Thursday, April 03, 2008
My Way News - States May Free Inmates to Save Millions
My Way News - States May Free Inmates to Save Millions: "Lawmakers from California to Kentucky are trying to save money with a drastic and potentially dangerous budget-cutting proposal: releasing tens of thousands of convicts from prison, including drug addicts, thieves and even violent criminals."
Sense of Events: The soft side of Simon Cowell
Sense of Events: The soft side of Simon Cowell: "The soft side of Simon Cowell
Gerard Van Der Leun says that this is the best five minutes you'll spend today. Righto, that."
Gerard Van Der Leun says that this is the best five minutes you'll spend today. Righto, that."
DNC stance surprises campaigns
DNC stance surprises campaigns
"But the mere presence of Florida and Michigan on the credentials committee raises the prospect of vote-trading or last-minute maneuvering, creating potential confusion for a convention already shadowed by procedural controversies."
"But the mere presence of Florida and Michigan on the credentials committee raises the prospect of vote-trading or last-minute maneuvering, creating potential confusion for a convention already shadowed by procedural controversies."
Mayor adds to stimulus proposal
Mayor adds to stimulus proposal:
"Under the mayor's plan, the city wouldn't borrow the money, but rather enter into an agreement with the Detroit Economic Growth Corp., a quasi-governmental agency, to borrow the money. The council would have to sign off on an ordinance authorizing the agreement.
After three payment-free years, the city would use the expected growth in casino revenue to make the annual $29 million payments on the bonds for the next 30 years. That's how Kilpatrick's staff said the city could undertake the projects without raising taxes or cutting from the budget."
"Under the mayor's plan, the city wouldn't borrow the money, but rather enter into an agreement with the Detroit Economic Growth Corp., a quasi-governmental agency, to borrow the money. The council would have to sign off on an ordinance authorizing the agreement.
After three payment-free years, the city would use the expected growth in casino revenue to make the annual $29 million payments on the bonds for the next 30 years. That's how Kilpatrick's staff said the city could undertake the projects without raising taxes or cutting from the budget."
'Pig Book' tallies $17.2 billion in pork
'Pig Book' tallies $17.2 billion in pork
"the Democrat-led Congress last year broke a promise to slash pork spending and doled out $17.2 billion for pet projects, including $296 million in earmarks by Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton — the top spender of the three presidential contenders.........
Congress stuffed 11,610 projects into fiscal 2008 spending bills, the second-highest total ever and more than triple the number of projects in fiscal 2007. The $17.2 billion spent reflected a 30 percent increase over the previous year's $13.2 billion expenditure, according to the 'Pig Book.'"
"the Democrat-led Congress last year broke a promise to slash pork spending and doled out $17.2 billion for pet projects, including $296 million in earmarks by Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton — the top spender of the three presidential contenders.........
Congress stuffed 11,610 projects into fiscal 2008 spending bills, the second-highest total ever and more than triple the number of projects in fiscal 2007. The $17.2 billion spent reflected a 30 percent increase over the previous year's $13.2 billion expenditure, according to the 'Pig Book.'"
AG - , Track Your Taxes
AG - , Track Your Taxes: "Welcome to Attorney General Mike Cox's
Track Your Taxes Webpage"
Track Your Taxes Webpage"
AG Cox pushes to put state budget online
AG Cox pushes to put state budget online
"Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox joined several Republican legislators making stops Tuesday in Kalamazoo and elsewhere to push for passage of a bill that would put the state budget online.
Sponsored by Rep. Jack Hoogendyk, R-Texas Township, the bill would require the creation of a Web site that specifies how the state spends money.
Cox called for bringing what's been dubbed the 'track your taxes' bill out of committee and to a vote in the House floor.
'The House has had more than enough time"
"Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox joined several Republican legislators making stops Tuesday in Kalamazoo and elsewhere to push for passage of a bill that would put the state budget online.
Sponsored by Rep. Jack Hoogendyk, R-Texas Township, the bill would require the creation of a Web site that specifies how the state spends money.
Cox called for bringing what's been dubbed the 'track your taxes' bill out of committee and to a vote in the House floor.
'The House has had more than enough time"
Worst States For Jobs - AOL Find a Job
Worst States For Jobs - AOL Find a Job: "1. Michigan
Unemployment rate: 7.1 percent
Population: 10,071,822
Mean annual wage: $41,230"
Unemployment rate: 7.1 percent
Population: 10,071,822
Mean annual wage: $41,230"
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Hot Air » Blog Archive » Hillary fired for lies, unethical behavior from Congressional job: former boss
Hot Air » Blog Archive » Hillary fired for lies, unethical behavior from Congressional job: former boss: "Zeifman fired Hillary from the committee staff and refused to give her a letter of recommendation – one of only three people who earned that dubious distinction in Zeifman’s 17-year career.Why?“Because she was a liar,” Zeifman said in an interview last week. “She was an unethical, dishonest lawyer. She conspired to violate the Constitution, the rules of the House, the rules of the committee and the rules of confidentiality.”"
Gateway Pundit: Busted!..Another Democrat Caught in Prostitution Ring
Gateway Pundit: Busted!... Democrat Caught in Prostitution Ring: "Busted!... Another Democrat Caught in Prostitution Ring
'Have Hookers- Will Travel'
Another day- Another Democrat caught up in a prostitution ring.
The VP of Air America and husband of a Dem senator is busted in a prostitution sting."
'Have Hookers- Will Travel'
Another day- Another Democrat caught up in a prostitution ring.
The VP of Air America and husband of a Dem senator is busted in a prostitution sting."
NOT DEAD YET! Wisconsin conservatives sweep! Charlie Sykes
Wisconsin Charlie Sykes: "yesterday's election makes clear that reports of the demise of conservatism in Wisconsin were premature. It wasn't perfect, but there was a lot to cheer:"
Michigan offers hefty tax breaks to filmmakers
Michigan offers hefty tax breaks to filmmakers:
"When Gov. Jennifer Granholm signs tax incentives aimed at making Michigan the country's most attractive place to make movies, they may come with a hefty price tag.
The marquee piece of legislation will give film studios up to a 42 percent refundable credit on production expenses in the state -- the most lucractive in the United States."
"When Gov. Jennifer Granholm signs tax incentives aimed at making Michigan the country's most attractive place to make movies, they may come with a hefty price tag.
The marquee piece of legislation will give film studios up to a 42 percent refundable credit on production expenses in the state -- the most lucractive in the United States."
Hitchens on Hillary Clinton's Trip to Bosnia
Hitchens on Hillary Clinton's Trip to Bosnia
"It's hardly necessary for me to point out that the United States did not receive national health care in return for its acquiescence in the murder of tens of thousands of European civilians."
"It's hardly necessary for me to point out that the United States did not receive national health care in return for its acquiescence in the murder of tens of thousands of European civilians."
The Clean Energy Scam
The "Clean energy" scam. "'The grain it takes to fill an SUV tank with ethanol could feed a person for a year'?"
Concern over 'zero carbon' homes
Concern over 'zero carbon' homes:
"People felt the eco-friendly buildings would require extra maintenance and that they would have to cut back on certain appliances, it added.
The National House-Building Council (NHBC) Foundation study said buyers also feared the homes would cost more.
The government has set a target that all new homes in England must have no net carbon emissions by 2016."
"People felt the eco-friendly buildings would require extra maintenance and that they would have to cut back on certain appliances, it added.
The National House-Building Council (NHBC) Foundation study said buyers also feared the homes would cost more.
The government has set a target that all new homes in England must have no net carbon emissions by 2016."
AEY’s Awful Afghan Ammo: Is It An Affirmative Action Scandal?
AEY’s Awful Afghan Ammo: Is It An Affirmative Action Scandal?: "In the wake of the NYT’s story on 22-year-old high school-dropout Efraim E. Diveroli, who snagged $202,000,000 in U.S. government ammunition contracts in Fiscal Year 2007 to supply bullets to the embattled Afghan government, many people are wondering how the federal government could have handed out such a big contract to some loser who has been arrested twice in his young life: for drunk driving and for beating up a parking valet."
Developer says three projects being held up by drain commissioner
Developer says three projects being held up by drain commissioner
"I came here today hoping to get a better understanding of why I can't get a drain commissioner to review my plans,' Jacobs said."
"I came here today hoping to get a better understanding of why I can't get a drain commissioner to review my plans,' Jacobs said."
Norton Shores hires attorney, consultant in water dispute with Heights
Norton Shores hires attorney, consultant in water dispute with Heights
"The Norton Shores City Council Tuesday hired an attorney and a financial consultant to help resolve a dispute with Muskegon Heights over the management of the water system."
"The Norton Shores City Council Tuesday hired an attorney and a financial consultant to help resolve a dispute with Muskegon Heights over the management of the water system."
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Sense of Events: The World War II Memorial
Nice story of the few "Greatest" remaining and their silent bravery and quiet honor.
I'm always amazed and emotional when i see these fine Americans, of any age, as they visit a military memorial.
God bless them all!
"Korean War Memorial"
Media 'Depression'
-- Media 'Depression': "Yes, it was during the second Camelot presidency that the largest portions of the population were using food stamps: 10.4% in 1993 and 1994, and 10% in 1995."
ABC News: Whom Can You Believe? Democratic Campaign Claims Don't Hold Up
ABC News: Whom Can You Believe? Democratic Campaign Claims Don't Hold Up: "'I did speak out and opposed NAFTA,' Clinton told an AFL-CIO audience in Philadelphia. 'I raised a big yellow caution flag. I said, 'I'm not sure this is going to work.''
But if Clinton 'spoke out' against NAFTA, she did so quietly and behind closed doors, and made no mention of it in her 2003 autobiography 'Living History.'"
But if Clinton 'spoke out' against NAFTA, she did so quietly and behind closed doors, and made no mention of it in her 2003 autobiography 'Living History.'"
Lucianne.com News Forum
Lucianne.com News Forum: "my father-in-law who is 71 believes this nonsense fervently. He goes off the deep end when it comes up as if we (the US) are causing the world to destruct. The 'Arctic Ice Sheets are melting' he emphatically insisted. He actually think Florida will be under water in 10 years. That evening I went to the Daily Arctic Ice Sea Maps website and printed out 2 color photos to prove him wrong. You know what he said, 'That Website was out up by Bush to try to get out of Kyoto'."
note from my friend Barack Hussein Obama
B.Hussein and his friends want Gordo to travel to Pennsylvania and be a grass root.
Gordo will stay home and weed his garden.
"Dear Friend,
In the past few weeks, thousands of people from all across the country have traveled to Pennsylvania to help grow our movement.
Thanks to supporters like you, we registered tens of thousands of new Democrats and built a base of support that will help Barack in the primary on April 22nd.
Now we need to make sure all these new voices are heard.
Sign up to take a trip to Pennsylvania and help Get Out The Vote for Barack:
http://pa.barackobama.com/cometoPA
Our campaign has always relied on grassroots supporters to build our movement and spread the word about Barack Obama.
The steps that we're taking right now will help us do more than win an election -- they will empower ordinary Americans to join with their friends, family, and neighbors in believing that together we can make a difference.
No prior political experience is necessary. All you need is a hunger for change and a willingness to turn your enthusiasm into action.
Make a difference right away for Barack in Pennsylvania:
http://pa.barackobama.com/cometoPA
Thank you for your continued support,
Angela
Angela BotticellaPennsylvania Deputy Field DirectorObama for America"
Gordo will stay home and weed his garden.
"Dear Friend,
In the past few weeks, thousands of people from all across the country have traveled to Pennsylvania to help grow our movement.
Thanks to supporters like you, we registered tens of thousands of new Democrats and built a base of support that will help Barack in the primary on April 22nd.
Now we need to make sure all these new voices are heard.
Sign up to take a trip to Pennsylvania and help Get Out The Vote for Barack:
http://pa.barackobama.com/cometoPA
Our campaign has always relied on grassroots supporters to build our movement and spread the word about Barack Obama.
The steps that we're taking right now will help us do more than win an election -- they will empower ordinary Americans to join with their friends, family, and neighbors in believing that together we can make a difference.
No prior political experience is necessary. All you need is a hunger for change and a willingness to turn your enthusiasm into action.
Make a difference right away for Barack in Pennsylvania:
http://pa.barackobama.com/cometoPA
Thank you for your continued support,
Angela
Angela BotticellaPennsylvania Deputy Field DirectorObama for America"
Obama Record tells another truth
Maybe it's how he voted and not what he says?
Aren't "aborted fetuses who survive" HUMAN BEINGS?
"He voted against requiring medical care for aborted fetuses who survive. He supported allowing retired police officers to carry concealed weapons, but opposed allowing people to use banned handguns to defend against intruders in their homes. And the list of sensitive topics goes on."
FOR THE CHILDREN
FOR THE CHILDREN-Pretty sick
"An artifact of a sick society: Hamas television features a puppet show in which a child murders President Bush, after telling him that the White House has been turned into a mosque for the 'nation of Islam.'"
"An artifact of a sick society: Hamas television features a puppet show in which a child murders President Bush, after telling him that the White House has been turned into a mosque for the 'nation of Islam.'"
Obama to offer SCUS deal to Hillary?
Our Comforter-in-Chief Stands with Furious Liberal Women of America:
'Have you heard that the Hollywood left has a huge plan in order to get this campaign over with, and that is to get Obama to promise to name Mrs. Clinton to the Supreme Court, and in exchange for that she'd get out of the race."
'Have you heard that the Hollywood left has a huge plan in order to get this campaign over with, and that is to get Obama to promise to name Mrs. Clinton to the Supreme Court, and in exchange for that she'd get out of the race."
Earth Day Network-no power to the people
Earth Day Network wants moratorium on new power plants
"the group is arming supporters with voluntary talking points, including a call for a moratorium on new coal-burning plants...............and protections to ensure the poor and middle classes don't bear the brunt of rising energy costs.
"the group is arming supporters with voluntary talking points, including a call for a moratorium on new coal-burning plants...............and protections to ensure the poor and middle classes don't bear the brunt of rising energy costs.
22 questions for Barack Obama about Rev. Wright
Peter Wehner on Barack Obama & Jeremiah Wright
"3. When did you first become aware of the fact that in 1984 Reverend Wright traveled to Libya with Louis Farrakhan to visit Muammar Qadhafi? Similarly, when did you become aware of Wright's role in giving Farrakhan a lifetime-achievement award and that Wright referred to the Nation of Islam leader as a man of “integrity and honesty?” Did those things trouble you when you learned of them?"
"3. When did you first become aware of the fact that in 1984 Reverend Wright traveled to Libya with Louis Farrakhan to visit Muammar Qadhafi? Similarly, when did you become aware of Wright's role in giving Farrakhan a lifetime-achievement award and that Wright referred to the Nation of Islam leader as a man of “integrity and honesty?” Did those things trouble you when you learned of them?"
"hardening racial lines..."
Instapundit.com -: "'THE GANG:' 'Democrats should now ask themselves how a party of supposed racial transcendence inevitably ended up with primaries predicated along hardening racial lines, and a unity, trans-racial candidate who for twenty years was intimate with a pastor and spiritual advisor who seems to have derided almost everyone and everything, from America, to Italians, to Jews and Israel, to whites and moderate blacks, with serial slurs worthy of a Don Imus or Michael Richards.'"
American Thinker: Does Obama know America?
American Thinker: Does Obama know America?:
Obama seems to have adopted his mother's role as an anthropologist.
He writes about himself:
'Only Malcolm X's autobiography seemed to offer something different. His repeated acts of self-creation spoke to me. The blunt poetry of his words, his unadorned insistence on respect, promised a new and uncompromising order, martial in its discipline, forged through sheer force of will. All the other stuff, the talk of blue-eyed devils and apocalypse, was incidental to that program, I decided. ...
'And yet, even as I imagine myself following Malcolm's call, one line in the book stayed with me. He spoke of a wish he'd once had, the wish that the white blood that ran through him, there by an act of violence, might somehow be expunged.' (italics added)"
Obama seems to have adopted his mother's role as an anthropologist.
He writes about himself:
'Only Malcolm X's autobiography seemed to offer something different. His repeated acts of self-creation spoke to me. The blunt poetry of his words, his unadorned insistence on respect, promised a new and uncompromising order, martial in its discipline, forged through sheer force of will. All the other stuff, the talk of blue-eyed devils and apocalypse, was incidental to that program, I decided. ...
'And yet, even as I imagine myself following Malcolm's call, one line in the book stayed with me. He spoke of a wish he'd once had, the wish that the white blood that ran through him, there by an act of violence, might somehow be expunged.' (italics added)"
The 'Recession' Is a Media Myth
The 'Recession' Is a Media Myth: "A little perspective on the economy would be helpful. The average unemployment rate during President Clinton was 5.2 percent. The average under President George W. Bush is just slightly below 5.2. The current unemployment rate is4.8 percent, almost half a percentage point lower than these averages."
Google TiSP-this could change the world!
Welcome to Google TiSP: "Sign up for our free in-home wireless broadband service"
Gordo-hopes-it's-not-a-shi&*y-idea....
.....or Aprilesque.....
Marsha Blackburn on McCain’s short list?
Blackburn on McCain’s short list?: "A South Carolina blog claims to have seen the five names on John McCain’s short list for Vice President: Joe Lieberman, Charlie Crist, Tim Pawlenty, Haley Barbour, and Marsha Blackburn.
McCain's Secret Gameplan | FITSNews For Now
McCain's Secret Gameplan FITSNews For Now: "Joe Lieberman has already ruled out running on a ticket with GOP presidential nominee John McCain, the Connecticut Senator remains the Maverick Republican’s top pick for the No. 2 slot, according to confidential campaign strategy memo showed to FITSNews last weekend by a McCain strategist.
S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford, whose political consultant Jon Lerner has been working full-time these days to secure Sanford a spot on McCain’s shortlist, did not appear among McCain’s top five choices according to the memo, which were Lieberman, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour and Tennessee Rep. Marsha Blackburn."
S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford, whose political consultant Jon Lerner has been working full-time these days to secure Sanford a spot on McCain’s shortlist, did not appear among McCain’s top five choices according to the memo, which were Lieberman, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour and Tennessee Rep. Marsha Blackburn."
McCain winning in Michigan poll?
The Campaign Spot on National Review Online: "Rasmussen Sees Amazing Numbers For McCain In Blue States"
Montague to host open house about proposed fire millage
Montague to host open house about proposed fire millage
"The department is seeking 1.9 mills for 20 years to build the $1.8 million fire station and cover the costs of operations and equipment replacement"
"The department is seeking 1.9 mills for 20 years to build the $1.8 million fire station and cover the costs of operations and equipment replacement"
Monday, March 31, 2008
USA 2008: The Great Depression - Americas, World - The Independent
USA 2008: The Great Depression - Americas, World - The Independent: "Michigan has been in its own mini-recession for years as its collapsing industrial base, particularly in the car industry, has cast more and more out of work. Now, one in eight residents of the state is on food stamps, double the level in 2000. 'We have seen a dramatic increase in recent years, but we have also seen it climbing more in recent months,' Maureen Sorbet, a spokeswoman for Michigan's programme, said. 'It's been increasing steadily. Without the programme, some families and kids would be going without.'"
USA 2008: The Great Depression
USA 2008: The Great Depression
: "The programme is available to people whose earnings are just above the official poverty line. For Hubert Liepnieks, the card is a lifeline he could never afford to lose. Just out of prison, he sleeps in overnight shelters in Manhattan and uses the card at a Morgan Williams supermarket on East 23rd Street. Yesterday, he and his fiancée, Christine Schultz, who is in a wheelchair, shared one banana and a cup of coffee bought with the 82 cents left on it."
: "The programme is available to people whose earnings are just above the official poverty line. For Hubert Liepnieks, the card is a lifeline he could never afford to lose. Just out of prison, he sleeps in overnight shelters in Manhattan and uses the card at a Morgan Williams supermarket on East 23rd Street. Yesterday, he and his fiancée, Christine Schultz, who is in a wheelchair, shared one banana and a cup of coffee bought with the 82 cents left on it."
CREDIBILITY QUESTIONS MOUNT FOR OBAMA
CREDIBILITY QUESTIONS MOUNT FOR OBAMA
"Hillary's Bosnia lie may have opened the floodgates. The media now seem to be aggressively fact-checking the tall-tales and fabrications of all the candidates -- and Obama is having a tough week."
"Hillary's Bosnia lie may have opened the floodgates. The media now seem to be aggressively fact-checking the tall-tales and fabrications of all the candidates -- and Obama is having a tough week."
Big plane model to honor Ike Kepford, Muskegon's WWII air ace
Big plane model to honor Ike Kepford, Muskegon's WWII air ace
"A nearly full-size replica of the Navy warplane flown by the late Muskegon air ace Ira 'Ike' Kepford during World War II will be on display on Muskegon's waterfront this summer."
"A nearly full-size replica of the Navy warplane flown by the late Muskegon air ace Ira 'Ike' Kepford during World War II will be on display on Muskegon's waterfront this summer."
Doctors support universal health care: survey
Doctors support universal health care: survey
"More than half of U.S. doctors now favor switching to a national health care plan and fewer than a third oppose the idea, according to a survey published on Monday."
"More than half of U.S. doctors now favor switching to a national health care plan and fewer than a third oppose the idea, according to a survey published on Monday."
The Real Obama::By Ken Blackwell
The Real Obama::By Ken Blackwell:
"Start with national security, since the president’s most important duties are as commander-in-chief. Over the summer, Mr. Obama talked about invading Pakistan, a nation armed with nuclear weapons; meeting without preconditions with Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who vows to destroy Israel and create another Holocaust; and Kim Jong II, who is murdering and starving his people, but emphasized that the nuclear option was off the table against terrorists — something no president has ever taken off the table"
"Start with national security, since the president’s most important duties are as commander-in-chief. Over the summer, Mr. Obama talked about invading Pakistan, a nation armed with nuclear weapons; meeting without preconditions with Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who vows to destroy Israel and create another Holocaust; and Kim Jong II, who is murdering and starving his people, but emphasized that the nuclear option was off the table against terrorists — something no president has ever taken off the table"
Michelle Obama thesis was on racial divide
Michelle Obama thesis was on racial divide
.. "the conclusions were not what she expected. 'I hoped that these findings would help me conclude that despite the high degree of identification with whites as a result of the educational and occupational path that black Princeton alumni follow, the alumni would still maintain a certain level of identification with the black community. However, these findings do not support this possibility.'"
.. "the conclusions were not what she expected. 'I hoped that these findings would help me conclude that despite the high degree of identification with whites as a result of the educational and occupational path that black Princeton alumni follow, the alumni would still maintain a certain level of identification with the black community. However, these findings do not support this possibility.'"
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Road agencies turn crumbling roads back to gravel
Road agencies turn crumbling roads back to gravel
"Because of shrinking budgets and a bumper crop of potholes, unpaved sections are cropping up in populated areas, on roads that had been covered with blacktop for decades.
A growing number of county road agencies -- including Kent, Montcalm, and Ionia -- are choosing to grind deteriorating asphalt back to gravel, at least temporarily, until they can do resurfacing this summer. Oceana, Muskegon and other counties are considering it."
"Because of shrinking budgets and a bumper crop of potholes, unpaved sections are cropping up in populated areas, on roads that had been covered with blacktop for decades.
A growing number of county road agencies -- including Kent, Montcalm, and Ionia -- are choosing to grind deteriorating asphalt back to gravel, at least temporarily, until they can do resurfacing this summer. Oceana, Muskegon and other counties are considering it."
Cash-strapped Clinton fails to pay bills
Cash-strapped Clinton fails to pay bills
"Hillary Rodham Clinton’s cash-strapped presidential campaign has been putting off paying hundreds of bills for months — freeing up cash for critical media buys but also earning the campaign a reputation as something of a deadbeat in some small-business circles.
A pair of Ohio companies owed more than $25,000 by Clinton for staging events for her campaign are warning others in the tight-knit event production community — and anyone else who will listen — to get their cash upfront when doing business with her"
"Hillary Rodham Clinton’s cash-strapped presidential campaign has been putting off paying hundreds of bills for months — freeing up cash for critical media buys but also earning the campaign a reputation as something of a deadbeat in some small-business circles.
A pair of Ohio companies owed more than $25,000 by Clinton for staging events for her campaign are warning others in the tight-knit event production community — and anyone else who will listen — to get their cash upfront when doing business with her"
Ballot shortages a continuing problem - Yahoo! News
Ballot shortages a continuing problem - Yahoo! News: "It's a simple question with no simple answer: Why do polling places across America keep running out of ballots when it's no secret that this contentious primary season keeps breaking voter turnout records?"
Best of the Web Today - WSJ.com
Best of the Web Today - WSJ.com: "I can no more disown him than I can disown the black community,' Barack Obama said last week about his 'spiritual mentor,' the Rev. Jeremiah 'God Damn America' Wright. But now, CNN reports, Obama is changing his tune. Well, sort of:
In an interview scheduled to air Friday on ABC's 'The View'--excerpts of which aired on CNN on Thursday night--Obama talks about Wright's reaction to the controversy.
'Had the reverend not retired and had he not acknowledged that what he had said had deeply offended people and were [sic] inappropriate and mischaracterized what I believe is the greatness of this country, for all its flaws, then I wouldn't have felt comfortable staying there at the church,' the senator said.
Does this mean he would have left? Or does it mean he would have stayed but felt uncomfortable? And when did Wright apologize? Blogger Tom Maguire undertakes an extensive investigation, and the answer appears to be: Never"
In an interview scheduled to air Friday on ABC's 'The View'--excerpts of which aired on CNN on Thursday night--Obama talks about Wright's reaction to the controversy.
'Had the reverend not retired and had he not acknowledged that what he had said had deeply offended people and were [sic] inappropriate and mischaracterized what I believe is the greatness of this country, for all its flaws, then I wouldn't have felt comfortable staying there at the church,' the senator said.
Does this mean he would have left? Or does it mean he would have stayed but felt uncomfortable? And when did Wright apologize? Blogger Tom Maguire undertakes an extensive investigation, and the answer appears to be: Never"
Toronto Chinese Rally Turns Ugly
Epoch Times Toronto Chinese Rally Turns Ugly: "'Dalai Lama die there!' some Chinese shouted at a group of Tibetans who had gathered across the street from the square to protest. 'Leave Canada!' others urged."
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Nikki Finke’s Deadline Hollywood Daily » ‘21′ Holds Winning Hand At Box Office; ‘Superhero’ Is Superflop; ‘Stop-Loss’ DOA
Nikki Finke’s Deadline Hollywood Daily » ‘21′ Holds Winning Hand At Box Office; ‘Superhero’ Is Superflop; ‘Stop-Loss’ DOA: "I'm told #7 Stop-Loss opened to only $1.6 million Friday from just 1,291 plays and should eke out $4+M."
"It's not looking good," a studio source told me before the weekend. "No one wants to see Iraq war movies. No matter what we put out there in terms of great cast or trailers, people were completely turned off. It's a function of the marketplace not being ready to address this conflict in a dramatic way because the war itself is something that's unresolved yet. It's a shame because it's a good movie that's just ahead of its time."
"It's not looking good," a studio source told me before the weekend. "No one wants to see Iraq war movies. No matter what we put out there in terms of great cast or trailers, people were completely turned off. It's a function of the marketplace not being ready to address this conflict in a dramatic way because the war itself is something that's unresolved yet. It's a shame because it's a good movie that's just ahead of its time."
Friday, March 28, 2008
Terminal disgrace: Poor training and computer failings to blame for T5 chaos as flights fiasco to last into the weekend| News | This is London
Terminal disgrace: Poor training and computer failings to blame for T5 chaos as flights fiasco to last into the weekend News This is London: "Major blunders so far include:
• A lack of car parking space for baggage handlers arriving for the morning shift yesterday. Many were still driving round the airport looking for somewhere to park as the first passengers were checking in their bags
• A shortage of BAA security staff to let baggage handlers into the terminal"
• A lack of car parking space for baggage handlers arriving for the morning shift yesterday. Many were still driving round the airport looking for somewhere to park as the first passengers were checking in their bags
• A shortage of BAA security staff to let baggage handlers into the terminal"
Potomac Watch - WSJ.com
Potomac Watch - WSJ.com: "Her Bosnia misspeak is now serving as proxy for all the truths about the Clintons' non-truths, allowing even liberals to break free from their Clinton dependence."
Hillary's Last Hope - WSJ.com
Hillary's Last Hope - WSJ.com: "In other words, Florida Democrats acted as if their primary mattered just as much as other Democrats. By contrast, turnout in Michigan was only 23.7% of Kerry's 2004 vote, and it is an open primary. Michigan Democrats did not act like their primary mattered."
The Conspiracy to Keep You Poor and Stupid#3380340530600110005
The Conspiracy to Keep You Poor and Stupid#3380340530600110005: "the Democrats appear to be a party of lawyers. Only lawyers could have invented delegate selection rules as complicated and opaque as the ones the Democrats are struggling under. It also looks like only lawyers have a chance at the Democratic nomination. Harvard Law (Obama) and Yale Law (Clinton) candidates have survived, while University of North Carolina Law (Edwards), Syracuse Law (Biden), and the University of Louisville Law (Dodd) have been eliminated. And lawyers at the DNC Rules Committee will decide what happens next."
Limbaugh safe from voter-fraud charges
Thank God!
This could have been the end of Operation Chaos!
Limbaugh safe from voter-fraud charges: "Radio talk-show host Rush Limbaugh has been telling his audience for days now that he could be indicted for encouraging Ohio Republicans to take a Democratic ballot in the March 4 primary in what he calls 'Operation Chaos.'
Could that actually happen?
Not likely, Ohio officials say."
This could have been the end of Operation Chaos!
Limbaugh safe from voter-fraud charges: "Radio talk-show host Rush Limbaugh has been telling his audience for days now that he could be indicted for encouraging Ohio Republicans to take a Democratic ballot in the March 4 primary in what he calls 'Operation Chaos.'
Could that actually happen?
Not likely, Ohio officials say."
SCORCHED EARTH
SCORCHED EARTH Charlie Sykes: "If you had a shred of doubt that Hillary wouldn't wage a dead-ender campaign to derail Obama... watch this: questioning Obama's electability; his 'legitimacy' as nominee; and talking about a convention floor fight over delegates."
click link to see the video
click link to see the video
Monday forum to focus on $25 million school bond election - mlive.com
Monday forum to focus on $25 million school bond election - mlive.com: "If voters approve it in the May 6 election, the school district's taxpayers, who are currently paying off a 2001 bond issue, would continue to pay the current tax rate of 7.27 mills until 2037, 17 years later than the expiration of the current tax.
The additional money generated by the tax extension would pay for improvements to the district's facilities, alleviating some of the strain on the district's finances.
Among the items included in the proposed project are construction of a 48,450-square-foot early childhood center and a new transportation building, renovations to the three school buildings and installation of synthetic turf and additional bleachers at the football stadium"
The additional money generated by the tax extension would pay for improvements to the district's facilities, alleviating some of the strain on the district's finances.
Among the items included in the proposed project are construction of a 48,450-square-foot early childhood center and a new transportation building, renovations to the three school buildings and installation of synthetic turf and additional bleachers at the football stadium"
NAA Reveals Biggest Ad Revenue Plunge in More Than 50 Years
NAA Reveals Biggest Ad Revenue Plunge in More Than 50 Years: "The newspaper industry has experienced the worst drop in advertising revenue in more than 50 years."
Michael Calderone's Blog - Politico.com
Michael Calderone's Blog - Politico.com: "While I'm all for transparency on blogs, and have made mistakes corrected by readers, it's remarkable that Think Progress would allege that the Republican nominee for president plagiarized a speech without putting the two speeches before the campaign for comment. Or, apparently, checking the candidate's website first"
Personal income rises, inflation moderates
Personal income rises, inflation moderates
"U.S. personal income rose more than expected in February as the economy teetered on the brink of a recession, while both personal spending and a key price measure increased only slightly, a government report showed on Friday."
"U.S. personal income rose more than expected in February as the economy teetered on the brink of a recession, while both personal spending and a key price measure increased only slightly, a government report showed on Friday."
Troubled neighborhood store to change hands
Troubled neighborhood store to change hands
"The market at 1149 Wood was the scene of 106 police calls during 2007, Kleibecker said, and if allowed to remain open, 'will only continue to drain police resources.'"
"The market at 1149 Wood was the scene of 106 police calls during 2007, Kleibecker said, and if allowed to remain open, 'will only continue to drain police resources.'"
Poll: Nearly half of Detroiters say mayor should resign
Poll: Nearly half of Detroiters say mayor should resign: "A new poll shows nearly half of Detroit residents surveyed say Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick should resign because of perjury and other charges he faces after the release of sexually charged text messages between Kilpatrick and a top aide."
Census report: Motown lost more people than any city
Census report: Motown lost more people than any city: "Detroit lost more than three times as many people as any other metro area -- its population declined more than 27,300"
Granholm signs levy zoo tax bill
Granholm signs levy zoo tax bill: "Gov. Jennifer Granholm has signed legislation allowing voters in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to decide whether to use a property tax to help fund the Detroit Zoo.
The measure gives counties the power to form zoological authorities that will seek voter approval of a tax to support local zoos."
The measure gives counties the power to form zoological authorities that will seek voter approval of a tax to support local zoos."
Gore's Message To Climate Change Skeptics, Tells 60 Minutes That Doubting Global Warming Is Man-Made Is Akin To Believing Earth Is Flat
Gore's Message To Climate Change Skeptics, Tells 60 Minutes That Doubting Global Warming Is Man-Made Is Akin To Believing Earth Is Flat
"Al Gore says those who still doubt that global warming is caused by man - among them, Vice President Dick Cheney - are acting like the fringe groups who think the 1969 moon landing never really happened, or who once believed the world is flat."
"Al Gore says those who still doubt that global warming is caused by man - among them, Vice President Dick Cheney - are acting like the fringe groups who think the 1969 moon landing never really happened, or who once believed the world is flat."
Tri-Valley's leaders lash out
I'm a fan of charter schools but these MEAP scores tell a pretty sad story.
Grade 7
Reading 60% have not met standards
Writing 86.7% have not met standards
Math 86.7% have not met standards
There doesn't seem to much educating going on at Tri-Valley
Too bad the Chronicle chose to keep these scores out of the article.
Tri-Valley's leaders lash out
"Tri-Valley board President Nelson Miller said GVSU's actions amounted to lack of support for Tri-Valley's low-income and minority children. Miller said he plans to report GVSU's charter schools office to the university's vice president for inclusion and equity.
'GVSU has not lived up to its commitment to diversity,' Miller said. 'My concern is that the charter schools office shows a correlation between poverty and student achievement, and it has chosen not to serve children on that basis.
'We have done what is appropriate to educate the children, and I think we should have a conversation on that.'"
"Tri-Valley board President Nelson Miller said GVSU's actions amounted to lack of support for Tri-Valley's low-income and minority children. Miller said he plans to report GVSU's charter schools office to the university's vice president for inclusion and equity.
'GVSU has not lived up to its commitment to diversity,' Miller said. 'My concern is that the charter schools office shows a correlation between poverty and student achievement, and it has chosen not to serve children on that basis.
'We have done what is appropriate to educate the children, and I think we should have a conversation on that.'"
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Hillary's Minister Problem
"If you've never heard of The Fellowship (also known as The Family), it will sound like some shadowy organization in a John Grisham novel. (Indeed, as a Google search will demonstrate, critics consider it a cult.) The group was formed in the 1930s to minister to political and business leaders throughout the world, modeling itself as a kind of Christian Trilateral Commission."
NM school leaders get praises, raises - Muskegon Chronicle - MLive.com
NM school leaders get praises, raises - Muskegon Chronicle - MLive.com: "Weaver's evaluation was completed last week during a closed meeting of the board of education. Using a scale of 'commendable,' 'meets expectations,' and 'requires improvement,' he received 'commendable' ratings in the areas of relationships with the board, community relations and personal and job performance qualities. He received 'meets expectations' in the categories of business and finances, and superintendent-staff relations."
New Montague superintendent gets high marks
What a wonderful "rainbow" of specific areas!
I was kinda lookin' for another "specific area".....
..... like, maybe......
......"kids gettin' edjukated".....
Like an adult analysis of how the Superintendent is delivering his most important product.
An educated child!
I guess not too important when the, obviously, real goal is to impress his employees, the teacher union members.
Imagine a company that employed this same analysis...... oh, the Big 3 auto unions of so many years ago......
... and how well that worked!
New Montague superintendent gets high marks
"Based on a written evaluation submitted by the school board as a whole, high marks were issued in the six specific areas of his job --
board and superintendent relationships,
superintendent/staff relationships,
community relations,
business and finance,
educational leadership
and long-range planning.
The board approved the evaluation Monday."
I was kinda lookin' for another "specific area".....
..... like, maybe......
......"kids gettin' edjukated".....
Like an adult analysis of how the Superintendent is delivering his most important product.
An educated child!
I guess not too important when the, obviously, real goal is to impress his employees, the teacher union members.
Imagine a company that employed this same analysis...... oh, the Big 3 auto unions of so many years ago......
... and how well that worked!
New Montague superintendent gets high marks
"Based on a written evaluation submitted by the school board as a whole, high marks were issued in the six specific areas of his job --
board and superintendent relationships,
superintendent/staff relationships,
community relations,
business and finance,
educational leadership
and long-range planning.
The board approved the evaluation Monday."
Muskegon Film Festival declines because of global cooling?
Muskegon had an event in the winter and the apologists at The Chronicle blame the lousy attendance on inept publicity and one day of Michigan winter?
How 'bout the idiotic lack of convenient parking and the Chernobyl-like atmosphere of the few parking areas available?
Film Festival on track?
"Plenty of time to get film fest on track.
The numbers are in for the Muskegon Film Festival, which has become a hallmark winter attraction. The numbers weren't good, but the good news is, there's plenty of time to get things back on track for the next fest.
For the second year in a row, attendance has dropped for the independent film exhibit, which takes place at the Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Muskegon. The 2,000 in attendance this year was not an improvement over the approximately same number who attended in 2007. Those figures represent a big drop-off from the film fest's best year in 2006 and 2005 when the numbers were almost double.
It seemed then as if the festival was about to take off, but the attendance falloff has dashed such hopes. Nonetheless, the show will go on, according to organizers: 'Our plan is to keep going. We're already jumping on it. Our intention is to have one,' Mat Moore, the fest's president, told The Chronicle.
Part of the problem may be that the festival committee was hampered by a lack of publicity compelling enough to convince fans to come out in what was, at least for one of the dates, really rotten winter weather better for staying home and popping in a DVD. Organizers are looking at moving the festival to a nicer season, perhaps in June. Whatever works, we say."
How 'bout the idiotic lack of convenient parking and the Chernobyl-like atmosphere of the few parking areas available?
Film Festival on track?
"Plenty of time to get film fest on track.
The numbers are in for the Muskegon Film Festival, which has become a hallmark winter attraction. The numbers weren't good, but the good news is, there's plenty of time to get things back on track for the next fest.
For the second year in a row, attendance has dropped for the independent film exhibit, which takes place at the Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Muskegon. The 2,000 in attendance this year was not an improvement over the approximately same number who attended in 2007. Those figures represent a big drop-off from the film fest's best year in 2006 and 2005 when the numbers were almost double.
It seemed then as if the festival was about to take off, but the attendance falloff has dashed such hopes. Nonetheless, the show will go on, according to organizers: 'Our plan is to keep going. We're already jumping on it. Our intention is to have one,' Mat Moore, the fest's president, told The Chronicle.
Part of the problem may be that the festival committee was hampered by a lack of publicity compelling enough to convince fans to come out in what was, at least for one of the dates, really rotten winter weather better for staying home and popping in a DVD. Organizers are looking at moving the festival to a nicer season, perhaps in June. Whatever works, we say."
Obama to double capital gains tax?
Ben Smith's Blog: "“Right now, as you know, the cap gains tax is at 15 percent. He has yet to give us a specific number. How high he wants that number to go? He has said, and he told me today, that he won't go above 28 percent. So we are talking about the possibility of a doubling in the capital gains tax. He was averaging at about 25 percent.”"
The Truth About the Tuskegee Study
If we're going to have a discussion on "race in America" maybe we ought to get the accurate facts.
The Truth About Tuskegee: "Anthropologist Richard Shweder of the University of Chicago has just published a detailed analysis of the Tuskegee study in which he shows that virtually every popular assumption about it is false. (Tuskegee re-examined, January 8, 2004)"
the original article is here:
http://www.amren.com/news/news04/01/22/tuskegee.html
the original article is here:
http://www.amren.com/news/news04/01/22/tuskegee.html
funnies from Lucianne
Lucianne.com News Forum:
"Clinton Insists Dems Race Is a ‘Long Way’
From Over, Looks Toward Convention
We can't wait for her arrival in Denver. Talk about a corkscrew landing under sniper fire!!"
Schultz response.
GOP Looks to ‘McCain Democrats'
Number crunchers show there are more McCainocrats than Obamacans.
"Clinton Insists Dems Race Is a ‘Long Way’
From Over, Looks Toward Convention
We can't wait for her arrival in Denver. Talk about a corkscrew landing under sniper fire!!"
Schultz response.
GOP Looks to ‘McCain Democrats'
Number crunchers show there are more McCainocrats than Obamacans.
American Axle chief: Jobs can be moved
Are Michigan's Big Union bosses going to bring us back to our own permanent depression?
'We are fighting for the absolute survival of AAM in America,' Dauch said in an interview one month after a walkout by 3,600 hourly workers at AAM plants in Michigan and New York.
'We have the flexibility to source all of our business to other locations around the world, and we have the right to do so,' Dauch said, in a not-so-veiled threat. AAM has plants in Mexico, South America, Europe and Asia.
'We will not be forced into bankruptcy in order to reach a market-competitive cost structure in the United States. If we cannot compete for new contracts in the U.S., there will be no work in the original plants,' Dauch said, referring to operations in Detroit, Three Rivers and in the New York towns of Tonawanda and Cheektowaga."
'We have the flexibility to source all of our business to other locations around the world, and we have the right to do so,' Dauch said, in a not-so-veiled threat. AAM has plants in Mexico, South America, Europe and Asia.
'We will not be forced into bankruptcy in order to reach a market-competitive cost structure in the United States. If we cannot compete for new contracts in the U.S., there will be no work in the original plants,' Dauch said, referring to operations in Detroit, Three Rivers and in the New York towns of Tonawanda and Cheektowaga."
Investigation at MSU exonerates 2 student groups
Investigation at MSU exonerates 2 student groups: "But a 126-page report from the Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives, which was released to accused and accusers alike last week and obtained Tuesday by the Lansing State Journal with student names redacted, said the alleged conduct, 'even if true, does not meet the level of actionable harassment or discrimination contemplated by the courts.'"
A victory against voter fraud?
The way I read this is that voters in Michigan primary elections will have total secrecy.
No party or other entity will have the list of primary voters.
No one will have a list of voters to give to phony "No ID required" scab-voters.
Michigan primary voter info law struck down:
"A federal judge on Wednesday struck down a Michigan law that allowed only the Republican and Democratic parties access to voter information from the state's Jan. 15 presidential primary."
No party or other entity will have the list of primary voters.
No one will have a list of voters to give to phony "No ID required" scab-voters.
Michigan primary voter info law struck down:
"A federal judge on Wednesday struck down a Michigan law that allowed only the Republican and Democratic parties access to voter information from the state's Jan. 15 presidential primary."
Obama-The impotence of Power
The impotence of Power: "I think you'll find it to be most illuminating. I think that Power's answers serve as a window into far more than just the foreign policy positions of the Obama campaign. The listener should come away with a clear view of the mindset which seems to be present in many of the people that surround the candidate.
This is a good description of the program. I would add only that the final 15 minutes of the program, when Morris corners Power, really provide the payoff. Audio of the show is accessible here."
http://wgnradio.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=40174&Itemid=99999999
This is a good description of the program. I would add only that the final 15 minutes of the program, when Morris corners Power, really provide the payoff. Audio of the show is accessible here."
http://wgnradio.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=40174&Itemid=99999999
"Diamond water paradox"
The Volokh Conspiracy - -:
"Oddly enough, the objectively reasonable price is always above what the buyers paid for it, after commissions.
The Abbotts paid $583,425 for their house last April. The market in Las Vegas has tanked since then, with prices down 20% from January 2007 to January 2008, according to the Case-Schiller index. I don't think it's the buyers who aren't being realistic. More generally, as famously explained via the solution to the 'diamond water paradox,' the value an item has in the marketplace is solely what the highest bidder is willing to pay, based on subjective valuation"
"Oddly enough, the objectively reasonable price is always above what the buyers paid for it, after commissions.
The Abbotts paid $583,425 for their house last April. The market in Las Vegas has tanked since then, with prices down 20% from January 2007 to January 2008, according to the Case-Schiller index. I don't think it's the buyers who aren't being realistic. More generally, as famously explained via the solution to the 'diamond water paradox,' the value an item has in the marketplace is solely what the highest bidder is willing to pay, based on subjective valuation"
AT&T CEO says hard to find skilled U.S. workers
AT&T CEO says hard to find skilled U.S. workers
"Stephenson said he is especially distressed that in some U.S. communities and among certain groups, the high school dropout rate is as high as 50 percent.
'If I had a business that half the product we turned out was defective or you couldn't put into the marketplace, I would shut that business down,' he said."
"Stephenson said he is especially distressed that in some U.S. communities and among certain groups, the high school dropout rate is as high as 50 percent.
'If I had a business that half the product we turned out was defective or you couldn't put into the marketplace, I would shut that business down,' he said."
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Saddam Paid for Lawmakers' Iraq Trip
Saddam Paid for Lawmakers' Iraq Trip: "the dates correspond to a trip by Democratic Reps. Jim McDermott of Washington, David Bonior of Michigan and Mike Thompson of California."
Big Belly Boosts Risk of Later Dementia
That's got to end AlGore's hopes for President.
Big Belly Boosts Risk of Later Dementia: "Having a big belly in your 40s can boost your risk of getting Alzheimer's disease or other dementia decades later, a new study suggests."
Big Belly Boosts Risk of Later Dementia: "Having a big belly in your 40s can boost your risk of getting Alzheimer's disease or other dementia decades later, a new study suggests."
Millennium Park plan calls for 12,000-seat amphitheater
Loot the "rainy day fund"?
I thought the state was out of money?
Millennium Park plan calls for 12,000-seat amphitheater
"All the planned 12,000- to 14,000-seat amphitheater in Millennium Park needs is financial help from Lansing."
"All the planned 12,000- to 14,000-seat amphitheater in Millennium Park needs is financial help from Lansing."
Lawmakers in Lansing are being asked for a $10 million outlay, .... and possibly bond funds making up costs not covered by the state.
But bringing home the bacon might prove difficult, since the project and millions of dollars in other similar requests are being tied to using money from the state's budget stabilization, or "rainy day" fund.
But bringing home the bacon might prove difficult, since the project and millions of dollars in other similar requests are being tied to using money from the state's budget stabilization, or "rainy day" fund.
Enviro-Harassment
IBDeditorials.com:Enviro-Harassment: "'Let me say it plainly: The environmental movement has been taken over by anti-capitalist radicals who are using it to wage war against capitalism and campaign for liberal Democrats,' he said. 'Protecting the environment is now number three, or lower, on their list of priorities.'"
Muskegon city income tax
I won't get into a city income tax vs. increased property tax vs. new business taxes/fees vs. increased spending on grant writers/lobbyists or other begging-for-money- from- government schemes.
Though that would be an interesting subject.
A city income tax has one benefit, increased revenue.
It is critical that revenue be thoughtfully invested or the net result for a city will be negative.
As it has been for Muskegon.
Unfortunately, there are some serious negatives that arrive with a new or increased city income tax.
(Read the rest of this in the "comments section")
Though that would be an interesting subject.
A city income tax has one benefit, increased revenue.
It is critical that revenue be thoughtfully invested or the net result for a city will be negative.
As it has been for Muskegon.
Unfortunately, there are some serious negatives that arrive with a new or increased city income tax.
(Read the rest of this in the "comments section")
"Tonya Harding" option?
Political Punch: "She will have to 'break his back,' the official said. She will have to destroy Obama, make Obama completely unacceptable.
'Her securing the nomination is certainly possible - but it will require exercising the 'Tonya Harding option.'' the official said. 'Is that really what we Democrats want?'"
'Her securing the nomination is certainly possible - but it will require exercising the 'Tonya Harding option.'' the official said. 'Is that really what we Democrats want?'"
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