Say, About That Young Folks Getting A Subsidy Meme…

By William Teach November 25, 2013 – 4:17 pm

Yeah, that’s not working out so well (via Hot Air)

(CNN)But a CNN analysis shows that in the largest city in nearly every state, many low-income younger Americans won’t get any subsidy at all. Administration officials said the reason so many Americans won’t receive a subsidy is that the cost of insurance is lower than the government initially expected. Subsidies are calculated using a complicated formula based on the cost of insurance premiums, which can vary drastically from state to state, and even county to county.

That doesn’t change the fact that in Chicago, a 27-year old will receive no subsidy to help offset premiums of more than $165 a month if he makes more than $27,400 a year.

In Portland, Oregon, subsidies for individuals making just $28,725 a year phase out for those younger than 35 years old.

Quite a few of these young healthies who are depended on, well, forced or pay a fine/tax, to sign up with Obamacare will be exactly within the range of being below the 400% of poverty line as they start their careers. Obviously, not all will be dependent upon the Exchanges, as they will be provided with insurance through their companies. Of course, once the employer mandate kicks in, all bets are off.

Here’s Ed Morrissey at Hot Air

The trigger on this is the premium price for a qualifying “bronze” plan in the exchange for the consumer.  If the premium does not go over a certain percentage of income, then the formula produces a zero for the calculated subsidy.  The problem for these consumers is that the baseline plans still cost more than their previous options, and have large deductibles to boot.  That sets the incentives for younger consumers to bail out of the system, paying the fine and only signing up for insurance after a catastrophic event, which they cannot be denied under the new law.

Go that? It’s so simple, right? Health insurance was already complicated as it was, this makes it even more complicated as the Helpful Hand Of Government becomes involved.

Newsalert writes

ObamaCare needs 38% of the pool to be young. Who knew that federal tax credits aren’t uniform but based on where someone lives! Justice Roberts and Strongman Obama sure did re-write the U.S. Constitution. Goodbye 14th Amendment.

Instead of making insurance, it has become a rigamarole of government beauracracy and variable standards.

Read: Say, About That Young Folks Getting A Subsidy Meme… »

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Mother Jones Stokes The Thanksgiving Climate Change Meme

By William Teach November 25, 2013 – 3:01 pm

But it’s the 3rd reason that’s a hoot

4 Climate Policies We’re Thankful For

Unless it’s immediately proceeded by the word “no,” the phrase “good news” rarely appears these days in stories about climate change. But in a year in which we found out that our oceans may rise this century by as much as three feet and that atmospheric carbon dioxide is higher than it has been in nearly a million years, there were still some bright spots. And in preparation for Thanksgiving, we’ve compiled a list of four environmental developments for which you can give thanks. You can see even more on Twitter by searching the hashtag #ClimateThanks.

Yeah, seriously, #climatethanks.

https://twitter.com/WilliamTeach/status/404994892264267777

1. The US and the World Bank will avoid financing coal-fired power plants abroad. (they really do not want brown people to have the same modern lives Warmists live)

2. The White House will push carbon limits for new and existing power plants. (skyrocketing the cost of living)

4. The world’s largest economies will phase down the use of a potent greenhouse gas. (and become just like 2nd and 3rd world countries)

Here’s the interesting one

3. The global warming “slowdown” showed us that international agreements can reduce climate change.

The so-called global warming “slowdown” you heard about over the summer certainly doesn’t mean that global warming has stopped—regardless of what climate skeptics may be saying. Although climate scientists determined that over the past 15 years, the rate of the warming of the planet has slowed—”kind of like a car easing off the accelerator,” as Chris Mooney wrote—the Earth’s surface and oceans are continuing to heat up at an alarming rate. (Other recent research suggests the “slowdown” might not have really occurred at all.) But one study found an unexpected factor contributed to the “slowdown”: the partial cause appears to be a planet-wide phaseout of greenhouse-trapping gases called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which more than 40 countries agreed to by signing the Montreal Protocol in 1988. “Without the Protocol, environmental economist Francisco Estrada of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México reports, global temperatures today would be about a tenth of a degree Celsius higher than they are,” Tim McDonnell explained earlier this month. “That’s roughly an eighth of the total warming documented since 1880.” Bottom line? The global warming “slowdown” actually seems to be a strong indication that international treaties aimed at reducing climate change can work—and that we need more of them.

So, they seem to be trotting out a new meme, that the Montreal Protocol is responsible for the “pause”. I must say, it’s more scientific than the other ones, such as the heat doing a Where’s Waldo? in the deep oceans. But, really, a 10th of a degree higher? This is what Warmists worry about? However, there is still quite a bit of uncertainty as to whether CFCs act as greenhouse gases (see here and here, sites that are not exactly skeptics). From what I’ve read, they may actually contribute a bit to warming. And were, more importantly, bad for the real environment.

Either way, Warmists just can’t help themselves in linking holidays with their pet cult.

Read: Mother Jones Stokes The Thanksgiving Climate Change Meme »

Posted in AGW Idiocy, Global Warming | 2 Comments | Trackback URL

If All You See…

By William Teach November 25, 2013 – 1:00 pm

…is coffee that will disappear because Someone Else refused to unplug their coffee maker when not in use, you might just be a Warmist

The blog of the day is Jihad Watch, with a post on Angola reportedly banning Islam and mosques.

Read: If All You See… »

Posted in If All You See | 4 Comments | Trackback URL

Be Afraid: Obamacare Could Turn On Performance Of IRS

By William Teach November 25, 2013 – 8:40 am

The headline of this Washington Post article should give everyone a huge case of the willies, and get worse while reading the article

For beleaguered IRS, a crucial test still awaits after troubled rollout of health-care law

The success of the Affordable Care Act could ultimately turn on the performance of an agency that has so far eluded the public spotlight amid the program’s tumultuous rollout.

Whether the new law can be enforced will be up to the Internal Revenue Service, an already beleaguered agency charged under the act with carrying out nearly four dozen new tasks in what represents the biggest increase in its responsibilities in decades. None is more crucial than enforcing the requirement that all citizens secure health insurance or pay a penalty. (snip)

While failures in launching the federal insurance Web site and online exchanges have thrust the Department of Health and Human Services to the center of public attention, the IRS also has a huge role in carrying out the law, including helping to distribute trillions of dollars in insurance subsidies and penalizing people who do not comply.

It’s interesting that one of the true measures of success for the “Affordable” Care Act is the IRS confiscating and redistributing American citizen’s money, penalizing them, garnishing wages, and getting in people’s lives. Interestingly, the 100% elected Democrats who passed this travesty of a law made a big mistake

Besides lacking coverage information that would help the agency enforce the “individual mandate,” the IRS also is hamstrung in penalizing those who do not sign up. The lawmakers who drafted the health-care law intentionally barred the IRS from using its customary tools for collecting penalties — liens, foreclosures and criminal prosecution. The only means of collecting the fine is to essentially garnish tax refunds for people who overpaid their taxes.

Um, oops? A good oops, but an oops nonetheless. How can it be enforced if there is no money to collect?

“This carrot-and-stick approach was effective,” Jacobs said. “How far you go in assuring universal compliance is a sensitive political balancing act.”

And right there is part of the crux of the matter: why are “sticks” involved at all? If this was good legislation, people would be super thrilled to sign up for health insurance. They’d be psyched for it. If it actually provided affordable health insurance with great coverage, reducing premiums and deductibles while expanding coverage, we all might like it. Yet, the majority hate it. Hence, the IRS will wield a stick on the American taxpayer. Happy Monday.

Read: Be Afraid: Obamacare Could Turn On Performance Of IRS »

Posted in Government, Healthcare | 1 Comment | Trackback URL

Poll: Majority Find Obama Neither Trustworthy Or Honest

By William Teach November 25, 2013 – 8:08 am

The free-fall of Obama’s poll numbers continues

(Politico) A majority of Americans think President Barack Obama is untrustworthy, according to a new poll that also found doubts about the president’s management abilities.

Fifty-three percent believe Obama is not honest and trustworthy, the CNN/ORC poll released Monday shows, noting a “clear majority” for the first time on this issue since the president took office.

I’m surprised that the number is that low, to be honest. But, then, most Americans do not pay as much attention to politics as we do. And Democrats will generally support their candidates no matter what.

Additionally, only 40 percent believe the president can manage the federal government effectively, down 12 points since June. The poll also shows that 53 percent do not view Obama as a strong and decisive leader.

Again, I’m surprised  more do not believe that he’s essentially incompetent. Still, people are finally start to clue in that speeches are no substitute for capability.

However, six in 10 Americans still believe the president has a vision for the country’s future and seven in 10 of those surveyed say he is likable.

I think he has a vision for the American: it’s just not one that is good for America. Switching over to the CNN link above

Obama’s woes are not limited to honesty and his managerial skills. Fifty-six percent say he is not a person they admire, and an equal number say he does not agree with them on important issues. Fifty-six percent also say he does not inspire confidence, and 53% don’t view him as a strong and decisive leader. All of those figures are all-time records for Obama in CNN polling.

Interesting. Most Americans disagree with Obama on the important issues. It would be interesting to know what those issues are. I think we can ascertain that one of them is Obamacare. Of course, Obama won’t actually listen to the American people, despite this tweet

That’s PBO on the Democrats invoking the nuclear option in the Senate. Will he listen to his own yammering? Doubtful.

Crossed at Right Wing News.

Read: Poll: Majority Find Obama Neither Trustworthy Or Honest »

Posted in Barry Obama, Politics | 1 Comment | Trackback URL

Assaulted Student Suspended Because Someone Else Was Offended

By William Teach November 24, 2013 – 2:59 pm

Seems like a legit excuse in today’s society, right?

(Fox News) An Arizona teenager is protesting his school’s decision to punish him after getting into a fight with another student over a Confederate flag displayed on his truck.

Jacob Green, a junior at Millennium High School in Goodyear, tells MyFoxPhoenix he was suspended for five days after defending himself against a classmate who confronted him about the flag, which has flown his truck for six months.

“I’ve done nothing wrong,” Green told the station. “I’ve flown a flag on my truck. Somebody fought me because of it. I didn’t fight him.”

Sorry, Jacob, but you’re only allowed to display certain Government Approved flags, and, hey, if you offend someone and they assault you, you’re obviously the instigator. And, of course, the school is more worried about the flag

“Open display — bringing it in — it has been proven to be patently offensive to certain groups and the courts recognize that,” Agua Fria Unified School District Superintendent Dennis Runyan told MyFoxPhoenix.com.

Got that? If it offends someone, it Must Be Banned. I wonder what they would have said had it been an Islamist flag, Che Guerva, Socialist, etc?

Jacob’s parents are upset with the school district and also believe he has a right to fly the Confederate flag at school.  They also believe Jacob was attacked by the other student and are calling it a hate crime and are considering filing a police report.

Um, why weren’t the police called in the first place, for what is assault? Schools seem to pull the trigger on calling the police if a kid brings a tiny, fake, plastic gun, but assault? The parents should consider launching a lawsuit, as Government has no right to ban the Confederate Flag. Free Speech, you know.

Read: Assaulted Student Suspended Because Someone Else Was Offended »

Posted in Current Affairs, Liberal World | 12 Comments | Trackback URL

If All You See…

By William Teach November 24, 2013 – 1:00 pm

…is a horrible smartphone sucking up vampire energy, you might just be Warmist

The blog of the day is Moonbattery, with a post that explains the Obama Doctrine.

Read: If All You See… »

Posted in If All You See | 4 Comments | Trackback URL

Sorta Blogless Sunday Pinup

By William Teach November 24, 2013 – 10:10 am

Happy pre-Thanksgiving Sunday! A time to reflect on the Once And Future Nation Of America, as we give thanks for family, friends, loved ones. And the mockingbird singing outside my window at 7am. This pinup is by Gil Elvgren, with a wee bit of help.

What is happening in Ye Olde Blogosphere? The Fine 15

  1. Blazing Cat Fur discusses the loser of a deal with Iran
  2. The People’s Cube offers Citizen Cloud, powered by the NSA
  3. The Lonely Conservative notes the latest insanity from the NY Times
  4. The Last Refuge has more Common Core insanity
  5. The Hayride covers that Mary Landrieu Mussolini picture
  6. The First Street Journal notes all the high ranking officers purged
  7. The Camp Of The Saints discusses Obama’s Munich moment
  8. Public Secrets notes the high speed rail fail in Brokeifornia
  9. neo-neocon offers up some serious cuteness
  10. Maggie’s Notebook provides Obama’s message to Israel
  11. Fire Andrea Mitchell notes that Obama has not talked with Netanyahu since Iran deal was signed
  12. Fausta points out that fixing grammar is not racism
  13. Director Blue notes the lies Team Obama tells
  14. Wishing our good blogfriend Curmudgeon best wishes on her adventures
  15. And last, but not least, congratulatons to Grandpa R.S. McCain!

As always, the full set of pinups can be seen in the Patriotic Pinup category, or over at my Gallery page. While we are on pinups, since it is that time of year, have you gotten your “Pinups for Vets” calendar yet? And don’t forget to check out what I declare to be our War on Women Rule 5 and linky luv posts

Anyone else have a link or hotty-fest going on? Let me know so I can add you to the list. (BTW, since someone asked, the reason I leave links for the previous week up (or you might see a *) is because they are place holders for later in the day or for next weeks. Easier than rewriting all the time. Also, the listing order has to do with how they are added over time, not how good a post is. I just copy and paste from the previous week, then edit. If you see one of the *’s, go ahead and check out the blog anyhow, see if there is an update. I cannot update with my Android during the day.

Read: Sorta Blogless Sunday Pinup »

Posted in Patriotic Pinup | 2 Comments | Trackback URL

COP19 Ends With Nations Agreeing To Do Something In 2015

By William Teach November 24, 2013 – 8:15 am

Much like the previous UN IPCC “climate change” working vacations in wonderful exotic/historic locations, this year’s taxpayer funded vacation, er, serious meeting over killing all humans (well, if they’re discussing carbon, must be what they want to achieve), er, conference attended by people who took long fossil fueled flights who want to stop people from taking fossil fueled flights…where was I? Oh, yes, this one ended with stupidity

(ABC Australia) Negotiators from about 195 countries have reached consensus on some of the cornerstones of an ambitious climate pact to combat global warming.

Governments agreed at talks in Poland that a new deal would consist of a patchwork of national contributions to curb emissions that could blur a 20-year-old distinction between the obligations of rich and poor nations.

They are aiming for a new global deal to be signed in Paris in 2015 to replace the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, which set targets for developed countries to cut their greenhouse gas emissions.

So, they agreed yet again to Do Something in 2015. Again, that’s what they did last year. And, I believe, the year before. Actually, I’d call this a success, since the climahypocrites aren’t messing up our lives through government regulation as they push their cultish beliefs.

Negotiators agreed that all countries should work to curb emissions from burning coal, oil and gas as soon as possible, and ideally by the first quarter of 2015.

And then they all jumped in fossil fueled vehicles to head to the airport where they took fossil fueled flights, then jumped in their fossil fueled vehicles to drive home where there’s a good chance it’s powered by coal or natural gas.

“Just in the nick of time, the negotiators in Warsaw delivered enough to keep the process moving,” said Jennifer Morgan of the World Resources Institute think tank.

Hooray! They came up with a plan to come up with a plan in 2015 which might kick in come 2020. BTW, this is an important reason to make sure a non-Warmist Republican is elected to POTUS in 2016. We certainly can’t count on any Democrat to follow Bill Clinton’s line and put our economy ahead of the Cult Of Gore.

The agreement was reached after negotiators replaced the word “commitments” for nationally-determined greenhouse gas emissions cuts, with “contributions”.

This would allow “emerging economies”, like China and India, along with “developing nations”, which never actually develop, to avoid actually Doing Something themselves.

Essentially, this was all a way of keeping the money train rolling along a far left track. The “developing nations” want to force 1st World countries to pay through the nose because of Bad Weather. And, yes, Team Obama agreed to this idiocy

Todd Stern, the US special envoy for climate change, told journalists the US wanted an agreed timeline, and that countries should aim to set national targets no later than the first quarter of 2015, which is when the US aims to have its new targets.

They did back the timetable, which, obviously, doesn’t apply to the “Carbon emissions” of Team Obama themselves. Just you citizens, who are apparently looking forward to seeing the economy further eroded.

Read: COP19 Ends With Nations Agreeing To Do Something In 2015 »

Posted in Climahypocrites, Global Warming, UN | 5 Comments | Trackback URL

Rolling Stone’s Top 100 Guitarists

By William Teach November 23, 2013 – 3:32 pm

I know this list is a bit old, from back in 2011, but I ran across it while looking up something about the Yardbirds, and there is something on there that just drove me nuts (OK, nuttier). First off, let’s look at the Top 10

  1. Jimi Hendrix
  2. Eric Clapton
  3. Jimmy Page
  4. Keith Richards
  5. Jeff Beck
  6. B.B. King
  7. Chuck Berry
  8. Eddie Van Halen
  9. Duane Allman
  10. Pete Townshend

I suppose we could all quibble a bit. I would put either Beck, Clapton, or Page as #1. That’s not a knock at Hendrix, the other three have a much larger body of work. Keith Richards is awesome, but I’m not sure I’d put him in the top 10, he’s more a rhythm guitarist. Not sure about Allman, either. Certainly great, but not top 10 great.

Here’s where it gets nuts

#73 Curt Cobain

#98 Alex Lifeson (Rush)

The very fact that Cobain is on the list is idiotic. That Lifeson isn’t in the Top 30 is pure stupidity. Dude has been making awesome music with Rush since the early 70’s. This totally makes a mockery of any Top 100 list for guitarists.

There are also a bunch of others who shouldn’t be on the list. John Lennon? Great songwriter, but guitar? Nope. George Harrison at #11? No. If we have Pete Townshend at 10 because he is one of the greatest rhythm guitarists ever, where’s Malcolm Young of AC/DC? How about Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead? If you know guitar sheet music, you can understand how intense his chords are. While he sings.

Ritchie Blackmore at #50? Should be way, way higher. Massive influence on rock music. Tony Iomi should be higher than 25. Grandfather of the heavy sound.

Springsteen at #96? Shouldn’t be on the list. More of a singer/songwriter who plays a bit of rhythm.

Where the hell’s Dave Murray and Adrian Smith of Iron Maiden? Two of the most influential metal guitarists (who also happen to rock beyond belief) since the 1980’s.

Where’s Michael Schenker, of UFO and Scorpions fame? Or Mattias Jabs, who was the guitarists for the Scorpions during their biggest period of success (79-91)?

James Honeyman Scott, of the Pretenders? Awesome and unique rhythm guitar before his untimely death.

I’m sure everyone can quibble a bit, and note their favorites missing or too low. Obviously, I tend to lean towards a heavier, more metal sound. But, if we have John Lennon, where’s Arlo Guthrie, a much better player? Same with James Taylor. Really, though, it is that thing with Cobain/Lifeson.

More: Couple I forgot about. How about Neal Schon, mostly known for his Journey days (he’s done a lot more)? His riffs are way more than standard pop/rock. And Ted Nugent? How about Gary Richrath of REO Speedwagon?

One thing I was impressed by was the inclusion of Robbie Robertson, best known for being with The Band. People sometimes forget just how good he was, and how influential The Band was, and still is.

A very late update, Nov. 28th: A couple more names occurred to me. How about Steve Howe, of Yes and Asia? Just listen to the riffs they guy creates, and the fact that he made a lot of fantastic music for decades. He won Guitar Player’s Best Guitarist 5 straight years from 77-81. People so often forget about him.

Curt Cobain.

Read: Rolling Stone’s Top 100 Guitarists »

Posted in Music | 8 Comments | Trackback URL
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