States renege on local aid: "“For the last three recession cycles, it’s been common for states to reduce financial support for local governments during the recession, and once they come out of it, they restore most of what they’ve cut,” says Michael Pagano, dean of the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois-Chicago. This time is different. Now local officials are wondering whether that money will ever come back."
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Wondering? Why are they wondering? The money isn't coming back.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Will San Diego go bankrupt?
voiceofsandiego.org | News. Investigation. Analysis. Conversation. Intelligence. - Explainer: Are Pensions Fair Game in Bankruptcy?: "Since last fall, talk of municipal bankruptcy has wormed its way back into public debate at the city of San Diego."
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The city has a $2.1 billion obligation to the public employee pension funds. There is a difference of opinion over whether they can make this go away by filing for municipal bankruptcy.
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The city has a $2.1 billion obligation to the public employee pension funds. There is a difference of opinion over whether they can make this go away by filing for municipal bankruptcy.
Monday, February 15, 2010
In Elkhart, Ind., Fear for the Day When Housing Aid Ends - NYTimes.com
In Elkhart, Ind., Fear for the Day When Housing Aid Ends - NYTimes.com: "ELKHART, Ind. — Over the next six months, the federal government plans to wind down many of its emergency programs for housing. Then it will become clear if the market can function on its own.
People here are pretty sure the answer will be no."
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Me, too. I'm pretty sure the answer will be NO in CAPS. On the bright side, though, there are great YouTube videos on how to pitch a tarp-tent and live off fried wood lice. So we do have options to that suburban lifestyle.
People here are pretty sure the answer will be no."
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Me, too. I'm pretty sure the answer will be NO in CAPS. On the bright side, though, there are great YouTube videos on how to pitch a tarp-tent and live off fried wood lice. So we do have options to that suburban lifestyle.
My Way News - Schools face big budget holes as stimulus runs out
My Way News - Schools face big budget holes as stimulus runs out: "SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - The nation's public schools are falling under severe financial stress as states slash education spending and drain federal stimulus money that staved off deep classroom cuts and widespread job losses.
School districts have already suffered big budget cuts since the recession began two years ago, but experts say the cash crunch will get a lot worse as states run out of stimulus dollars.
The result in many hard-hit districts: more teacher layoffs, larger class sizes, smaller paychecks, fewer electives and extracurricular activities, and decimated summer school programs.
The situation is particularly ugly in California, where school districts are preparing for mass layoffs and swelling class sizes as the state grapples with another massive budget shortfall."
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So how does the national economy recover? State and local governments and school districts across the nation are standing on swiss cheese.
School districts have already suffered big budget cuts since the recession began two years ago, but experts say the cash crunch will get a lot worse as states run out of stimulus dollars.
The result in many hard-hit districts: more teacher layoffs, larger class sizes, smaller paychecks, fewer electives and extracurricular activities, and decimated summer school programs.
The situation is particularly ugly in California, where school districts are preparing for mass layoffs and swelling class sizes as the state grapples with another massive budget shortfall."
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So how does the national economy recover? State and local governments and school districts across the nation are standing on swiss cheese.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
World may not be warming, say scientists - Times Online
World may not be warming, say scientists - Times Online
“The temperature records cannot be relied on as indicators of global change,” said John Christy, professor of atmospheric science at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, a former lead author on the IPCC.
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So now the "deniers" include "a former lead author on the IPCC" and another scientist "who was invited by the panel to review its last report." And there are many others as well, who say that the temperature measurements upon which the global warming theory is based "are contaminated with surface effects from industrialization and data quality problems. These add up to a large warming bias."
I guess it is time for the global warming crowd to fire up their sarcasm machine, throw some ridicule bombs, and launch the ad hominem missles. Because, as Al Gore says, the debate is over. Except that it isn't.
“The temperature records cannot be relied on as indicators of global change,” said John Christy, professor of atmospheric science at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, a former lead author on the IPCC.
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So now the "deniers" include "a former lead author on the IPCC" and another scientist "who was invited by the panel to review its last report." And there are many others as well, who say that the temperature measurements upon which the global warming theory is based "are contaminated with surface effects from industrialization and data quality problems. These add up to a large warming bias."
I guess it is time for the global warming crowd to fire up their sarcasm machine, throw some ridicule bombs, and launch the ad hominem missles. Because, as Al Gore says, the debate is over. Except that it isn't.
Climategate U-turn: Astonishment as scientist at centre of global warming email row admits data not well organised | Mail Online
Climategate U-turn: Astonishment as scientist at centre of global warming email row admits data not well organised | Mail Online: "# Data for vital 'hockey stick graph' has gone missing
# There has been no global warming since 1995
# Warming periods have happened before - but NOT due to man-made changes"
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But other than that...
# There has been no global warming since 1995
# Warming periods have happened before - but NOT due to man-made changes"
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But other than that...
Desolate malls, empty offices may come soon - Real estate- msnbc.com
Desolate malls, empty offices may come soon - Real estate- msnbc.com: "Over the next several years, failed commercial real estate loans could litter American cities with empty stores and office complexes, cause hundreds of bank failures and weaken the economy, a watchdog report says.
Banks face up to $300 billion in losses on loans made for commercial property and development, according to a report released Thursday by the Congressional Oversight Panel."
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Nice to see somebody waking up to this situation. I've been predicting a commercial real estate meltdown, but maybe it will be a slow collapse. Thanks to Fred Pilot for this link.
Banks face up to $300 billion in losses on loans made for commercial property and development, according to a report released Thursday by the Congressional Oversight Panel."
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Nice to see somebody waking up to this situation. I've been predicting a commercial real estate meltdown, but maybe it will be a slow collapse. Thanks to Fred Pilot for this link.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Scourge of global warming skirts all 50 of the United States
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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'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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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.
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