Citizens use Muskegon County Board of Commissioners public comment period to voice concerns over new jail | MLive.com
"It certainly seems … that you all have been sidestepping the real issue that resides with the jail — (it's) overpopulated," said Toby Fraser, a member of the Citizens Review Committee who spoke during the meeting and later interrupted the forum.
He argued for community education and diversion programs to eliminate some of the community problems that lead to crime and more inmates being lodged in the jail.
"We know it needs to be dealt with and you're not dealing with it," Fraser told the board
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Derail The Jail
Derail The Jail | Home
Welcome to Derail the Jail!
The Muskegon County government has initiated a planning process with hopes to either build a new jail facility or expand the current one from 370 beds to a 600 bed capacity with room for a "25 year build-out."
This means a continued increase in the incarcerated population in the County for 25 years as the government chooses to lock up more people for primarily non-violent crimes while spending tax-payers' money to do so.
The County is moving quickly to put a plan into place without voter approval, so this summer and fall are a crucial time to get involved and keep tabs on the actions of local government.
We hope this site will keep you informed about what's happening with the jail plans and will get you involved, we will be posting many opportunities to make our voices heard!
Welcome to Derail the Jail!
The Muskegon County government has initiated a planning process with hopes to either build a new jail facility or expand the current one from 370 beds to a 600 bed capacity with room for a "25 year build-out."
This means a continued increase in the incarcerated population in the County for 25 years as the government chooses to lock up more people for primarily non-violent crimes while spending tax-payers' money to do so.
The County is moving quickly to put a plan into place without voter approval, so this summer and fall are a crucial time to get involved and keep tabs on the actions of local government.
We hope this site will keep you informed about what's happening with the jail plans and will get you involved, we will be posting many opportunities to make our voices heard!
As ‘fiscal cliff’ looms, debate over pre- Election Day layoff notices heats up
As ‘fiscal cliff’ looms, debate over pre- Election Day layoff notices heats up - The Washington Post
The deep federal spending cuts scheduled to take effect at the start of next year may trigger dismissal notices for tens of thousands of employees of government contractors, companies and analysts say, and the warnings may start going out at a particularly sensitive time:
Days before the presidential election.
The deep federal spending cuts scheduled to take effect at the start of next year may trigger dismissal notices for tens of thousands of employees of government contractors, companies and analysts say, and the warnings may start going out at a particularly sensitive time:
Days before the presidential election.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Opponents to Jail Expansion Plan Protest July 31st
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Nell Schaefer July 30, 2012
231.726.5080 Muskegon County, MI
Opponents to Jail Expansion Plan Protest July 31st
Amidst growing opposition to a jail expansion plan in Muskegon County, a coalition of individuals and groups will picket outside the Michael E. Kobza Hall of Justice at 2:30pm this Tuesday, July 31st. Clad in "Derail the Jail" t-shirts, the group will then attend the County Commission's Full Board meeting at 3:30pm to voice their opposition to current plans for a jail expansion that would include doubling the bed space at new or revamped facility.
Those that disapprove of a jail expansion cite reasons from a lack of voter approval over a large expenditure of taxpayer money to concerns over an ever-increasing jail population without adequate implementation of diversion programs and alternatives to incarceration. The County plans to use a bond to finance a new jail that will cost tens of millions of dollars to build and millions more to run each year instead of asking the public to approve a millage. "Just like many other people, I don't want my tax dollars spent on this plan, but unfortunately right now the County isn't asking for public or voter input," said Wendy Sampson.
"The current jail houses many problems that need to be addressed, but building a larger facility under the direction of the same administration that has let the jail fall into disrepair and has targeted unemployed and African American communities isn't a solution," said Heather Snogles. Based on statistics provided by Muskegon County jail administration for 2011, 75.8% of people were unemployed at their time of incarceration and African Americans are 5.5 times more likely to be incarcerated than whites.
The coalition is also debuting new, free "Derail the Jail" yard signs and a website at www.derailthejail.org.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
D.J. Hilson has the support of many community leaders
Endorsement letters: D.J. Hilson has the support of many community leaders | MLive.com
Rep. Marcia Hovey-Wright, D-Muskegon, Montague Chief of Police Robert Rought, Prosecutor Tony Tague, County Clerk Nancy Waters, County Treasurer Tony Moulatsiotis, Commissioner Ken Mahoney, Commissioner Rillastine Wilkins, Commissioner Ben Cross, Commissioner Scott Plummer, Retired Mayor Steve Warmington, Muskegon Heights Commissioners Keith Guy, Vernonell Smith, and Patrice Johnson, Attorney John Beason, Attorney Jeff West, Attorney Briana Scott, and Louis Churchwell, are just some of Hilson's supporters.
Rep. Marcia Hovey-Wright, D-Muskegon, Montague Chief of Police Robert Rought, Prosecutor Tony Tague, County Clerk Nancy Waters, County Treasurer Tony Moulatsiotis, Commissioner Ken Mahoney, Commissioner Rillastine Wilkins, Commissioner Ben Cross, Commissioner Scott Plummer, Retired Mayor Steve Warmington, Muskegon Heights Commissioners Keith Guy, Vernonell Smith, and Patrice Johnson, Attorney John Beason, Attorney Jeff West, Attorney Briana Scott, and Louis Churchwell, are just some of Hilson's supporters.
O’Reilly Is O’Really in Left Field on the Guns and Ammo Issue
O’Reilly Is O’Really in Left Field on the Guns and Ammo Issue - Doug Giles - Page 2
Another thing I was howling over was O’Reilly calling an AK-47 a “heavy weapon.”
Heavy weapon?
Uh … not hardly.
Granted, I wouldn’t want any round from a .22LR up inside of my body, but the pipsqueak little 7.62x39 is hardly considered a heavy caliber by anyone who knows anything about guns.
Then to cap off Bill’s misinformation, the following night O’Reilly stepped in it again by wrongfully asserting that the Aurora jackwagon who shot up the theater ordered “60,000 rounds of ammo over the Internet.”
Bill screamed that several times … “60,000 rounds!”
Wrong again. Holmes ordered 6,000 rounds, and not one ton of ammo.
Another thing I was howling over was O’Reilly calling an AK-47 a “heavy weapon.”
Heavy weapon?
Uh … not hardly.
Granted, I wouldn’t want any round from a .22LR up inside of my body, but the pipsqueak little 7.62x39 is hardly considered a heavy caliber by anyone who knows anything about guns.
Then to cap off Bill’s misinformation, the following night O’Reilly stepped in it again by wrongfully asserting that the Aurora jackwagon who shot up the theater ordered “60,000 rounds of ammo over the Internet.”
Bill screamed that several times … “60,000 rounds!”
Wrong again. Holmes ordered 6,000 rounds, and not one ton of ammo.
American Federation of Teachers in Detroit calls for an end to high-stakes testing
American Federation of Teachers in Detroit calls for an end to high-stakes testing | MLive.com
High-stakes tests deny students a rich, meaningful education, and exams should instead inform, not impede, teaching and learning, American Federation of Teachers members said in a resolution.
High-stakes tests deny students a rich, meaningful education, and exams should instead inform, not impede, teaching and learning, American Federation of Teachers members said in a resolution.
Newsalert: Chicago Is The Deadliest Global City
Newsalert: Chicago Is The Deadliest Global City
Chicago Is The Deadliest Global City
NBC Chicago reports:
Chicago likes to compare itself to other world cities, so Ward Room thought it would find out how we rank in violence. It turns out no one can top us. Among what are considered Alpha world cities, Chicago has the highest murder rate -- higher even than the Third World metropolises of Mexico City and Sao Paolo.
Chicago values! For a look at how the Chicago Mob brought gun control to Chicago click on this.
Chicago Is The Deadliest Global City
NBC Chicago reports:
Chicago likes to compare itself to other world cities, so Ward Room thought it would find out how we rank in violence. It turns out no one can top us. Among what are considered Alpha world cities, Chicago has the highest murder rate -- higher even than the Third World metropolises of Mexico City and Sao Paolo.
Chicago values! For a look at how the Chicago Mob brought gun control to Chicago click on this.
Chick-fil-A and the Coming Clash
Chick-fil-A and the Coming Clash | CENTER FOR LAW AND RELIGION FORUM
That was fast.
Last week, Mayor Thomas Menino announced that, because of COO Dan Cathy’s comments in favor of traditional marriage, Boston would not allow Chick-fil-A to open any restaurants in that city. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel followed with similar statements.
“Chick-fil-A values are not Chicago values,” he declared.
That was fast.
Last week, Mayor Thomas Menino announced that, because of COO Dan Cathy’s comments in favor of traditional marriage, Boston would not allow Chick-fil-A to open any restaurants in that city. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel followed with similar statements.
“Chick-fil-A values are not Chicago values,” he declared.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Flint Union Contracts A Major Reason For City's Financial Problems
Flint Union Contracts A Major Reason For City's Financial Problems [Michigan Capitol Confidential]: In 2006, the city of Flint operated at a $5.9 million surplus. Four years later, the city was $48.1 million in the red.
...At a time when the city’s revenue was evaporating, its expenses were rapidly escalating.
For example, the city’s revenue from property tax, income tax and state-shared revenue dropped a combined $19.2 million from 2006 to 2011.
Yet, the city’s contributions to the pension and benefit trust funds increased by $6 million over five years.
It jumped from $22.2 million in 2006 to $28.2 million in 2011, a 27-percent increase.
...At a time when the city’s revenue was evaporating, its expenses were rapidly escalating.
For example, the city’s revenue from property tax, income tax and state-shared revenue dropped a combined $19.2 million from 2006 to 2011.
Yet, the city’s contributions to the pension and benefit trust funds increased by $6 million over five years.
It jumped from $22.2 million in 2006 to $28.2 million in 2011, a 27-percent increase.
Michigan PTA President Says Top Spending Highland Park District Needs More Money
Michigan PTA President Says Top Spending Highland Park District Needs More Money [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
In 2010-11, Highland Park spent $19,634 per pupil on operating expenses, making it the highest statewide in per-pupil spending.
Detroit was the fifth-highest spending district at $15,884 per pupil.
In 2010-11, Highland Park spent $19,634 per pupil on operating expenses, making it the highest statewide in per-pupil spending.
Detroit was the fifth-highest spending district at $15,884 per pupil.
State: Federal lawsuit coming because 70 clerks missed deadlines to give absentee ballots to military, overseas voters
State: Federal lawsuit coming because 70 clerks missed deadlines to give absentee ballots to military, overseas voters | MLive.com#incart_river_default#incart_river_default
Johnson said 70 communities missed the deadline - including larger ones such as Battle Creek, Ferndale, Dearborn and Canton Township.
Another 215 clerks did not respond to repeated requests from Johnson's office for a status on whether they provided the ballots.
Michigan has more than 1,500 local clerks responsible for conducting elections.
Casnovia & Moorland!
Johnson said 70 communities missed the deadline - including larger ones such as Battle Creek, Ferndale, Dearborn and Canton Township.
Another 215 clerks did not respond to repeated requests from Johnson's office for a status on whether they provided the ballots.
Michigan has more than 1,500 local clerks responsible for conducting elections.
Casnovia & Moorland!
Pay increases for administrators, faculty, plus more student financial aid, included in WMU's 2012-13 budget
Pay increases for administrators, faculty, plus more student financial aid, included in WMU's 2012-13 budget | MLive.com
Last year, WMU professors made an average of $100,800 annually, while associate professors made an average $75,500 a year.
The salary for an associate vice president, college dean or director ranges from $100,000 to $200,000 a year, according to WMU salary reporting data and American Association of University Professor's annual survey.
Last year, WMU professors made an average of $100,800 annually, while associate professors made an average $75,500 a year.
The salary for an associate vice president, college dean or director ranges from $100,000 to $200,000 a year, according to WMU salary reporting data and American Association of University Professor's annual survey.
'How hard is it to sell a hot dog?' asks 13-year-old entrepreneur shut down by Holland City Hall
'How hard is it to sell a hot dog?' asks 13-year-old entrepreneur shut down by Holland City Hall | MLive.com
“The poor kid worked so hard. He spent the last 6 to 8 months polishing the cart, getting the sign ready — he was so excited,” she said.
When the city stepped in on Tuesday, “he was just crushed,” said Lynette.
“Here he is trying to help out his parents and he keeps getting told ‘no.’”
“The poor kid worked so hard. He spent the last 6 to 8 months polishing the cart, getting the sign ready — he was so excited,” she said.
When the city stepped in on Tuesday, “he was just crushed,” said Lynette.
“Here he is trying to help out his parents and he keeps getting told ‘no.’”
Muskegon County buying Bosma property on Muskegon River for protected wetland
Muskegon County buying Bosma property on Muskegon River for protected wetland | MLive.com
Muskegon County would maintain and protect the wetland in perpetuity, preventing private development.
Muskegon County earlier this year approved the related purchase of a pond on the former Willbrandt Farms property in North Muskegon, upstream of Bear Creek.
The goal of that acquisition, too, is eventual environmental restoration of a former celery-growing property.
Muskegon County would maintain and protect the wetland in perpetuity, preventing private development.
Muskegon County earlier this year approved the related purchase of a pond on the former Willbrandt Farms property in North Muskegon, upstream of Bear Creek.
The goal of that acquisition, too, is eventual environmental restoration of a former celery-growing property.
Fundraisers starting on plan to connect Norton Shores to other communities with bike trails
Fundraisers starting on plan to connect Norton Shores to other communities with bike trails | MLive.com
Jeff Fortenbacher, one of the organizers, estimated it would cost about $1.5 million to complete the project.
....Chris Burnaw, another organizer, said trails enhance property values because many people want to buy houses in areas near outdoor activities.
They also give residents a healthy way to get outside, she said.
........“We’re looking at this on many levels as something that brings the community together and bonds it,” he said.
......Norton Shores City Administrator Mark Meyers said the city would help with grant writing and acquiring rights-of-way.
Agencies that give grants often like partnerships between public and private entities, so the city could possibly give some money for a local match for a grant, he said.
Jeff Fortenbacher, one of the organizers, estimated it would cost about $1.5 million to complete the project.
....Chris Burnaw, another organizer, said trails enhance property values because many people want to buy houses in areas near outdoor activities.
They also give residents a healthy way to get outside, she said.
........“We’re looking at this on many levels as something that brings the community together and bonds it,” he said.
......Norton Shores City Administrator Mark Meyers said the city would help with grant writing and acquiring rights-of-way.
Agencies that give grants often like partnerships between public and private entities, so the city could possibly give some money for a local match for a grant, he said.
Muskegon Heights' park-improvement project on hold as bids too high
Muskegon Heights' park-improvement project on hold as bids too high | MLive.com
Work on the second phase of a planned $5 million redevelopment of the Mona Lake shoreline park along Seaway Drive was initially scheduled to begin in the spring.
The work has been delayed while the project has been bid three times.
Work on the second phase of a planned $5 million redevelopment of the Mona Lake shoreline park along Seaway Drive was initially scheduled to begin in the spring.
The work has been delayed while the project has been bid three times.
Big wind-blade hauling rig tests the streets through downtown Muskegon for the real thing in August
Big wind-blade hauling rig tests the streets through downtown Muskegon for the real thing in August | MLive.com
Muskegon police Capt. Mark Lewis was organizing the patrol cars that were blocking traffic as the Trans-United rig made its way from the Mart Dock to Apple Avenue.
On Thursday morning, the rig used Shoreline Drive to First Street and then to Apple Avenue.
Muskegon police Capt. Mark Lewis was organizing the patrol cars that were blocking traffic as the Trans-United rig made its way from the Mart Dock to Apple Avenue.
On Thursday morning, the rig used Shoreline Drive to First Street and then to Apple Avenue.
Norton Shores police union president: Public safety trumps benefits questions
Norton Shores police union president: Public safety trumps benefits questions | MLive.com
The letter, which Norton Shores City Council signed Tuesday evening, said the new hires would not be covered under the same contract existing officers had, and their pensions and retirement health benefits would be determined by negotiation or arbitration.
The existing contract expired in June, Davis said, and the union and city administrators have been in negotiations since February.
Under standard procedure, new hires would be covered under the old contract, he said.
Meyers told city council it would not be “financially prudent” to hire new officers with the same legacy costs current officers have.
Davis said the union agreed to sign the letter because they thought having fewer officers would compromise public safety, but he thinks the public safety millage Norton Shores voters passed made the letter unnecessary.
The letter, which Norton Shores City Council signed Tuesday evening, said the new hires would not be covered under the same contract existing officers had, and their pensions and retirement health benefits would be determined by negotiation or arbitration.
The existing contract expired in June, Davis said, and the union and city administrators have been in negotiations since February.
Under standard procedure, new hires would be covered under the old contract, he said.
Meyers told city council it would not be “financially prudent” to hire new officers with the same legacy costs current officers have.
Davis said the union agreed to sign the letter because they thought having fewer officers would compromise public safety, but he thinks the public safety millage Norton Shores voters passed made the letter unnecessary.
Melching Inc. prepares for permanent operations on the former paper mill property on Muskegon Lake
Melching Inc. prepares for permanent operations on the former paper mill property on Muskegon Lake | MLive.com
“We’d like to have the metal processing site next to the deep-water port for transportation of materials on barges,” Callow said of Melching’s immediate plans.
A request for a site plan approval for a scrap metal processing operation on the west end of the former paper mill site earlier this month caused a public uproar.
The Muskegon Planning Commission tabled the request, asking for more time and information.
“We’d like to have the metal processing site next to the deep-water port for transportation of materials on barges,” Callow said of Melching’s immediate plans.
A request for a site plan approval for a scrap metal processing operation on the west end of the former paper mill site earlier this month caused a public uproar.
The Muskegon Planning Commission tabled the request, asking for more time and information.
Fireworks regulations don't get off the ground in Norton Shores
Fireworks regulations don't get off the ground in Norton Shores | MLive.com
Norton Shores Mayor Gary Nelund said the city has received complaints about fireworks bothering people’s pets and leaving litter, but the concerns could decline over time.
“One of the things we’ve been interested to watch is will the newness of it wear off,” he said.
“Spending $30, $40 a weekend on fireworks, at some point we’ve got to have a law of diminishing returns.”
Norton Shores Mayor Gary Nelund said the city has received complaints about fireworks bothering people’s pets and leaving litter, but the concerns could decline over time.
“One of the things we’ve been interested to watch is will the newness of it wear off,” he said.
“Spending $30, $40 a weekend on fireworks, at some point we’ve got to have a law of diminishing returns.”
Muskegon city commissioner running as write-in candidate for Huizenga's Congressional seat
Muskegon city commissioner running as write-in candidate for Huizenga's Congressional seat | MLive.com
In announcing his candidacy, German said he would advocate for businesses that create jobs in West Michigan, invest in education and fight to make health care more affordable.
In announcing his candidacy, German said he would advocate for businesses that create jobs in West Michigan, invest in education and fight to make health care more affordable.
Should middle school students be taught condom use? Fruitport school board not so sure
Should middle school students be taught condom use? Fruitport school board not so sure | MLive.com: Should seventh-graders be taught how to use a condom?
What about eighth-graders?
Those are questions that the Fruitport school board struggled with while reviewing proposed middle school sex education curriculum.
The board decided that the lesson involving 18 steps for the application of a condom should be removed from proposed seventh-grade reproductive health curriculum.
What about eighth-graders?
Those are questions that the Fruitport school board struggled with while reviewing proposed middle school sex education curriculum.
The board decided that the lesson involving 18 steps for the application of a condom should be removed from proposed seventh-grade reproductive health curriculum.
Get a shot, protect a child: Muskegon County health officials push pertussis vaccine for adults too
Get a shot, protect a child: Muskegon County health officials push pertussis vaccine for adults too | MLive.com
People with insurance should visit their primary care doctor for the vaccine, Krehn said.
Those without can get the shot at Public Health Muskegon County, 209 E. Apple, for $48.
People with insurance should visit their primary care doctor for the vaccine, Krehn said.
Those without can get the shot at Public Health Muskegon County, 209 E. Apple, for $48.
Why doesn't Muskegon eat its vegetables? Community discussion aims to find out
Why doesn't Muskegon eat its vegetables? Community discussion aims to find out | MLive.com
Two public meetings in Muskegon Heights and Muskegon on July 31 are going to try to answer that question by asking residents what stops them from eating a balanced diet if they want to do so.
Two public meetings in Muskegon Heights and Muskegon on July 31 are going to try to answer that question by asking residents what stops them from eating a balanced diet if they want to do so.
Air Force's Mega-Bunker-Buster Bomb Is Finally Ready
Air Force's Mega-Bunker-Buster Bomb Is Finally Ready | Danger Room | Wired.com
That would be the Massive Ordnance Penetrator — all 30,000 destructive pounds of it.
It’s an absolutely ginormous bomb designed to convince rogue regimes that there is no redoubt for the manufacture of chemical, biological or nuclear weapons buried deep enough to escape the U.S. Air Force.
That would be the Massive Ordnance Penetrator — all 30,000 destructive pounds of it.
It’s an absolutely ginormous bomb designed to convince rogue regimes that there is no redoubt for the manufacture of chemical, biological or nuclear weapons buried deep enough to escape the U.S. Air Force.
The Tolerance Enforcers
The Tolerance Enforcers - Mark Steyn - National Review Online
Until the president’s recent “evolution,” the Obama administration held the same position on gay marriage as Chick-fil-A.
Until the president’s recent “evolution,” the Obama administration held the same position on gay marriage as Chick-fil-A.
8 Ways Blacks Perpetuate Racism and the Only Way to Thwart It
PJ Lifestyle » 8 Ways Blacks Perpetuate Racism and the Only Way to Thwart It:
The tolerance of racist ideas openly expressed by blacks and the larger civil rights establishment is informed by sloppy thinking regarding both race and the role of government in society.
True reconciliation requires confronting these ideas with reason.
Here are eight ways in which blacks are perpetuating racism, and the one true way to effectively thwart it.
The tolerance of racist ideas openly expressed by blacks and the larger civil rights establishment is informed by sloppy thinking regarding both race and the role of government in society.
True reconciliation requires confronting these ideas with reason.
Here are eight ways in which blacks are perpetuating racism, and the one true way to effectively thwart it.
British Embassy Confirms Krauthammer Right, White House Wrong: Churchill Bust Returned in 2009
The British Embassy has confirmed that Washington Post columnist Charles Krauthammer was correct when he wrote that a bust of Winston Churchill was removed from the White House when Barack Obama took office.
An Obama administration spokesperson slammed Krauthammer on Friday in a fact-checking post on the White House’s blog which claimed the columnist was advancing a “ridiculous” rumor that the Obama administration had ever returned the bust.
However, the British Embassy has confirmed that it did receive the original bust in 2009 and it currently resides in the U.K. Ambassador’s residence.
An Obama administration spokesperson slammed Krauthammer on Friday in a fact-checking post on the White House’s blog which claimed the columnist was advancing a “ridiculous” rumor that the Obama administration had ever returned the bust.
However, the British Embassy has confirmed that it did receive the original bust in 2009 and it currently resides in the U.K. Ambassador’s residence.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Muskegon City Commission picks new generation of leadership with Lea Markowski selection
Muskegon City Commission picks new generation of leadership with Lea Markowski selection | MLive.com
“I had the encouragement of some people in the community who wanted me to step forward,” Markowski said.
She has been involved with local environmental issues working with the Muskegon Sustainability Coalition and as secretary to the Muskegon Lake Watershed Partnership.
Markowski said she has a lot to learn about city government and being a commissioner but she will particularly concentrate on bringing sustainable development to the community.
“I want to focus on the best use for our lands,” she said
“I had the encouragement of some people in the community who wanted me to step forward,” Markowski said.
She has been involved with local environmental issues working with the Muskegon Sustainability Coalition and as secretary to the Muskegon Lake Watershed Partnership.
Markowski said she has a lot to learn about city government and being a commissioner but she will particularly concentrate on bringing sustainable development to the community.
“I want to focus on the best use for our lands,” she said
Election officials warn 6 ballot measures in jeopardy if Supreme Court accepts type-size argument in emergency manager case
Election officials warn 6 ballot measures in jeopardy if Supreme Court accepts type-size argument in emergency manager case | MLive.com
Six other statewide ballot measures could be disqualified if the state Supreme Court accepts a legal argument to be pushed Wednesday by opponents of allowing a referendum on Michigan's toughened emergency financial manager law, top election officials warn.
Six other statewide ballot measures could be disqualified if the state Supreme Court accepts a legal argument to be pushed Wednesday by opponents of allowing a referendum on Michigan's toughened emergency financial manager law, top election officials warn.
Norton Shores rejects Muskegon Heights' 'final' water offer, expects talks to continue
Norton Shores rejects Muskegon Heights' 'final' water offer, expects talks to continue | MLive.com
Norton Shores and Fruitport Township currently buy water from Muskegon Heights. Fruitport Township gave notice that it intended to leave the Muskegon Heights system in April 2011.
Norton Shores and Fruitport Township currently buy water from Muskegon Heights. Fruitport Township gave notice that it intended to leave the Muskegon Heights system in April 2011.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Olympic Female Beach Volleyballers to Cover Up to Appease Muslims - Long-Sleeved Shirts
Olympic Female Beach Volleyballers to Cover Up to Appease Muslims – Long-Sleeved Shirts
Now, the IOC has announced that women will probably have to cover up and wear long sleeves over their bikinis, using the excuse that it’s “cold” in London.
Don’t believe it.
This move is, yet again, to appease Muslims.
Now, the IOC has announced that women will probably have to cover up and wear long sleeves over their bikinis, using the excuse that it’s “cold” in London.
Don’t believe it.
This move is, yet again, to appease Muslims.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Local protestors organize bus to Supreme Court hearing on emergency manager law
Local protestors organize bus to Supreme Court hearing on emergency manager law | MLive.com
Harris-Darnell said the Muskegon Heights school system needed help, but should not have been “dismantled.”
“It if happens in Muskegon Heights, it’s going to happen in other places,” she said. “And we have to stop it.”
Harris-Darnell said the Muskegon Heights school system needed help, but should not have been “dismantled.”
“It if happens in Muskegon Heights, it’s going to happen in other places,” she said. “And we have to stop it.”
Grand Haven's Harbor Transit nabs $482,200 federal grant to replace aging buses
Grand Haven's Harbor Transit nabs $482,200 federal grant to replace aging buses | MLive.com
Harbor Transit nabbed a slice of the "State of Good Repair" grant pie, one of three programs through which funds were awarded.
The service operates an 18-bus fleet; half are 26-foot buses, and the other half are 23-foot buses.
Harbor Transit nabbed a slice of the "State of Good Repair" grant pie, one of three programs through which funds were awarded.
The service operates an 18-bus fleet; half are 26-foot buses, and the other half are 23-foot buses.
You ask the questions: What do Muskegon City Commission candidates need to answer?
You ask the questions: What do Muskegon City Commission candidates need to answer? | MLive.com
The commission interviews begin at 5:30 p.m. in the city commission chambers of City Hall, 933 Terrace.
A final selection of a new commissioner is expected at Tuesday’s meeting, also at 5:30 p.m. Both meetings are open to the public.
The commission interviews begin at 5:30 p.m. in the city commission chambers of City Hall, 933 Terrace.
A final selection of a new commissioner is expected at Tuesday’s meeting, also at 5:30 p.m. Both meetings are open to the public.
Art fair turnout in Hackley Park disappoints vendors
Art fair turnout in Hackley Park disappoints vendors | MLive.com
The turnout at the art fair in Hackley Park this weekend was something less than what the vendors had hoped for.
“It’s the worst arts and crafts show we’ve ever done, and we’ve done a lot of them,” Duane Morton, of Twin Lake, said.
The turnout at the art fair in Hackley Park this weekend was something less than what the vendors had hoped for.
“It’s the worst arts and crafts show we’ve ever done, and we’ve done a lot of them,” Duane Morton, of Twin Lake, said.
Emergency manager: Muskegon Heights substitute teacher costs 'out of line' at nearly $80,000
Emergency manager: Muskegon Heights substitute teacher costs 'out of line' at nearly $80,000 | MLive.com
Muskegon Heights Public Schools spent nearly $80,000 on substitutes to cover for employee sick and personal days during the final 4 1/2 months of the school year.
Emergency Manager Donald Weatherspoon said he became alarmed by the amount the district was paying for substitutes and ordered an analysis of sick, bereavement and personal days taken by 120 teachers and paraprofessional employees.
Muskegon Heights Public Schools spent nearly $80,000 on substitutes to cover for employee sick and personal days during the final 4 1/2 months of the school year.
Emergency Manager Donald Weatherspoon said he became alarmed by the amount the district was paying for substitutes and ordered an analysis of sick, bereavement and personal days taken by 120 teachers and paraprofessional employees.
Earnings Show Recession May Be 'Fast Approaching'
Earnings Show Recession May Be 'Fast Approaching' - US Business News - CNBC
While this quarter's earnings reports have crossed a substantially lowered profit bar, future expectations through the year indicate a recession could be on the way.
Estimates for the third and fourth quarters have been dropped to levels not seen since the days of the 2008 financial crisis, below even the muted 2 percent expected level of inflation.
While this quarter's earnings reports have crossed a substantially lowered profit bar, future expectations through the year indicate a recession could be on the way.
Estimates for the third and fourth quarters have been dropped to levels not seen since the days of the 2008 financial crisis, below even the muted 2 percent expected level of inflation.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Muskegon, Norton Shores join forces for chance at federal funding
Muskegon, Norton Shores join forces for chance at federal funding | MLive.com
Details on how the money could be used were unclear, but Meyers said some possible uses are down payment assistance for low-income people and financing for low-income housing developments.
The city had to decide before Monday to meet the federal deadline, he said.
Details on how the money could be used were unclear, but Meyers said some possible uses are down payment assistance for low-income people and financing for low-income housing developments.
The city had to decide before Monday to meet the federal deadline, he said.
Reeths-Puffer officials approve $1 million deficit budget, hope for savings through negotiations
Reeths-Puffer officials approve $1 million deficit budget, hope for savings through negotiations | MLive.com
Even with $1 million in spending cuts, Reeths-Puffer Schools is planning to spend $1.1 million more than it takes in for the coming school year.
Negotiations with teachers are ongoing, and any concessions could help the district’s bottom line.
But as it stands now, the fund balance at the end of next year will drop to $1.8 million.
“We are not comfortable with that amount,” said Reeths-Puffer Superintendent Steve Edwards.
About 82 percent of expenses in the 2012-13 budget approved by the Reeths-Puffer Board of Education are staff salary and benefits, Edwards said.
Even with $1 million in spending cuts, Reeths-Puffer Schools is planning to spend $1.1 million more than it takes in for the coming school year.
Negotiations with teachers are ongoing, and any concessions could help the district’s bottom line.
But as it stands now, the fund balance at the end of next year will drop to $1.8 million.
“We are not comfortable with that amount,” said Reeths-Puffer Superintendent Steve Edwards.
About 82 percent of expenses in the 2012-13 budget approved by the Reeths-Puffer Board of Education are staff salary and benefits, Edwards said.
Muskegon Heights audit shows deficit wiped out, positive general fund balance
Muskegon Heights audit shows deficit wiped out, positive general fund balance | MLive.com
For the first time in four years, Muskegon Heights finished a fiscal year with a positive general fund balance.
The city, which faced a large budget deficit a few years ago, showed $676,000 in the savings with its general operating fund when the 2011 fiscal year ended Dec. 31.
The completed audit, which showed that positive fund balance, was presented this week during a City Council work session.
For the first time in four years, Muskegon Heights finished a fiscal year with a positive general fund balance.
The city, which faced a large budget deficit a few years ago, showed $676,000 in the savings with its general operating fund when the 2011 fiscal year ended Dec. 31.
The completed audit, which showed that positive fund balance, was presented this week during a City Council work session.
Fruitland Township to hold candidate forum for county elections
Fruitland Township to hold candidate forum for county elections | MLive.com
FRUITLAND TOWNSHIP, MI – Candidates for four Muskegon County offices will gather to meet voters and answer questions July 26 in Fruitland Township.
The forum will start at 7 p.m. July 26 at Fruitland Township Hall, 4545 Nestrom. Candidates for the four offices were given a questionnaire in advance so they could give well thought-out answers.
The candidates for prosecutor are current prosecutor D.J. Hilson and former assistant prosecutors Marc Curtis and Stephen Corwin, all of whom are running as Democrats.
The candidates for sheriff are current Sheriff Dean Roesler, retired sheriff's deputy John Jurkas and former Zilwaukee police officer Joel Dobis, all Democrats.
The candidates for county clerk are Democrat Nancy Waters, who is the incumbent, and Democrat Manda Mitteer and Republican Cindy Fairfield.
The candidates for county commissioner are incumbent John Snider, a Republican, Democrat Terry Sabo and Democrat Chuck Woods, who is a member of the North Muskegon City Council.
FRUITLAND TOWNSHIP, MI – Candidates for four Muskegon County offices will gather to meet voters and answer questions July 26 in Fruitland Township.
The forum will start at 7 p.m. July 26 at Fruitland Township Hall, 4545 Nestrom. Candidates for the four offices were given a questionnaire in advance so they could give well thought-out answers.
The candidates for prosecutor are current prosecutor D.J. Hilson and former assistant prosecutors Marc Curtis and Stephen Corwin, all of whom are running as Democrats.
The candidates for sheriff are current Sheriff Dean Roesler, retired sheriff's deputy John Jurkas and former Zilwaukee police officer Joel Dobis, all Democrats.
The candidates for county clerk are Democrat Nancy Waters, who is the incumbent, and Democrat Manda Mitteer and Republican Cindy Fairfield.
The candidates for county commissioner are incumbent John Snider, a Republican, Democrat Terry Sabo and Democrat Chuck Woods, who is a member of the North Muskegon City Council.
Many Michigan urban high schools outperform suburban neighbors in Mackinac Center study
Many Michigan urban high schools outperform suburban neighbors in Mackinac Center study | MLive.com
Many of Michigan’s urban high schools are outperforming their suburban neighbors when their students’ socioeconomic issues are taken into consideration, according to a Mackinac Center study.
Many of Michigan’s urban high schools are outperforming their suburban neighbors when their students’ socioeconomic issues are taken into consideration, according to a Mackinac Center study.
Muskegon Heights school debt includes $1.4 million owed to employees
Muskegon Heights school debt includes $1.4 million owed to employees | MLive.com
The district also owes $6.3 million on a state loan.
The state has been garnishing the district’s per-pupil funding for payments on the loan and will take all of the district’s August payment.
Weatherspoon plans to pay off the school district’s debt with proceeds from an 18-mill nonhomestead property tax levied on businesses and homes that aren’t the owner’s principal residence, such as rental homes.
That plan depends on voters in November agreeing to renew the property tax, which Demetriou said raises about $1.2 million per year, though that number has been dropping.
Voters will be asked to approve a five-year renewal.
The district also owes $6.3 million on a state loan.
The state has been garnishing the district’s per-pupil funding for payments on the loan and will take all of the district’s August payment.
Weatherspoon plans to pay off the school district’s debt with proceeds from an 18-mill nonhomestead property tax levied on businesses and homes that aren’t the owner’s principal residence, such as rental homes.
That plan depends on voters in November agreeing to renew the property tax, which Demetriou said raises about $1.2 million per year, though that number has been dropping.
Voters will be asked to approve a five-year renewal.
Mayor Steve Warmington gives county comissioners 'tough love' message, praises foundation
Mayor Steve Warmington gives county comissioners 'tough love' message, praises foundation | MLive.com
As he said local communities in the Muskegon area protect their territory like it was a Friday night high school football game, Warmington gave a direct challenge to the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners.
“I challenge the county board to become leaders in Muskegon County,” he said.
“I don’t think we have had one county commissioner who was serving all of the citizens of Muskegon County.
We need to change the attitude of the county commission.”
Specifically, Warmington said he is still miffed that when the community was at the verge of bringing back cross-lake ferry service to Milwaukee in 2003, the city of Muskegon – not Muskegon County government – took the leadership and financial role to secure a ferry terminal and dock on Muskegon Lake.
On other issues of governmental cooperation and consolidation, Warmington indicated it will take the county board’s leadership to break down the walls between cities and townships in the Muskegon area.
Muskegon County Board Chairman Ken Mahoney said he did not hear Warmington’s outgoing address to the community but has had conversations of similar ideas with the Muskegon mayor over the years.
“In some senses, I don’t know what he wants from us,” Mahoney said. “We don’t have the authority to do a lot and we need the approvals of the local communities.”
As he said local communities in the Muskegon area protect their territory like it was a Friday night high school football game, Warmington gave a direct challenge to the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners.
“I challenge the county board to become leaders in Muskegon County,” he said.
“I don’t think we have had one county commissioner who was serving all of the citizens of Muskegon County.
We need to change the attitude of the county commission.”
Specifically, Warmington said he is still miffed that when the community was at the verge of bringing back cross-lake ferry service to Milwaukee in 2003, the city of Muskegon – not Muskegon County government – took the leadership and financial role to secure a ferry terminal and dock on Muskegon Lake.
On other issues of governmental cooperation and consolidation, Warmington indicated it will take the county board’s leadership to break down the walls between cities and townships in the Muskegon area.
Muskegon County Board Chairman Ken Mahoney said he did not hear Warmington’s outgoing address to the community but has had conversations of similar ideas with the Muskegon mayor over the years.
“In some senses, I don’t know what he wants from us,” Mahoney said. “We don’t have the authority to do a lot and we need the approvals of the local communities.”
Egelston firefighters will move temporarily for construction of new station
Egelston firefighters will move temporarily for construction of new station | MLive.com
But Holter said the township had indicated to voters that the station would be built on the current site, and that that needs to be honored.
While the ballot language did not specify a site for the new station, some pamphlets that were circulated prior to the election indicated that it would be.
Holter said a committee that recommended seeking a bond for a new station also had thought the station should be built on site.
“The station is staying on the township campus because that’s what the people voted for,” Holter said.
But Holter said the township had indicated to voters that the station would be built on the current site, and that that needs to be honored.
While the ballot language did not specify a site for the new station, some pamphlets that were circulated prior to the election indicated that it would be.
Holter said a committee that recommended seeking a bond for a new station also had thought the station should be built on site.
“The station is staying on the township campus because that’s what the people voted for,” Holter said.
Muskegon County wind-farm investigation begins with $110,000 payment from Gamesa
Muskegon County wind-farm investigation begins with $110,000 payment from Gamesa | MLive.com
County and Gamesa Energy officials signed a lease in May that gives the wind farm developer and wind turbine manufacturer the exclusive rights to investigate erecting commercial-scale wind turbines on the wastewater site.
If all goes as planned and the upcoming studies produce favorable results, a 150-megawatt wind farm built could be producing energy in late 2014.
County and Gamesa Energy officials signed a lease in May that gives the wind farm developer and wind turbine manufacturer the exclusive rights to investigate erecting commercial-scale wind turbines on the wastewater site.
If all goes as planned and the upcoming studies produce favorable results, a 150-megawatt wind farm built could be producing energy in late 2014.
Report: Muskegon High School achievement tops in the area when socio-economic status considered
Report: Muskegon High School achievement tops in the area when socio-economic status considered | MLive.com
Muskegon’s free and reduced price lunch rate is 87 percent, one of the highest in the state, said Muskegon Public Schools Superintendent Jon Felske.
“It’s nice that there are studies done that take in the accountability factors of the diversity of the population that our teachers serve and our district represents,” Felske said. “Part of public education is you can’t pick and choose those who live in your district, but you serve those who choose to live in the district.”
Muskegon Heights High school ranked 581st, near the bottom of the list, and received an F on the report card.
Muskegon’s free and reduced price lunch rate is 87 percent, one of the highest in the state, said Muskegon Public Schools Superintendent Jon Felske.
“It’s nice that there are studies done that take in the accountability factors of the diversity of the population that our teachers serve and our district represents,” Felske said. “Part of public education is you can’t pick and choose those who live in your district, but you serve those who choose to live in the district.”
Muskegon Heights High school ranked 581st, near the bottom of the list, and received an F on the report card.
Readers debate constitutional amendment opposed by Steve Gunn
Readers debate constitutional amendment opposed by Steve Gunn | MLive.com
pragmatic543 points out big business isn't much better than the unions:
"Those who live in glass houses Mr. Gunn....
Take a look at the too big to fail banks lately and their behavior?
Manipulating the LIBOR, giving artificially low rate home loans to those in power, manipulating currency, etc...
Please take a personal inventory of ones own heroes before casting others under the bus.
Want to know the motivation...follow the buck.
This is life 101, did you skip that day?
pragmatic543 points out big business isn't much better than the unions:
"Those who live in glass houses Mr. Gunn....
Take a look at the too big to fail banks lately and their behavior?
Manipulating the LIBOR, giving artificially low rate home loans to those in power, manipulating currency, etc...
Please take a personal inventory of ones own heroes before casting others under the bus.
Want to know the motivation...follow the buck.
This is life 101, did you skip that day?
Long-term water agreement in place for several Muskegon-area municipalities; More to come?
Long-term water agreement in place for several Muskegon-area municipalities; More to come? | MLive.com
Warner said several factors, including the total water pumped, will go into the water rate, but he is hopeful it will decrease for some residents.
“I think it’s safe to say at the very best it will be less and at the very worst it will be neutral,” Warner said.
Warner said several factors, including the total water pumped, will go into the water rate, but he is hopeful it will decrease for some residents.
“I think it’s safe to say at the very best it will be less and at the very worst it will be neutral,” Warner said.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Eaton County Dumps Prevailing Wage Law
Eaton County Dumps Prevailing Wage Law [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
Prevailing wage laws mandate that union-scale wages be paid on construction work funded by taxpayer dollars regardless of whether the company's workers belong to a union.
Local governments can do nothing about federal and state prevailing wage laws, but they do have control over their own.
Eaton County's action in repealing its prevailing wage law was the second time a Michigan community has done so this year. In January, Bay City repealed its prevailing wage law.
Prevailing wage laws mandate that union-scale wages be paid on construction work funded by taxpayer dollars regardless of whether the company's workers belong to a union.
Local governments can do nothing about federal and state prevailing wage laws, but they do have control over their own.
Eaton County's action in repealing its prevailing wage law was the second time a Michigan community has done so this year. In January, Bay City repealed its prevailing wage law.
The Obama Administration Works With Mexico To Increase Food Stamp Usage
The Obama Administration Works With Mexico To Increase Food Stamp Usage - Investors.com
As if being "food stamp president" weren't enough, Barack Obama's administration is partnering with the Mexican government to make sure Mexican nationals living in the U.S. don't miss out. Ay caramba!
As if being "food stamp president" weren't enough, Barack Obama's administration is partnering with the Mexican government to make sure Mexican nationals living in the U.S. don't miss out. Ay caramba!
Peter O.Knight Airport: Watch incredible moment 'pilot accidentally lands' huge Air Force jet at tiny island airport
Peter O.Knight Airport: Watch incredible moment 'pilot accidentally lands' huge Air Force jet at tiny island airport | Mail Online
To the amazement of onlookers, the military plane landed on the 3,405 feet long, 100 feet wide runway stopping within 10 feet of the end of the stretch. The runway at MacDill’s is 11,421 feet long and 151 feet wide.
To the amazement of onlookers, the military plane landed on the 3,405 feet long, 100 feet wide runway stopping within 10 feet of the end of the stretch. The runway at MacDill’s is 11,421 feet long and 151 feet wide.
BLOG COMMENT OF THE DAY
Instapundit » Blog Archive » BLOG COMMENT OF THE DAY
“Fascinating that a man shouting ‘Allahu akbar’ as he mows down 35 people on an army base isn’t motivated by Islam… but a guy who has the same name as hundreds of others—and says nothing as he fires—is obviously a Tea Party zealot.”
It’s all about the narrative
“Fascinating that a man shouting ‘Allahu akbar’ as he mows down 35 people on an army base isn’t motivated by Islam… but a guy who has the same name as hundreds of others—and says nothing as he fires—is obviously a Tea Party zealot.”
It’s all about the narrative
About those polls
About those polls - Le·gal In·sur·rec·tion
Jay Cost doesn’t see malevolent intent, just a history of oversampling Democrats consistently across a variety of polling organizations:
Jay Cost doesn’t see malevolent intent, just a history of oversampling Democrats consistently across a variety of polling organizations:
The clear answer is: they skew Democratic. In fact, every recent registered voter poll with party spreads I could identify had a Democratic advantage that exceeded the quarter-century trend. And the average of all these polls together is 35 percent Democratic to 29.5 percent Republican, or D +5.5I’ve never seen anyone analyze the “hang up” effect, namely, that Republicans (particularly conservatives) hang up on pollsters more than Democrats (particularly liberals). If anyone has a link to a study of this phenomenon, even if debunking it, please post in the comments.
Importantly, these polls show Obama with an average lead over Mitt Romney of 3.5 points. But if they have a 2.5-point Democratic oversample, then what we are really talking about is perhaps a 1-point Obama lead.
Incidentally, this puts these polls much more in line with the Rasmussen poll, which has consistently found a toss-up race. Right now, Rasmussen – a poll of likely voters – sees an R+1.4 advantage in party identification. That is entirely defensible, in my opinion, given the weakness in the economy….
Here’s my bottom line. It is very difficult to model the turnout for a presidential election this far away from November. There are a lot of tough choices that pollsters must make, and it is not fair to single any pollster out for the decisions it ultimately goes with. Nevertheless, we can and should still be smart consumers of political polling. We need to keep the historical spread between the two sides in mind, and be cautious of polls that show a relatively wide Democratic advantage over the GOP. They are probably underestimating the GOP’s electoral strength.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Ten Pieces of Bad Economic News the Media's Ignoring
Ten Pieces of Bad Economic News the Media's Ignoring
1. Weekly jobless claims shot up to 386,000.
2. Foreclosures are hitting our most vulnerable citizens.
3. Factory activity contracted for a second month in a row.
4. Home sales dropped a whopping 5.4% -- the biggest drop in nine months.
5. Retail sales dropped for the third straight month.
6. Consumer confidence dipped to 84.7.
7. U.S. business inventories increased by .3%...
8. …sales dropped .1%.
9. Food prices are skyrocketing.
10. More Americans are getting federal disability than jobs.
1. Weekly jobless claims shot up to 386,000.
2. Foreclosures are hitting our most vulnerable citizens.
3. Factory activity contracted for a second month in a row.
4. Home sales dropped a whopping 5.4% -- the biggest drop in nine months.
5. Retail sales dropped for the third straight month.
6. Consumer confidence dipped to 84.7.
7. U.S. business inventories increased by .3%...
8. …sales dropped .1%.
9. Food prices are skyrocketing.
10. More Americans are getting federal disability than jobs.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Five Men Agree To Stand Directly Under An Exploding Nuclear Bomb
Five Men Agree To Stand Directly Under An Exploding Nuclear Bomb : Krulwich Wonders... : NPR
There is a countdown; 18,500 feet above them, the missile is detonated and blows up.
Which means, these men intentionally stood directly underneath an exploding 2-kiloton nuclear bomb. One of them, at the key moment (he's wearing sunglasses), looks up.
You have to see this to believe it.
There is a countdown; 18,500 feet above them, the missile is detonated and blows up.
Which means, these men intentionally stood directly underneath an exploding 2-kiloton nuclear bomb. One of them, at the key moment (he's wearing sunglasses), looks up.
You have to see this to believe it.
Irish Examiner USA: Americans' Ignorance About Socialism Is Unbelievable
Irish Examiner USA: Americans' Ignorance About Socialism Is Unbelievable
Socialism has never worked but it is easy to sell to those who refuse to study history which is why progressives use academia as their base of operations.
I'm willing to bet that "Animal Farm" and "1984" are no longer recommended reading in today's high schools.
Big Brother is only a TV reality show to many of the young today who regard socialism and big government as a good thing because that's how the mainstream media presents it.
Socialism has never worked but it is easy to sell to those who refuse to study history which is why progressives use academia as their base of operations.
I'm willing to bet that "Animal Farm" and "1984" are no longer recommended reading in today's high schools.
Big Brother is only a TV reality show to many of the young today who regard socialism and big government as a good thing because that's how the mainstream media presents it.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
For the First Time, Canadians Now Richer Than Americans
For the First Time, Canadians Now Richer Than Americans - US News and World Report
The average Canadian household is worth about $40,000 more than their American counterparts
The average Canadian household is worth about $40,000 more than their American counterparts
The Squeaky Wheel Gets the Grease
PJ Media » The Squeaky Wheel Gets the Grease
Soon, society divided into two parts:
1) The problem solvers and innovators.
2) The whiners, who would keep saying the first group’s output wasn’t good enough.
Soon, society divided into two parts:
1) The problem solvers and innovators.
2) The whiners, who would keep saying the first group’s output wasn’t good enough.
California Pension Takes Nosedive
California Pension Takes Nosedive | Via Meadia
Worse, the fund’s actuary recommended a lower target, but the fund rejected it — not because the current number is accurate, but because using a more accurate rate of return would place too great a burden on struggling governments!
Instead, they will close their eyes, clap their hands, and wait for Tinkerbelle to balance the books.
Worse, the fund’s actuary recommended a lower target, but the fund rejected it — not because the current number is accurate, but because using a more accurate rate of return would place too great a burden on struggling governments!
Instead, they will close their eyes, clap their hands, and wait for Tinkerbelle to balance the books.
Dismantling of a culture
Dismantling of a Culture - Interview - National Review Online
GELERNTER: American culture had its throat slit and bled to death at our feet.
Isn’t that revolutionary enough?
The blood is only metaphorical, but to the 40 percent of [all] infants [who are] born to single mothers this year, the consequences will be real.
In a piddling few decades, the world’s most powerful, influential cultural establishment happened to get demolished and rebuilt from the ground up.
What had been basically a Christian, patriotic, family-loving, politically moderate part of society became contemptuous of biblical religion, of patriotism, of the family, of American greatness.
The American cultural elite used to resemble (more or less) the rest of America.
Today it disdains the rest of America.
That’s a revolution.
GELERNTER: American culture had its throat slit and bled to death at our feet.
Isn’t that revolutionary enough?
The blood is only metaphorical, but to the 40 percent of [all] infants [who are] born to single mothers this year, the consequences will be real.
In a piddling few decades, the world’s most powerful, influential cultural establishment happened to get demolished and rebuilt from the ground up.
What had been basically a Christian, patriotic, family-loving, politically moderate part of society became contemptuous of biblical religion, of patriotism, of the family, of American greatness.
The American cultural elite used to resemble (more or less) the rest of America.
Today it disdains the rest of America.
That’s a revolution.
City of Compton may declare bankruptcy by September: officials
City of Compton may declare bankruptcy by September: officials - Yahoo! News
The City of Compton, a city of 93,000 people located on the outskirts of Los Angeles, must decide by September 1 whether to seek bankruptcy, according to its two most senior financial officials.
The City of Compton, a city of 93,000 people located on the outskirts of Los Angeles, must decide by September 1 whether to seek bankruptcy, according to its two most senior financial officials.
Americans Joining Disability Now Outpacing Americans Finding Jobs
Americans Joining Disability Now Outpacing Americans Finding Jobs | The Weekly Standard
As the chart shows, between April-June 2012, an estimated 246,000 Americans were added to Social Security's disability insurance program. In that same time period, only 225,000 American jobs were created.
As the chart shows, between April-June 2012, an estimated 246,000 Americans were added to Social Security's disability insurance program. In that same time period, only 225,000 American jobs were created.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
How the Democratic Media Spin the News
How the Democratic Media Spin the News | Power Line
He said that Obama’s comments show three related things:
1) The President doesn’t understand how America and business work. No wonder his administration has failed to create jobs.
2) Obama’s crony capitalism: he thinks the way to create jobs is for the government to pick winners and losers, and slide money to Obama’s bundlers and allies.
3) Obama’s attitude toward small business also reflects where he comes from, the “murky political world” of Chicago where politicians and felons are interchangeable.
He said that Obama’s comments show three related things:
1) The President doesn’t understand how America and business work. No wonder his administration has failed to create jobs.
2) Obama’s crony capitalism: he thinks the way to create jobs is for the government to pick winners and losers, and slide money to Obama’s bundlers and allies.
3) Obama’s attitude toward small business also reflects where he comes from, the “murky political world” of Chicago where politicians and felons are interchangeable.
Democrats say they're worried Gov. Snyder's school funding ideas sound too much like vouchers
Democrats say they're worried Gov. Snyder's school funding ideas sound too much like vouchers | MLive.com
Democrats say they’re concerned that the team starting discussions on overhauling school funding is looking at ways to bring a voucher-like system to the state, but they’re open to seeing what the panel comes up with – and who is asked to assist.
Leaders of a Lansing foundation overseeing the plan say they’re looking to write a bill that would allow money to more closely follow children and offer families more educational choices.
Democrats say they’re concerned that the team starting discussions on overhauling school funding is looking at ways to bring a voucher-like system to the state, but they’re open to seeing what the panel comes up with – and who is asked to assist.
Leaders of a Lansing foundation overseeing the plan say they’re looking to write a bill that would allow money to more closely follow children and offer families more educational choices.
Smart meters: State mulls health, privacy risks of new electricity meters being installed at Michigan homes
Smart meters: State mulls health, privacy risks of new electricity meters being installed at Michigan homes | MLive.com
The Michigan Public Service Commission recently released a staff report that generally supported smart meter deployment but recommended utilities allow customers to opt out of using the new technology.
The Michigan Public Service Commission recently released a staff report that generally supported smart meter deployment but recommended utilities allow customers to opt out of using the new technology.
Media Fail: Chevy Volt Makes NO Money, Costs Taxpayers Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars Per Car
Media Fail: Chevy Volt Makes NO Money, Costs Taxpayers Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars Per Car | NewsBusters.org
And with GM’s new 60-day return policy, it looks like you can buy a Volt and cash the $7,500 bribe check.
Then return the Volt - and keep the $7,500 bribe cash.
How’s that for Taxpayer coin stewardship?
And with GM’s new 60-day return policy, it looks like you can buy a Volt and cash the $7,500 bribe check.
Then return the Volt - and keep the $7,500 bribe cash.
How’s that for Taxpayer coin stewardship?
How Close Are We to New Great Depression?
How Close Are We to New Great Depression? - Business News - CNBC
“If this credit bubble pops, the depression could be so severe that I don’t think our civilization could survive it.”
“If this credit bubble pops, the depression could be so severe that I don’t think our civilization could survive it.”
OMB's Stockman: "We're At The Fiscal Endgame"
OMB's Stockman: "We're At The Fiscal Endgame" | ZeroHedge
His warning is that unlike in past periods, today "we are completely paralyzed, there is an ideological divide on taxes and entitlement like we've never had before" and while he realizes that "the debt problem doesn't become a debt problem until the market suddenly have a wake up call and realize that if the Fed doesn't keep printing, it's game over."
His warning is that unlike in past periods, today "we are completely paralyzed, there is an ideological divide on taxes and entitlement like we've never had before" and while he realizes that "the debt problem doesn't become a debt problem until the market suddenly have a wake up call and realize that if the Fed doesn't keep printing, it's game over."
Monday, July 16, 2012
Muskegon area radio stations partnering up with Local Sports Journal to bolster coverage of area sports
Muskegon area radio stations partnering up with Local Sports Journal to bolster coverage of area sports | Local Sports Journal
Radio stations WLCS- FM 98.3 and WVIB-FM 100.1 along with Local Sports Journal have announced a partnership that will benefit Muskegon area sports fans starting with the fast-approaching high school football season.
Jon Russell, operations manager and high school play-by-play at WLCS-FM along with Jason Goorman and Ron Rop, co-publishers of Local Sports Journal, announced the partnership today.
Radio stations WLCS- FM 98.3 and WVIB-FM 100.1 along with Local Sports Journal have announced a partnership that will benefit Muskegon area sports fans starting with the fast-approaching high school football season.
Jon Russell, operations manager and high school play-by-play at WLCS-FM along with Jason Goorman and Ron Rop, co-publishers of Local Sports Journal, announced the partnership today.
The Vélodrome d’hiver Round-up: July 16 and 17, 1942
The Vélodrome d’hiver Round-up: July 16 and 17, 1942 - Online Encyclopedia of Mass Violence
The real history for the book "Sarah's Key".
The real history for the book "Sarah's Key".
Conquest’s Laws
Conquest’s Laws
By John Derbyshire
Several readers have asked me for Robert Conquest’s Three Laws of politics.
As best I can remember, they are:
1. Everyone is conservative about what he knows best.
2. Any organization not explicitly and constitutionally right-wing will
sooner or later become left-wing.
3. The behavior of any bureaucratic organization can best be understood by
assuming that it is controlled by a secret cabal of its enemies.
Of the Second Law, Conquest gave the Church of England and Amnesty
International as examples.
Of the Third, he noted that a bureaucarcy
sometimes actually IS controlled by a secret cabal of its enemies–e.g.
the postwar British secret service.
By John Derbyshire
Several readers have asked me for Robert Conquest’s Three Laws of politics.
As best I can remember, they are:
1. Everyone is conservative about what he knows best.
2. Any organization not explicitly and constitutionally right-wing will
sooner or later become left-wing.
3. The behavior of any bureaucratic organization can best be understood by
assuming that it is controlled by a secret cabal of its enemies.
Of the Second Law, Conquest gave the Church of England and Amnesty
International as examples.
Of the Third, he noted that a bureaucarcy
sometimes actually IS controlled by a secret cabal of its enemies–e.g.
the postwar British secret service.
TODAY’S SHOCKING DISCOVERY: Choices Matter In Avoiding Poverty.
Instapundit » Blog Archive »
TODAY’S SHOCKING DISCOVERY: Choices Matter In Avoiding Poverty.
UPDATE: Reader Bill Reece writes:
I had a law professor who taught the traditional business related law classes at my law school who followed the Chicago School’s “Law and Economics” Theory of Law.
I will never forget my first week of Contracts Law in my first year in law school.
I came to this class as a poor kid whose family had basically lost its dreams of a working-middle class lifestyle when my Dad’s job at US Steel disappeared along with thousands of others in 1981, six years earlier.
I came from a pretty liberal background, and knew next to nothing about economics and business.
I had managed to get to law school by earning a scholarship based on my undergraduate work while facing these tough economic times.
This professor said something that was shocking to me, and at first upsetting.
He actually would go on to use the expression often in the classes I took from him (4 over three years of school).
“There is a cost to being poor.”
At first it seemed glib and uncaring, but as I sat through his classes and as I talked to him outside of the classroom, I realized it was said more with pity and regret than anything else.
And from my family’s experience, I recognized pretty quickly and far better than any child of the upper or upper-middle class, that he was all too correct.
The consequences of bad life decisions, made many times over, cost people heavily.
Dependence, like addiction, begins with choice.
We don’t want to admit this uncomfortable fact, but in the beginning there are conscious choices that leave people in the thralls of dependence, poverty, addiction, depression, and many other dead-ends in life.
And the lesson this professor offered to me was that we make these outcomes more likely by excusing the choices that lead to them rather than confronting them.
I can also pinpoint that week as the moment that I began to stop being a liberal and eventually became a libertarian
TODAY’S SHOCKING DISCOVERY: Choices Matter In Avoiding Poverty.
UPDATE: Reader Bill Reece writes:
I had a law professor who taught the traditional business related law classes at my law school who followed the Chicago School’s “Law and Economics” Theory of Law.
I will never forget my first week of Contracts Law in my first year in law school.
I came to this class as a poor kid whose family had basically lost its dreams of a working-middle class lifestyle when my Dad’s job at US Steel disappeared along with thousands of others in 1981, six years earlier.
I came from a pretty liberal background, and knew next to nothing about economics and business.
I had managed to get to law school by earning a scholarship based on my undergraduate work while facing these tough economic times.
This professor said something that was shocking to me, and at first upsetting.
He actually would go on to use the expression often in the classes I took from him (4 over three years of school).
“There is a cost to being poor.”
At first it seemed glib and uncaring, but as I sat through his classes and as I talked to him outside of the classroom, I realized it was said more with pity and regret than anything else.
And from my family’s experience, I recognized pretty quickly and far better than any child of the upper or upper-middle class, that he was all too correct.
The consequences of bad life decisions, made many times over, cost people heavily.
Dependence, like addiction, begins with choice.
We don’t want to admit this uncomfortable fact, but in the beginning there are conscious choices that leave people in the thralls of dependence, poverty, addiction, depression, and many other dead-ends in life.
And the lesson this professor offered to me was that we make these outcomes more likely by excusing the choices that lead to them rather than confronting them.
I can also pinpoint that week as the moment that I began to stop being a liberal and eventually became a libertarian
Sunday, July 15, 2012
From Seat to Shining Seat
From Seat to Shining Seat - By Mark Steyn - The Corner - National Review Online
By Mark Steyn
"I hope you’re sitting down for this one…
Navy’s New Gender-Neutral Carriers Won’t Have Urinals"
By Mark Steyn
"I hope you’re sitting down for this one…
Navy’s New Gender-Neutral Carriers Won’t Have Urinals"
Penn State: Here are 10 steps to recovery
Penn State: Here are 10 steps to recovery
As shocking as Louis Freeh’s report is — and it is about as horrific an indictment of institutional corruption as college football has ever seen — there is an opportunity for the good people at Penn State (of which there are plenty) to recover.
As shocking as Louis Freeh’s report is — and it is about as horrific an indictment of institutional corruption as college football has ever seen — there is an opportunity for the good people at Penn State (of which there are plenty) to recover.
Football and Hockey - By Mark Steyn
Football and Hockey - By Mark Steyn - The Corner - National Review Online
In the wake of Louis Freeh’s report on Penn State’s complicity in serial rape, Rand Simberg writes of Unhappy Valley’s other scandal:
I’m referring to another cover up and whitewash that occurred there two years ago, before we learned how rotten and corrupt the culture at the university was. But now that we know how bad it was, perhaps it’s time that we revisit the Michael Mann affair, particularly given how much we’ve also learned about his and others’ hockey-stick deceptions since. Mann could be said to be the Jerry Sandusky of climate science, except that instead of molesting children, he has molested and tortured data in the service of politicized science that could have dire economic consequences for the nation and planet.
Not sure I’d have extended that metaphor all the way into the locker-room showers with quite the zeal Mr Simberg does, but he has a point.
Michael Mann was the man behind the fraudulent climate-change “hockey-stick” graph, the very ringmaster of the tree-ring circus.
And, when the East Anglia emails came out, Penn State felt obliged to “investigate” Professor Mann. Graham Spanier, the Penn State president forced to resign over Sandusky, was the same cove who investigated Mann. And, as with Sandusky and Paterno, the college declined to find one of its star names guilty of any wrongdoing.
If an institution is prepared to cover up systemic statutory rape of minors, what won’t it cover up? Whether or not he’s “the Jerry Sandusky of climate change”, he remains the Michael Mann of climate change, in part because his “investigation” by a deeply corrupt administration was a joke.
In the wake of Louis Freeh’s report on Penn State’s complicity in serial rape, Rand Simberg writes of Unhappy Valley’s other scandal:
I’m referring to another cover up and whitewash that occurred there two years ago, before we learned how rotten and corrupt the culture at the university was. But now that we know how bad it was, perhaps it’s time that we revisit the Michael Mann affair, particularly given how much we’ve also learned about his and others’ hockey-stick deceptions since. Mann could be said to be the Jerry Sandusky of climate science, except that instead of molesting children, he has molested and tortured data in the service of politicized science that could have dire economic consequences for the nation and planet.
Not sure I’d have extended that metaphor all the way into the locker-room showers with quite the zeal Mr Simberg does, but he has a point.
Michael Mann was the man behind the fraudulent climate-change “hockey-stick” graph, the very ringmaster of the tree-ring circus.
And, when the East Anglia emails came out, Penn State felt obliged to “investigate” Professor Mann. Graham Spanier, the Penn State president forced to resign over Sandusky, was the same cove who investigated Mann. And, as with Sandusky and Paterno, the college declined to find one of its star names guilty of any wrongdoing.
If an institution is prepared to cover up systemic statutory rape of minors, what won’t it cover up? Whether or not he’s “the Jerry Sandusky of climate change”, he remains the Michael Mann of climate change, in part because his “investigation” by a deeply corrupt administration was a joke.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Micro-apartments next for S.F.?
Micro-apartments next for S.F.? - SFGate
The new minimum would be 150 square feet plus kitchen, bathroom and closet - 220 square feet in total, about the size of a one-car garage.
The current minimum with all rooms included is 290 square feet.
The new minimum would be 150 square feet plus kitchen, bathroom and closet - 220 square feet in total, about the size of a one-car garage.
The current minimum with all rooms included is 290 square feet.
Quotas Limiting Male Science Enrollment: The New Liberal War on Science
Quotas Limiting Male Science Enrollment: The New Liberal War on Science
Quotas limiting the number of male students in science may be imposed by the Education Department in 2013.
The White House has promised that “new guidelines will also be issued to grant-receiving universities and colleges” spelling out “Title IX rules in the science, technology, engineering and math fields.”
These guidelines will likely echo existing Title IX guidelines that restrict men’s percentage of intercollegiate athletes to their percentage in overall student bodies, thus reducing the overall number of intercollegiate athletes.
(Under the three-part Title IX test created by the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights, where I used to work, colleges are allowed to temporarily comply by increasing the number of female athletes rather than cutting the number of male athletes, but the only viable permanent way to comply with its rule is to restrict men’s participation relative to women’s participation, reducing overall participation.)
Thus, as Charlotte Allen notes, the Obama administration’s guidelines are likely to lead to “science quotas” based on gender.
Quotas limiting the number of male students in science may be imposed by the Education Department in 2013.
The White House has promised that “new guidelines will also be issued to grant-receiving universities and colleges” spelling out “Title IX rules in the science, technology, engineering and math fields.”
These guidelines will likely echo existing Title IX guidelines that restrict men’s percentage of intercollegiate athletes to their percentage in overall student bodies, thus reducing the overall number of intercollegiate athletes.
(Under the three-part Title IX test created by the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights, where I used to work, colleges are allowed to temporarily comply by increasing the number of female athletes rather than cutting the number of male athletes, but the only viable permanent way to comply with its rule is to restrict men’s participation relative to women’s participation, reducing overall participation.)
Thus, as Charlotte Allen notes, the Obama administration’s guidelines are likely to lead to “science quotas” based on gender.
Transparency and Open Government | The White House
Transparency and Open Government | The White House: Government should be participatory. Public engagement enhances the Government's effectiveness and improves the quality of its decisions. Knowledge is widely dispersed in society, and public officials benefit from having access to that dispersed knowledge. Executive departments and agencies should offer Americans increased opportunities to participate in policymaking and to provide their Government with the benefits of their collective expertise and information. Executive departments and agencies should also solicit public input on how we can increase and improve opportunities for public participation in Government.
Ballot Proposal to Exploit Disabled Medicaid Recipients
Ballot Proposal to Exploit Disabled Medicaid Recipients [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
With boxes of signatures submitted to the Secretary of State over the last few days, it appears there could be as many as seven different proposals on the ballot this fall.
Many of them would benefit narrow constituencies at the expense of taxpayers; perhaps the most egregious is a self-serving measure that would embed a one-sided government union scheme into the state constitution.
The arrangement came about when the Service Employees International Union and the Granholm administration created a shell "employer" for tens of thousands of home-based caregivers.
Most are family members caring for developmentally disabled loved ones who receive a Medicaid stipend.
By labeling caregivers as "government employees" and skimming off a portion of these payments as "dues," the SEIU has quietly taken more than $30 million from Michigan’s most vulnerable residents.
With boxes of signatures submitted to the Secretary of State over the last few days, it appears there could be as many as seven different proposals on the ballot this fall.
Many of them would benefit narrow constituencies at the expense of taxpayers; perhaps the most egregious is a self-serving measure that would embed a one-sided government union scheme into the state constitution.
The arrangement came about when the Service Employees International Union and the Granholm administration created a shell "employer" for tens of thousands of home-based caregivers.
Most are family members caring for developmentally disabled loved ones who receive a Medicaid stipend.
By labeling caregivers as "government employees" and skimming off a portion of these payments as "dues," the SEIU has quietly taken more than $30 million from Michigan’s most vulnerable residents.
7 ballot issues would be most in 30 years - but not a record
7 ballot issues would be most in 30 years - but not a record | MLive.com
Michigan voters could decide as many as seven initiatives on the November statewide ballot.
That is a lot - but nowhere close to the record.
Michigan voters could decide as many as seven initiatives on the November statewide ballot.
That is a lot - but nowhere close to the record.
Bomb threat shuts major U.S.-Canada tunnel
Bomb threat shuts major U.S.-Canada tunnel - CNN.com
A bomb threat shut a major tunnel between Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit on Thursday, triggering traffic backups as drivers on both sides of the border were rerouted.
Employees at the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel received an anonymous phone call around 12:30 p.m. from someone saying there was a bomb in the tunnel
A bomb threat shut a major tunnel between Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit on Thursday, triggering traffic backups as drivers on both sides of the border were rerouted.
Employees at the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel received an anonymous phone call around 12:30 p.m. from someone saying there was a bomb in the tunnel
City of Syracuse keeping a close eye on Scranton's budget problems ral.com
City of Syracuse keeping a close eye on Scranton's budget problems : News : CNYcentral.com
SYRACUSE -- Many cities have been able to kick the budget deficit can down the road - but they are quickly running out of road. Y
ears of budget problems are catching up with cities, counties and states around the country.
Stockton, California declared bankruptcy two weeks ago and now the mayor of Scranton, Pennsylvania has defied a court order by cutting every employee’s pay to minimum wage.
In Syracuse today, people were shocked by the drastic move
SYRACUSE -- Many cities have been able to kick the budget deficit can down the road - but they are quickly running out of road. Y
ears of budget problems are catching up with cities, counties and states around the country.
Stockton, California declared bankruptcy two weeks ago and now the mayor of Scranton, Pennsylvania has defied a court order by cutting every employee’s pay to minimum wage.
In Syracuse today, people were shocked by the drastic move
Rick Reilly: Joe Paterno's True Legacy - ESPN
Rick Reilly: Joe Paterno's True Legacy - ESPN
I hope Penn State loses civil suits until the walls of the accounting office cave in.
I hope that Spanier, Schultz and Curley go to prison for perjury.
I hope the NCAA gives Penn State the death penalty it most richly deserves.
The worst scandal in college football history deserves the worst penalty the NCAA can give.
They gave it to SMU for winning without regard for morals.
They should give it to Penn State for the same thing.
The only difference is, at Penn State they didn't pay for it with Corvettes.
They paid for it with lives.
I hope Penn State loses civil suits until the walls of the accounting office cave in.
I hope that Spanier, Schultz and Curley go to prison for perjury.
I hope the NCAA gives Penn State the death penalty it most richly deserves.
The worst scandal in college football history deserves the worst penalty the NCAA can give.
They gave it to SMU for winning without regard for morals.
They should give it to Penn State for the same thing.
The only difference is, at Penn State they didn't pay for it with Corvettes.
They paid for it with lives.
Muskegon County Board of Commissioners
Muskegon County Board of Commissioners
The Muskegon County Board of Public Works special meeting scheduled for July 17, 2012, has been cancelled.
Marvin Engle, Chairman
Board of Public Works
Posted: 7-13-12, 11:00 A.M.
The Muskegon County Board of Public Works special meeting scheduled for July 17, 2012, has been cancelled.
Marvin Engle, Chairman
Board of Public Works
Posted: 7-13-12, 11:00 A.M.
Mackinac Center: Emergency managers lesser evil than municipal bankruptcy
Mackinac Center: Emergency managers lesser evil than municipal bankruptcy | MLive.com
The conservative, Midland-based think tank recently recently posted a blog entry saying that while emergency managers are bad, bankruptcy is "far worse."
Writer Jarrett Skorup notes that bankruptcy judges have more power to cut local expenses to pay off creditors than an emergency manager.
The conservative, Midland-based think tank recently recently posted a blog entry saying that while emergency managers are bad, bankruptcy is "far worse."
Writer Jarrett Skorup notes that bankruptcy judges have more power to cut local expenses to pay off creditors than an emergency manager.
ACLU sues Michigan for depriving Highland Park students of their 'right to read'
ACLU sues Michigan for depriving Highland Park students of their 'right to read' | MLive.com
The American Civil Liberties Union is challenging the state's obligation to students.
The organization in a "first-of-its-kind lawsuit" is suing the state of Michigan on behalf of Highland Park School District students and their “right to read.”
“I go to Barber foucs school,” a writing sample from a seventh-grade Highland Park student with a third-grade reading level obtained by the ACLU says.
“I wish it was batter in the clean bathroom. Batter teachers and batter lunch.”
The American Civil Liberties Union is challenging the state's obligation to students.
The organization in a "first-of-its-kind lawsuit" is suing the state of Michigan on behalf of Highland Park School District students and their “right to read.”
“I go to Barber foucs school,” a writing sample from a seventh-grade Highland Park student with a third-grade reading level obtained by the ACLU says.
“I wish it was batter in the clean bathroom. Batter teachers and batter lunch.”
Michigan Department of Human Services doesn't live up to Gov. Snyder's transparency pledge
Michigan Department of Human Services doesn't live up to Gov. Snyder's transparency pledge | MLive.com
“As Governor, I will ensure that government is open, fair, and accountable to the citizens by making Michigan a national leader in transparency and ethics.”
That's what Rick Snyder pledged on the campaign trail two years ago.
Yet last month, the Michigan Department of Human Services gave two completely contradictory answers to a fairly straightforward policy question:
How many former welfare recipients reapplied for cash assistance after being removed by Michigan's new welfare reforms?
When Bridge Magazine asked that question, DHS required a formal, written Freedom of Information Request.
Then DHS extended its response deadline by two weeks.
Then DHS completely denied Bridge Magazine's request, claiming it "does not possess records falling within the scope of the description provided in your request, or by another name."
In other words, DHS implied that the records Bridge wanted didn't exist.
Yet, while the DHS pleaded ignorance to us, a DHS attorney unintentionally provided all kinds of detailed answers to our questions in a legal proceeding.
DHS formally denied our information request on June 21.
“As Governor, I will ensure that government is open, fair, and accountable to the citizens by making Michigan a national leader in transparency and ethics.”
That's what Rick Snyder pledged on the campaign trail two years ago.
Yet last month, the Michigan Department of Human Services gave two completely contradictory answers to a fairly straightforward policy question:
How many former welfare recipients reapplied for cash assistance after being removed by Michigan's new welfare reforms?
When Bridge Magazine asked that question, DHS required a formal, written Freedom of Information Request.
Then DHS extended its response deadline by two weeks.
Then DHS completely denied Bridge Magazine's request, claiming it "does not possess records falling within the scope of the description provided in your request, or by another name."
In other words, DHS implied that the records Bridge wanted didn't exist.
Yet, while the DHS pleaded ignorance to us, a DHS attorney unintentionally provided all kinds of detailed answers to our questions in a legal proceeding.
DHS formally denied our information request on June 21.
Flint officials warn against scam that Obama will pay utility bills
Flint officials warn against scam that Obama will pay utility bills | MLive.com
The city of Flint issued a warning to residents today about a new scam that claims the Obama administration will pay utility bills as part of a federal government relief plan.
The scam's perpetrators call, text or email potential victims, telling them they will be given a special account number to use to pay their utility bills after an "application process" that includes divulging personal information, such as their social security number.
The city of Flint issued a warning to residents today about a new scam that claims the Obama administration will pay utility bills as part of a federal government relief plan.
The scam's perpetrators call, text or email potential victims, telling them they will be given a special account number to use to pay their utility bills after an "application process" that includes divulging personal information, such as their social security number.
GVSU leaders explain why they decided to increase average tuition bill $362 next school year
GVSU leaders explain why they decided to increase average tuition bill $362 next school year | MLive.com
Hiking the amount students pay in tuition by $362 a year – or 3.7 percent – is necessary because the university is contending with expenses related to inflation, new academic programs and increased student enrollment, said Matt McLogan, GVSU’s vice president for university relations.
Hiking the amount students pay in tuition by $362 a year – or 3.7 percent – is necessary because the university is contending with expenses related to inflation, new academic programs and increased student enrollment, said Matt McLogan, GVSU’s vice president for university relations.
Klohs: Muskegon's deep-water port critical to future ecomomic growth in West Michigan
Klohs: Muskegon's deep-water port critical to future ecomomic growth in West Michigan | MLive.com
Special state economic development incentives for specific industrial developments will be made available for five regional collaboratives around the state, Klohs said. Gov. Rick Snyder has given his support to the West Michigan partnership, she said.
The Muskegon City Commission and Muskegon County Board of Commissioners have approved the regional partnership through the NextMichigan program with special attention given to waterfront properties along the Muskegon Lake shoreline.
The Muskegon harbor capabilities play to the regional effort to promote the alternative energy sector as a potential area of economic growth for the future, Klohs said.
“The Great Lakes offer a very large potential for alternative energy particularly on wind and bio fuels and to a lesser degree solar,” Klohs said.
Special state economic development incentives for specific industrial developments will be made available for five regional collaboratives around the state, Klohs said. Gov. Rick Snyder has given his support to the West Michigan partnership, she said.
The Muskegon City Commission and Muskegon County Board of Commissioners have approved the regional partnership through the NextMichigan program with special attention given to waterfront properties along the Muskegon Lake shoreline.
The Muskegon harbor capabilities play to the regional effort to promote the alternative energy sector as a potential area of economic growth for the future, Klohs said.
“The Great Lakes offer a very large potential for alternative energy particularly on wind and bio fuels and to a lesser degree solar,” Klohs said.
Candidate debates for Muskegon County prosecutor, sheriff set July 17-18
Candidate debates for Muskegon County prosecutor, sheriff set July 17-18 | MLive.com
The Muskegon Chronicle and MLive are partnering with Muskegon Community College to present candidate debates at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 17, and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 18, at the college.
The debates also will be broadcast several times on MCC TV later in the week.
The Muskegon Chronicle and MLive are partnering with Muskegon Community College to present candidate debates at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 17, and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 18, at the college.
The debates also will be broadcast several times on MCC TV later in the week.
Muskegon planning commissioners table site plan review of scrap metal operation for Sappi site
Muskegon planning commissioners table site plan review of scrap metal operation for Sappi site | MLive.com
After some heated questioning by commissioners, the planning commission allowed citizens to address the site plan issue before unanimously voting to table the site plan review until next month.
Planning commissioners cited a lack of details, a point disputed by the company’s representatives.
After some heated questioning by commissioners, the planning commission allowed citizens to address the site plan issue before unanimously voting to table the site plan review until next month.
Planning commissioners cited a lack of details, a point disputed by the company’s representatives.
Presentation on fracking in Muskegon County produces controversy, opposition
Presentation on fracking in Muskegon County produces controversy, opposition | MLive.com
More than 50 people, many apparently opposed to the idea of fracking on the county’s 11,000-acre wastewater site to extract natural gas and oil, created a standing-room-only audience for the initial meeting on the issue.
Some became vocally upset, including one yelling out, "shameful" when they learned that no public comment would be accepted during the special Board of Public Works meeting.
Public Works Board Chairman Marvin Engle, who called for a sheriff’s deputy to be in the board room, said the special meeting was held so the public could also hear the planned presentation on the topic rather than conduct it during a work session, because it “seems to be a sensitive” issue.
Several commissioners said the meeting was strictly held for informational purposes.
More than 50 people, many apparently opposed to the idea of fracking on the county’s 11,000-acre wastewater site to extract natural gas and oil, created a standing-room-only audience for the initial meeting on the issue.
Some became vocally upset, including one yelling out, "shameful" when they learned that no public comment would be accepted during the special Board of Public Works meeting.
Public Works Board Chairman Marvin Engle, who called for a sheriff’s deputy to be in the board room, said the special meeting was held so the public could also hear the planned presentation on the topic rather than conduct it during a work session, because it “seems to be a sensitive” issue.
Several commissioners said the meeting was strictly held for informational purposes.
Pete Hoekstra: No Child Left Behind has 'ruined education,' compares reform law to 'Obamacare'
Pete Hoekstra: No Child Left Behind has 'ruined education,' compares reform law to 'Obamacare'
MLive.com: Hoekstra was one of 20 Republicans in the U.S. House to vote against the bipartisan education reform in 2001 and said he fears have been confirmed over the years.
MLive.com: Hoekstra was one of 20 Republicans in the U.S. House to vote against the bipartisan education reform in 2001 and said he fears have been confirmed over the years.
Muskegon County free food truck sites for July 2012
Muskegon County free food truck sites for July 2012 | MLive.com
Local mobile pantry truck sites have been scheduled for July 2012.
The sites are part of Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank, Inc., a regional food bank in Comstock Park, according to information provided by Muskegon County Cooperating Churches.
.....The program is supported by various community groups and companies.
Local mobile pantry truck sites have been scheduled for July 2012.
The sites are part of Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank, Inc., a regional food bank in Comstock Park, according to information provided by Muskegon County Cooperating Churches.
.....The program is supported by various community groups and companies.
Sen. Debbie Stabenow: Bipartisan farm bill is a win for Michigan
Sen. Debbie Stabenow: Bipartisan farm bill is a win for Michigan | MLive.com
By Debbie Stabenow
I love seeing “Made in Michigan” fruits and vegetables in the supermarket produce aisle.
Isn't "fruit" both singular ANS plural?
What's with the "fruits"?
Is Big Deb homophobic?
By Debbie Stabenow
I love seeing “Made in Michigan” fruits and vegetables in the supermarket produce aisle.
Isn't "fruit" both singular ANS plural?
What's with the "fruits"?
Is Big Deb homophobic?
Huge Numbers of Same Day Registrations for Recall
Huge Numbers of Same Day Registrations for Recall | MacIver InstituteA look at the numbers of same day registrants in Milwaukee, Madison and Racine for the recent recall elections.
We will update this chart with additional cities as the information becomes available.
Click on graphic to enlarge.
Michigan Supreme Court to decide if repeal of emergency manager law goes on ballot
Michigan Supreme Court to decide if repeal of emergency manager law goes on ballot | MLive.com
The Michigan Supreme Court will decide if a referendum of the state's emergency financial manager law goes on the November statewide ballot, settling a dispute on whether organizers' petitions had the wrong type size.
The court on Wednesday scheduled oral arguments for July 25.
Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility, a group started by current and former business leaders, in late June appealed a ruling from the Court of Appeals that said the issue should proceed to voters.
The Michigan Supreme Court will decide if a referendum of the state's emergency financial manager law goes on the November statewide ballot, settling a dispute on whether organizers' petitions had the wrong type size.
The court on Wednesday scheduled oral arguments for July 25.
Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility, a group started by current and former business leaders, in late June appealed a ruling from the Court of Appeals that said the issue should proceed to voters.
Visa, MasterCard in $6B settlement over card fees
My Way News - Visa, MasterCard in $6B settlement over card fees
....the settlement is a victory for small businesses across the country because it could ultimately lead to banks lowering the fees they charge stores for customers' credit card purchases.
Landis, who owns Pittsburgh-based financial services firm Basic Business Concepts, said that would be a big relief.
She's now paying 3.75 percent each time a customer pays with a credit card.
If bank card companies reduce the fees they charge her to 2.75 percent, she would save a dollar on every $100 in sales.
....the settlement is a victory for small businesses across the country because it could ultimately lead to banks lowering the fees they charge stores for customers' credit card purchases.
Landis, who owns Pittsburgh-based financial services firm Basic Business Concepts, said that would be a big relief.
She's now paying 3.75 percent each time a customer pays with a credit card.
If bank card companies reduce the fees they charge her to 2.75 percent, she would save a dollar on every $100 in sales.
Norton Shores drive-in theatre still attracting crowds
Norton Shores drive-in theatre still attracting crowds | wzzm13.com
Michigan was once home to more than 130 drive-in theatres.
Now only ten of them are still open, including The Getty 4 Drive-In Theatre in Norton Shores.
Michigan was once home to more than 130 drive-in theatres.
Now only ten of them are still open, including The Getty 4 Drive-In Theatre in Norton Shores.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Letters: David Wells best choice in Circuit judge race
Letters: David Wells best choice in Circuit judge race | MLive.com
Muskegon County citizens will vote in next month's Primary Election to select two candidates to replace the exceptional Judge James M. Graves as circuit court judge.
The winners will face off on the General Election ballot in November.
I believe the most important traits necessary in a thoughtful and fair judge are experience and temperament.
Of the six candidates running to replace Graves, David Wells has the most impressive and varied experience.
His experience as a private judge, mediator and circuit court case evaluator combined with his decades of community service also includes his appointment as one of only three non-physicians in the country to the board that monitors and accredits all U.S. osteopathic medical schools.
It is clear that Wells has respect that is acknowledged on a national scale.
But I believe those who know him would say that it is his temperament that sets Wells apart from the other candidates.
Maybe it's because he's the father of an autistic son or the fact that David and Nancy have been foster parents.
Whatever the reason, Wells has an understanding and an empathy for those in need of justice.
Judicial temperament, experience and nationally recognized respect.
If we want an able replacement to one of the most respected judges in Muskegon history, David M. Wells deserves your vote on Aug. 7
FRANCINE M. LESSARD
Muskegon
Muskegon County citizens will vote in next month's Primary Election to select two candidates to replace the exceptional Judge James M. Graves as circuit court judge.
The winners will face off on the General Election ballot in November.
I believe the most important traits necessary in a thoughtful and fair judge are experience and temperament.
Of the six candidates running to replace Graves, David Wells has the most impressive and varied experience.
His experience as a private judge, mediator and circuit court case evaluator combined with his decades of community service also includes his appointment as one of only three non-physicians in the country to the board that monitors and accredits all U.S. osteopathic medical schools.
It is clear that Wells has respect that is acknowledged on a national scale.
But I believe those who know him would say that it is his temperament that sets Wells apart from the other candidates.
Maybe it's because he's the father of an autistic son or the fact that David and Nancy have been foster parents.
Whatever the reason, Wells has an understanding and an empathy for those in need of justice.
Judicial temperament, experience and nationally recognized respect.
If we want an able replacement to one of the most respected judges in Muskegon history, David M. Wells deserves your vote on Aug. 7
FRANCINE M. LESSARD
Muskegon
Market Savior? Stocks Might Be 50% Lower Without Fed
Market Savior? Stocks Might Be 50% Lower Without Fed - CNBC
Theoretically, the S&P 500 [.SPX 1334.76 --- UNCH ] would be more than 50 percent lower—at the 600 level—if the bullish price action preceding Fed announcements was excluded, the study showed.
Theoretically, the S&P 500 [.SPX 1334.76 --- UNCH ] would be more than 50 percent lower—at the 600 level—if the bullish price action preceding Fed announcements was excluded, the study showed.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
NBC And Microsoft Reportedly To Announce Split, MSNBC.com Rebranding
On Wednesday afternoon, Howard Kurtz reported that NBC and Microsoft will announce a deal to part ways, with the NBC purchasing back the remainder of MSNBC.com from the software corporation.
Reportedly, the plan entails a rebranding of MSNBC.com as NBCNews.com. The site currently ranks among the top three in online news sites.
Reportedly, the plan entails a rebranding of MSNBC.com as NBCNews.com. The site currently ranks among the top three in online news sites.
Andrea Mitchell Struggles To Respond To Claim Obama Outsourced Jobs Via Stimulus
Andrea Mitchell Struggles To Respond To Claim Obama Outsourced Jobs Via Stimulus | RealClearPolitics
Sununu: [laughing] You're struggling, Andrea. You're struggling.
Mitchell: First of all, these are competing claims and we will get back to you with all of the numbers.
Sununu: [laughing] You're struggling, Andrea. You're struggling.
Mitchell: First of all, these are competing claims and we will get back to you with all of the numbers.
CBO: Top earners pay 68 percent of tax burden
CBO: Top earners pay 68 percent of tax burden | The Daily Caller
The top 20 percent of earners — the top quintile — bore 67.9 percent of the federal tax burden in 2009. The middle quintile paid 9.4 percent, while the lowest paid .03 percent of the federal tax burden.
The top 20 percent of earners — the top quintile — bore 67.9 percent of the federal tax burden in 2009. The middle quintile paid 9.4 percent, while the lowest paid .03 percent of the federal tax burden.
Report: Thousands fled Canada for health care in 2011
Report: Thousands fled Canada for health care in 2011 | The Daily Caller
The nonpartisan Fraser Institute reported that 46,159 Canadians sought medical treatment outside of Canada in 2011, as wait times increased 104 percent — more than double — compared with statistics from 1993.
Specialist physicians surveyed across 12 specialties and 10 provinces reported an average total wait time of 19 weeks between the time a general practitioner refers a patient and the time a specialist provides elective treatment — the longest they have ever recorded.
The nonpartisan Fraser Institute reported that 46,159 Canadians sought medical treatment outside of Canada in 2011, as wait times increased 104 percent — more than double — compared with statistics from 1993.
Specialist physicians surveyed across 12 specialties and 10 provinces reported an average total wait time of 19 weeks between the time a general practitioner refers a patient and the time a specialist provides elective treatment — the longest they have ever recorded.
San Bernardino seeks bankruptcy protection
San Bernardino seeks bankruptcy protection - latimes.com
San Bernardino on Tuesday became the third California city in less than a month to seek bankruptcy protection, with officials saying the financial situation had become so dire that it could not cover payroll through the summer.
San Bernardino on Tuesday became the third California city in less than a month to seek bankruptcy protection, with officials saying the financial situation had become so dire that it could not cover payroll through the summer.
Don't panic yet: The Detroit Free Press isn't closing, but a major change is afoot
Don't panic yet: The Detroit Free Press isn't closing, but a major change is afoot | Crain's Detroit Business
The company will have to tell the U.S. Department of Justice, though, before it can do anything radical.
The Free Press and Detroit News are linked at the hip via a 25-year joint operating agreement signed in 2005 to handle as one business unit the advertising, printing and distribution of the papers.
Under a federal law from the 1970s aimed to preserving newspapers, owners have to inform the feds when significantly changing or terminating a Justice Department-approved JOA.
The Detroit JOA, according to its terms (I have a copy) can be dissolved starting in August 2015 if the newspapers are both unprofitable – what the document calls "newspaper operating losses" sustained by the partnership.
The company will have to tell the U.S. Department of Justice, though, before it can do anything radical.
The Free Press and Detroit News are linked at the hip via a 25-year joint operating agreement signed in 2005 to handle as one business unit the advertising, printing and distribution of the papers.
Under a federal law from the 1970s aimed to preserving newspapers, owners have to inform the feds when significantly changing or terminating a Justice Department-approved JOA.
The Detroit JOA, according to its terms (I have a copy) can be dissolved starting in August 2015 if the newspapers are both unprofitable – what the document calls "newspaper operating losses" sustained by the partnership.
The Eternal Stupidity of Liberalism
The Eternal Stupidity of Liberalism
Consider along these lines the spectacular failures of the USSR, Cuba, China’s communist regime, North Korea, etc.
In fact, there is no country which committed itself to a major socialist or communist makeover that did not thereafter implode.
Further, when Liberalism is applied to other areas of inquiry, the outcome is equally bad—such as so called “family planning,” etc.
So if liberalism is failure incarnate, why the perpetual slavering supplication of its blind, deaf and dumb followers?
Therein lies the mystery.
Consider along these lines the spectacular failures of the USSR, Cuba, China’s communist regime, North Korea, etc.
In fact, there is no country which committed itself to a major socialist or communist makeover that did not thereafter implode.
Further, when Liberalism is applied to other areas of inquiry, the outcome is equally bad—such as so called “family planning,” etc.
So if liberalism is failure incarnate, why the perpetual slavering supplication of its blind, deaf and dumb followers?
Therein lies the mystery.
Microsoft’s Downfall: Inside the Executive E-mails and Cannibalistic Culture That Felled a Tech Giant
Microsoft’s Downfall: Inside the Executive E-mails and Cannibalistic Culture That Felled a Tech Giant
Today, a single Apple product—the iPhone—generates more revenue than all of Microsoft’s wares combined.
Today, a single Apple product—the iPhone—generates more revenue than all of Microsoft’s wares combined.
Conservatives Are Happier, and Extremists Are Happiest of All
Conservatives Are Happier, and Extremists Are Happiest of All - NYTimes.com
WHO is happier about life — liberals or conservatives?
The answer might seem straightforward. After all, there is an entire academic literature in the social sciences dedicated to showing conservatives as naturally authoritarian, dogmatic, intolerant of ambiguity, fearful of threat and loss, low in self-esteem and uncomfortable with complex modes of thinking.
And it was the candidate Barack Obama in 2008 who infamously labeled blue-collar voters “bitter,” as they “cling to guns or religion.”
Obviously, liberals must be happier, right?
Wrong.
WHO is happier about life — liberals or conservatives?
The answer might seem straightforward. After all, there is an entire academic literature in the social sciences dedicated to showing conservatives as naturally authoritarian, dogmatic, intolerant of ambiguity, fearful of threat and loss, low in self-esteem and uncomfortable with complex modes of thinking.
And it was the candidate Barack Obama in 2008 who infamously labeled blue-collar voters “bitter,” as they “cling to guns or religion.”
Obviously, liberals must be happier, right?
Wrong.
HIGHER EDUCATION BUBBLE UPDATE: U.S. pushes for more scientists, but the jobs aren’t there.
Instapundit » Blog Archive » HIGHER EDUCATION BUBBLE UPDATE: U.S. pushes for more scientists, but the jobs aren’t there.
As noted here earlier, we don’t need more scientists, we need better ones.
“I was talking with someone the other day who advanced the proposition that there are probably only 50 really first-rate scientific minds produced in the United States every year.
And then came the question:
Does the current system of training and funding scientists encourage those 50 to stay in the game, or to find something else to do?”
As noted here earlier, we don’t need more scientists, we need better ones.
“I was talking with someone the other day who advanced the proposition that there are probably only 50 really first-rate scientific minds produced in the United States every year.
And then came the question:
Does the current system of training and funding scientists encourage those 50 to stay in the game, or to find something else to do?”
Pennsylvania city workers to take mayor to court over across-the-board minimum wage salaries
Pennsylvania city workers to take mayor to court over across-the-board minimum wage salaries | Fox News
Employees of a Pennsylvania city, who have all seen their salaries cut to minimum wage as the mayor grapples with budget problems, are hoping a judge restores their paychecks in full.
Employees of a Pennsylvania city, who have all seen their salaries cut to minimum wage as the mayor grapples with budget problems, are hoping a judge restores their paychecks in full.
NAACP Requires Photo I.D. to See Holder Speak in State Being Sued Over Voter ID
NAACP Requires Photo I.D. to See Holder Speak in State Being Sued Over Voter ID - Katie Pavlich
Earlier today, Attorney General Eric Holder addressed the NAACP Nation Convention at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.
What did media need in order to attend? That's right, government issued photo identification (and a second form of identification too!), something both Holder and the NAACP stand firmly against when it comes to voting.
Holder's DOJ is currently suing Texas for "discriminatory" voter ID laws. From the press release:
All media must present government-issued photo I.D. (such as a driver’s license) as well as valid media credentials. Members of the media must RSVP to receive press credentials at http://action.naacp.org/page/s/registration.
For security purposes, media check-in and equipment set up must be completed by 7:45 a.m. CDT for an 8:00 a.m. CDT security sweep.
Once the security sweep is completed, additional media equipment will NOT be permitted to enter and swept equipment will NOT be permitted to exit.
Ironically, NAACP President Ben Jealous railed against voter ID just before Holder took the stage.
Earlier today, Attorney General Eric Holder addressed the NAACP Nation Convention at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.
What did media need in order to attend? That's right, government issued photo identification (and a second form of identification too!), something both Holder and the NAACP stand firmly against when it comes to voting.
Holder's DOJ is currently suing Texas for "discriminatory" voter ID laws. From the press release:
All media must present government-issued photo I.D. (such as a driver’s license) as well as valid media credentials. Members of the media must RSVP to receive press credentials at http://action.naacp.org/page/s/registration.
For security purposes, media check-in and equipment set up must be completed by 7:45 a.m. CDT for an 8:00 a.m. CDT security sweep.
Once the security sweep is completed, additional media equipment will NOT be permitted to enter and swept equipment will NOT be permitted to exit.
Ironically, NAACP President Ben Jealous railed against voter ID just before Holder took the stage.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Muskegon County Board of Commissioners
Muskegon County Board of Commissioners:
MEETING NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE MUSKEGON COUNTY BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS ON THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012, 3:30 P.M., BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ROOM, 4TH FLOOR, MICHAEL E. KOBZA HALL OF JUSTICE, 990 TERRACE STREET, MUSKEGON, MI 49442.
MARVIN ENGLE, CHAIRMAN
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
POSTED: 7-9-12, 10:00 A.M.
MEETING NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE MUSKEGON COUNTY BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS ON THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012, 3:30 P.M., BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ROOM, 4TH FLOOR, MICHAEL E. KOBZA HALL OF JUSTICE, 990 TERRACE STREET, MUSKEGON, MI 49442.
MARVIN ENGLE, CHAIRMAN
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
POSTED: 7-9-12, 10:00 A.M.
Steps in the double-talk direction
Steps in the double-talk direction - NYPOST.com
Our president has a funny way with words when it comes to describing the lousy economy.
Even for an election year, some of his whoppers would be laughable — if they weren’t coming from a man who wants to remain in charge of the country and its floundering economy for another four years
Our president has a funny way with words when it comes to describing the lousy economy.
Even for an election year, some of his whoppers would be laughable — if they weren’t coming from a man who wants to remain in charge of the country and its floundering economy for another four years
Santelli: 'Euro Titanic' Hits the Iceberg
Santelli: 'Euro Titanic' Hits the Iceberg
Nigel Farage, UK Independence Party leader, discusses Europe's looming fiscal crisis, and the problems with bailouts, with CNBC's Rick Santelli.
Nigel Farage, UK Independence Party leader, discusses Europe's looming fiscal crisis, and the problems with bailouts, with CNBC's Rick Santelli.
Monday, July 09, 2012
UN Report Pushes Global Taxes to Fight Poverty
UN Report Pushes Global Taxes to Fight Poverty
The United Nations continues to reveal itself as the main advocate and vehicle for global government, this time by pushing for a global tax on the wealthy to finance development and other needs worldwide, including so-called climate change.
The “billionaires' tax,” as its been dubbed, has been proposed by the UN's World Economic Social Survey (WESS), which asserts that it will raise nearly $400 billion a year. UN officials claim that such a tax is necessary to push the global body’s agenda “in the midst of difficult financial times.” Survey author Rob Vos, director of the UN's Development Policy and Analysis Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, declared in a statement,
CNS News provides some background:
The United Nations continues to reveal itself as the main advocate and vehicle for global government, this time by pushing for a global tax on the wealthy to finance development and other needs worldwide, including so-called climate change.
The “billionaires' tax,” as its been dubbed, has been proposed by the UN's World Economic Social Survey (WESS), which asserts that it will raise nearly $400 billion a year. UN officials claim that such a tax is necessary to push the global body’s agenda “in the midst of difficult financial times.” Survey author Rob Vos, director of the UN's Development Policy and Analysis Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, declared in a statement,
Donor countries have fallen well short of their aid commitments and development assistance declined last year because of budget cuts, increasing the shortfall to $167 billion.
Although donors must meet their commitments, it is time to look for other ways to find resources to finance development needs and address growing global challenges, such as combating climate change.
We are suggesting various ways to tap resources through international mechanisms, such as coordinated taxes on carbon emissions, air traffic, and financial and currency transactions.
This year’s WESS includes provisions for a currency transaction tax of .005 percent, to be imposed on all trading of the U.S. dollar, the euro, the yen, and the pound sterling. CNS News provides some background:
The European Union’s executive Commission has proposed the introduction of such a tax — 0.1 percent for shares and bonds and 0.01 percent for derivatives — in the 27-member union with effect from January 1, 2014, an initiative expected to raise just over $70 billion a year. The WESS says a portion of that could be earmarked for international cooperation.
HIGHER EDUCATION BUBBLE UPDATE: Scott Walker Prepares To Reform Higher Education
Instapundit » Blog Archive » HIGHER EDUCATION BUBBLE UPDATE
Scott Walker Prepares To Reform Higher Education. Walter Russell Mead comments:
Change has to come.
After World War Two the United States built its modern university system by extending a model that was originally intended to groom the sons of a social elite to succeed their fathers as government and business leaders to manage the preparation of tens of millions of people for the business of life.
The template doesn’t work in many cases, and the result increasingly is that training and job preparation takes too long and costs too much.
The problem isn’t that America has “too much” education.
The problem is that a 21st century society needs to be able to teach more skills to more people at a much lower cost and in much less time than our 20th century institutions can manage.
It’s really that simple.
The most urgent business of a state university system at this point must be to reform and improve the kind of education (in many cases, training) that can enable the state’s citizens of any and every age to acquire skills and prepare themselves to flourish in a rapidly changing economy.
Scott Walker Prepares To Reform Higher Education. Walter Russell Mead comments:
Change has to come.
After World War Two the United States built its modern university system by extending a model that was originally intended to groom the sons of a social elite to succeed their fathers as government and business leaders to manage the preparation of tens of millions of people for the business of life.
The template doesn’t work in many cases, and the result increasingly is that training and job preparation takes too long and costs too much.
The problem isn’t that America has “too much” education.
The problem is that a 21st century society needs to be able to teach more skills to more people at a much lower cost and in much less time than our 20th century institutions can manage.
It’s really that simple.
The most urgent business of a state university system at this point must be to reform and improve the kind of education (in many cases, training) that can enable the state’s citizens of any and every age to acquire skills and prepare themselves to flourish in a rapidly changing economy.
Sunday, July 08, 2012
Unemployment Rate Dropped In Every State That Elected A Republican Gov. In 2010
Unemployment Rate Dropped In Every State That Elected A Republican Gov. In 2010
In 2010, influenced by the Tea Party and its focus on fiscal issues, 17 states elected Republican governors. And, according to an Examiner.com analysis, every one of those states saw a drop in their unemployment rates since January of 2011. Furthermore, the average drop in the unemployment rate in these states was 1.35%, compared to the national decline of .9%, which means, according to the analysis, that the job market in these Republican states is improving 50% faster than the national rate.
Since January of 2011, here is how much the unemployment rate declined in each of the 17 states that elected Republican governors in 2010, according to the Examiner:
Kansas - 6.9% to 6.1% = a decline of 0.8%Maine - 8.0% to 7.4% = a decline of 0.6%Michigan - 10.9% to 8.5% = a decline of 2.4%New Mexico - 7.7% to 6.7% = a decline of 1.0%Oklahoma - 6.2% to 4.8% = a decline of 1.4%Pennsylvania - 8.0% to 7.4% = a decline of 0.6%Tennessee - 9.5% to 7.9% = a decline of 1.6%Wisconsin - 7.7% to 6.8% = a decline of 0.9%Wyoming - 6.3% to 5.2% = a decline of 1.1%Alabama - 9.3% to 7.4% = a decline of 1.9%Georgia - 10.1% to 8.9% = a decline of 1.2%South Carolina - 10.6% to 9.1% = a decline of 1.5%South Dakota - 5.0% to 4.3% = a decline of 0.7%Florida - 10.9% to 8.6% = a decline of 2.3%Nevada - 13.8% to 11.6% = a decline of 2.2%Iowa - 6.1% to 5.1% = a decline of 1.0%Ohio - 9.0% to 7.3% = a decline of 1.7%
On the other hand, the unemployment rate in states that elected Democrats in 2010 dropped, on average, as much as the national rate decline and, in some states such as New York, the unemployment rate has risen since January of 2011.
This is yet another example of how the so-called “blue state” model is not working.
EyeOnMuskegon-Today 8:30-10:00am!
EyeOnMuskegon Sunday morning 8:30!
Learn or burn!
The Aug 7 primary election is already under way with absentee ballots being submitted every day.
If you want your vote to count for county sheriff, prosecutor or 3 of the 9 county commissioners, Aug 7 is it baby cuz the primary victors have no Nov. challengers.
Winner takes all in August!
And 6 fine folks want to become our next circuit court judge with only 2 going on after Aug. 7.
We'll have a round table discussion about these big elections with democrat up and comer Sean Mullally and Muskegon GOP vice-chairman Andy Fink.
And me Jim Riley.
So learn about which candidate deserves your important vote Sunday morning 8:30-10 at EyeOnMuskegon.
Listen on WKBZ 1090AM or check us out online at http://www.newstalk1090.com/main.html
Or catch us later in the day on the internet at EyeOnMuskegon.com
Learn or burn!
The Aug 7 primary election is already under way with absentee ballots being submitted every day.
If you want your vote to count for county sheriff, prosecutor or 3 of the 9 county commissioners, Aug 7 is it baby cuz the primary victors have no Nov. challengers.
Winner takes all in August!
And 6 fine folks want to become our next circuit court judge with only 2 going on after Aug. 7.
We'll have a round table discussion about these big elections with democrat up and comer Sean Mullally and Muskegon GOP vice-chairman Andy Fink.
And me Jim Riley.
So learn about which candidate deserves your important vote Sunday morning 8:30-10 at EyeOnMuskegon.
Listen on WKBZ 1090AM or check us out online at http://www.newstalk1090.com/main.html
Or catch us later in the day on the internet at EyeOnMuskegon.com
U.S. pushes for more scientists, but the jobs aren’t there
U.S. pushes for more scientists, but the jobs aren’t there - The Washington Post
That reality runs counter to messages sent by President Obama and the National Science Foundation and other influential groups, who in recent years have called for U.S. universities to churn out more scientists.
That reality runs counter to messages sent by President Obama and the National Science Foundation and other influential groups, who in recent years have called for U.S. universities to churn out more scientists.
Montague to hold brainstorming session about the city's future
Montague to hold brainstorming session about the city's future | MLive.com
Think you know what would make Montague a better city?
The time to speak up is now.
A meeting to get public input on the city’s recreation and master plans is scheduled for 7 p.m. July 23, with a “meet and greet” starting at 6:30 p.m. at city hall, 8778 Ferry.
If there are enough participants, people will break into small groups to discuss their ideas for the city’s future, Montague Zoning Administrator Matt Miller said.
“Hopefully we’ll have a good attendance,” he said. “You never know, doing it at the end of July.”
Think you know what would make Montague a better city?
The time to speak up is now.
A meeting to get public input on the city’s recreation and master plans is scheduled for 7 p.m. July 23, with a “meet and greet” starting at 6:30 p.m. at city hall, 8778 Ferry.
If there are enough participants, people will break into small groups to discuss their ideas for the city’s future, Montague Zoning Administrator Matt Miller said.
“Hopefully we’ll have a good attendance,” he said. “You never know, doing it at the end of July.”
Big upset at cherry-pit spitting contest in Michigan
Big upset at cherry-pit spitting contest in Michigan | MLive.com
There was a big upset at the annual International Cherry Pit Spitting Championship in southwestern Michigan.
For the first time in 20 years, the winner was not named Krause or Lessard.
There was a big upset at the annual International Cherry Pit Spitting Championship in southwestern Michigan.
For the first time in 20 years, the winner was not named Krause or Lessard.
Saturday, July 07, 2012
Summit set to address “Politics of Race”
Summit set to address “Politics of Race” - Holland, MI - The Holland Sentinel
Is the tea party racist?
That’s one of the questions a panel will explore at next week’s “Politics of Race” summit — hosted by the Ottawa County Patriots themselves.
The group’s founder, Jim Chiodo, was inspired to organize the event, in part, because of the “racial divide” caused by the Trayvon Martin case and its subsequent media coverage, he said.
“I’ve noticed when somebody’s political opinion is different than yours, and they don’t have a logical argument, they fall back on name-calling,” including using terms such as “racist,” Chiodo said.
The panel discussion will be 7-9 p.m. Wednesday (July 11) at the Howard Miller Library, 14 S. Church St., in Zeeland. Doors open at 6:15.
Is the tea party racist?
That’s one of the questions a panel will explore at next week’s “Politics of Race” summit — hosted by the Ottawa County Patriots themselves.
The group’s founder, Jim Chiodo, was inspired to organize the event, in part, because of the “racial divide” caused by the Trayvon Martin case and its subsequent media coverage, he said.
“I’ve noticed when somebody’s political opinion is different than yours, and they don’t have a logical argument, they fall back on name-calling,” including using terms such as “racist,” Chiodo said.
The panel discussion will be 7-9 p.m. Wednesday (July 11) at the Howard Miller Library, 14 S. Church St., in Zeeland. Doors open at 6:15.
California high-speed rail gets green light
News from The Associated Press
Senate Republicans blasted the decision, citing the state's ongoing budget problems.
They said project would push California over a fiscal cliff. No GOP senators voted for the bill Friday.
The final cost of the completed project from Los Angeles to San Francisco is projected to be $68 billion.
Senate Republicans blasted the decision, citing the state's ongoing budget problems.
They said project would push California over a fiscal cliff. No GOP senators voted for the bill Friday.
The final cost of the completed project from Los Angeles to San Francisco is projected to be $68 billion.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)