Pension Crisis Looms -- WSJ; Other WSJ Links

Now it's expensive, electric motorcycles that are stalling; recalled. I can't make this stuff up. It never quits. One would think an electric engine would be about as simple as it could get.

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Google pension crisis looms despite cuts. This story is the front page, weekend edition, top-of-the-fold story -- that's how big this story is. North Dakota is in very enviable position.

Almost every state in the U.S. has made cuts to its public-employee pensions, seeking to dig out from the economic downturn, but so far the measures have fallen well short of bridging a nearly $1 trillion funding gap.  

Since 2009, 45 states have rolled back pension benefits for teachers, police, firefighters and other public workers, including cuts by Michigan and California this month. Next week, Republican Ohio Gov. John Kasich is expected to sign legislation requiring, for example, that certain teachers work longer and pay more toward their pensions.  

The state measures show how economic forces are reshaping traditional rivalries, convincing lawmakers and labor leaders that past public pension plans are unsustainable. In Ohio and elsewhere, politically potent unions have locked arms with state officials over the pension cuts.

Ironically, many of the states mentioned and many of the unions (perhaps all of the unions) would benefit if the states' leaders would promote growth across the board, and embrace the oil and gas industry. The 21st century oil and gas industry is a whole lot different than that of the 20th century. Wind and solar are great niches for some investors, but for the vast majority of folks, oil and gas has a lot more to offer. California, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio could all benefit.

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Golf, life, and coming of age: Some of the best writing one might see today: google how mom plays the game; a must-read for everyone

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Harley Davidson embraces flexible production; google Hog maker harley gets lean; I don't think the article references that under the ObamaCare legislation, a 30-hour work week is now considered full-time. If that stands (the 30-hour work week), companies will figure out ways to get around it; part-time workers will work even fewer hours. Unintended consequences.

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Great article on Harold Hamm, CLR/CEO, p. B1 -- one of the better stories on Harold Hamm, in fact. Google wildcatter hunts his next gusher. Focus on the Three Forks;

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For investors only: google borrowing against yourself. Up until this year, I never bought on margin. Times are changing. Minimal risk if disciplined.

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The whole "Review" section of today's WSJ is simply outstanding. Print edition.