francisco International Airport led to a team of six federal agents and sheriff's deputies coming to his home on Dec. 2 to take his handgun and Federal Flight Deck Officer (FFDO) credentials.
Did the pilot steal state secrets? No. So what did the pilot do to warrant the show of force by federal agents and sheriff's deputies at his house?
He took cell phone videos of the inconsistent way airport security is handled with ground crew getting a pass by only needing to swipe a card.
The pilot harassed by federal agents, backed up by local sheriff's deputies, because he embarrassed TSA by pointing out a serious airport security flaw.
One commenter wondered if Janet Napolitano learned her heavy-handed tactics by watching old KGB spy movies.
Link
CityVille tops FarmVille on Facebook
There must be a lot of bored FB users.
First it was the FarmVille game that captivated Facebook users. There are other FB games but the first really big one was FarmVille.
Instead of reading what our FB friends were doing, it was more like reading about how many bricks they needed friends to send them to build a barn, etc.
Thankfully it is easy to block out Facebook games. Some members are only on Facebook to play the games.
A report at the link below says that there is as new FB game that is bigger than FarmVille. It is CityVille. Another game on FB to block.
Link
First it was the FarmVille game that captivated Facebook users. There are other FB games but the first really big one was FarmVille.
Instead of reading what our FB friends were doing, it was more like reading about how many bricks they needed friends to send them to build a barn, etc.
Thankfully it is easy to block out Facebook games. Some members are only on Facebook to play the games.
A report at the link below says that there is as new FB game that is bigger than FarmVille. It is CityVille. Another game on FB to block.
Link
Mercury filled CFL bulbs hazard for babies and pregnant women
Energy-saving light bulbs are the center of a fresh health scare after researchers claimed they can release potentially harmful amounts of mercury when the bulbs break.
Levels of toxic vapor around smashed eco-bulbs were up to 20 times higher than the safe guideline limit for an indoor area, the study said.
It added that broken bulbs posed a potential health risk to pregnant women, babies and small children.
CFL's use much less energy but is the hazard worth it?
More here.
Who needs Congress? Obama admin to move on greenhouse gasses unilaterally
From an Associated Press report at the link below:
Stymied in Congress, the Obama administration is moving unilaterally to clamp down on greenhouse emissions, announcing plans for new power plants and oil refinery emission standards over the next year.
In an announcement posted on the agency's website late Thursday, Environmental Protection Agency administrator Lisa Jackson said the aim was to better cope with pollution contributing to climate change.
Barack Obama said two days after the midterm elections that he was disappointed Congress hadn't acted on legislation achieving the same end, saying that other options were under consideration.
Now he is doing it without Congress. Who needs Congress anyway - Obama doesn't.
Link
Dec 27, 2010
'Astonishing' sales numbers for book by George W. Bush
The book by George W. Bush has as many sales in one month as the Bill Clinton book did in six years.
Photo shows Bill Clinton holding his book.
From a report at the link below:
Photo shows Bill Clinton holding his book.From a report at the link below:
Former U.S. President George W Bush’s memoir has sold an astonishing two million copies since it was released in early November – and it’s not even in paperback yet.
‘Decision Points’, published both in hardcover and e-book form, is flying off the shelves, the Crown Publishing Group says.
By contrast, former president Bill Clinton’s memoir, ‘My Life’, has logged sales of 2.2million copies since it was first published in 2004.
A spokesman for the publisher called the performance remarkable and said he could not think of any other hardcover nonfiction books in 2010 that had sold even one million copies, much less two!
Link
Requests increase for Obama birth proof
After two years in the White House preceded by two years campaigning, we have yet to seed proof of Mr. Obama's natural born citizenship.
The report below wonders if the new Governor of Hawaii will provide the document for all to see.
By now it is evident that he was not born in the United States or that something very strange is on the document or it would have been released long ago.
Barack Obama's father was never a U.S. citizen. Was his mother not of legal age when he was born? Is this why the document has not been revealed?
It is interesting to note that the media raised questions about the birthplace of John McCain saying he was ineligible to be president. However, the media is largely silent about Obama's birthplace.
Sen. McCain was born in the Canal Zone. However, his father was in the military stationed in the Canal Zone at the time which made Mr. McCain a natural born citizen.
The birth cloud over Obama will linger until his birth certificate becomes public.
Something is being hidden that needs to be uncovered.
Link
The report below wonders if the new Governor of Hawaii will provide the document for all to see.
By now it is evident that he was not born in the United States or that something very strange is on the document or it would have been released long ago.
Barack Obama's father was never a U.S. citizen. Was his mother not of legal age when he was born? Is this why the document has not been revealed?
It is interesting to note that the media raised questions about the birthplace of John McCain saying he was ineligible to be president. However, the media is largely silent about Obama's birthplace.
Sen. McCain was born in the Canal Zone. However, his father was in the military stationed in the Canal Zone at the time which made Mr. McCain a natural born citizen.
The birth cloud over Obama will linger until his birth certificate becomes public.
Something is being hidden that needs to be uncovered.
Link
Dec 26, 2010
Transformed in Loveland Colorado
The second year of Art in Public Places in Loveland, Colorado is now complete.
The upper photo shows an artist working on a transformer box.
Artists from Loveland, Longmont an up through Northern Colorado have painted electrical transformer boxes throughout the city.
Link
The upper photo shows an artist working on a transformer box.
Artists from Loveland, Longmont an up through Northern Colorado have painted electrical transformer boxes throughout the city.Link
Breakthrough in fight to save honeybees worldwide
A report from the UK is welcome news not only to beekeepers but to the human race.
Conservation groups are welcoming a breakthrough in the battle against a deadly mite responsible for decimating the honeybee population.
The Varroa mite is the biggest killer of honeybees worldwide and has developed a resistance to medication developed to destroy it.
But now scientists from Aberdeen University and the government's National Bee Unit have developed a genetic technique that could stop the mite in its tracks.
Honeybee populations have fallen by 23 per cent since 1992. They are the main crop pollinators and without bees our food supply would be limited to mostly meat and grain.
When bee populations first started to diminish ill-informed environmental activists blamed it on global warming. Where are the "warming alarmists" now that it wasn't warming after all? Besides the planet has been cooling for more than ten years.
More here.
Sewage spill in bay where Obama is spending Hawaii vacation
What? Again? It was just last summer when the Obama's were land-bound by contaminated water while vacationing at Martha's Vineyard.
This time it is in Hawaii where sewage is impeding their recreation.
This time it is in Hawaii where sewage is impeding their recreation.
The City & County of Honolulu reports there were an estimated 14 sewage spills during the heavy rainstorm last weekend, at least four of which the state says happened in the windward community of Kailua where President Obama and his family are staying this holiday season.
Those sewage overflows rose from waterlogged manholes and went into the Kaelepulu Stream, which is one of two major waterways in the Kailua district.
One wonders if contamination is following the Obama's or are the Obama's the pursuers?
Perhaps this will be a fitting end to the 111th Congress.
Link
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