OU Student Collecting Pictures of Snow in All 50 States - NewsOn6.com - Tulsa, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports - KOTV.com |: "Marsh, a student employee at the NOAA's National Severe Storms Laboratory in Norman, is currently trying to collect photos of snow on the ground in all 50 states.
'On Friday afternoon, I'm going to begin asking for photos of the snow,' Marsh said. 'Hopefully I'll get photos from all 50 states, and if I do, I'll put them into a Google Earth map and make a snow snapshot of America.'
Marsh said Florida is the only state without snow on the ground at this point, but he said two to four inches of snow is forecasted on Friday in some parts of the state. There is currently even snow on some of the mountain tops in Hawaii."
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Friday, February 12, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Ritz-Carlton to close 5-diamond Las Vegas hotel in May
Ritz-Carlton to close 5-diamond Las Vegas hotel in May: "'It's nothing the hotel did. It's a simple lack of business and a decline in the tourism industry,' said Ritz-Carlton spokeswoman Vivian Deuschl."
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Tuesday, February 09, 2010
U of I President Stanley Ikenberry on the fiscal crisis
Speeches and statements, President Stanley O. Ikenberry, University of Illinois: "On January 5th I sent a letter to faculty and staff in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago, Springfield and elsewhere telling them we were taking a number of drastic steps in order to finish the academic year. As of December 31st we had an unimaginable and unprecedented $436 million in unpaid state invoices. We were, and still are, draining cash balances at an alarming rate. Our immediate concern was to be able to finish this academic year.
In response we cut faculty and staff pay by roughly 5 percent for the balance of the academic year through four furlough days. We cut the pay of senior administrators by about 10 percent for the balance of the fiscal year. We directed units to hold back 6 percent of their State budget. We froze hiring, including academic hires we really should be making. We have provided retirement incentives to trim the payroll. We have cut and will cut again administrative costs and are sending out letters of non-reappointment to staff.
Still, no amount of furloughs and budget cuts can make up for the absence of more than $760 million in direct State support."
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An excellent speech that tells you everything except why the people who run this state continue to destroy the place. As he says, Illinois is just about to become a second California.
In response we cut faculty and staff pay by roughly 5 percent for the balance of the academic year through four furlough days. We cut the pay of senior administrators by about 10 percent for the balance of the fiscal year. We directed units to hold back 6 percent of their State budget. We froze hiring, including academic hires we really should be making. We have provided retirement incentives to trim the payroll. We have cut and will cut again administrative costs and are sending out letters of non-reappointment to staff.
Still, no amount of furloughs and budget cuts can make up for the absence of more than $760 million in direct State support."
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An excellent speech that tells you everything except why the people who run this state continue to destroy the place. As he says, Illinois is just about to become a second California.
FAQs - Codes, Covenants and Regulations
FAQs - Codes, Covenants and Regulations
Fred Fischer sent this link to the city of Gilbert, AZ, web page with helpful hints about how your HOA can do whatever they want to you. Just kidding. But here's an example of the do-what-you're-told mentality. The FAQ reads like it was written by the 8th grade hall monitor:
4. The neighborhood codes do not allow basketball hoops, which seems silly do I really have to comply?
That again is a civil matter, as the Town does not regulate recreation equipment like basketball hoops or swing sets. If your Homeowners regulations prohibit them it would be like any other regulations, you agreed to them so you have to follow the rules.
Fred Fischer sent this link to the city of Gilbert, AZ, web page with helpful hints about how your HOA can do whatever they want to you. Just kidding. But here's an example of the do-what-you're-told mentality. The FAQ reads like it was written by the 8th grade hall monitor:
4. The neighborhood codes do not allow basketball hoops, which seems silly do I really have to comply?
That again is a civil matter, as the Town does not regulate recreation equipment like basketball hoops or swing sets. If your Homeowners regulations prohibit them it would be like any other regulations, you agreed to them so you have to follow the rules.
Will baby boomers bankrupt social security?
Not to worry?: "By 2017, Social Security is expected to start paying out more than it collects in payroll taxes, according to the 2009 Annual Report from the Social Security and Medicare Board of Trustees. There is currently a large surplus, but it will be drained by the year 2037. At that point, Social Security will only be able to pay out 75 percent of its benefits."
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But guess what? "Experts" say we don't have to worry about it. I wonder how these experts did predicting the economic collapse.
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But guess what? "Experts" say we don't have to worry about it. I wonder how these experts did predicting the economic collapse.
Coyotes spotted in Manhattan - NYPOST.com
Coyotes spotted in Manhattan - NYPOST.com: "Wile E. Coyote and friends are invading Manhattan. Three coyotes turned up on the Columbia University campus on Sunday morning, prompting an e-mail alert to students and faculty. A few hours later, a coyote was spotted darting around bushes and across a frozen lake in Central Park. Urban coyote authorities say the dogs will likely be seen more and more in big cities as they fight one another for living space."
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Pretty soon they will be taking the elevator to the penthouse in somebody's condo building looking for tastier treats. Foie gras, perhaps?
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Pretty soon they will be taking the elevator to the penthouse in somebody's condo building looking for tastier treats. Foie gras, perhaps?
Monday, February 08, 2010
Another lawsuit in Campton Hills
AddThis utility frame: "CAMPTON HILLS – A homeowners association has filed suit against its former board seeking nearly $70 million in damages.
According to court papers filed this week, Fox Mill Homeowners Association in Campton Hills is suing its former board and management company, various companies and 13 individuals, claiming that from 1994 to 2008, board members used the association’s dues for their own personal benefit in a scheme to defraud the association."
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I represent an HOA inmate in a different subdivision in Campton Hills, which has proved to be nothing but a litigation incubator since the municipality was incorporated a few years ago. One situation involves alpacas. Don't get me started. Thanks to Fred Pilot for the link.
Sorry I've been so lax in blogging, but I have been at a conference in Philadelphia and just got back last night. Yes, that would be the weekend when Philly got 28.5 inches of snow. Quite an experience.
According to court papers filed this week, Fox Mill Homeowners Association in Campton Hills is suing its former board and management company, various companies and 13 individuals, claiming that from 1994 to 2008, board members used the association’s dues for their own personal benefit in a scheme to defraud the association."
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I represent an HOA inmate in a different subdivision in Campton Hills, which has proved to be nothing but a litigation incubator since the municipality was incorporated a few years ago. One situation involves alpacas. Don't get me started. Thanks to Fred Pilot for the link.
Sorry I've been so lax in blogging, but I have been at a conference in Philadelphia and just got back last night. Yes, that would be the weekend when Philly got 28.5 inches of snow. Quite an experience.
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
State lawmakers study homeowners associations - News14.com
State lawmakers study homeowners associations - News14.com: "RALEIGH – Thousands of North Carolinians live in neighborhoods with homeowners associations. Now, North Carolina lawmakers are studying the nonprofit organizations and what rules they have to follow.
The House Select Committee on Homeowners Associations held a public hearing Tuesday afternoon to hear from homeowners, homeowner association board members, attorneys and management companies"
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Thanks to Fred Pilot for this link. He is about as enthusiastic as I am, and points out that here we have another example of the CID Reform Cycle.
The House Select Committee on Homeowners Associations held a public hearing Tuesday afternoon to hear from homeowners, homeowner association board members, attorneys and management companies"
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Thanks to Fred Pilot for this link. He is about as enthusiastic as I am, and points out that here we have another example of the CID Reform Cycle.
Acquiring Shotguns - Federal Business Opportunities: Opportunities
Acquiring Shotguns - Federal Business Opportunities: Opportunities: "The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) intends to purchase sixty Remington Model 870 Police RAMAC #24587 12 gauge pump-action shotguns for the Criminal Investigation Division. The Remington parkerized shotguns, with fourteen inch barrel, modified choke, Wilson Combat Ghost Ring rear sight and XS4 Contour Bead front sight, Knoxx Reduced Recoil Adjustable Stock, and Speedfeed ribbed black forend, are designated as the only shotguns authorized for IRS duty based on compatibility with IRS existing shotgun inventory, certified armorer and combat training and protocol, maintenance, and parts."
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I suggest that you pay your taxes.
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I suggest that you pay your taxes.
Monday, February 01, 2010
Leaked climate change emails scientist 'hid' data flaws | Environment | guardian.co.uk
Leaked climate change emails scientist 'hid' data flaws | Environment | guardian.co.uk: "Phil Jones, the beleaguered British climate scientist at the centre of the leaked emails controversy, is facing fresh claims that he sought to hide problems in key temperature data on which some of his work was based.
A Guardian investigation of thousands of emails and documents apparently hacked from the University of East Anglia's climatic research unit has found evidence that a series of measurements from Chinese weather stations were seriously flawed and that documents relating to them could not be produced.
Jones and a collaborator have been accused by a climate change sceptic and researcher of scientific fraud for attempting to suppress data that could cast doubt on a key 1990 study on the effect of cities on warming – a hotly contested issue."
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The case for human-caused global warming rests entirely on scientists' predictions. The integrity of some of these scientists now appears to be a subject of some debate.
A Guardian investigation of thousands of emails and documents apparently hacked from the University of East Anglia's climatic research unit has found evidence that a series of measurements from Chinese weather stations were seriously flawed and that documents relating to them could not be produced.
Jones and a collaborator have been accused by a climate change sceptic and researcher of scientific fraud for attempting to suppress data that could cast doubt on a key 1990 study on the effect of cities on warming – a hotly contested issue."
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The case for human-caused global warming rests entirely on scientists' predictions. The integrity of some of these scientists now appears to be a subject of some debate.
IllinoisIsBroke.com
IllinoisIsBroke.com: "By July, Illinois will be $130,000,000,000 (that’s BILLION!) in debt. This crushing load hampers the state’s ability to fund public schools and universities, health care, and other essential public services. Most of that money is owed to the state’s pension funds and retiree health care plans. And YOUR SHARE of that debt is $25,000 per household.
How did this happen? Basically, Illinois spends $3 for every $2 it takes in. Only in Springfield is this kind of math possible. The state accomplishes this by borrowing or by simply ignoring its unpaid bills. And it has been doing so for years.
This year alone, Illinois will be short more than $14,000,000,000. Things are so bad that Illinois now has one of the worst budget deficits in the nation. This has to stop! Financial disaster is on the horizon. We can no longer ignore the problem."
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Check out that bottom like: $130 billion in debt. And that's just one state.
How did this happen? Basically, Illinois spends $3 for every $2 it takes in. Only in Springfield is this kind of math possible. The state accomplishes this by borrowing or by simply ignoring its unpaid bills. And it has been doing so for years.
This year alone, Illinois will be short more than $14,000,000,000. Things are so bad that Illinois now has one of the worst budget deficits in the nation. This has to stop! Financial disaster is on the horizon. We can no longer ignore the problem."
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Check out that bottom like: $130 billion in debt. And that's just one state.
White House seeks to privatize space travel :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: 44: Barack Obama
White House seeks to privatize space travel :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: 44: Barack Obama: "WASHINGTON -- Getting to space is about to be outsourced.
The Obama administration today will propose in its new budget spending billions of dollars to encourage private companies to build, launch and operate spacecraft for NASA and others. Uncle Sam would buy its astronauts a ride into space just like hopping in a taxi."
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I think the plan here is for the US government to abandon any commitment to space exploration and turn NASA's gaze around to look at the earth. Or somebody's navel.
The Obama administration today will propose in its new budget spending billions of dollars to encourage private companies to build, launch and operate spacecraft for NASA and others. Uncle Sam would buy its astronauts a ride into space just like hopping in a taxi."
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I think the plan here is for the US government to abandon any commitment to space exploration and turn NASA's gaze around to look at the earth. Or somebody's navel.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Ex-convicts in District flock to apply for census jobs - washingtonpost.com
Ex-convicts in District flock to apply for census jobs - washingtonpost.com: "Although the Census Bureau has in the past hired people with criminal histories, critics say that could jeopardize the accuracy of the census. People who didn't mail in their forms might refuse to invite census takers into their homes and answer their questions. Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) has introduced a bill that would ban felons from being census takers."
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Knock knock.
Who's there?
Census taker.
Census taker who?
Census taker who is here to take your stuff.
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Knock knock.
Who's there?
Census taker.
Census taker who?
Census taker who is here to take your stuff.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Duncan: Katrina Was The "Best Thing" for New Orleans School System - Political Punch
Duncan: Katrina Was The "Best Thing" for New Orleans School System - Political Punch: "ABC News' Mary Bruce Reports: Education Secretary Arne Duncan said today that Hurricane Katrina was “the best thing that happened to the education system in New Orleans” because it gave the city a chance to rebuild and improve its failing public schools."
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Now just imagine for one second that any Republican in the entire nation had said that.
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Now just imagine for one second that any Republican in the entire nation had said that.
Justice Alito’s Reaction - Linda Greenhouse, New York Times
Justice Alito’s Reaction - Opinionator Blog - NYTimes.com: "This time, Justice Alito shook his head as if to rebut the president’s characterization of the Citizens United decision, and seemed to mouth the words “not true.” Indeed, Mr. Obama’s description of the holding of the case was imprecise. He said the court had “reversed a century of law.”
The law that Congress enacted in the populist days of the early 20th century prohibited direct corporate contributions to political campaigns. That law was not at issue in the Citizens United case, and is still on the books. Rather, the court struck down a more complicated statute that barred corporations and unions from spending money directly from their treasuries — as opposed to their political action committees — on television advertising to urge a vote for or against a federal candidate in the period immediately before the election. It is true, though, that the majority wrote so broadly about corporate free speech rights as to call into question other limitations as well — although not necessarily the existing ban on direct contributions."
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It's one thing for ordinary citizens to misunderstand Citizens United v. FCC, given the distorted commentary about it. But for the President to deliberately misstate it in the SOTU, just for a cheap shot at the Court, is sad. And when Linda Greenhouse says he was "imprecise," that is doing him a big favor. He used to teach Constitutional Law.
The law that Congress enacted in the populist days of the early 20th century prohibited direct corporate contributions to political campaigns. That law was not at issue in the Citizens United case, and is still on the books. Rather, the court struck down a more complicated statute that barred corporations and unions from spending money directly from their treasuries — as opposed to their political action committees — on television advertising to urge a vote for or against a federal candidate in the period immediately before the election. It is true, though, that the majority wrote so broadly about corporate free speech rights as to call into question other limitations as well — although not necessarily the existing ban on direct contributions."
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It's one thing for ordinary citizens to misunderstand Citizens United v. FCC, given the distorted commentary about it. But for the President to deliberately misstate it in the SOTU, just for a cheap shot at the Court, is sad. And when Linda Greenhouse says he was "imprecise," that is doing him a big favor. He used to teach Constitutional Law.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Scientists in stolen e-mail scandal hid climate data - Times Online
Scientists in stolen e-mail scandal hid climate data - Times Online: "The university at the centre of the climate change row over stolen e-mails broke the law by refusing to hand over its raw data for public scrutiny."
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Given the certainty with which these folks pronounce their dire conclusions and grim demands for radical change, you would think they'd be more comfortable with free and full and objective disclosure of the data...wouldn't you?
I don't see how people can be true believers on this issue, on either side, at this point. I don't subscribe to the notion that global warming is a hoax hatched by a socialist conspiracy, but neither can I see any need to panic and run around bleating about "saving the planet." I don't think the human contribution to climate change can be calculated with the accuracy that is often claimed, which is why their computer models are wrong and failed to predict the cooling trend that started in the late 1990s. By all means, let's get off fossil fuels and conserve energy (although China and India ignore these demands, so they don't seem to be convinced by the global warming contingent--what's up with that? They aren't Republicans or fundamentalist Christians. Are they "global warming deniers" too?) Even more importantly, reduce the human impact on the oceans, which I think is a far more urgent threat to human existence than greenhouse gases. But ease off the global warming panic button--before some of these grant-grabbing scientists start going to jail.
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Given the certainty with which these folks pronounce their dire conclusions and grim demands for radical change, you would think they'd be more comfortable with free and full and objective disclosure of the data...wouldn't you?
I don't see how people can be true believers on this issue, on either side, at this point. I don't subscribe to the notion that global warming is a hoax hatched by a socialist conspiracy, but neither can I see any need to panic and run around bleating about "saving the planet." I don't think the human contribution to climate change can be calculated with the accuracy that is often claimed, which is why their computer models are wrong and failed to predict the cooling trend that started in the late 1990s. By all means, let's get off fossil fuels and conserve energy (although China and India ignore these demands, so they don't seem to be convinced by the global warming contingent--what's up with that? They aren't Republicans or fundamentalist Christians. Are they "global warming deniers" too?) Even more importantly, reduce the human impact on the oceans, which I think is a far more urgent threat to human existence than greenhouse gases. But ease off the global warming panic button--before some of these grant-grabbing scientists start going to jail.
Public Policy Polling: Fox leads for trust
Public Policy Polling: Fox leads for trust: "Americans do not trust the major tv news operations in the country- except for Fox News.
Our newest survey looking at perceptions of ABC News, CBS News, CNN, Fox News, and NBC News finds Fox as the only one that more people say they trust than distrust. 49% say they trust it to 37% who do not."
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And this is the network that Obama decided to ignore...until his approval rating dove below 50%. The left always works by ostracizing people. The first thing they do if you don't toe the party line is cut you off one way or another. That's what they have tried--and failed--to do with Fox News.
Our newest survey looking at perceptions of ABC News, CBS News, CNN, Fox News, and NBC News finds Fox as the only one that more people say they trust than distrust. 49% say they trust it to 37% who do not."
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And this is the network that Obama decided to ignore...until his approval rating dove below 50%. The left always works by ostracizing people. The first thing they do if you don't toe the party line is cut you off one way or another. That's what they have tried--and failed--to do with Fox News.
Second judge at odds with district attorney - SignOnSanDiego.com
Second judge at odds with district attorney - SignOnSanDiego.com: "A veteran North County judge who last month openly criticized the District Attorney’s Office for not following rules for turning over evidence to defense lawyers is now being called biased by prosecutors who want him off the case.
A court hearing on the simmering conflict between longtime Superior Court Judge Harry M. Elias and prosecutors is scheduled for this morning in Vista, days after the District Attorney’s Office ended a months-long boycott against a judge in downtown San Diego."
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I worked in the Vista branch office of the San Diego County DAs office for about two years, and I knew Harry Elias then because he was a deputy DA, and one of the hardest-charging prosecutors and most ethical prosecutors I ever saw. It is just bizarre to see the DAs office butting heads with him. The issue of not turning over exculpatory evidence is pretty serious. I don't know the details beyond what's in the article, but it is baffling to see a conflict like this develop.
A court hearing on the simmering conflict between longtime Superior Court Judge Harry M. Elias and prosecutors is scheduled for this morning in Vista, days after the District Attorney’s Office ended a months-long boycott against a judge in downtown San Diego."
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I worked in the Vista branch office of the San Diego County DAs office for about two years, and I knew Harry Elias then because he was a deputy DA, and one of the hardest-charging prosecutors and most ethical prosecutors I ever saw. It is just bizarre to see the DAs office butting heads with him. The issue of not turning over exculpatory evidence is pretty serious. I don't know the details beyond what's in the article, but it is baffling to see a conflict like this develop.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Man caught at airport with 44 lizards in pants
Man caught at airport with 44 lizards in pants
I challenge anybody to locate a better headline than that.
I challenge anybody to locate a better headline than that.
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