POLITICAL: “Public” pensions need to be converted to defined contribution plans

Saturday, January 3, 2015

http://www.therightcurmudgeon.com/2014/12/the-public-employee-pension-scam/

The Public Employee Pension Scam
Commentary
Dec 30, 2014

*** begin quote ***

Every public pension fund plays this game.  CalPERS, the California State Pension system, is reporting a shortfall of $260 billion.  The problem with that number is that they are assuming a return on investment of 7.5% in order to get to the $260B number.  In and of itself, $260B isn’t pocket change, but the reality is much, much worse.

In fact, using public sector accounting rules, CalPERS shortfall is more like $986 billion.  Because the shortfall is projected over the life of the fund, when it hits it’s going to be way too late to actually do anything about it.

*** end quote ***

What the private sector is doing? Converting.

In actuality, “We, The Sheeple” should be worried.

All “pensions” should be converted to defined contribution plans!

TANSTAAFL (“There Ain’t No Such Thing As A Free Lunch” From Robert Heinlein’s classic) 

Argh!

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POLITICAL: Big Insurance is a Crony Capitalist in MA

Friday, January 2, 2015

http://dailycaller.com/2014/12/26/report-massachusetts-auto-insurers-subsidized-and-calling-the-shots/

Report: Massachusetts Auto Insurers Subsidized And Calling The Shots
5:23 PM 12/26/2014
PETER FRICKE
Contributor

*** begin quote ***

A recent investigation has found that Massachusetts not only spends millions to subsidize private auto insurers, but also suspends drivers’ licenses at their request.

According to WHAV News, employees of the taxpayer-funded Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) “process paperwork and otherwise subsidize private insurance companies in the administration of ‘Driver Retraining Programs’ even when there is no state interest—criminal or civil—at stake.”

*** end quote ***

I am shocked … “I’m shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on in here!” Captain Renault in Casablanca … that the State Gooferment and Big Insurance are in cahoots.

Imagine how much cheaper “insurance” would be if it was not “regulated”.

Just as “life insurance” is cheap and easy to get and keep.

The greater the Gooferment involvement, the more expensive and “crony” it is!

Argh!

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INTERESTING: Why can’t we all use GMT as our time?

Thursday, January 1, 2015

2015-Jan-01

2015 Jan 01 NYE

I was thinking that if “we” all used GMT+0 (Zulu?) that we could all celebrate at the same time?

And, end a lot of confusion of time zones. That’s what computers do! And the US military.

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SOFTWARE: Easy installs are not always secure

Thursday, January 1, 2015

I have been playing with wikis.

I use two Website Service Providers.

(One for “production” and the other for “fun”.)

So I slapped up a MEDIAWIKI on WSP#1 and in short order it was being used by Chinese hackers.

Nuked it. And still trying to get WSP#1 to unsuspend the account.

So i put up MEDIAWIKI on WSP#2 and in short order it was being used by some other hackers.

Nuked it.

So I put up TIKI WIKI which looks like it installs in more secure start up mode.

It doesn’t install correctly.

Argh!

Depending upon how I make out with WSP#1 and WSP#2, I’ll reveal the identities at later date.

YMMV

— 30 — 

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NEWJERSEY: Missing children

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

http://patch.com/new-jersey/southbrunswick/are-missing-md-children-new-jersey?utm_source=newsletter-daily&utm_medium=email&utm_term=police%20%26%20fire&utm_campaign=newsletter&utm_content=article-mostrecent

2014 Dec 31 child1

Are Missing Md. Children In New Jersey?

Father continues to search for two children who disappeared four months ago in mother’s care while she remains in mental hospital

By Karen Wall (Patch Staff)December 30, 2014 at 4:58pm

Troy Turner, the children’s father, has been searching on his own in the months since. On the FindSarahFindJacob Facebook page Turner posted late Sunday: “Possible sighting on NJ Turnpike North at Exit 8A-9 – Yesterday December 28th ~4 PM Eastern.”

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I assume if you see anything or know anything, call the local or NJ state police.

# – # – # – # – #  2014-Dec-31 @ 11:09  

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SECURITY: Tricks for passwords

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

http://www.networkworld.com/article/2860418/security0/6-simple-tricks-for-protecting-your-passwords.html?nsdr=true

6 simple tricks for protecting your passwords
By Maria Korolov Follow
Network World | Dec 22, 2014 3:00 AM PT

*** begin quote ***

We all know that the current username-and-password system is broken. With Russian hackers reportedly sitting on over a billion passwords, and new breaches hitting the news on a regular basis, it’s fair to assume that if hackers don’t have your password already, they’re about to.

“Most websites and companies require passwords that are at least eight characters long, contain lower and upper case characters, a number, and one or more special characters,” says Vincent Berk, CEO of network security firm FlowTraq.

These kinds of password policies have actually reduced security overall, argues Jacob West, CTO at HP Enterprise Security Products. “We need to bring some sanity back to our password policies,” he says. “A human will never be able to meet these requirements.”

*** and ***

1. Letter substitution cipher: a=b

2. Letter substitution cipher: a=s

3. Never write down encrypted passwords; banana, not nsmsms

4. Use earworms to your advantage: Wheels on the bus go round and round

5. The mnemonic code: a=alpha

6. Add site name to end of password: banana-twitter

*** and ***

One popular alternative is to use a password management tool that keeps all your passwords in an encrypted file, usually in combination with apps on your desktop, laptop and mobile devices.

*** end quote ***

I have used all of these at one time or another.

I think LASTPASS with a complex master password written no where is “good enough” for my non-financial passwords. The few financial ones I have memorized.

AND … …

For those sites who use “security questions”, Users should treat those just like passwords. Do NOT use real answers.

Happy New Year!

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GOVEROTRAGEOUS: “Main Street” was financially “raped”

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/21/business/fresh-doubt-over-the-bailout-of-aig.html?_r=0

Fresh Doubt Over the Bailout of A.I.G.DEC. 20, 2014
By GRETCHEN MORGENSON

*** begin quote ***

Last week, Edward Kane, a finance professor at Boston College and an expert on financial regulatory failures, said, “We’ve learned so much from this case that everyone wanted to cover up.” Mr. Kane said that while he is not on Starr’s side in the litigation, the facts that it has surfaced are important for citizens to understand.

“These are the equivalent of storm troopers marching in and throwing their weight around and telling lies about it afterward,” he said. “The lawsuit is an effort to make these people accountable that has not been available through the political system.”

*** end quote ***

It’s clear to me that Goldman was pulling the strings from behind the scenes.

Bear Sterns, a Goldman competitor, was executed!

The FED and Treasury stampeded Congress into the rescue.

And as soon as the funds were voted, the “rules of engagement” were changed to benefit the Big Banks and Wall Street. AKA Goldman.

Argh!

And “We, The Sheeple” and the Taxpayers, as well as “Main Street” were financially “raped”!

And, Ms. Warren not withstanding, it continues to go on!

Argh!

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TECHNOLOGY: Equip ALL planes with a locator that can’t be turned off

Monday, December 29, 2014

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20141229/as–indonesia-plane-f312b6eda8.html

In crowded skies, lost plane’s request for new path denied
Dec 29, 10:08 AM (ET)
By TRISNADI MARJAN and MARGIE MASON (AP)

*** begin quote *** 

SURABAYA, Indonesia (AP) — The plane sought permission to climb above threatening clouds. Air traffic control couldn’t say yes immediately — there was no room. Six other commercial airliners were crowding the surrounding airspace, forcing AirAsia Flight 8501 to remain at a lower altitude.

*** end quote ***

First, how crowded are the “friendly skies”?

Second, in today’s age, one always thinks of terrorism.

Third, guess “we” still have not fitted ALL planes with a locator that can’t be turned off. 

Fourth, didn’t, after the MH370, we learn that the engines “call home”?

Argh!

Praying for these souls and their families. But it looks grim.

— 30 — 

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TINFOILHAT: Did dot gov pay Sony to pull the movie?

Monday, December 29, 2014

http://www.commanderzero.com/?p=2283

Just some ramblings
Posted on December 19, 2014

*** begin quote ***

Im fascinated at the notion of the North Koreans determining what movies we can and cannot watch. I have a conspiracy theory that the .gov paid Sony to pull the movie and compensate them for their loss in order to avoid the threatened ‘events’ that would take place at theaters in the US that showed the movie. But…thats all conspiracy theory. On the other hand, you can bet right now that industry underwriters are changing their policies to specifically exempt this sort of blackmail in future studio insurance policies.

*** end quote ***

Certainly makes sense.

Given how chummy BHO44 is with the Hollywood elite.

Not that “We, The Sheeple” will ever find out!

Argh!

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GOVEROTRAGEOUS: Eliminate the death tax

Sunday, December 28, 2014

http://www.economics21.org/commentary/tax-change-business-alive-after-your-death-2014-12-19

This Tax Change Could Keep Your Business Alive After Your Death
Diana Furchtgott-Roth
12/19/2014

*** begin quote ***

As 2014 draws to a close, many people are thinking of tax planning strategies. Some might donate to charity, others might choose to pay state taxes early. One novel idea that has just been proposed on Capitol Hill would allow people to decide when to pay estate taxes.

*** end quote ***

Here’s a better idea. Eliminate the death tax entirely.

Since only “poor” people pay it!

Argh!

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This Tax Change Could Keep Your Business Alive After Your Death

Diana Furchtgott-Roth | 12/19/2014 | 
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This Tax Change Could Keep Your Business Alive After Your Death

As 2014 draws to a close, many people are thinking of tax planning strategies. Some might donate to charity, others might choose to pay state taxes early. One novel idea that has just been proposed on Capitol Hill would allow people to decide when to pay estate taxes.

 

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