…because the Government hires more people
The state Labor Department says New Jersey’s unemployment rate dropped slightly in October as monthly job losses slowed.
The jobless rate for October was 9.7 percent, down one-tenth of a percent from September. That’s lower than the national rate of 10.2 percent.
Figures released today show private sector employment fell by 4,400 jobs last month while government employment rose by 2,600.
So now we have fewer working residents supporting more state workers.
Gov. Christie, this has got to stop. Before you cut taxes you must cut spending.
1863. It took him only two or so minutes to say, but in those 120 seconds he delivered the finest speech ever given on these shores, one that clearly and succinctly summed up who we are as Americans and why we must continue the struggle, against enemies both external and internal, for the ideas laid out in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation, so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate…we can not consecrate…we can not hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government: of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
May we always honor and hold true to these words.
…lectures us on deficits?
US President Barack Obama warned that the US economy could head into a “double-dip recession” unless urgent steps were taken to rein in mounting public debt.
The US president’s remarks – in an interview with Fox News in Beijing on Wednesday, towards the end of his eight-day tour of Asia – marked his strongest language yet on the necessity of putting public finances back on a sound footing.
“It is important though to recognise if we keep on adding to the debt, even in the midst of this recovery, that at some point, people could lose confidence in the US economy in a double-dip recession,” said Mr Obama.
A 10.6 per cent plunge in housing starts in October – led by collapse in the apartment business – highlighted the dilemma facing him as he seeks to tackle the deficit without undermining a fragile economy.
“It’s about as hard of a play as there is,” Mr Obama said, adding that his team was trying to set up a “pathway long term for deficit reduction” without pulling a lot of money out of the economy in the short term via tax rises or spending cuts.
Here’s a bold and innovative plan, Mr. President: Spend Less. Cut the budget.
And, no, I don’t mean “cut the rate of increase” which is the sleight-of-hand crap that politicians of all stripes invariably use to trumpet as ‘cuts’ (see, for example, former Gov. Corzine’s budgets press releases). I mean spend less this year than you did last year.
And I also give this advice to our incoming Governor in NJ, Chris Christie.
TAPS took some film apparently. I’ll be under the couch if you need me.
(Hulu yanked the video and is really annoying me with how it is slowing down the page loads)
So of course we’re going to see Don Giovanni this weekend.
To set the mood we made Daughter watch Amadeus last night.
I’m not so sure about the setting for this particular production, however; anytime a review mentions “odd directorial choices” I get a little nervous…
…if only they had.
AP Digs for Dirt in Palin Autobiography
News wire assigns 11 reporters to fact-check former governor’s book, but didn’t fact-check Obama’s books
What is it Obi-Wan says right before he’s lightsabered into a clump o’ cloak?
I don’t get MSM’s nutzoid preoccupation with her. It’s unhealthy and they should see a doctor (other than Phil).
…because Bingley’s a pain in the ass.
…In what could become the highest profile game of political musical chairs in the state, Democratic sources claim they are considering replacing U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg with outgoing Gov. Jon Corzine.
It would work like this: Corzine would resign prior to January, when Republican Christopher Christie takes over as governor. A Corzine resignation would allow state Sen. President Richard Codey to serve as acting governor. Then Lautenberg would retire from the U.S. Senate, leaving Codey to name Corzine to fill the seat until a special election.
Wounded as I am, I must needs know what…WHAT…about my tuna Hawaiian roll sushi plate so offeded you? Was it the delicate latticework of sauce meticulously traced across the tops? Perhaps the slivered almonds and teenyTINY bits of avocado and cucumber sprinkled lovingly over that? Mayhap you found the generous wasabi glops, nestled in opposing corners of the plastic tray to be too isolated, too ALONE for their own good, therefore unnerving the balance of the entire composition and your miserable bagger day. For naught did I rifle through the ranks of lattice laden offerings, searching earnestly for the MOST sauce…the MOST almonds…the MOST pleasing arrangement to the eye, the FRESHEST date. Whence was clear these were no ordinary Hawaiian rolls, I snatched them from the bosom of their cooler, cradling them tenderly until safely nestled in parallel fashion on that horizontal cart island known as “the kiddie seat”. Yea, they were well nigh unassailable ~ remaining in that nurtured state until the checkout counter loomed. But even the checkout girl knew their worth, taking the plate from my quaking hands and setting it gently down at the end of her station.
The other bagger peson had seen such wonders before and, with due deference, placed the tuna Hawaiian roll in ITS OWN PLASTIC BAG. My heart was glad.
Right up to where I unloaded the car and found ~ to my horror ~ my tuna Hawaiian roll plate on its edge, slipped snuggly into the space between the quart of organic milk and the stack of cheeses. I couldn’t check the damage immediately thanks to the clear plastic coating properties of sauce festooned with bits of veggies. I could have wept. I did call the commissary and ask that they ‘school’ their third echelon sushi handlers to save some other poor soul my crushing disappointment.
I will thank you for clearing my sinuses, however, as the glops of wasabi were no longer alone.
And I’ll be watching for you next time I have some treat I wish to treasure.
Oh, yes I will.
We need more Independents
Nov. 16 (Bloomberg) — Joseph Lieberman was re-elected to the U.S. Senate as a political independent after Connecticut Democrats snubbed him in 2006. Now, he’s living up to that designation as a potential obstacle to President Barack Obama’s top priority, health care.
Lieberman, 67, has clout among Democrats as part of the 60- member party caucus Majority Leader Harry Reid needs to bring his health-care measure to a final vote without Republican support. On Nov. 8, Lieberman said he’ll oppose any bill containing a public plan that would compete with private insurers such as Aetna Inc., based in his home state, because it could swell U.S. debt. Reid’s bill has that provision.
Al Gore’s running mate in 2000, Lieberman backed Republican John McCain for president in 2008. While Lieberman still aligns himself with the Democratic caucus, his threat to block health legislation “as a matter of conscience” shows a growing willingness and confidence to stand on his own, analysts say.
Is there some self-interest at work here? Of course, as Conn has a huge insurance industry. But Joe has all along shown that he’s got some fortitude where it’s needed.
Good for him, and I hope some others follow his example.
…appears to have won.
Court rejects appeal over Redskins trademark
The Washington Redskins (3-6) are struggling this season, but the organization got a break Monday after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected an appeal from Native Americans calling the pro club’s trademark “disparaging.”
Guess that means I’ll still be able to disparage those F*%KING LOSERLOSER BOYS as “SEMINOLES“.
Ah, there’s such comfort in tradition.
The Obama Administration’s power grab continues unabated
The Obama administration will propose that the federal government take over safety regulation of the nation’s subway and light-rail systems, responding to what it says is haphazard and ineffective oversight by state agencies.
Under the proposal, the U.S. Department of Transportation would do for transit what it does for airlines and Amtrak: set and enforce federal regulations to ensure that millions of passengers get to their destinations safely. Administration officials said the plan will be presented in coming weeks to Congress, which must approve a change in the law.
The proposal would affect every subway and light-rail system in the country, including large systems in Washington, New York, Boston, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Given the way every other thing they’ve touched has gone, I somehow doubt that Barack Husseinolini will get the trains to run on time.
Your cover girl on the issue arriving today has caused ME to be subjected to major dad’s non-stop expostulating incredulity at said decision, e.g., “Sarah Jessica Parker is BUTT ugly!”, “Why do people think Sarah Jessica Parker is pretty?!?!? She’s BUTT ugly!!!” and ~ my personal favorite ~ “HOW does Witch Boil rate a fashion cover?!?! She’s not pretty at all….[wait for it]…she’s BUTT ugly!!!”
::sigh::
How the hell could they do this?
The crew of a Royal Navy vessel watched as a British couple were taken hostage by Somali pirates but were ordered not to open fire, it has emerged.
The RFA Wave Knight did not act for fear of endangering the couple’s lives, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.
Paul and Rachel Chandler, aged 59 and 55, from Kent, were ordered off their yacht by gunmen in the Indian Ocean in the early hours of 23 October.
Because, obviously ma’am, you’re much safer in the hands of goddamned Somali pirates.
Now I really need to drink.
Looks like those virgins are going to have to get creative
Fort Hood, Texas (CNN) — Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, the accused Fort Hood gunman, is paralyzed from the waist down, his lawyer said Friday.
“It appears he won’t be able to walk in the future,” said Hasan’s civilian attorney, retired Army Col. John Galligan.
Especially after he’s hung.
Hasan also has severe pain in his hands, the attorney said.
Cut them off.
You see, it was a training accident.
Really.
…can be a measuring stick of success.
…On the practical side, Obama has spent more money on new programs in nine months than Bill Clinton did in eight years, pushing the annual deficit to $1.4 trillion. This leaves little room for big spending initiatives.
Or, in this case, failure of EPIC proportions.
What a perfect way to end a fungus of a week.
Especially when you throw in rain and gale-force winds.
How long until cocktail time?
…would apparently be any place but Chicago.
Chicago used to be King of the Hill when it came to conventions. Not anymore…Another [reason], could be the hundred dollar case of pop.
Eighty-five dollars to be exact. It’s a story making the rounds of convention executives nationwide. A total bill of nearly $350, a full $100 of that in taxes and service fees for four cases of pop.
Bad, huh? Gets worse.
…On Tuesday night, CBS 2 reported on outrage over the hundred dollar case of Pepsi. Exhibitors feeling ripped off. Threatening not to come back.
Well, it’s happened. Tonight its McCormick Place electricians; the straw that broke the camel’s back for one Chicagoan who says he reluctantly said “no” to bringing his convention back home.
Healthcare Information and Management Systems CEO Steve Lieber said it’s all because of the electricians.
…It was a painful decision for the Chicago-based trade association, whose first trip here for its annual convention impressed its members, until they got the electricians’ bills.
“Our costs were about $200,000 more,” said Lieber. “So it went from $40,000 to $240,000 for the electrical work alone.”
…The city got the word Wednesday that the huge medical convention wouldn’t return. They’re also sweating out a decision by an even bigger show.
The International Plastics Showcase has been in Chicago since 1971, but now a spokesman says: “We are looking at other options.”
…”…Because it’s a tremendous impact on us as a city in terms of that lost tax revenue that flows in,” Lieber said.
And the hotel, restaurant and transportation jobs. Think about it; $50 million gone. Another $100 million hanging in the balance.
The Chicago Way.
…for those still casting about for the perfect holiday surprise.
It’s hard to stand out in this economy but one Japanese lingerie maker has managed to do just that: It created a bra that also doubles as a putting green.
Here’s how it works: If you unfurl the corset-like bra, it’s a five-foot putting mat with two holes — yep, exactly where you think they’d be. A built-in speaker will pipe “Nice shot!” if you make it in, Japan Today reports.
All-season radials are so slimming…
of course, by posting this I’ll be accused of bias ply.
(shamelessly stolen from that Jammie Wearing Fool)
What a shock
WASHINGTON—President Barack Obama does not plan to accept any of the Afghanistan war options presented by his national security team, pushing instead for revisions to clarify how and when U.S. troops would turn over responsibility to the Afghan government, a senior administration official said Wednesday.
I mean, who could have possibly foreseen that a guy with no leadership experience would not be able to…lead.
But let me first give a shout-out to…
…goes to [ed: drumroll]…Jack Cafferty.
(I know, I know ~ you’re shocked and awed he’s won.)
Here’s my question to you: Should Muslim members of the U.S. military be forced to fight against other Muslims?
He’s getting eaten alive in the comments ~ on CNN, no less ~ so there’s hope.
For the populace, NOT for Cafferty.
Pay Caps Make it Hard for GM to Hire Execs: Whitacre
General Motors could be hurt by pay restrictions on senior executives set by the U.S. government, the automaker’s chairman said Tuesday, urging an overhaul of the salary caps.
Tough out there and hey! I’m no Wall Street apologist but, personally? I think the non-negotiable “Concedes Congress Can Continually Crawl Up Contractor’s Ass” contract clause is the real problem.
Politics | Mr. Bingley | 
November 19, 2009 7:23 am | 
Comments (9) 
Subscribe