Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Gotta love those Rcaial Caususes
The Politico: "Rep. Loretta Sanchez has quit the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, accusing the chairman, Rep. Joe Baca, of telling people she's a 'whore.' "
Sad when death arrives..
....some visits are less destressing than others....
Molly Ivins Dies of Cancer at 62: "Best-selling author and columnist Molly Ivins, the sharp-witted liberal who skewered the political establishment and referred to President Bush as 'Shrub,' died Wednesday after a long battle with breast cancer. She was 62."
Molly Ivins Dies of Cancer at 62: "Best-selling author and columnist Molly Ivins, the sharp-witted liberal who skewered the political establishment and referred to President Bush as 'Shrub,' died Wednesday after a long battle with breast cancer. She was 62."
Comedian Al Franken to run for U.S. Senate in Minnesota
Comedian Al Franken to run for U.S. Senate in Minnesota: "Comedian Al Franken has decided to run for the U.S. Senate in Minnesota in 2008, challenging incumbent Republican Norm Coleman, a senior Democratic party official said Wednesday."
Harper's letter dismisses Kyoto as 'socialist scheme'
Harper's letter dismisses Kyoto as 'socialist scheme': "public-opinion polls indicate the environment has become the number one issue among Canadians.
RealClearPolitics - Articles - See No Dissent, Call It Science
RealClearPolitics - Articles - See No Dissent, Call It Science: "It is a sign of how politicized global warming has become when a father's push for his daughter's junior high school science class to present both sides of the global warming controversy becomes a national story -- with the father being portrayed as the villain. "
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
WOODTV.com & WOOD TV8 - Grand Rapids news, weather, sports and video - Mandatory retirement age for pilots may be going up
WOODTV.com & WOOD TV8 - Grand Rapids news, weather, sports and video - Mandatory retirement age for pilots may be going up: "Mandatory retirement age for pilots may be going up
Updated: Jan 30, 2007 08:10 AM EST
UPDATE -- US aviation officials will decide Tuesday if the mandatory retirement age for commercial pilots should go from 60 to 65.
The current age limit has been in place for almost 50 years.
Under the new plan, pilots older than 65 would still be able to fly a jetliner, as long as the co-pilot is under 60."
Updated: Jan 30, 2007 08:10 AM EST
UPDATE -- US aviation officials will decide Tuesday if the mandatory retirement age for commercial pilots should go from 60 to 65.
The current age limit has been in place for almost 50 years.
Under the new plan, pilots older than 65 would still be able to fly a jetliner, as long as the co-pilot is under 60."
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Friday, January 26, 2007
Grand Rapids - Man answers door, gets shot
Man answers door, gets shot
Home delivery for flu protection?
Home delivery for flu protection?
Strategic Defense Initiative by Paul M. Weyrich - HUMAN EVENTS
Strategic Defense Initiative by Paul M. Weyrich - HUMAN EVENTS: "We are in the midst of a new space race. This race, unlike the last, is one that usually is ignored -- or derided -- by the news media. Unlike the last, this one is deadly serious. It involves much higher stakes than putting a man on the moon. We can only pray that our politicians and the public will summon the will to prevail. Losing it would bring severe consequences."
To Serve Man
FrontPage magazine.com :: To Serve Man by Julia Gorin: "Imagine German writing turning up on public buses and university walls in 1942, and the citizenry being expected to not bat an eyelash, with the Germans and the media, who do the enemy’s bidding, admonishing us, “What did you think it said?” "
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Nice weather kills!
"What a beautiful day Honey".
"Sorry, Snookems.... I'm bummed....BANG!"
ScienceDirect - Journal of Affective Disorders : Global warming possibly linked to an enhanced risk of suicide: Data from Italy, 1974–2003
ScienceDirect - Journal of Affective Disorders : Global warming possibly linked to an enhanced risk of suicide: Data from Italy, 1974–2003
Where's AlGore when you need him?
Nothing new here
But tell this fact to your local "progressives" and they will say.... he's a liar? mistaken... gotta syndrome? ......I can't hear you...I can't hear you...I can't hear you......
Media Monitor - Media Bias Confirmed - December 4, 2006: "Thomas Edsall, former top political reporter for the Washington Post, told Hugh Hewitt that Democrats outnumber Republicans in the press corps by a factor of 15 or 25 to 1."
Media Monitor - Media Bias Confirmed - December 4, 2006: "Thomas Edsall, former top political reporter for the Washington Post, told Hugh Hewitt that Democrats outnumber Republicans in the press corps by a factor of 15 or 25 to 1."
Islam rules in China?
Amazing how quickly "freedom of religion" morphed into "freedom from religion" to "we gotta change our whole social structure to avoid pissing off the freakin' Muslims". In the entire world!
Classical Values :: The year that dare not speak its name?: "The year that dare not speak its name?
In China, it's the Year Of The P-P-P-Pig!
Yay! Right?
Not in China. According to this detailed WSJ report, the Chinese government is systematically censoring all mentions of pig and pig images "
In China, it's the Year Of The P-P-P-Pig!
Yay! Right?
Not in China. According to this detailed WSJ report, the Chinese government is systematically censoring all mentions of pig and pig images "
I'm thinking the movie"Babe" isn't a big hit in Al Quaida-land....
Parents of the year!
Maybe he shoulda gotta part time job?
Michigan Man With Mannequin Fetish Sentenced for Breaking Storefront Windows "Dotson is unemployed and has lived with his parents most of his life."
Michigan Man With Mannequin Fetish Sentenced for Breaking Storefront Windows "Dotson is unemployed and has lived with his parents most of his life."
Nuts!
I say "nuts!" to the defeatists in America.
Power Line: "Nuts!": "Sixty-two years ago three German armies totaling a half million men caught advancing U.S. forces in the Ardennes region of Belgium and Luxembourg by surprise and initiated the events that resulted in the Battle of the Bulge. Thanks to the unbelievable endurance, bravery and sacrifice of the American forces that slowed the German advance sufficiently for General Patton to bring the Third Army to bear, the Battle of the Bulge was close to Hitler's last gasp.
On this day in 1944 the German call for the surrender of the surrounded American forces under General McAuliffe's command at Bastogne resulted in General McAuliffe's immortal, untranslatable response. 'If you don't understand what 'Nuts!' means,' Colonel Joseph Harper explained to his mystified German interlocutors, 'in plain English it is the same as 'Go to hell.' And I will tell you something else; if you continue to attack, we will kill every goddamn German that tries to break into this city.'"
Power Line: "Nuts!": "Sixty-two years ago three German armies totaling a half million men caught advancing U.S. forces in the Ardennes region of Belgium and Luxembourg by surprise and initiated the events that resulted in the Battle of the Bulge. Thanks to the unbelievable endurance, bravery and sacrifice of the American forces that slowed the German advance sufficiently for General Patton to bring the Third Army to bear, the Battle of the Bulge was close to Hitler's last gasp.
On this day in 1944 the German call for the surrender of the surrounded American forces under General McAuliffe's command at Bastogne resulted in General McAuliffe's immortal, untranslatable response. 'If you don't understand what 'Nuts!' means,' Colonel Joseph Harper explained to his mystified German interlocutors, 'in plain English it is the same as 'Go to hell.' And I will tell you something else; if you continue to attack, we will kill every goddamn German that tries to break into this city.'"
A little history about "quagmire".
The Corner on National Review Online: "Before the war fell into a 'bloody stalemate' the Chinese attack across the Yalu River had pushed American forces to the brink of defeat; many large units were surrounded and had to be airlifted to safety, and an entire American division had been shattered and overrun. Communist forces recaptured Seoul after pushing American forces substantially back across the 38th parallel, reversing most of the gains from General MacArthur's brilliant Inchon maneuver. In short, before there was the stalemate Webb refers to, there was first a disaster that needed urgent fixing. "
Montana?
U.S. home to set world price record at $155 mln : "Jan 25 (Reuters Life!) - If you're looking for a new home and have $155 million to spare, you could be the proud owner of the world's most expensive abodes.
Forbes.com, the online site of Forbes magazine, on Thursday said timber and real estate baron Tim Blixseth has just upped the ante in the price of the world's most expensive home, planning to build and sell a home for $155 million.
The 53,000-square-foot stone and wood mansion will be built at the Yellowstone Club, a members-only, residential ski and golf resort near Bozeman, Montana developed by Blixseth.
That tops the $139 million asking price for Updown Court in Windlesham, England, which was listed No. 1 in the Forbes.com list of the world's most expensive homes in 2006.
The 10-bedroom mansion will sit on 160 acres and will come with a private gondola-like chairlift that will carry residents to the Yellowstone Club's private ski slopes, an indoor/outdoor swimming pool, and a home movie theater, and it is fully furnished.
© Reuters 2007. All Rights Reserved. "
Forbes.com, the online site of Forbes magazine, on Thursday said timber and real estate baron Tim Blixseth has just upped the ante in the price of the world's most expensive home, planning to build and sell a home for $155 million.
The 53,000-square-foot stone and wood mansion will be built at the Yellowstone Club, a members-only, residential ski and golf resort near Bozeman, Montana developed by Blixseth.
That tops the $139 million asking price for Updown Court in Windlesham, England, which was listed No. 1 in the Forbes.com list of the world's most expensive homes in 2006.
The 10-bedroom mansion will sit on 160 acres and will come with a private gondola-like chairlift that will carry residents to the Yellowstone Club's private ski slopes, an indoor/outdoor swimming pool, and a home movie theater, and it is fully furnished.
© Reuters 2007. All Rights Reserved. "
Non-violent crime?
The anti-druggies always tell us that maryjane don't hurt no one.......
Judge rails on dangers of marijuana: "To the judge, the most important message from the Frank Sibson murder case was debunking the 'urban myth' that marijuana use is harmless. "
Judge rails on dangers of marijuana: "To the judge, the most important message from the Frank Sibson murder case was debunking the 'urban myth' that marijuana use is harmless. "
Thank GOD she didn't own any Haliburton stock.....
The MSM kinda missed this little gem. ...bummer... .
CA Dianne Feinstein: A Question of Ethics: "As a member of the Military Construction Appropriations subcommittee, Sen. Feinstein voted for appropriations worth billions to her husband's firms "
CA Dianne Feinstein: A Question of Ethics: "As a member of the Military Construction Appropriations subcommittee, Sen. Feinstein voted for appropriations worth billions to her husband's firms "
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
This windsurfer missed most of the Senate Intelligance Committee meetings in 2000!
No wonder he's a weepy girlyman!
Kerry rules out joining presidential race: "'We came close – certainly close enough to try again,' Mr Kerry told senators, at one point choking back tears. '"
Kerry rules out joining presidential race: "'We came close – certainly close enough to try again,' Mr Kerry told senators, at one point choking back tears. '"
Is he off his meds?
I've long been a fan of James Webb, from his stint in the Reagan administration to his many books and op-eds in newspapers. His "Emperor's General" is powerful insight into the challenges of winning the peace after winning the war.
But this quote from his "rebuttal" got my attention:
As I look at Iraq, I recall the words of former general and soon-to-be President Dwight Eisenhower during the dark days of the Korean War, which had fallen into a bloody stalemate. "When comes the end?" asked the general, who had commanded our forces in Europe during World War Two. And as soon as he became president, he brought the Korean War to an end.
Webb is not a fool but is he deranged? He admires Ike for his Korea decision?
Well, let's take a review of that decision. WE ARE STILL IN KOREA!
South Korea is a safe and productive country because Truman and Ike provided American troops to keep South Korea a free country.
Ike decided not to "stay the course' in the Korean war.
NORTH KOREA is arguably the most murderous entity to the human spirit in the entire world!
NORTH KOREA is working with Iran and other rogue countries to develop and sell atomic bombs to use on Americans!
If we leave Iraq now we will get the equivalent of an Islamic North Korea in Iraq. but no South Korea.
Is this what the democrats are selling us?
ABC News: Democratic Response to State of the Union Address: "As I look at Iraq, I recall the words of former general and soon-to-be President Dwight Eisenhower during the dark days of the Korean War, which had fallen into a bloody stalemate. 'When comes the end?' asked the general, who had commanded our forces in Europe during World War Two. And as soon as he became president, he brought the Korean War to an end."
Captain Capitalism: The Hypocrisy is Astounding
Captain Capitalism: The Hypocrisy is Astounding: "And Lee Hamilton and his leftist likes think we can engage in 'constructive dialogue' with these bipolar freaks?"
School bans 'U.S.A.' cheer as insult
School bans 'U.S.A.' cheer as insult: "A Wisconsin high school has banned the apparently patriotic cheer U.S.A., U.S.A., saying that for many students it is shorthand for a vulgar insult. "
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Another one bites the dust!
"Aside from me not showing up for the job, do you have any other problems with my performance?"
County boss agreeing to step aside: "'There were a lot of things that needed to get done that weren't getting done,' Scolnik said. 'Nothing bad happened, but a lot of more good things could have happened with new leadership. "
County boss agreeing to step aside: "'There were a lot of things that needed to get done that weren't getting done,' Scolnik said. 'Nothing bad happened, but a lot of more good things could have happened with new leadership. "
He's got a point!
The problem isn't selfish taxpayers, it's greedy politicians who are taking our money to buy political support for themselves. When will we ever learn?
"That's Saul, folks!": "The amount of spending in real dollars of state government continues to go up. We spent more this last year than the year before and have continued to spend more every year under Governor Granholm. In fact, this Governor has ignored the constitutional requirement to spend within the state’s budget, secretly creating a deficit and not announcing it until after the election…now that’s pure politics. Michigan has a constitutional requirement to live within a balanced budget."
"That's Saul, folks!": "The amount of spending in real dollars of state government continues to go up. We spent more this last year than the year before and have continued to spend more every year under Governor Granholm. In fact, this Governor has ignored the constitutional requirement to spend within the state’s budget, secretly creating a deficit and not announcing it until after the election…now that’s pure politics. Michigan has a constitutional requirement to live within a balanced budget."
Bozo alert!
If Viagra isn't a "lifestyle or sexual enhancement drug" what the heck is it? A weaponizer? "Is that a gun in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?"
From an e-mail:
"Looks like a slam-dunk to me! If the timber is too limber, a guy can't sodomize.IMHO, they should go after aspirin makers too: "Not tonight Lance, I have a headache. I understand, Bruce my sweet."
AIDS group to sue Pfizer over Viagra ads Health Reuters.com: "The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) told Reuters it wants Pfizer to be barred from marketing Viagra as a lifestyle or sexual enhancement drug. The nonprofit organization said Pfizer's actions had led to risky behavior by men and an increase in HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases."
Racists!
Maybe the "left" has another word for those who would exclude others based on their race.
Here in Muskegon I see it as "sheet-wearing racism"!
The Politico: "former Rep. William Lacy Clay Sr., D-Mo., a co-founder of the caucus, had circulated a memo telling members it was 'critical' that the group remain 'exclusively African- American.'
Other members, including the new chairwoman, Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, D-Mich., and Clay's son, Rep. William Lacy Clay, D-Mo., agreed."
Other members, including the new chairwoman, Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, D-Mich., and Clay's son, Rep. William Lacy Clay, D-Mo., agreed."
Monday, January 22, 2007
Fly Quantas!
Man kicked off flight for Bush-bashing T-shirt Oddly Enough Reuters.com: "Airline staff said the T-shirt of Bush with the tagline 'World's number 1 terrorist' could have upset other passengers and demanded it be changed for another."
Truth can be painful
Back Talk: Anti-Victory Democrats: "An anti-war Democrat, as I use the term, refers to a Democrat who opposed the invasion of Iraq (or believes now that it was a mistake) but recognizes the importance of not being defeated there. An anti-victory Democrat, by contrast, is one who has chosen to believe that victory is hopeless (i.e., that defeat is at hand) and who has further chosen to believe that the humbling of America would actually be a good thing. "
I may start watching SNL again
The audience laughter did seem to be a bit restrained, though. Bummer!
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Judge Judy OVERPAID!
In the interest of taking that first "one small step" to reducing IMCOME INEQUALITY shouldn't we take a bunch of money from these chicks and give it to ....... well, me? Why not?
Yes, I know that Barney Frank wants the money but why not give the booty taken from the rich back to the tax payers rather than to the crooks in congress?
I actually like the JJ Show but I actually like money too. And I HATE inequality!
'Judge Judy' earns more per year than all 9 Supreme Court Justices - COMBINED...
In Pictures: The Richest 20 Women In Entertainment - Forbes.com
Yes, I know that Barney Frank wants the money but why not give the booty taken from the rich back to the tax payers rather than to the crooks in congress?
I actually like the JJ Show but I actually like money too. And I HATE inequality!
'Judge Judy' earns more per year than all 9 Supreme Court Justices - COMBINED...
In Pictures: The Richest 20 Women In Entertainment - Forbes.com
We've got a problem
It seems Muskegon spends more effort to cover up our problem than solving it.
Crime Rate Comparison: Muskegon Vs. Grand Rapids
Crime Rate Comparison: Muskegon Vs. Grand Rapids
Saturday, January 20, 2007
A bit more to the story?
Paper: Missing Mo. Boy Met With Police: "Ten months after Shawn Hornbeck's disappearance, he spoke with police to report his bike had been stolen but gave no clue that he was a missing child, a newspaper reported Saturday."
Huh?
Lot's of thoughts on this one.
Why did it take over a week to clear this officer?
Why put any officer on "paid administrative leave"? Why not just reassign to another job?
Why is "administrative leave" a "routine procedure". Shoot at someone, get a paid vacation?
Why is the most intriguing part of this story, the "complaint" of the crook not reported in the story? What was the crook's complaint?
Why is the description of the arrested guy's accomplice not in the story. Or his description?
Officer cleared after shooting; 1 suspect remains at large: "However, Manies was caught approximately 12 hours later after he contacted a Muskegon police officer to make a complaint. "
Why did it take over a week to clear this officer?
Why put any officer on "paid administrative leave"? Why not just reassign to another job?
Why is "administrative leave" a "routine procedure". Shoot at someone, get a paid vacation?
Why is the most intriguing part of this story, the "complaint" of the crook not reported in the story? What was the crook's complaint?
Why is the description of the arrested guy's accomplice not in the story. Or his description?
Officer cleared after shooting; 1 suspect remains at large: "However, Manies was caught approximately 12 hours later after he contacted a Muskegon police officer to make a complaint. "
Inarticulate global warmonger
Who needs proof? Not the members of the Church of Global Warming
Transcript of debate on climate change between the Hudson Institute:
Host: "But is there evidence, though? Because you had a challenge there."
Linus: "No, but look, what’s important is to look at …"
Transcript of debate on climate change between the Hudson Institute:
Host: "But is there evidence, though? Because you had a challenge there."
Linus: "No, but look, what’s important is to look at …"
A hint of money?
Where would the class action lawyers be if they didn't have "researchers" looking for "hints"?
Cancer study ordered into mobile phones - Britain - Times Online: "Professor Lawrie Challis, who is in the final stages of negotiation with the Department of Health and the mobile phone industry for the £3 million that he needs to fund the study, told The Times that research has shown that mobiles are very safe in the short term but that there is a “hint of something” for people using them longer."
Friday, January 19, 2007
Scumbag blames "deamons"
GOPers dump their crap. Demos give them chairmanships.
My Way News - Ney Draws 30 Months in Bribery Case: "Ney apologized to his family and constituents during a brief statement.
'I will continue to take full responsibility, accept the consequences and battle the demons of addiction that are within me,' he said."
My Way News - Ney Draws 30 Months in Bribery Case: "Ney apologized to his family and constituents during a brief statement.
'I will continue to take full responsibility, accept the consequences and battle the demons of addiction that are within me,' he said."
Con job at The Weather Channel
Con job at The Weather Channel:
This week Americans observed a national day of mourning (I'm speaking not of President Ford's funeral, but rather the day that Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi seized power in Congress).
Far-left political ideologies are being promulgated through ever-increasing mediums, and recently I noticed that a once-vaunted American television network, The Weather Channel, had succumbed to the cancerous spread of liberalism.
The Weather Channel debuted in 1982 and went on to earn a reputation as a well-known and respected cable network. The explosive success of the cable channel prompted the publication of a book marking the network's 20th anniversary. That success has been based on the fact that weather forecasts are sought after by a vast number of Americans on a near-daily basis.
(Column continues below)
What had been nice about The Weather Channel is that through most of its history it stayed clear of political propaganda and focused on delivering weather forecasts to the nation, supplemented with riveting live reports from the front lines of hurricanes, winter blizzards and springtime floods. "
This week Americans observed a national day of mourning (I'm speaking not of President Ford's funeral, but rather the day that Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi seized power in Congress).
Far-left political ideologies are being promulgated through ever-increasing mediums, and recently I noticed that a once-vaunted American television network, The Weather Channel, had succumbed to the cancerous spread of liberalism.
The Weather Channel debuted in 1982 and went on to earn a reputation as a well-known and respected cable network. The explosive success of the cable channel prompted the publication of a book marking the network's 20th anniversary. That success has been based on the fact that weather forecasts are sought after by a vast number of Americans on a near-daily basis.
(Column continues below)
What had been nice about The Weather Channel is that through most of its history it stayed clear of political propaganda and focused on delivering weather forecasts to the nation, supplemented with riveting live reports from the front lines of hurricanes, winter blizzards and springtime floods. "
Navy Times
CG report cites multiple failures in diving deaths - Navy News, Navy Times
It seems that everything and everyone that could go wrong went wrong. Very sad story.
It seems that everything and everyone that could go wrong went wrong. Very sad story.
Asbestos Fireproofing Might Have Prevented World Trade Center Collapse
Thank you, eco-nuts....Asbestos Fireproofing Might Have Prevented World Trade Center Collapse
"Berlau’s report of the post-Sept. 11 fireproofing testing by NIST underscores the chilling possibility that the Sept. 11 WTC building collapses may have been delayed if not preventable had asbestos fireproofing been used."
"Berlau’s report of the post-Sept. 11 fireproofing testing by NIST underscores the chilling possibility that the Sept. 11 WTC building collapses may have been delayed if not preventable had asbestos fireproofing been used."
"Life Under the Bush Debacle "
The Corner on National Review Online: "Life Under the Bush Debacle "
Jonah – Each of your pro-Kerry correspondents take pains to point out how poorly the country has fared under George W. Bush, and how those who support him (especially you…) are destroying the country. Let’s see, last time I checked,
1) The stock market is at an all-time high, thus
2) Retirement accounts are at last recovering.
3) Unemployment is at a 25-year low,
4) Taxes are at 20-year lows,
5) Federal revenues are at all-time highs,
6) The Federal deficit is down almost 50%,
7) Real estate values have soared,
8) Inflation is at a 20-year low,
9) There have been no successful attacks since 9/11,
10) Al Queda is being taken apart, one body at a time.
11) U.S. and British Intelligence have thwarted a number of attacks.
12) The terrorists are flocking to Iraq to be killed, instead of boarding planes for this country.
If any of your writers were as honest they dare you to be, they would admit that, if the president who had accomplished this in the face of such difficulty had a “D” after his name instead of an “R”, they would be singing his praises to the heavens. But no, the country is falling apart. Only if a Democrat takes the White House will everything instantly be perfect again.
Jonah – Each of your pro-Kerry correspondents take pains to point out how poorly the country has fared under George W. Bush, and how those who support him (especially you…) are destroying the country. Let’s see, last time I checked,
1) The stock market is at an all-time high, thus
2) Retirement accounts are at last recovering.
3) Unemployment is at a 25-year low,
4) Taxes are at 20-year lows,
5) Federal revenues are at all-time highs,
6) The Federal deficit is down almost 50%,
7) Real estate values have soared,
8) Inflation is at a 20-year low,
9) There have been no successful attacks since 9/11,
10) Al Queda is being taken apart, one body at a time.
11) U.S. and British Intelligence have thwarted a number of attacks.
12) The terrorists are flocking to Iraq to be killed, instead of boarding planes for this country.
If any of your writers were as honest they dare you to be, they would admit that, if the president who had accomplished this in the face of such difficulty had a “D” after his name instead of an “R”, they would be singing his praises to the heavens. But no, the country is falling apart. Only if a Democrat takes the White House will everything instantly be perfect again.
American Eagle Flight 4184
What are the odds of getting killed on your first day on the job?
The junior flight attendant was hired by Simmons Airlines on October 6,1994, and successfully completed her initial training in October on the Saab 340,Shorts 360 and the ATR 42/72 airplanes. Flight 4184 was the first line trip for the junior flight attendant.
ABC 33/40 Weather Blog » “The Weather Channel” Mess
ABC 33/40 Weather Blog » “The Weather Channel” Mess: "Well, well. Some “climate expert” on “The Weather Channel” wants to take away AMS certification from those of us who believe the recent “global warming” is a natural process. So much for “tolerance”, huh?"
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Doh!
Inside the Beltway - Nation/Politics - The Washington Times, America's Newspaper: "'In a surprise twist in the debate over Iraq,' the story began, Mr. Reyes 'said he wants to see an increase of 20,000 to 30,000 U.S. troops as part of a 'stepped up effort to dismantle the militias.' ' "
Friday, January 12, 2007
Demo-stink
House Republicans yesterday declared "something fishy" about the major tuna company in House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco district being exempted from the minimum-wage increase that Democrats approved this week.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Naked Ivy
STUDENTS at America's prestigious Ivy League universities are rebelling against their colleges' stuffy reputations, casting off society's norms along with their clothes to hold naked parties.
Sounds like the Teamsters of Hoffa's days
Interesting LTE.
MEA salaries should outrage state teachers
According to a form filed with the U.S. Department of Labor, MEA administrators in East Lansing and regional Uniserv directors earned almost $21,000 more in the time period Sept. 1, 2004, to Aug. 31, 2005, than the teachers they supposedly help in union activities.
Moreover, some $26.5 million in wages and salaries were paid to 341 administrators in the MEA labor union for an average salary of $77,750; but the average teacher in Michigan earned about $56,970 during the same period, according to statistics released by the NEA.
Incredibly, Michigan teachers rank fourth-highest in the nation for average pay while MEA Uniserv directors earn an average salary of about $87,000 per year. Lou Battagliera, the past president of the MEA, earned an outrageous salary of $181,902; Charles Anderson, who retired as executive editor, earned $169,521; and Al Short, our lobbyist for the union, earned $147,492 in 2005.
Why should teachers be outraged at the huge salaries paid to worthless administrators? Stressed teachers are frustrated by skyrocketing union dues paid to another layer of useless administrators who sat frozen like frogs on lily pads when our state Legislature passed a tough anti-strike bill in 1994!
Without a doubt, MEA eunuchs have become ineffective drones while they fiddle as Rome burns due to weak representation in grievances, negotiations and privatization scams.
Larry D. Vandermolen
MEA salaries should outrage state teachers
According to a form filed with the U.S. Department of Labor, MEA administrators in East Lansing and regional Uniserv directors earned almost $21,000 more in the time period Sept. 1, 2004, to Aug. 31, 2005, than the teachers they supposedly help in union activities.
Moreover, some $26.5 million in wages and salaries were paid to 341 administrators in the MEA labor union for an average salary of $77,750; but the average teacher in Michigan earned about $56,970 during the same period, according to statistics released by the NEA.
Incredibly, Michigan teachers rank fourth-highest in the nation for average pay while MEA Uniserv directors earn an average salary of about $87,000 per year. Lou Battagliera, the past president of the MEA, earned an outrageous salary of $181,902; Charles Anderson, who retired as executive editor, earned $169,521; and Al Short, our lobbyist for the union, earned $147,492 in 2005.
Why should teachers be outraged at the huge salaries paid to worthless administrators? Stressed teachers are frustrated by skyrocketing union dues paid to another layer of useless administrators who sat frozen like frogs on lily pads when our state Legislature passed a tough anti-strike bill in 1994!
Without a doubt, MEA eunuchs have become ineffective drones while they fiddle as Rome burns due to weak representation in grievances, negotiations and privatization scams.
Larry D. Vandermolen
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Friday, January 05, 2007
Kansas thoughts
The best and worst of Opinion Line 2006
Breasts, fashion statements
As far as I'm concerned, the only thing wrong with breast-feeding in public is that the baby's head obstructs my view.
If a woman breast-feeds her baby while lunching at Hooters, would other patrons be offended? Just curious.
If you have stomach rolls, please stop wearing shorts that show them. Nobody wants to see that. If you have back rolls, please stop wearing halters. Nobody wants to see that, either.
If you are 35 or older, short skirts, low-necked tops and tight jeans are not for you. Face it; your glory days are over. Cover up.
Breasts, fashion statements
As far as I'm concerned, the only thing wrong with breast-feeding in public is that the baby's head obstructs my view.
If a woman breast-feeds her baby while lunching at Hooters, would other patrons be offended? Just curious.
If you have stomach rolls, please stop wearing shorts that show them. Nobody wants to see that. If you have back rolls, please stop wearing halters. Nobody wants to see that, either.
If you are 35 or older, short skirts, low-necked tops and tight jeans are not for you. Face it; your glory days are over. Cover up.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
No big deal?
Health costs create county budget gap
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
By Steve Gunn
CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER
The short, happy era of fiscal prosperity is over for Muskegon County government.
After using an unexpected $1.7 million windfall in September to balance their fiscal 2007 budget plan, county leaders have learned that the cost of providing retiree medical benefits has gone through the roof.
That means the county, almost three full months into the new fiscal year, will have to find a way to erase a sudden deficit of approximately $2.3 million, including $750,000 in the general fund and about $1.5 million in all other funds.
County commissioners started the painful process of eliminating that deficit Tuesday by voting to impose a hiring freeze on full-time employees and reducing the "benefit option" for employees that don't enroll in the medical insurance program.
County Administrator James Borushko will also ask all county departments to review their budgets in the coming weeks and recommend spending cuts and/or revenue increases equaling two percent.
An overall budget reduction plan, based on those recommended cuts, will probably come before county commissioners in February or March, according to officials.
"There's always a new challenge the next day," said Borushko, alluding to last summer's unexpected property tax revenue windfall that temporarily provided the county with enough revenue to cover its budget. "We will look for good news to come hopefully in other areas."
The latest "new challenge" is related to the cost of keeping up with future medical costs for county retirees.
Every few years the county has an "actuarial" study done of its pension and insurance programs, to determine how much it must set aside every year to meet its obligation to retirees over three decades.
Last year the county put aside 6.8 percent of its gross payroll, based on a 2000 actuarial study.
This year county officials estimated they would have to put aside 9.28 percent of gross payroll in the new fiscal year, equaling about $4.5 million.
Then a new actuarial study came in, and the results were chilling. County officials learned they would have to set aside slightly more than 14 percent of gross payroll, or about $6.8 million.
That created a $2.3 million hole in their fiscal 2007 budget plan.
The impact of the shortage could potentially be blunted in coming months. A proposed state law would allow local governments to sell bonds to lessen the impact of the additional costs.
But there's no guarantee that option will become available, and the county would be foolish to count on it, according to officials.
In a memo to commissioners, Jack Niemiec, the county's director of finance and management services, described the budgetary impact of the cost increase "huge."
"The next question, of course, is how to deal with this huge hit," Niemiec wrote in the memo. "We cannot ignore it."
Commissioners reacted Tuesday in several ways, based on Niemiec's recommendations to erase the budget shortfall.
* They voted to impose a hiring freeze for all full-time positions that are funded at least 50 percent with general fund money. The hiring freeze will not save money at the outset, but could make a difference as the months pass and positions become vacant, according to officials.
* Commissioners also voted to reduce the amount of money they give employees who opt out of the county's medical coverage. Currently employees with families of more than two people receive $5,450, families of two receive $5,115 and single employees get $2,322.
With the reduction in place, employees with families will get $2,000 per year while single employees will get $1,000. A total of 210 county employees will be affected, including 9 of the 11 county commissioners, according to officials.
The reduction will save the county an estimated $516,220.
* Niemiec said the county will also save money because wage increases for county employees were not as large as they could have been this year. The county was set to increase wages between 2.5 percent and 3.5 percent for most employees, based on the consumer price index.
The CPI ended up at 1.7 percent, meaning the county can pay the low end of the wage increase, or 2.5 percent. The county budget had assumed an increase of 3.25 percent for most employees., so the saving will be $332,037.
Savings from the reduction of the benefit option and the lower wage increase will total $848,957. That still leaves a hole of roughly $1.4 million in the budget, which the various departments will be expected to eliminate through their two percent cuts.
"We will expect everybody to show up and meet their obligation," said Borushko, who added that employee layoffs probably aren't a concern, unless the initial budget cuts fail to eliminate the deficit.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
By Steve Gunn
CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER
The short, happy era of fiscal prosperity is over for Muskegon County government.
After using an unexpected $1.7 million windfall in September to balance their fiscal 2007 budget plan, county leaders have learned that the cost of providing retiree medical benefits has gone through the roof.
That means the county, almost three full months into the new fiscal year, will have to find a way to erase a sudden deficit of approximately $2.3 million, including $750,000 in the general fund and about $1.5 million in all other funds.
County commissioners started the painful process of eliminating that deficit Tuesday by voting to impose a hiring freeze on full-time employees and reducing the "benefit option" for employees that don't enroll in the medical insurance program.
County Administrator James Borushko will also ask all county departments to review their budgets in the coming weeks and recommend spending cuts and/or revenue increases equaling two percent.
An overall budget reduction plan, based on those recommended cuts, will probably come before county commissioners in February or March, according to officials.
"There's always a new challenge the next day," said Borushko, alluding to last summer's unexpected property tax revenue windfall that temporarily provided the county with enough revenue to cover its budget. "We will look for good news to come hopefully in other areas."
The latest "new challenge" is related to the cost of keeping up with future medical costs for county retirees.
Every few years the county has an "actuarial" study done of its pension and insurance programs, to determine how much it must set aside every year to meet its obligation to retirees over three decades.
Last year the county put aside 6.8 percent of its gross payroll, based on a 2000 actuarial study.
This year county officials estimated they would have to put aside 9.28 percent of gross payroll in the new fiscal year, equaling about $4.5 million.
Then a new actuarial study came in, and the results were chilling. County officials learned they would have to set aside slightly more than 14 percent of gross payroll, or about $6.8 million.
That created a $2.3 million hole in their fiscal 2007 budget plan.
The impact of the shortage could potentially be blunted in coming months. A proposed state law would allow local governments to sell bonds to lessen the impact of the additional costs.
But there's no guarantee that option will become available, and the county would be foolish to count on it, according to officials.
In a memo to commissioners, Jack Niemiec, the county's director of finance and management services, described the budgetary impact of the cost increase "huge."
"The next question, of course, is how to deal with this huge hit," Niemiec wrote in the memo. "We cannot ignore it."
Commissioners reacted Tuesday in several ways, based on Niemiec's recommendations to erase the budget shortfall.
* They voted to impose a hiring freeze for all full-time positions that are funded at least 50 percent with general fund money. The hiring freeze will not save money at the outset, but could make a difference as the months pass and positions become vacant, according to officials.
* Commissioners also voted to reduce the amount of money they give employees who opt out of the county's medical coverage. Currently employees with families of more than two people receive $5,450, families of two receive $5,115 and single employees get $2,322.
With the reduction in place, employees with families will get $2,000 per year while single employees will get $1,000. A total of 210 county employees will be affected, including 9 of the 11 county commissioners, according to officials.
The reduction will save the county an estimated $516,220.
* Niemiec said the county will also save money because wage increases for county employees were not as large as they could have been this year. The county was set to increase wages between 2.5 percent and 3.5 percent for most employees, based on the consumer price index.
The CPI ended up at 1.7 percent, meaning the county can pay the low end of the wage increase, or 2.5 percent. The county budget had assumed an increase of 3.25 percent for most employees., so the saving will be $332,037.
Savings from the reduction of the benefit option and the lower wage increase will total $848,957. That still leaves a hole of roughly $1.4 million in the budget, which the various departments will be expected to eliminate through their two percent cuts.
"We will expect everybody to show up and meet their obligation," said Borushko, who added that employee layoffs probably aren't a concern, unless the initial budget cuts fail to eliminate the deficit.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Anti-cheese campaign is seen as 'nannying gone mad'
The new regulations, being introduced this month by the television regulator Ofcom, will ban broadcasters from advertising cheese during children's TV programmes, or shows with a large number of child viewers....
The ban comes in the wake of evidence that television commercials have an indirect influence on what children eat and are contributing to obesity in the young...
The model officially labelled cheese as more unhealthy than sugary cereals, full-fat crisps and cheeseburgers.
The ban comes in the wake of evidence that television commercials have an indirect influence on what children eat and are contributing to obesity in the young...
The model officially labelled cheese as more unhealthy than sugary cereals, full-fat crisps and cheeseburgers.
The successes of President George W Bush
Sometimes we forget the significant wins for W... and the USA.
Pretty long and impressive list!
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1759220/replies?c=8
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