Judges tentatively order Calif. inmates released
"A special panel of federal judges has tentatively ruled that California must release tens of thousands of inmates to relieve overcrowding.
The judges say no other solution will improve conditions so poor that inmates die regularly of suicides or lack of proper care.
They say the state can cut the population of its 33 adult prisons through changes in parole and other policies without endangering public safety."
Let's get those judge's names and addresses and remember.
Monday, February 09, 2009
» 2009 Federal Income Tax Brackets
2009 Federal Income Tax Brackets (Projected)
Here’s what they projected for the income tax brackets for 2009, compared to 2008 figures:"
Here’s what they projected for the income tax brackets for 2009, compared to 2008 figures:"
Pensions in Detroit out more than $2 billion
Pensions in Detroit out more than $2 billion
"Detroit's public pensions lost more than $2 billion, 30% of their value, in an 18-month period ending in December — which may eventually require the deficit-ridden city to double contributions to the plans."
"Detroit's public pensions lost more than $2 billion, 30% of their value, in an 18-month period ending in December — which may eventually require the deficit-ridden city to double contributions to the plans."
General Motors to Invest $1 Billion in Brazil Operations -- Money to Come from U.S. Rescue Program
General Motors to Invest $1 Billion in Brazil Operations -- Money to Come from U.S. Rescue Program
"General Motors plans to invest $1 billion in Brazil to avoid the kind of problems the U.S. automaker is facing in its home market, said the beleaguered car maker."
"General Motors plans to invest $1 billion in Brazil to avoid the kind of problems the U.S. automaker is facing in its home market, said the beleaguered car maker."
White House Census Power Grab May Violate the Constitution
White House Census Power Grab May Violate the Constitution
"Here's an argument that it's unconstitutional for the president to take over the Census from the secretary of commerce.
It goes like this: Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution provides for an 'actual enumeration' and a statute passed by Congress provides that the duties under this clause are to be performed by the secretary of commerce.
Article I (as Joseph Biden didn't know in debate) is about the legislative, not the executive branch.
Hence, it is argued, the president can't substitute a sampling for the enumeration required to be done by the secretary."
And the outrage from the liberal media............
"Here's an argument that it's unconstitutional for the president to take over the Census from the secretary of commerce.
It goes like this: Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution provides for an 'actual enumeration' and a statute passed by Congress provides that the duties under this clause are to be performed by the secretary of commerce.
Article I (as Joseph Biden didn't know in debate) is about the legislative, not the executive branch.
Hence, it is argued, the president can't substitute a sampling for the enumeration required to be done by the secretary."
And the outrage from the liberal media............
State retirement costs may ’skyrocket’
State retirement costs may ’skyrocket’
"As schools and health and welfare programs face deep and painful cuts in the new state budget, spending on retirement costs for state workers will increase 10 percent.
Most retirement costs are locked in by labor contracts, making them untouchable by budget negotiators."
"As schools and health and welfare programs face deep and painful cuts in the new state budget, spending on retirement costs for state workers will increase 10 percent.
Most retirement costs are locked in by labor contracts, making them untouchable by budget negotiators."
Recession Info Center: Summary of employment
Recession Info Center: Summary of employment
"The United States has experienced several episodes of high unemployment in its modern history:
1933-1934: The years 1933-1934 saw the unemployment rate reaching close to
25%, which gradually went down to 15% by 1940.
1957-1958: Unemployment rate reached 7.5% for a short period.
1975-1976: Unemployment rate maxed at 9%.
1981-1982: Unemployment rate peaked at 10.4%.
1986-1987: Unemployment peaked at 7.2%.
1992-1993: Unemployment peaked at about 7.9%.
2002-2003: Unemployment rate reached 6.3%.
2008-2009: ???"
"The United States has experienced several episodes of high unemployment in its modern history:
1933-1934: The years 1933-1934 saw the unemployment rate reaching close to
25%, which gradually went down to 15% by 1940.
1957-1958: Unemployment rate reached 7.5% for a short period.
1975-1976: Unemployment rate maxed at 9%.
1981-1982: Unemployment rate peaked at 10.4%.
1986-1987: Unemployment peaked at 7.2%.
1992-1993: Unemployment peaked at about 7.9%.
2002-2003: Unemployment rate reached 6.3%.
2008-2009: ???"
Flint spends $87,219 on vehicle repairs in 2007 and 2008 without seeking competitive bids
Flint spends $87,219 on vehicle repairs in 2007 and 2008 without seeking competitive bids
"The administration has sidestepped its own procedures -- and the City Council -- when repairing city vehicles over the past two years.
The city spent $87,219 in 2007 and 2008 repairing vehicles without getting competitive bids and without following other procedures outlined in city ordinances."
Same old, same old...... we'll be "bailing out" Flint soon.
Will anyone follow the money on this?
Yeah right....
"The administration has sidestepped its own procedures -- and the City Council -- when repairing city vehicles over the past two years.
The city spent $87,219 in 2007 and 2008 repairing vehicles without getting competitive bids and without following other procedures outlined in city ordinances."
Same old, same old...... we'll be "bailing out" Flint soon.
Will anyone follow the money on this?
Yeah right....
Blow-up Doll Party
Blow-up Doll Party
"A Florida man was arrested yesterday after he was spotted fondling and making out with a pair of blow-up dolls in a supermarket parking lot."
"A Florida man was arrested yesterday after he was spotted fondling and making out with a pair of blow-up dolls in a supermarket parking lot."
Hey!
We gotta have some fun...... don't we?
Keep The Pressure On, Spread The News, Kill The “Stimulus”
Keep The Pressure On, Spread The News, Kill The “Stimulus”
"The CBO claims we will work our way through this recession before this bill’s pork even begins to role out of DC. We clearly don’t need this bill to avoid catastrophe - it IS a catastrophe. It is a lame attempt by the liberals in DC to appear like they are doing something useful. It is a naked power and money grab.
When I see someone in DC taking massive loans out in the name of my family (debt raising bills) I expect them to be serious about it and use it well. Otherwise I will be spending a lot of time exposing them as the liars they are. If the Democrat Party continues down this path it will not only consume all the federal dollars the mind could imagine for the next 50 years, it will have consumed all its political capitol and good will."
The CBO says we don't need this porkapalusa?!!!!!
Where is the wonderful liberal media on this?!!!!!
"The CBO claims we will work our way through this recession before this bill’s pork even begins to role out of DC. We clearly don’t need this bill to avoid catastrophe - it IS a catastrophe. It is a lame attempt by the liberals in DC to appear like they are doing something useful. It is a naked power and money grab.
When I see someone in DC taking massive loans out in the name of my family (debt raising bills) I expect them to be serious about it and use it well. Otherwise I will be spending a lot of time exposing them as the liars they are. If the Democrat Party continues down this path it will not only consume all the federal dollars the mind could imagine for the next 50 years, it will have consumed all its political capitol and good will."
The CBO says we don't need this porkapalusa?!!!!!
Where is the wonderful liberal media on this?!!!!!
House and Senate ‘Spendulus’ Bills: Hunt for the Bacon!
House and Senate ‘Spendulus’ Bills: Hunt for the Bacon!
"House and Senate ‘Spendulus’ Bills: Hunt for the Bacon!
At more than 1,500 pages, the House and Senate versions of the economic stimulus bill aren’t exactly a light read"
This has links to both the house and senate porkapolusa bills.
All of the thousands of pages!
Isn't our gov'ment great!
"House and Senate ‘Spendulus’ Bills: Hunt for the Bacon!
At more than 1,500 pages, the House and Senate versions of the economic stimulus bill aren’t exactly a light read"
This has links to both the house and senate porkapolusa bills.
All of the thousands of pages!
Isn't our gov'ment great!
Arizona Rancher Who Stopped Illegal Immigrants at Border Now Fighting $32 Million Lawsuit
Arizona Rancher Who Stopped Illegal Immigrants at Border Now Fighting $32 Million Lawsuit
"An Arizona man who has waged a 10-year campaign to stop a flood of illegal immigrants from crossing his property is being sued by 16 Mexican nationals — seeking $32 million in damages — who accuse him of conspiring to violate their civil rights when he stopped them at gunpoint on his ranch on the U.S.-Mexico border"
Who is paying for this lawsuit!!!!!!!
"An Arizona man who has waged a 10-year campaign to stop a flood of illegal immigrants from crossing his property is being sued by 16 Mexican nationals — seeking $32 million in damages — who accuse him of conspiring to violate their civil rights when he stopped them at gunpoint on his ranch on the U.S.-Mexico border"
Who is paying for this lawsuit!!!!!!!
Kent, Ottawa County assessors brace for appeals from property owners as values jump past market worth
Kent, Ottawa County assessors brace for appeals from property owners as values jump past market worth
"At the same time, most property tax bills will show a 4.4 percent increase in taxable value based on last year's Consumer Price Index, or inflation rate."
"At the same time, most property tax bills will show a 4.4 percent increase in taxable value based on last year's Consumer Price Index, or inflation rate."
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Frauenthalians Cage Fight!
Roll over Rachmaninov; Frauenthal gets ready to rumble
"Cage fighting is a mixture of martial arts, wrestling and boxing in which. The fight takes place in a large metal c the winner is determined by knockout or submission by one competitor or a referee's decisionage."
Wow!
What a perfect metaphor for the cage fight between our Frauenthalians and us poor taxpayers!
Of course, the "decisionage" in Muskegon tax matters is a millage vote, congenitally supported by our lone newspaper (and soon to be dead) TheChronicle, in the frost of February, voted upon by 10% of the citizens with a 51% approval.
Making us the perfect "6% solution" for ripping off us taxpayers.
"Cage fighting is a mixture of martial arts, wrestling and boxing in which. The fight takes place in a large metal c the winner is determined by knockout or submission by one competitor or a referee's decisionage."
Wow!
What a perfect metaphor for the cage fight between our Frauenthalians and us poor taxpayers!
Of course, the "decisionage" in Muskegon tax matters is a millage vote, congenitally supported by our lone newspaper (and soon to be dead) TheChronicle, in the frost of February, voted upon by 10% of the citizens with a 51% approval.
Making us the perfect "6% solution" for ripping off us taxpayers.
Muskegon revokes tax break for restaurant developer
Muskegon revokes tax break for restaurant developer
Earlier this month, Promised Land Associates, 3355 Merriam, which once proposed a $1.2 million restaurant and nightclub for 709 Terrace, missed the last of a series of city-imposed deadlines for showing financial means to develop the project."
When will there be an analysis of the "success" of these endless tax breaks for Muskegon commissioner's friends?
Earlier this month, Promised Land Associates, 3355 Merriam, which once proposed a $1.2 million restaurant and nightclub for 709 Terrace, missed the last of a series of city-imposed deadlines for showing financial means to develop the project."
When will there be an analysis of the "success" of these endless tax breaks for Muskegon commissioner's friends?
The Spectator
The Spectator: "President Obama has had, by general consent, a torrid First Fortnight. To put it another way, it has taken precisely two weeks for the illusion that brought him to power to be exposed for the nonsense that it so obviously was. The transformational candidate who was going to sweep away pork-barrel politics, lobbyists and corruption has been up to his neck in sleaze, as eviscerated here by Charles Krauthammer. Despite the fact that he came to power promising to ‘ban all earmarks’, his ‘stimulus’ bill represents billions of dollars of special-interest tax breaks, giveaways and protections -- which have nothing to do with kick-starting the economy and everything to do with favouring pet Democrat causes"
OBAMA ON AFGHANISTAN
OBAMA ON AFGHANISTAN: “Now he’s asking questions?”
Mr. Obama. It’s beginning to seem that your policy positions undergo drastic revisions when it actually comes time for you to take responsibility, as opposed to standing on the sidelines and criticizing someone else.”"
Mr. Obama. It’s beginning to seem that your policy positions undergo drastic revisions when it actually comes time for you to take responsibility, as opposed to standing on the sidelines and criticizing someone else.”"
Stimulus will lead to 'disaster,' Republican warns
Stimulus will lead to 'disaster,' Republican warns
"Leading Republicans warned Sunday that the Obama administration's $800 billion-plus economic stimulus effort will lead to what one called a 'financial disaster.'"
Remember who called it a "disaster".
"Leading Republicans warned Sunday that the Obama administration's $800 billion-plus economic stimulus effort will lead to what one called a 'financial disaster.'"
Remember who called it a "disaster".
How to cause a depression
How to cause a depression
"Tucked within the economic stimulus bill the House passed last week was a clause requiring state and local public works agencies to buy American iron and steel for their reconstruction projects, and the Senate expanded it to all manufactured goods."
Um... the USA is.... was... the world's largest exporter .....
"Tucked within the economic stimulus bill the House passed last week was a clause requiring state and local public works agencies to buy American iron and steel for their reconstruction projects, and the Senate expanded it to all manufactured goods."
Um... the USA is.... was... the world's largest exporter .....
Obama's NSC Will Get New Power
Obama's NSC Will Get New Power
"Jones, a retired Marine general, made it clear that he will run the process and be the primary conduit of national security advice to Obama, eliminating the 'back channels' that at times in the Bush administration allowed Cabinet secretaries and the vice president's office to unilaterally influence and make policy out of view of the others.
'We're not always going to agree on everything,' Jones said, and 'so it's my job to make sure that minority opinion is represented' to the president. 'But if at the end of the day he turns to me and says, 'Well, what do you think, Jones?,' I'm going to tell him what I think.'"
"Jones, a retired Marine general, made it clear that he will run the process and be the primary conduit of national security advice to Obama, eliminating the 'back channels' that at times in the Bush administration allowed Cabinet secretaries and the vice president's office to unilaterally influence and make policy out of view of the others.
'We're not always going to agree on everything,' Jones said, and 'so it's my job to make sure that minority opinion is represented' to the president. 'But if at the end of the day he turns to me and says, 'Well, what do you think, Jones?,' I'm going to tell him what I think.'"
"tobacco.. money"?
Early push positioned states for green jobs now
"Michigan created a $2 billion fund using tobacco settlement money to target four economic sectors, one being alternative energy."
So they are "OUTED" by their own lies.
"Michigan created a $2 billion fund using tobacco settlement money to target four economic sectors, one being alternative energy."
So they are "OUTED" by their own lies.
Spartans' inconsistency shines through vs. Indiana
Spartans' inconsistency shines through vs. Indiana
"Despite a roster that includes three starting freshmen (and nine total on the 14-player roster), Indiana was a constant threat to the far more experienced Spartans throughout the opening 20 minutes.
Despite two errant field-goal attempts and six turnovers on their first eight possessions, the fuzzy-cheek Hoosiers still were an absolute thorn in Michigan State's side during the first half.
And in spite of an Indiana squad that is the least experienced in Big Ten history, returning just 19 total points and only 185 playing minutes from last season -- and ranks either 10th or 11th in pretty much every Big Ten team statistical category -- the Spartans' largest first-half lead of nine points, at 33-24, didn't even occur until Cedar Springs' Austin Thornton hit a pair of free throws with 78 seconds on the clock.
"Despite a roster that includes three starting freshmen (and nine total on the 14-player roster), Indiana was a constant threat to the far more experienced Spartans throughout the opening 20 minutes.
Despite two errant field-goal attempts and six turnovers on their first eight possessions, the fuzzy-cheek Hoosiers still were an absolute thorn in Michigan State's side during the first half.
And in spite of an Indiana squad that is the least experienced in Big Ten history, returning just 19 total points and only 185 playing minutes from last season -- and ranks either 10th or 11th in pretty much every Big Ten team statistical category -- the Spartans' largest first-half lead of nine points, at 33-24, didn't even occur until Cedar Springs' Austin Thornton hit a pair of free throws with 78 seconds on the clock.
Take away half of the Hoosiers' 12 first-half turnovers and improve their 30-percent shooting for the period just a tad, and IU likely would have led Michigan State at the break.
It wasn't until Kalin Lucas' driving layup with 13:47 remaining that the Spartans were finally able to put up a double-digit advantage (41-30) against the undermanned Hoosiers. That also was part of a 13-1 MSU run that finally gave this game the appearance of a first-place conference team schooling the league's cellar-dweller.
But Michigan State was never able to put away Indiana prior to redshirt senior center Goran Suton's complete inside domination of the youthful Hoosier beginning halfway through the second half. The Spartans, despite their many advantages over a Hoosier squad that pretty much lost everything from last season with regard to coaches and players, never really delivered a legitimate knockout punch inside Breslin Center until Suton took over."
Despite author Howie's screed, this post looks like a 3rd grader's attempt to spite our Spartans, though in spite of Howie's college degree, he seems to be a 4th grader trying to impress his teacher, despite the odds of any educator giving this idiocy a D or worse, in spite of red-shirt-post-grad-soon-to-be-unemployed Howie's spiteful post.
Public Pension Troubles Loom for State and Local Governments
Public Pension Troubles Loom for State and Local Governments
"We have watched with trepidation as the stock market declines and along with it the value of our retirement accounts. Yet with our personal accounts, it’s our own problem. When it comes to public pensions, it’s the taxpayer’s problem."
"We have watched with trepidation as the stock market declines and along with it the value of our retirement accounts. Yet with our personal accounts, it’s our own problem. When it comes to public pensions, it’s the taxpayer’s problem."
Michigan Judge Finds Escaped Prisoner in His Trunk
Michigan Judge Finds Escaped Prisoner in His Trunk
"A Michigan judge says he's learned a lesson about locking his car after a 16-year-old prisoner who escaped from a courthouse cell was found hiding in the vehicle's trunk.
The Macomb Daily reports the teen had vanished Friday after appearing in juvenile court in Mount Clemens on a probation violation.
Sheriff's deputies searched for about an hour until a security officer became suspicious when he saw a picture that had fallen to the ground outside judge's car.
A deputy checked the car and found the boy in the trunk.
Macomb County Circuit Judge Peter Maceroni says the teen likely used a button inside the unlocked car to open the trunk.
The judge says that from now on he will lock the car when he's at the courthouse.
Seriously, let's look at this dufus judge!
"A Michigan judge says he's learned a lesson about locking his car after a 16-year-old prisoner who escaped from a courthouse cell was found hiding in the vehicle's trunk.
The Macomb Daily reports the teen had vanished Friday after appearing in juvenile court in Mount Clemens on a probation violation.
Sheriff's deputies searched for about an hour until a security officer became suspicious when he saw a picture that had fallen to the ground outside judge's car.
A deputy checked the car and found the boy in the trunk.
Macomb County Circuit Judge Peter Maceroni says the teen likely used a button inside the unlocked car to open the trunk.
The judge says that from now on he will lock the car when he's at the courthouse.
Seriously, let's look at this dufus judge!
Black History month!
How Much Michigan Black History Do you know?
by Lisa Diggs
February is Black History Month, so we’re taking a look at a few of the many significant people and events that helped shape Michigan and the nation.
African Americans have been living in Michigan for nearly 250 years, arriving originally as slaves, until the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 banned human slavery, long before Michigan became a state.
In 1836, thirteen escaped or freed slaves petitioned the Michigan legislature for permission to start a church. Their efforts lead to the formation of the Second Baptist Church in Detroit. They purchased a permanent site in 1857, where the congregation still celebrates today.
Michigan residents played a pivotal role in the formation and execution of the Underground Railroad between 1830 and 1860. Station operators provided food, clothing, directions, and shelter to help slaves escape to freedom in Canada.
Nationally, the 1850 Fugitive Slave Law forced the return of African Americans who had escaped the horrors of slavery. To counter that, the Michigan legislature prohibited the use of county jails for the detention of escaped slaves and directed county prosecuting attorneys to defend the recaptured slaves.
Fannie M. Richards moved to Detroit with her family in the 1850’s and fought for equal rights. She opened a private school for African American children in 1863, and joined others in 1869 in filing suit with the Michigan Supreme Court, and arguing that segregated public schools were unconstitutional. The court agreed and in 1871 she became the first African American teacher in the newly integrated Detroit Public Schools.
Barber, John Wilson, chosen as Wayne County coroner, became the state’s first African American elected to public office in 1876.
At a time when neither women, nor people of color, were encouraged to express their views, Sojourner Truth emerged. Born a slave in New York in 1797, she was freed in 1828, and moved to Battle Creek in 1856. She traveled throughout the nation preaching about emancipation and the rights of African Americans and women.
In 1864, Detroiter Henry Barns commanded Michigan’s first and only African American military regiment. 895 brave men served in what was eventually designated the 102nd U.S. Colored Infantry.
Elijah McCoy took a job with the Michigan Central Railroad in 1870, where he invented an automatic lubricator cup that eliminated the previous need for trains to stop along the way to oil locomotive bearings. His patented invention was often imitated, but not duplicated, leading to the term “the real McCoy”. [Andy Comment: McCoy had his shop in Ypsilanti, my home town. I never learned of him until I went to Washington, D.C.]
After being kicked out of a restaurant for refusing to sit in the “colored” section, Detroit native, William Ferguson, filed a discrimination suit. He lost originally, but won on an appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court. He went on to become the first African American elected to serve in the Michigan House of Representatives in 1892.
In 1924, a then 10-year old Joe Louis moved to Detroit with his family. By age 19 he was already an amateur boxing champion. He won the heavyweight title of the world in 1937, and then became an icon for democracy and equality in 1938, when he defeated Hitler’s symbol of “Aryan Superiority”, Max Schmelling, in a first-round knockout in their famous rematch.
Songwriter, Barry Gordy opened his own recording company in 1953. The following year, he created Motown Records, and changed music history. The company launched the careers of Michigan natives, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, and Diana Ross.
In the nation’s largest civil rights gathering up to that time, an estimated 125,000 people marched down Woodward Avenue in 1963. The march ended at Cobo Hall, where the Reverend Martin Luther King delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech for the first time.
Forty-five years later, the United States has elected its first African American president. He stands on the shoulders of these and many other courageous men and women, who have fought for daily evidence of all of our inalienable rights.
To learn more, plan a visit to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit.
WHO GETS WHAT: Billions to colleges and students
WHO GETS WHAT: Billions to colleges and students
"The stimulus plan emerging in Washington could offer an unprecedented, multibillion-dollar boost in financial help for college students trying to pursue a degree while they ride out the recession.
It could also hand out billions to the states to kick-start idled campus construction projects and help prevent tuition increases at a time when families can least afford them."
Totally bogus lie!
The crooks who will get our children's money are the college teachers and their corrupt comrades in the government-industrial complex that sucks taxpayer's money like a limousine liberal in a "private" jet.
"The stimulus plan emerging in Washington could offer an unprecedented, multibillion-dollar boost in financial help for college students trying to pursue a degree while they ride out the recession.
It could also hand out billions to the states to kick-start idled campus construction projects and help prevent tuition increases at a time when families can least afford them."
Totally bogus lie!
The crooks who will get our children's money are the college teachers and their corrupt comrades in the government-industrial complex that sucks taxpayer's money like a limousine liberal in a "private" jet.
Drugmakers' push boosts 'murky' ailment
Drugmakers' push boosts 'murky' ailment
"Two drugmakers spent hundreds of millions of dollars last year to raise awareness of a murky illness, helping boost sales of pills recently approved as treatments and drowning out unresolved questions - including whether it's a real disease at all.
Key components of the industry-funded buzz over the pain-and-fatigue ailment fibromyalgia are grants"
EVERY doctor I've spoken to says this is a totally bogus "ailment".
"Two drugmakers spent hundreds of millions of dollars last year to raise awareness of a murky illness, helping boost sales of pills recently approved as treatments and drowning out unresolved questions - including whether it's a real disease at all.
Key components of the industry-funded buzz over the pain-and-fatigue ailment fibromyalgia are grants"
EVERY doctor I've spoken to says this is a totally bogus "ailment".
Nash won't resign, despite attorney general's opinion
Nash won't resign, despite attorney general's opinion
"The state attorney general's office has indicated that Charles Nash's roles on the Muskegon school board and the county board are incompatible, but that's not enough to convince Nash to resign one of them.......
...Nash said he doesn't intend to resign because he sees no conflict in serving on both boards.
"I'm trying to help the school and the county at the same time," Nash said. "I don't see what the problem is."
This is the new democrat paradigm.
"I didn't know it was wrong", "I simply made a mistake", "I don't see what the problem is".
"The state attorney general's office has indicated that Charles Nash's roles on the Muskegon school board and the county board are incompatible, but that's not enough to convince Nash to resign one of them.......
...Nash said he doesn't intend to resign because he sees no conflict in serving on both boards.
"I'm trying to help the school and the county at the same time," Nash said. "I don't see what the problem is."
This is the new democrat paradigm.
"I didn't know it was wrong", "I simply made a mistake", "I don't see what the problem is".
DON'T THEY READ THEIR OWN NEWSPAPER?
DON'T THEY READ THEIR OWN NEWSPAPER?
"Milwaukee Public Schools would reap $88.6 million over two years for new construction under the economic stimulus package just passed by the U.S. House of Representatives - even though the district has 15 vacant school buildings, a large surplus of property and no plans for new construction."
"Milwaukee Public Schools would reap $88.6 million over two years for new construction under the economic stimulus package just passed by the U.S. House of Representatives - even though the district has 15 vacant school buildings, a large surplus of property and no plans for new construction."
THIS IS YOUR BRAIN ON NITROUS
THIS IS YOUR BRAIN ON NITROUS
"Comedy gold to cleanse the palate, courtesy of a trip to the dentist and a liberal dose of nitrous.... Alternate title: “Michael Phelps, the early years.”"
"Comedy gold to cleanse the palate, courtesy of a trip to the dentist and a liberal dose of nitrous.... Alternate title: “Michael Phelps, the early years.”"
Michigan's fees on uninsured motorists only compound problem for struggling taxpayers
Michigan's fees on uninsured motorists only compound problem for struggling taxpayers
"There is little doubt that in these economic times, hundreds of thousands of Michigan motorists -- an estimated one-fifth -- are breaking the law by driving uninsured vehicles"
"There is little doubt that in these economic times, hundreds of thousands of Michigan motorists -- an estimated one-fifth -- are breaking the law by driving uninsured vehicles"
Mt. Rushmore of Sports - ESPN
Mt. Rushmore of Sports - ESPN
"SportsNation nominations carved the faces of 191 people onto the 52 Mt. Rushmores of Sports."
"SportsNation nominations carved the faces of 191 people onto the 52 Mt. Rushmores of Sports."
Saturday, February 07, 2009
CARPE DIEM: Even The NY Times Understands...
CARPE DIEM: Even The NY Times Understands...: "The proposal could increase ticket prices by about 8%, which could dim Broadway’s lights as tourists start thinking twice about that vacation in Manhattan. If tourism slumps in the city,"
The American Spectator : The True Origins of This Financial Crisis
The American Spectator : The True Origins of This Financial Crisis
"The stakes in the competing narratives are high.
The diagnosis determines the prescription.
If the Times diagnosis prevails, the prescription is more regulation of the financial system;
if instead government policy is to blame, the prescription is to terminate those government policies that distort mortgage lending.
There really isn’t any question of approach is factually correct: right on the front page of the Times edition of December 21 is a chart that shows the growth of home ownership in the United States since 1990.
In 1993 it was 63 percent; by the end of the Clinton administration it was 68 percent.
The growth in the Bush administration was about 1 percent.
The Times itself reported in 1999 that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were under pressure from the Clinton administration to increase lending to minorities and low-income home buyers--a policy that necessarily entailed higher risks.
Can there really be a question, other than in the fevered imagination of the Times, where the push to reduce lending standards and boost home ownership came from?"
"The stakes in the competing narratives are high.
The diagnosis determines the prescription.
If the Times diagnosis prevails, the prescription is more regulation of the financial system;
if instead government policy is to blame, the prescription is to terminate those government policies that distort mortgage lending.
There really isn’t any question of approach is factually correct: right on the front page of the Times edition of December 21 is a chart that shows the growth of home ownership in the United States since 1990.
In 1993 it was 63 percent; by the end of the Clinton administration it was 68 percent.
The growth in the Bush administration was about 1 percent.
The Times itself reported in 1999 that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were under pressure from the Clinton administration to increase lending to minorities and low-income home buyers--a policy that necessarily entailed higher risks.
Can there really be a question, other than in the fevered imagination of the Times, where the push to reduce lending standards and boost home ownership came from?"
Friday, February 06, 2009
Obama executive order favors union labor
Obama executive order favors union labor: "President Barack Obama on Friday issued an executive order backing the use of union labor for large-scale federal construction projects.
The order encourages federal agencies to have construction contractors and subcontractors enter project labor agreements. Those agreements require contractors to negotiate with union officials, recognize union wages and benefits and generally abide by collective-bargaining agreements.
Obama's order restores a Clinton administration order that was revoked by President George W. Bush"
The order encourages federal agencies to have construction contractors and subcontractors enter project labor agreements. Those agreements require contractors to negotiate with union officials, recognize union wages and benefits and generally abide by collective-bargaining agreements.
Obama's order restores a Clinton administration order that was revoked by President George W. Bush"
Obama's Leninism
Obama's Leninism
"The Founding Fathers divided the American government against itself so that, according to James Madison, “ambition is made to check ambition.” The purpose was to preserve our freedom and make it impossible for leaders to frighten and manipulate the citizens into accepting rash and precipitous proposals."
"The Founding Fathers divided the American government against itself so that, according to James Madison, “ambition is made to check ambition.” The purpose was to preserve our freedom and make it impossible for leaders to frighten and manipulate the citizens into accepting rash and precipitous proposals."
Val Kilmer ponders run for NM governor in 2010
Val Kilmer ponders run for NM governor in 2010: "Fresh from the inauguration, actor Val Kilmer is pondering running for governor of New Mexico in 2010, when Democrat Bill Richardson's second term ends."
Obama's Brown Shirts?
Reporter restrained after Panetta hearing
Following Leon Panetta’s confirmation hearing Thursday, several reporters approached the CIA director-designate in the hallway outside room G-50 in the Dirksen Building.
There, CongressDaily reporter Chris Strohm — upon asking a question — was physically restrained by a man who accompanied Panetta at hearings both days.
Strohm, when reached by phone Friday, said he was unsure of the man’s role.
“I felt this hand grab my right arm and push me aside,” Strohm said.
By his account, Strohm told the man, “Please don’t touch me” more than once. Eventually, the man let him go.
Tim Starks, a reporter for Congressional Quarterly, said he witnessed Strohm approach Panetta and ask a question, just before the man began “grabbing him by the arm and moving him away.”
“I said to the guy, ‘That’s not the way you do it,’” recalled Starks.
Starks said that he’s covered the CIA for years and had never seen a reporter strong-armed that way before, adding that the agency is typically respectful of journalists.
Reflecting on the incident, Strohm played it down somewhat, saying that he’s “had worse happen” while reporting.
A staff assistant at The Panetta Institute said they are not addressing any media inquiries before Panetta’s confirmation. The White House declined to comment.
After today’s hearing, there was no similar incident: Panetta briefly answered questions from reporters."
The new "brownshirts"?
Following Leon Panetta’s confirmation hearing Thursday, several reporters approached the CIA director-designate in the hallway outside room G-50 in the Dirksen Building.
There, CongressDaily reporter Chris Strohm — upon asking a question — was physically restrained by a man who accompanied Panetta at hearings both days.
Strohm, when reached by phone Friday, said he was unsure of the man’s role.
“I felt this hand grab my right arm and push me aside,” Strohm said.
By his account, Strohm told the man, “Please don’t touch me” more than once. Eventually, the man let him go.
Tim Starks, a reporter for Congressional Quarterly, said he witnessed Strohm approach Panetta and ask a question, just before the man began “grabbing him by the arm and moving him away.”
“I said to the guy, ‘That’s not the way you do it,’” recalled Starks.
Starks said that he’s covered the CIA for years and had never seen a reporter strong-armed that way before, adding that the agency is typically respectful of journalists.
Reflecting on the incident, Strohm played it down somewhat, saying that he’s “had worse happen” while reporting.
A staff assistant at The Panetta Institute said they are not addressing any media inquiries before Panetta’s confirmation. The White House declined to comment.
After today’s hearing, there was no similar incident: Panetta briefly answered questions from reporters."
The new "brownshirts"?
FDA: Ga. plant knowingly shipped tainted products
FDA: Ga. plant knowingly shipped tainted products
"Food and Drug Administration officials earlier had said Peanut Corp. of America waited for a second test to clear peanut butter and peanuts that initially were positive for salmonella. But the agency amended its report Friday, noting that the Blakely, Ga., plant actually shipped some products before receiving the second test and sold others after confirming salmonella.
Federal law forbids producing or shipping foods under conditions that could make it harmful to consumers' health."
Yes this company is crooked.
But we don't pay for this company's products unless we chose to.
But we are forced to pay for the FDA and they are the fools who promised to protects us from these crooks.
Why is there no outrage at our government who steals our money and allows crooks to poison us?
"Food and Drug Administration officials earlier had said Peanut Corp. of America waited for a second test to clear peanut butter and peanuts that initially were positive for salmonella. But the agency amended its report Friday, noting that the Blakely, Ga., plant actually shipped some products before receiving the second test and sold others after confirming salmonella.
Federal law forbids producing or shipping foods under conditions that could make it harmful to consumers' health."
Yes this company is crooked.
But we don't pay for this company's products unless we chose to.
But we are forced to pay for the FDA and they are the fools who promised to protects us from these crooks.
Why is there no outrage at our government who steals our money and allows crooks to poison us?
Federal civil rights lawsuit against Muskegon County to continue
Federal civil rights lawsuit against Muskegon County to continue
"The Department of Justice alleges the county violated federal civil rights law by allowing ongoing sexual harassment of a female employee by a male co-worker who was eventually fired, prosecuted and jailed. The government alleges the harassment occurred in the period 1999-2006.
Also Wednesday, Scoville granted a motion by the victim to intervene in the case. Eva Amaya, a former 60th District Court employee, filed her own federal lawsuit against the county in October, alleging the county retaliated against her for complaining in 2006 to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Amaya was terminated from her job last year.
The male employee, Eugene Beene, eventually was fired in 2006 after other women complained about him. Beene later pleaded guilty to attempted fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, based on his behavior at work."
Why the heck is our county fighting this outrage?
They already fired the thug for harassment!
"The Department of Justice alleges the county violated federal civil rights law by allowing ongoing sexual harassment of a female employee by a male co-worker who was eventually fired, prosecuted and jailed. The government alleges the harassment occurred in the period 1999-2006.
Also Wednesday, Scoville granted a motion by the victim to intervene in the case. Eva Amaya, a former 60th District Court employee, filed her own federal lawsuit against the county in October, alleging the county retaliated against her for complaining in 2006 to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Amaya was terminated from her job last year.
The male employee, Eugene Beene, eventually was fired in 2006 after other women complained about him. Beene later pleaded guilty to attempted fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, based on his behavior at work."
Why the heck is our county fighting this outrage?
They already fired the thug for harassment!
Entertainment Calendar, Feb. 6, 2009
Entertainment Calendar, Feb. 6, 2009
"Love is in the air!, North Muskegon High School French students present sixth annual French Cabaret, North Muskegon High School, 5:30 p.m. today; and 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Show performed in French with PowerPoint in English. Reservations: 719-4170. Tickets: $18 adults (dinner and show), $15 students (dinner and show); Saturday matinee (no food), $10 adults, $5 students; Ages five and under (free)."
"Love is in the air!, North Muskegon High School French students present sixth annual French Cabaret, North Muskegon High School, 5:30 p.m. today; and 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Show performed in French with PowerPoint in English. Reservations: 719-4170. Tickets: $18 adults (dinner and show), $15 students (dinner and show); Saturday matinee (no food), $10 adults, $5 students; Ages five and under (free)."
North Muskegon turns into France this weekend
North Muskegon turns into France this weekend
"When North Muskegon French students put on their cabaret this weekend, it will be hard to remember the performance is a type of classroom.
But French teacher, Bernadette Billock, uses the performance as a way to engage, excite and encourage fluency.
Roughly 80 students in North Muskegon High School's French program will present the sixth annual cabaret, themed 'L'Amour Est Dans L'Air,' (Love is in the Air) Friday and Saturday at the school."
"When North Muskegon French students put on their cabaret this weekend, it will be hard to remember the performance is a type of classroom.
But French teacher, Bernadette Billock, uses the performance as a way to engage, excite and encourage fluency.
Roughly 80 students in North Muskegon High School's French program will present the sixth annual cabaret, themed 'L'Amour Est Dans L'Air,' (Love is in the Air) Friday and Saturday at the school."
Woman torched home for money, then blamed it on racists
Woman torched home for money, then blamed it on racists, authorities say
"Forsyth County authorities say Pamela Graf had an elaborate scheme to set fire to her home for the insurance money and then blame it on her support of President Barack Obama.
The scheme included spraying racist graffiti on a nearby fence and pretending to be in Washington D.C., for the presidential inauguration on Jan. 18 when her five-bedroom, 2,900-square foot house went up in smoke, authorities said late Friday."
Sounds so much like our Grand Rapids story....
"Forsyth County authorities say Pamela Graf had an elaborate scheme to set fire to her home for the insurance money and then blame it on her support of President Barack Obama.
The scheme included spraying racist graffiti on a nearby fence and pretending to be in Washington D.C., for the presidential inauguration on Jan. 18 when her five-bedroom, 2,900-square foot house went up in smoke, authorities said late Friday."
Sounds so much like our Grand Rapids story....
Difference between Muslims and Jews
Difference between Muslims and Jews
The Global Islamic population is approximately 1,200,000,000, that is, ONE BILLION TWO HUNDRED MILLION or 20% of the world's population.
They have received the following Nobel Prizes:
Literature:1988 - Najib Mahfooz Peace:1978 - Mohamed Anwar El-Sadat1994 - Yaser Arafat:1990 - Elias James Corey1999 - Ahmed Zewai Medicine:1960 - Peter Brian Medawar1998 - Ferid Mourad
TOTAL: 7
The Global Jewish population is approximately 14,000,000, Only FOURTEEN MILLION or about 0.02% of the world's population.
They have received the following Nobel Prizes:
Literature:1910 - Paul Heyse1927 - Henri Bergson1958 - Boris Pasternak1966 - Shmuel Yosef Agnon1966 - Nelly Sachs1976 - Saul Bellow1978 - Isaac Bashevis Singer1981 - Elias Canetti1987 - Joseph Brodsky1991 - Nadine Gordimer WorldPeace:1911 - Alfred Fried1911 - Tobias Michael Carel Asser1968 - Rene Cassin1973 - Henry Kissinger1978 - Menachem Begin1986 - Elie Wiesel1994 - Shimon Peres1994 - Yitzhak RabinPhysics:1905 - Adolph Von Baeyer1906 - Henri Moissan1907 - Albert Abraham Michelson1908 - Gabriel Lippmann1910 - Otto Wallach1915 - Richard Willstaetter1918 - Fritz Haber1921 - Albert Einstein1922 - Niels Bohr1925 - James Franck1925 - Gustav Hertz1943 - Gustav Stern1943 - George Charles de Hevesy1944 - Isidor Issac Rabi1952 - Felix Bloch1954 - Max Born1958 - Igor Tamm1959 - Emilio Segre1960 - Donald A. Glaser1961 - Robert Hofstadter1961 - Melvin Calvin196 2 - Lev Davidovich Landau1962 - Max Ferdinand Perutz1965 - Richard Phillips Feynman1965 - Julian Schwinger1969 - Murray Gell-Mann1971 - Dennis Gabor1972 - William Howard Stein1973 - Brian David Joseph son1975 - Benjamin Mottleson1976 - Burton Richter1977 - Ilya Prigogine1978 - Arno Allan Penzias1978 - P eter L Kapitza1979 - Stephen Weinberg1979 - Sheldon Glashow1979 - Herbert Charles Brown1980 - Paul Berg1980 - Walter Gilbert1981 - Roald Hoffmann1982 - Aaron Klug1985 - Albert A. Hauptman1985 - Jerome Karle1986 - Dudley R. Herschbach1988 - Robert Huber1988 - Leon Lederman1988 - Melvin Schwartz1988 - Jack Steinberger1989 - Sidney Altman1990 - Jerome Friedman1992 - Rudolph Marcus1995 - Martin Perl2000 - Alan J. HeegerEconomics:1970 - Paul Anthony Samuelson1971 - Simon Kuznets1972 - Kenneth Joseph Arrow1975 - Leonid Kantorovich1976 - Milton Friedman1978 - Herbert A. Simon1980 - Lawrence Robert Klein1985 - Franco Modigliani1987 - Robert M. Solow1990 - Harry Markowitz1990 - Merton Miller1992 - Gary Becker1993 - Robert FogelMedicine:1908 - Elie Metchnikoff1908 - Paul Erlich1914 - Robert Barany1922 - Otto Meyerhof1930 - Karl Landsteiner1931 - Otto Warburg1936 - Otto Loewi1944 - Joseph Erlanger1944 - Herb ert Spencer Gasser1945 - Ernst Boris Chain1946 - Hermann Joseph Muller1950 - Tadeus Reichstein1952 - Selman Abraham Waksman1953 - Hans Krebs1953 - Fritz Albert Lipmann1958 - Joshua Lederberg1959 - Arthur Kornberg1964 - Konrad Bloch1965 - Francois Jacob1965 - Andre Lwoff1967 - George Wald1968 - Marshall W. Nirenberg1969 - Salvador Luria1970 - Julius Axelrod1970 - Sir Bernard Katz1972 - Gerald Maurice Edelman1975 - Howard Martin Temin1976 - Baruch S. Blumberg1977 - Roselyn Sussman Yalow1978 - Daniel Nathans1980 - Baruj Benacerraf1984 - Cesar Milstein1985 - Michael Stuart Brown1985 - Joseph L. Goldstein1986 - Stanley Cohen [& Rita Levi-Montalcini]1988 - Gertrude Elion1989 - Harold Varmus1991 - Erwin Neher1991 - Bert Sakmann1993 - Richard J. Roberts1993 - Phillip Sharp1994 - Alfred Gilman1995 - Edward B. Lewis
TOTAL: 129 ONE HUNDRED TWENTY NINE!
The Jews are NOT promoting brain washing children in military training camps, teaching them how to blow themselves up and cause maximum deaths of Jews and other non Muslims!
The Jews don't hijack planes, nor kill athletes at the Olympics, or blow themselves up in German restaurants.
There is NOT one single Jew who has destroyed a church.
There is NOT a single Jew who protests by killing people.
The Jews don't traffic slaves, nor have leaders calling for Jihad and death to all the Infidels.
Perhaps the world's Muslims should consider investing more in standard education and less in blaming the Jews for all their problems.
Muslims must ask "what can they do for humankind" before they demand that humankind respects them!!
Regardless of your feelings about the crisis between Israel and the Palestinians and Arab neighbors, even if you believe there is more culpability onIsrael's part, the following two sentences really say it all:
"If the Arabs put down their weapons today, there would be no more violence.
If the Jews put down their weapons today, there would be no more Israel."
-Benjamin Netanyahu
The Global Islamic population is approximately 1,200,000,000, that is, ONE BILLION TWO HUNDRED MILLION or 20% of the world's population.
They have received the following Nobel Prizes:
Literature:1988 - Najib Mahfooz Peace:1978 - Mohamed Anwar El-Sadat1994 - Yaser Arafat:1990 - Elias James Corey1999 - Ahmed Zewai Medicine:1960 - Peter Brian Medawar1998 - Ferid Mourad
TOTAL: 7
The Global Jewish population is approximately 14,000,000, Only FOURTEEN MILLION or about 0.02% of the world's population.
They have received the following Nobel Prizes:
Literature:1910 - Paul Heyse1927 - Henri Bergson1958 - Boris Pasternak1966 - Shmuel Yosef Agnon1966 - Nelly Sachs1976 - Saul Bellow1978 - Isaac Bashevis Singer1981 - Elias Canetti1987 - Joseph Brodsky1991 - Nadine Gordimer WorldPeace:1911 - Alfred Fried1911 - Tobias Michael Carel Asser1968 - Rene Cassin1973 - Henry Kissinger1978 - Menachem Begin1986 - Elie Wiesel1994 - Shimon Peres1994 - Yitzhak RabinPhysics:1905 - Adolph Von Baeyer1906 - Henri Moissan1907 - Albert Abraham Michelson1908 - Gabriel Lippmann1910 - Otto Wallach1915 - Richard Willstaetter1918 - Fritz Haber1921 - Albert Einstein1922 - Niels Bohr1925 - James Franck1925 - Gustav Hertz1943 - Gustav Stern1943 - George Charles de Hevesy1944 - Isidor Issac Rabi1952 - Felix Bloch1954 - Max Born1958 - Igor Tamm1959 - Emilio Segre1960 - Donald A. Glaser1961 - Robert Hofstadter1961 - Melvin Calvin196 2 - Lev Davidovich Landau1962 - Max Ferdinand Perutz1965 - Richard Phillips Feynman1965 - Julian Schwinger1969 - Murray Gell-Mann1971 - Dennis Gabor1972 - William Howard Stein1973 - Brian David Joseph son1975 - Benjamin Mottleson1976 - Burton Richter1977 - Ilya Prigogine1978 - Arno Allan Penzias1978 - P eter L Kapitza1979 - Stephen Weinberg1979 - Sheldon Glashow1979 - Herbert Charles Brown1980 - Paul Berg1980 - Walter Gilbert1981 - Roald Hoffmann1982 - Aaron Klug1985 - Albert A. Hauptman1985 - Jerome Karle1986 - Dudley R. Herschbach1988 - Robert Huber1988 - Leon Lederman1988 - Melvin Schwartz1988 - Jack Steinberger1989 - Sidney Altman1990 - Jerome Friedman1992 - Rudolph Marcus1995 - Martin Perl2000 - Alan J. HeegerEconomics:1970 - Paul Anthony Samuelson1971 - Simon Kuznets1972 - Kenneth Joseph Arrow1975 - Leonid Kantorovich1976 - Milton Friedman1978 - Herbert A. Simon1980 - Lawrence Robert Klein1985 - Franco Modigliani1987 - Robert M. Solow1990 - Harry Markowitz1990 - Merton Miller1992 - Gary Becker1993 - Robert FogelMedicine:1908 - Elie Metchnikoff1908 - Paul Erlich1914 - Robert Barany1922 - Otto Meyerhof1930 - Karl Landsteiner1931 - Otto Warburg1936 - Otto Loewi1944 - Joseph Erlanger1944 - Herb ert Spencer Gasser1945 - Ernst Boris Chain1946 - Hermann Joseph Muller1950 - Tadeus Reichstein1952 - Selman Abraham Waksman1953 - Hans Krebs1953 - Fritz Albert Lipmann1958 - Joshua Lederberg1959 - Arthur Kornberg1964 - Konrad Bloch1965 - Francois Jacob1965 - Andre Lwoff1967 - George Wald1968 - Marshall W. Nirenberg1969 - Salvador Luria1970 - Julius Axelrod1970 - Sir Bernard Katz1972 - Gerald Maurice Edelman1975 - Howard Martin Temin1976 - Baruch S. Blumberg1977 - Roselyn Sussman Yalow1978 - Daniel Nathans1980 - Baruj Benacerraf1984 - Cesar Milstein1985 - Michael Stuart Brown1985 - Joseph L. Goldstein1986 - Stanley Cohen [& Rita Levi-Montalcini]1988 - Gertrude Elion1989 - Harold Varmus1991 - Erwin Neher1991 - Bert Sakmann1993 - Richard J. Roberts1993 - Phillip Sharp1994 - Alfred Gilman1995 - Edward B. Lewis
TOTAL: 129 ONE HUNDRED TWENTY NINE!
The Jews are NOT promoting brain washing children in military training camps, teaching them how to blow themselves up and cause maximum deaths of Jews and other non Muslims!
The Jews don't hijack planes, nor kill athletes at the Olympics, or blow themselves up in German restaurants.
There is NOT one single Jew who has destroyed a church.
There is NOT a single Jew who protests by killing people.
The Jews don't traffic slaves, nor have leaders calling for Jihad and death to all the Infidels.
Perhaps the world's Muslims should consider investing more in standard education and less in blaming the Jews for all their problems.
Muslims must ask "what can they do for humankind" before they demand that humankind respects them!!
Regardless of your feelings about the crisis between Israel and the Palestinians and Arab neighbors, even if you believe there is more culpability onIsrael's part, the following two sentences really say it all:
"If the Arabs put down their weapons today, there would be no more violence.
If the Jews put down their weapons today, there would be no more Israel."
-Benjamin Netanyahu
Congress risks criticism over luxury retreat trips
Congress risks criticism over luxury retreat trips
"Members of Congress were quick to shame corporate executives for over-the-top extravagance during the economic crisis, flying private jets and taking luxury junkets. But some lawmakers are strolling fancy resorts spending tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars and mingling with lobbyists.
'We're very mindful' of perceptions, House Democratic Caucus Chairman John Larson told reporters Thursday camped outside of the sprawling Kingsmill Resort & Spa in Williamsburg, Va., where House Democrats spent about $100,000 on their three-day annual retreat"
"Members of Congress were quick to shame corporate executives for over-the-top extravagance during the economic crisis, flying private jets and taking luxury junkets. But some lawmakers are strolling fancy resorts spending tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars and mingling with lobbyists.
'We're very mindful' of perceptions, House Democratic Caucus Chairman John Larson told reporters Thursday camped outside of the sprawling Kingsmill Resort & Spa in Williamsburg, Va., where House Democrats spent about $100,000 on their three-day annual retreat"
Could the Stimulus Start a Trade War?
The Volokh Conspiracy
"Could the Stimulus Start a Trade War?
Some commentators and trade experts have expressed concern that the 'Buy American' provisions in the stimulus are not only wasteful, but potentially harmful in that they could be a prelude to greater protectionism, both here and abroad."
"Could the Stimulus Start a Trade War?
Some commentators and trade experts have expressed concern that the 'Buy American' provisions in the stimulus are not only wasteful, but potentially harmful in that they could be a prelude to greater protectionism, both here and abroad."
United States Senate elections, 2010
United States Senate elections, 2010
"Elections to the United States Senate will be held on November 2, 2010, with at least 36 of the 100 seats in the Senate being contested."
Good resource for how these crooks will vote in 2010.
And it doesn't look good for the GOPers.
They defend 14 seats and have 4 retiring.
That's 18 out of 36 seats up for election.
"Elections to the United States Senate will be held on November 2, 2010, with at least 36 of the 100 seats in the Senate being contested."
Good resource for how these crooks will vote in 2010.
And it doesn't look good for the GOPers.
They defend 14 seats and have 4 retiring.
That's 18 out of 36 seats up for election.
Recycling -- we all can help out
Recycling -- we all can help out
"Obama's larger point was about the profligate ways that we have long accepted as rightfully ours in this country now are going through a painful but long overdue re-examination.
As that relates to recycling, Americans can scarcely afford to keep throwing virtually everything away, wasting the world's resources in the name of our supposed right of 'convenience.'"
"Obama's larger point was about the profligate ways that we have long accepted as rightfully ours in this country now are going through a painful but long overdue re-examination.
As that relates to recycling, Americans can scarcely afford to keep throwing virtually everything away, wasting the world's resources in the name of our supposed right of 'convenience.'"
The jihad against Britain's Jews
The Spectator:
"Jewish parents report that their children – some as young as eight – are now running a gauntlet of attack from their Muslim classmates at school who accuse them of ‘killing Palestinian children’. Comments by adults about ‘Jews controlling all the money/the media/the BBC’ (yes, really! All because it allowed Israel’s spokesman to put the case for Israel from time to time) are now commonplace in both private and public discourse."
"Jewish parents report that their children – some as young as eight – are now running a gauntlet of attack from their Muslim classmates at school who accuse them of ‘killing Palestinian children’. Comments by adults about ‘Jews controlling all the money/the media/the BBC’ (yes, really! All because it allowed Israel’s spokesman to put the case for Israel from time to time) are now commonplace in both private and public discourse."
Here's the juice on wind power
Here's the juice on wind power
"Fascinating idea -- owning a wind generator that could be tied into the electrical grid, allowing homeowners to use and sell power to Consumers Energy, rather than the other way around.
Want to know more? Attend a free workshop Feb. 11, in which terms and concepts like 'net metering,' as well as the availability of various loans and grants, will be discussed by experts at the Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center in Muskegon from 10 a.m. to noon.
It will involve speakers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Consumers Energy. To register, contact Muskegon Area First, at (231) 724-3181.
For our money, such face-to-face discussions can throw on a proverbial light switch, quickly illuminating good ideas that, until then, might have seemed shrouded in mystery."
Into the belly of the Beast.
"Fascinating idea -- owning a wind generator that could be tied into the electrical grid, allowing homeowners to use and sell power to Consumers Energy, rather than the other way around.
Want to know more? Attend a free workshop Feb. 11, in which terms and concepts like 'net metering,' as well as the availability of various loans and grants, will be discussed by experts at the Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center in Muskegon from 10 a.m. to noon.
It will involve speakers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Consumers Energy. To register, contact Muskegon Area First, at (231) 724-3181.
For our money, such face-to-face discussions can throw on a proverbial light switch, quickly illuminating good ideas that, until then, might have seemed shrouded in mystery."
Into the belly of the Beast.
Cut downtown Jackson parking fees now
Cut downtown Jackson parking fees now
"The council will consider cutting parking assessments for downtown merchants by 30 percent. The move follows a report from an ad-hoc group that the city collects far more money than it needs to provide and maintain downtown parking."
"The council will consider cutting parking assessments for downtown merchants by 30 percent. The move follows a report from an ad-hoc group that the city collects far more money than it needs to provide and maintain downtown parking."
Cherry speech post.... gone!
cherry speech - Google Search
"Flat speech raises questions about Lt. Gov. John Cherry's ...
This is no longer a good link.
Interesting.
"Flat speech raises questions about Lt. Gov. John Cherry's ...
This is no longer a good link.
Interesting.
U.S. should cap lawyer fees while they're at it
U.S. should cap lawyer fees while they're at it
"Then there are the bankruptcy lawyers. For them, these are grand times.
The business of going under is one of the few booming ones these days, and fees paid to those who guide sick or dead companies through bankruptcy are, too.
Rates broke through the US$1,000-an-hour barrier for the priciest bankruptcy legal advice, running up to US$1,110 at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, based in Chicago."
"Then there are the bankruptcy lawyers. For them, these are grand times.
The business of going under is one of the few booming ones these days, and fees paid to those who guide sick or dead companies through bankruptcy are, too.
Rates broke through the US$1,000-an-hour barrier for the priciest bankruptcy legal advice, running up to US$1,110 at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, based in Chicago."
Cher: Republican Rule Almost ‘Killed Me’
Cher: Republican Rule Almost ‘Killed Me’
"Grammy award-winning singer and Academy award-winning actress Cher told CNSNews.com that living under Republican rule almost “killed' her, and she does not understand why anyone would want to be a Republican."
"Grammy award-winning singer and Academy award-winning actress Cher told CNSNews.com that living under Republican rule almost “killed' her, and she does not understand why anyone would want to be a Republican."
The Year of Pension Meltdowns?
The Year of Pension Meltdowns?
"Last year we watched 401k’s deflate. This year looks like the year of pension fund implosions, an article says. Federal law requires funds to have enough money to pay all their retirees. Yet with markets way down, more than two-fifths of big-company plans “are nowhere close to meeting that standard, and those dire numbers are increasing.” The politically driven “social investing” of public pensions makes matters worse."
"Last year we watched 401k’s deflate. This year looks like the year of pension fund implosions, an article says. Federal law requires funds to have enough money to pay all their retirees. Yet with markets way down, more than two-fifths of big-company plans “are nowhere close to meeting that standard, and those dire numbers are increasing.” The politically driven “social investing” of public pensions makes matters worse."
Granholm proposes lump-sum payment, not pension boost to encourage teacher retirements
Granholm proposes lump-sum payment, not pension boost to encourage teacher retirements
"Granholm instead favors offering lump-sum payments to teachers as a retirement lure, but local educators say that's likely a deal-killer because the state just doesn't have the money to make such a package work this year."
"Granholm instead favors offering lump-sum payments to teachers as a retirement lure, but local educators say that's likely a deal-killer because the state just doesn't have the money to make such a package work this year."
Obtuse sells!
I blame the entire Kenyan tragedy on the tobacco industry
"I've always been drawn to news stories of mass extinction because of human ignorance. I'm not talking about a bomb going off or a plane crash, I'm talking about the yearly tales of stampedes at religious ceremonies or ferry boats flipping when they're overloaded by a factor of six."
"I've always been drawn to news stories of mass extinction because of human ignorance. I'm not talking about a bomb going off or a plane crash, I'm talking about the yearly tales of stampedes at religious ceremonies or ferry boats flipping when they're overloaded by a factor of six."
Thursday, February 05, 2009
What's in the Stimulus?: An Earmark as Big as the Ritz
What's in the Stimulus?: An Earmark as Big as the Ritz
Buried in the 800 page stimulus bill is this seemingly innocuous allocation — well it's inocuous relative to a $1 trillion stimulus bill anyway — '$2,000,000,000 is available for one or more near zero emission powerplant(s).”
Interstingly enough, there's no such thing as a 'near zero emission powerplant' — yet."
Buried in the 800 page stimulus bill is this seemingly innocuous allocation — well it's inocuous relative to a $1 trillion stimulus bill anyway — '$2,000,000,000 is available for one or more near zero emission powerplant(s).”
Interstingly enough, there's no such thing as a 'near zero emission powerplant' — yet."
Michael Calderone's Blog: Sen. Stabenow wants hearings on radio 'accountability'
Michael Calderone's Blog: Sen. Stabenow wants hearings on radio 'accountability'; talks fairness doctrine
"This morning, radio host Bill Press brought up the recent closing of liberal station Obama 1260 when speaking with Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow, and talked about whether there needs to be a balance to right-wing talk on the radio dial."
"This morning, radio host Bill Press brought up the recent closing of liberal station Obama 1260 when speaking with Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow, and talked about whether there needs to be a balance to right-wing talk on the radio dial."
France 24 | NKorea may fire missiles across sea border: report | France 24
France 24 NKorea may fire missiles across sea border: report France 24: "North Korea may fire short-range missiles across its disputed sea border with South Korea to bolster its sabre-rattling campaign against the Seoul government, media reports said Friday.
Seoul officials believe this is the likeliest form of provocation from the communist state,"
Seoul officials believe this is the likeliest form of provocation from the communist state,"
How to Save Your Newspaper
How to Save Your Newspaper
"So I am hoping that this year will see the dawn of a bold, old idea that will provide yet another option that some news organizations might choose: getting paid by users for the services they provide and the journalism they produce."
Next time you hear how smart the Ivy grads are, remember this column.
"getting paid ...for your services....." is a good idea.
And he acts like this is a NEW idea. (yes, I know he wrote "old idea")
"So I am hoping that this year will see the dawn of a bold, old idea that will provide yet another option that some news organizations might choose: getting paid by users for the services they provide and the journalism they produce."
Next time you hear how smart the Ivy grads are, remember this column.
"getting paid ...for your services....." is a good idea.
And he acts like this is a NEW idea. (yes, I know he wrote "old idea")
The Great College Hoax
The Great College Hoax
"Not only are college numbers spun. Some are patently spurious, says Richard Sander, a law professor at UCLA. Law schools lure in minority students to improve diversity rankings without disclosing that less than half of African-Americans who enter these programs ever pass the bar. Schools goose employment statistics by temporarily hiring new grads and spotlighting kids who land top-paying jobs, while glossing over far-lower average incomes. The one certainty: The average law grad owes $100,000 in student debt.
'There are a lot of aspects of selling education that are tinged with consumer fraud,' Sander says. 'There is a definite conspiracy to lead students down a primrose path.'"
"Not only are college numbers spun. Some are patently spurious, says Richard Sander, a law professor at UCLA. Law schools lure in minority students to improve diversity rankings without disclosing that less than half of African-Americans who enter these programs ever pass the bar. Schools goose employment statistics by temporarily hiring new grads and spotlighting kids who land top-paying jobs, while glossing over far-lower average incomes. The one certainty: The average law grad owes $100,000 in student debt.
'There are a lot of aspects of selling education that are tinged with consumer fraud,' Sander says. 'There is a definite conspiracy to lead students down a primrose path.'"
Actors, baseball legends on Madoff client list
Actors, baseball legends on Madoff client list
"Harry Markopolos, told House lawmakers at a hearing that he had discovered that additional funds had relayed investments to Madoff in Europe - and that the managers of these 'feeder' funds may have ignored signs of the massive fraud scheme.
He plans to present his findings to the Securities and Exchange Commission's inspector general Thursday. If proven, they would substantiate the assertions of many analysts that the alleged fraud was far too large for Madoff to have conducted alone."
"Harry Markopolos, told House lawmakers at a hearing that he had discovered that additional funds had relayed investments to Madoff in Europe - and that the managers of these 'feeder' funds may have ignored signs of the massive fraud scheme.
He plans to present his findings to the Securities and Exchange Commission's inspector general Thursday. If proven, they would substantiate the assertions of many analysts that the alleged fraud was far too large for Madoff to have conducted alone."
Does your paycheck add up? Federal survey puts average Grand Rapids pay at $18.91
Does your paycheck add up? Federal survey puts average Grand Rapids pay at $18.91
"Public-school teachers topped the hourly pay scale of surveyed occupations at $50.01."
"Public-school teachers topped the hourly pay scale of surveyed occupations at $50.01."
And the median household income in Muskegon is $38,000.
Teachers pay and total compensation is WAY out of line. With summers off, dudes!
We pay. They take!
Governor Granholm's insurance advocate proposes big changes to lower rates
Governor Granholm's insurance advocate proposes big changes to lower rates
"Hollowell says urban motorists in particular are being penalized for where they live and said regulators should have the authority to block rate increases before they go into effect and to order consumer refunds.
"Hollowell says urban motorists in particular are being penalized for where they live and said regulators should have the authority to block rate increases before they go into effect and to order consumer refunds.
Mona Shores Bond issue meeting rescheduled for THIS Thursday!
It's YOUR money folks!
Bond issue meeting rescheduled
"MONA SHORES -- An informational meeting about Mona Shores Public Schools' upcoming bond issue originally planned for tonight has been rescheduled.
The forum will be 7 p.m. Feb. 5 in the media center of Lincoln Park Elementary, 2951 Leon.
On Feb. 24, voters will be asked to keep the current millage rate at or near its current 4.3 mills and extend it two years through 2019.
School officials are asking for $13 million for improvements districtwide, but with many upgrades to the middle and high schools.
The issue is not an additional tax for voters; without the public's approval, officials estimate the tax gradually will be reduced to 2.3 mills by the time it expires.
ON THE 'NET:
Details about the bond and proposed improvements can be found at www.monashores.net/proposedbond2009."
Bond issue meeting rescheduled
"MONA SHORES -- An informational meeting about Mona Shores Public Schools' upcoming bond issue originally planned for tonight has been rescheduled.
The forum will be 7 p.m. Feb. 5 in the media center of Lincoln Park Elementary, 2951 Leon.
On Feb. 24, voters will be asked to keep the current millage rate at or near its current 4.3 mills and extend it two years through 2019.
School officials are asking for $13 million for improvements districtwide, but with many upgrades to the middle and high schools.
The issue is not an additional tax for voters; without the public's approval, officials estimate the tax gradually will be reduced to 2.3 mills by the time it expires.
ON THE 'NET:
Details about the bond and proposed improvements can be found at www.monashores.net/proposedbond2009."
Mona Lake Park set for renovation
Mona Lake Park set for renovation
"A multimillion-dollar renovation of Mona Lake Park, which will include construction of a 400-seat conference center, is expected to begin in May.
The project is being paid for with state and federal grants, said Reatha Anderson, director of planning and community development for the city of Muskegon Heights. The city already has received $629,000 in grant dollars for the renovations."
"A multimillion-dollar renovation of Mona Lake Park, which will include construction of a 400-seat conference center, is expected to begin in May.
The project is being paid for with state and federal grants, said Reatha Anderson, director of planning and community development for the city of Muskegon Heights. The city already has received $629,000 in grant dollars for the renovations."
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Coal utility plants may take their lumps as Granholm touts alternative power
Coal utility plants may take their lumps as Granholm touts alternative power
"Gov. Jennifer Granholm wants to make it harder for utilities to justify building new coal-fired power plants, encouraging them to instead rely on more energy conservation.
.....Four companies have proposals before the state Department of Environmental Quality to build coal plants in Bay County's Hampton Township, Holland, Midland and Rogers City. The 800-megawatt Bay County plant would be an addition to the Consumers Energy Karn-Weadock complex, and cost upwards of $2 billion."
This woman is killing our state!
"Gov. Jennifer Granholm wants to make it harder for utilities to justify building new coal-fired power plants, encouraging them to instead rely on more energy conservation.
.....Four companies have proposals before the state Department of Environmental Quality to build coal plants in Bay County's Hampton Township, Holland, Midland and Rogers City. The 800-megawatt Bay County plant would be an addition to the Consumers Energy Karn-Weadock complex, and cost upwards of $2 billion."
This woman is killing our state!
Valentine to face unemployed voters
White Lake Beacon: "Representative to meet with constituents
Michigan State Representative Mary Valentine (91st District) will meet with constituents on Monday, Feb. 9, at the White Lake Community Library, 3900 White Lake Drive, Whitehall.
The meeting will be at 7 p.m."
Michigan State Representative Mary Valentine (91st District) will meet with constituents on Monday, Feb. 9, at the White Lake Community Library, 3900 White Lake Drive, Whitehall.
The meeting will be at 7 p.m."
Spartan football signs 23 recruits for 2009
Spartan football signs 23 recruits for 2009
"The group is hailed by some as the best at MSU in nearly a decade. Rivals.com ranks it No. 14 in the nation, while recruiting analyst Tom Lemming of CSTV ranks it No. 2 in the Big Ten, behind only Ohio State."
"The group is hailed by some as the best at MSU in nearly a decade. Rivals.com ranks it No. 14 in the nation, while recruiting analyst Tom Lemming of CSTV ranks it No. 2 in the Big Ten, behind only Ohio State."
A tale of two campaigns: Holly Hughes spent her own money; Mary Valentine relied on groups
A tale of two campaigns: Holly Hughes spent her own money; Mary Valentine relied on groups
"The Valentine campaign accepted a total of $51,000 from self-identified political action committees and $79,125 from labor unions or other special interest groups."
"The Valentine campaign accepted a total of $51,000 from self-identified political action committees and $79,125 from labor unions or other special interest groups."
President Obama to water down 'Buy American' plan after EU trade war threat
President Obama to water down 'Buy American' plan after EU trade war threat
"The European Union warned the US yesterday against plunging the world into depression by adopting a planned “Buy American” policy, intensifying fears of a trade war.
The EU threatened to retaliate if the US Congress went ahead with sweeping measures in its $800 billion (£554 billion) stimulus plan to restrict spending to American goods and services.
Gordon Brown was caught in the crossfire as John Bruton, the EU Ambassador to Washington, said that “history has shown us” where the closing of markets leads — a clear reference to the Depression of the 1930s, triggered by US protectionist laws."
Barry is turning out to be far dumber, faster than anyone had imagined!
"The European Union warned the US yesterday against plunging the world into depression by adopting a planned “Buy American” policy, intensifying fears of a trade war.
The EU threatened to retaliate if the US Congress went ahead with sweeping measures in its $800 billion (£554 billion) stimulus plan to restrict spending to American goods and services.
Gordon Brown was caught in the crossfire as John Bruton, the EU Ambassador to Washington, said that “history has shown us” where the closing of markets leads — a clear reference to the Depression of the 1930s, triggered by US protectionist laws."
Barry is turning out to be far dumber, faster than anyone had imagined!
Pensions and Promises
Pensions and Promises
"A pension war is brewing — and it's likely to pit state and municipal employees against citizens who foot the bill for government pension plans with their state tax dollars."
"A pension war is brewing — and it's likely to pit state and municipal employees against citizens who foot the bill for government pension plans with their state tax dollars."
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
WELL, SURE, WHEN YOU PUT IT THAT WAY, it doesn’t sound so good
WELL, SURE, WHEN YOU PUT IT THAT WAY, it doesn’t sound so good
At the dawn of the Obama Administration we have witnessed: four high-level appointees blow up over various issues, tax and otherwise (Richardson, Daschel, and Killefer get axed; Geitner stays); the appointment of at least 12 lobbyists to positions in the Administration — in direct contradiction of campaign promises; a pork-laden economic stimulus bill without precedent in US history; and the reversal of campaign positions concerning controversial policies like rendition.
But hey, it’s only been two weeks."
At the dawn of the Obama Administration we have witnessed: four high-level appointees blow up over various issues, tax and otherwise (Richardson, Daschel, and Killefer get axed; Geitner stays); the appointment of at least 12 lobbyists to positions in the Administration — in direct contradiction of campaign promises; a pork-laden economic stimulus bill without precedent in US history; and the reversal of campaign positions concerning controversial policies like rendition.
But hey, it’s only been two weeks."
Join Chronicle Publisher/Editor Paul Keep online Thursday to talk about The Chronicle
Join Chronicle Publisher/Editor Paul Keep online Thursday to talk about The Chronicle
"Join Chronicle Publisher/Editor Paul Keep online for a live chat at noon Thursday, Feb. 5.
He will discuss the state of the newspaper, the reasons for our recent changes, what the future holds and whatever other topics you might think important.
Join us at noon Feb. 5 on mlive.com/muskegon"
Use this link:
http://www.mlive.com/muskegon/
This might be easier for Paul if we were allowed/encouraged to submit some questions in advance.
Feel free to submit them here (in the comments section) and I'll forward to Mr Keep.
"Join Chronicle Publisher/Editor Paul Keep online for a live chat at noon Thursday, Feb. 5.
He will discuss the state of the newspaper, the reasons for our recent changes, what the future holds and whatever other topics you might think important.
Join us at noon Feb. 5 on mlive.com/muskegon"
Use this link:
http://www.mlive.com/muskegon/
This might be easier for Paul if we were allowed/encouraged to submit some questions in advance.
Feel free to submit them here (in the comments section) and I'll forward to Mr Keep.
Passengers stop flight after 'drunk' pilot sparks panic
Passengers stop flight after 'drunk' pilot sparks panic
"Aeroflot representatives boarded the aircraft to try to calm down the 300 passengers.
One sought to reassure them by announcing that it was 'not such a big deal' if the pilot was drunk because the aircraft practically flew itself."
"Aeroflot representatives boarded the aircraft to try to calm down the 300 passengers.
One sought to reassure them by announcing that it was 'not such a big deal' if the pilot was drunk because the aircraft practically flew itself."
Obama spokesman defends ethics standards
Obama spokesman defends ethics standards
"'The bar that we set is the highest that any administration in the country has ever set.'
During a briefing filled with questions about Tom Daschle's decision to withdraw from consideration to be Health and Human Services secretary"
Another one bites the dust; Part 2
"'The bar that we set is the highest that any administration in the country has ever set.'
During a briefing filled with questions about Tom Daschle's decision to withdraw from consideration to be Health and Human Services secretary"
Another one bites the dust; Part 2
Colleges, universities cringe at governor's request to freeze tuition again
Colleges, universities cringe at governor's request to freeze tuition again
"GVSU President Thomas Haas said a further drop in state funding would hurt students. His school's tuition has increased 42 percent since 2004, in part because state aid has been mostly flat or declining.
This year, GVSU raised tuition $1,000, a 13-percent hike -- the largest in its history"
Absolutely NO mention of teacher and staff pay and benefit increases!
It's like that has NO affect on student/parent tuition!
Our "what, me worry" liberal media.
Always asking the TOUGH questions...with such amazing insight!
yeah right.....
"GVSU President Thomas Haas said a further drop in state funding would hurt students. His school's tuition has increased 42 percent since 2004, in part because state aid has been mostly flat or declining.
This year, GVSU raised tuition $1,000, a 13-percent hike -- the largest in its history"
Absolutely NO mention of teacher and staff pay and benefit increases!
It's like that has NO affect on student/parent tuition!
Our "what, me worry" liberal media.
Always asking the TOUGH questions...with such amazing insight!
yeah right.....
Muskegon County Commission Citizen Action ToolkitCitizen Toolkit
Muskegon County Commission Citizen Action Toolkit!
If you are interested in learning about how our Muskegon county government works, it helps to attend the county commission meetings.
If you want to see "change you can believe in", you need to provide your own citizen input.
Or it will continue to be the same old, same old.
Here is a "toolkit" of links you can use to see what happened last time and what will be discussed at the next meetings.
All meetings are held in the Board of Commissioner's Room:
4th Floor of the Hall of Justice (County building)
990 Terrace Street, M
Muskegon, MI
3:30 p.m sharp!
Muskegon Taxpayers Alliance website:
http://muskegontaxpayers.blogspot.com/
Agenda for full County Commission Board meeting:
http://co.muskegon.mi.us/boardofcommissioners/board_agendas.cfm
Past minutes:
http://co.muskegon.mi.us/boardofcommissioners/board_minutes.cfm
Standing committee minutes and agendas:
http://co.muskegon.mi.us/boardofcommissioners/committees.htm
Future meeting schedules:
http://co.muskegon.mi.us/boardofcommissioners/meetings.htm
http://co.muskegon.mi.us/boardofcommissioners/meetings.pdf
Be an educated citizen!
"It's the SPENDING Stupid!"
"The liberties of a people never were, nor ever will be, secure when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them." -Patrick Henry, revolutionary (1736-1799)
If you are interested in learning about how our Muskegon county government works, it helps to attend the county commission meetings.
If you want to see "change you can believe in", you need to provide your own citizen input.
Or it will continue to be the same old, same old.
Here is a "toolkit" of links you can use to see what happened last time and what will be discussed at the next meetings.
All meetings are held in the Board of Commissioner's Room:
4th Floor of the Hall of Justice (County building)
990 Terrace Street, M
Muskegon, MI
3:30 p.m sharp!
Muskegon Taxpayers Alliance website:
http://muskegontaxpayers.blogspot.com/
Agenda for full County Commission Board meeting:
http://co.muskegon.mi.us/boardofcommissioners/board_agendas.cfm
Past minutes:
http://co.muskegon.mi.us/boardofcommissioners/board_minutes.cfm
Standing committee minutes and agendas:
http://co.muskegon.mi.us/boardofcommissioners/committees.htm
Future meeting schedules:
http://co.muskegon.mi.us/boardofcommissioners/meetings.htm
http://co.muskegon.mi.us/boardofcommissioners/meetings.pdf
Be an educated citizen!
"It's the SPENDING Stupid!"
"The liberties of a people never were, nor ever will be, secure when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them." -Patrick Henry, revolutionary (1736-1799)
2005 memories of millage: Mona Shores to replace 600 computers - Muskegon Chronicle - MLive.com
Mona Shores to replace 600 computers
"The district plans to replace 600 desktop computers in labs districtwide this summer, completing improvements funded with a 0.65-mill, $4.2 million bond issue approved by voters in 2005."
"The district plans to replace 600 desktop computers in labs districtwide this summer, completing improvements funded with a 0.65-mill, $4.2 million bond issue approved by voters in 2005."
Jackson-area resale stores expect problems from new federal rule governing lead levels
Jackson-area resale stores expect problems from new federal rule governing lead levels
"Most resale and thrift stores have their own standards for the quality and condition of items they accept.
A new consumer-protection law will require them to enforce standards for children's items they can't easily determine"
"Most resale and thrift stores have their own standards for the quality and condition of items they accept.
A new consumer-protection law will require them to enforce standards for children's items they can't easily determine"
Alinski's Rules: Must Reading In Obama Era
Alinski's Rules: Must Reading In Obama Era
"What was Saul Alinsky's model that Barack Obama used so successfully to defeat the Clinton machine plus the Republican Party in a dramatic one-two punch never before seen in politics?"
"What was Saul Alinsky's model that Barack Obama used so successfully to defeat the Clinton machine plus the Republican Party in a dramatic one-two punch never before seen in politics?"
Another one bites the dust
Official: Performance czar withdraws candidacy
"Nancy Killefer, who failed for a year and a half to pay employment taxes on household help, has withdrawn her candidacy to be the first chief performance officer for the federal government, the White House said Tuesday."
Does Barry Hussein know of ANYONE who isn't a cheat?
"Nancy Killefer, who failed for a year and a half to pay employment taxes on household help, has withdrawn her candidacy to be the first chief performance officer for the federal government, the White House said Tuesday."
Does Barry Hussein know of ANYONE who isn't a cheat?
Taxing drivers on miles driven could raise more for road repairs
Taxing drivers on miles driven could raise more for road repairs
"An estimated $3.4 billion is spent each year on the 121,000 miles of local, state and federal roads that cobweb across Michigan. Experts say Michigan ought to be spending $6 billion.
'We need to find another source of funding,' said Bill Shreck, director of communications with the state Department of Transportation."
Does anyone notice that every time an "expert" is quoted by any government flack and reported by their comrades in the liberal media, the expert ALWAYS says we (TAXPAYERS!) are not paying enough?
I suppose any "expert" that suggested the state has enough money wouldn't find to many jobs as an "expert".
And don't ya love the "we need to find another source of funding" synonym from the guys who spent all the money?
"An estimated $3.4 billion is spent each year on the 121,000 miles of local, state and federal roads that cobweb across Michigan. Experts say Michigan ought to be spending $6 billion.
'We need to find another source of funding,' said Bill Shreck, director of communications with the state Department of Transportation."
Does anyone notice that every time an "expert" is quoted by any government flack and reported by their comrades in the liberal media, the expert ALWAYS says we (TAXPAYERS!) are not paying enough?
I suppose any "expert" that suggested the state has enough money wouldn't find to many jobs as an "expert".
And don't ya love the "we need to find another source of funding" synonym from the guys who spent all the money?
Perilous State
"Taxpayers MAY get the tab"???????
Who the heck else is gonna pay for the teachers and state employees pensions???????
Gimme a break....
Pensions tax public's patience
Pensions tax public's patience
"The National Bureau of Economic Research revealed, 'the value of pension promises already made by U.S. state governments will grow to approximately $7.9 trillion in just 15 years.'"
This is money taken from "the rest of us" (that's you and me) and delivered to teachers, and state, county and local retirees.
"The National Bureau of Economic Research revealed, 'the value of pension promises already made by U.S. state governments will grow to approximately $7.9 trillion in just 15 years.'"
This is money taken from "the rest of us" (that's you and me) and delivered to teachers, and state, county and local retirees.
So they can retire at 48 years old with FULL benefits and pensions. And they go up every year! How nice ...... for them.
More for them.
Less for us.
More for them.
Less for us.
The power of their big unions bosses.
Isn't it time we contacted our state reps and county commissioners?
Isn't it time we contacted our state reps and county commissioners?
Monday, February 02, 2009
How Government Prolonged the Depression
How Government Prolonged the Depression
"the goal of the New Deal was to get Americans back to work. But the New Deal didn't restore employment. In fact, there was even less work on average during the New Deal than before FDR took office."
"the goal of the New Deal was to get Americans back to work. But the New Deal didn't restore employment. In fact, there was even less work on average during the New Deal than before FDR took office."
Marketing Solar Panels to Fifth-Graders
Marketing Solar Panels to Fifth-Graders
"Employees of the Sharp Electronics Corporation were at Joyce Kilmer Elementary School in Mahwah, N.J., recently to teach a lesson on climate change and renewable energy. The cartoon image of an ailing Earth — a thermometer sticking out of its mouth — was the opening slide in their presentation.
Climate change and energy are complex issues, so I was interested to observe how they would be distilled by the Japanese electronics giant — and one of the world’s largest makers of solar panels — to an audience of 10- and 11-year-olds. I recently sat in the back of a fifth-grade class and listened in.
Martha Harvey, an associate manager in Sharp’s strategic marketing division, started the class by asking, “Who knows what climate change is?” She called on a few raised hands and received guesses of “A change of weather?” and “A change of climate?” before offering her own answer:
“It turns out that the temperature of the Earth is actually rising,” she said."
It works for al Qaeda in their madrassas.
"Employees of the Sharp Electronics Corporation were at Joyce Kilmer Elementary School in Mahwah, N.J., recently to teach a lesson on climate change and renewable energy. The cartoon image of an ailing Earth — a thermometer sticking out of its mouth — was the opening slide in their presentation.
Climate change and energy are complex issues, so I was interested to observe how they would be distilled by the Japanese electronics giant — and one of the world’s largest makers of solar panels — to an audience of 10- and 11-year-olds. I recently sat in the back of a fifth-grade class and listened in.
Martha Harvey, an associate manager in Sharp’s strategic marketing division, started the class by asking, “Who knows what climate change is?” She called on a few raised hands and received guesses of “A change of weather?” and “A change of climate?” before offering her own answer:
“It turns out that the temperature of the Earth is actually rising,” she said."
It works for al Qaeda in their madrassas.
This pure propaganda in our own schools!
Imagine a coal, nuclear or oil company representative being allowed in a United States public school!
Disgusting!
Imagine a coal, nuclear or oil company representative being allowed in a United States public school!
Disgusting!
Marion Barry for Drug Czar
Best of the Web Today: Marion Barry for Drug Czar
By JAMES TARANTO
If a certain sort of conservative tends to be moralistic about sex, liberals tend to be moralistic about money. That makes Tom Daschle the equivalent of a televangelist caught in a sex scandal.
Daschle, now President Obama's nominee for secretary of health and human services, was first elected to Congress in 1978 as a Democrat from South Dakota. In 2004, in the final throes of the Bush majority, voters ousted him from the Senate.
Forced into the private sector, he returned to Aberdeen, S.D., and eked out a living growing wheat on the Daschle family farm. As if! Actually, he stayed in Washington, joined a lobbying firm--albeit as a 'special policy adviser,' since as a former senator he was prohibited by law from 'lobbying'--and raked in the bucks. The prairie populist became a plutocrat, as the Washington Post reports:
Without becoming a registered lobbyist, he made millions of dollars giving public speeches and private counsel to insurers, hospitals, realtors, farmers, energy firms and telecommunications companies with complex regulatory and legislative interests in Washington.
Daschle's expertise and insights, gleaned over 26 years in Congress, earned him more than $5 million over the past two years, including $220,000 from the health-care industry, and perks such as a chauffeured Cadillac, according to the documents.
We thought of a catchy term for people who claim to be tribunes of the poor while getting driven around by a chauffeur. We're going to call them 'limousine liberals.'
Anyway, there was one little 'glitch,' as the Washington Post calls it. Daschle, who in 1998 said, 'Make no mistake, tax cheaters cheat us all, and the IRS should enforce our laws to the letter' "
By JAMES TARANTO
If a certain sort of conservative tends to be moralistic about sex, liberals tend to be moralistic about money. That makes Tom Daschle the equivalent of a televangelist caught in a sex scandal.
Daschle, now President Obama's nominee for secretary of health and human services, was first elected to Congress in 1978 as a Democrat from South Dakota. In 2004, in the final throes of the Bush majority, voters ousted him from the Senate.
Forced into the private sector, he returned to Aberdeen, S.D., and eked out a living growing wheat on the Daschle family farm. As if! Actually, he stayed in Washington, joined a lobbying firm--albeit as a 'special policy adviser,' since as a former senator he was prohibited by law from 'lobbying'--and raked in the bucks. The prairie populist became a plutocrat, as the Washington Post reports:
Without becoming a registered lobbyist, he made millions of dollars giving public speeches and private counsel to insurers, hospitals, realtors, farmers, energy firms and telecommunications companies with complex regulatory and legislative interests in Washington.
Daschle's expertise and insights, gleaned over 26 years in Congress, earned him more than $5 million over the past two years, including $220,000 from the health-care industry, and perks such as a chauffeured Cadillac, according to the documents.
We thought of a catchy term for people who claim to be tribunes of the poor while getting driven around by a chauffeur. We're going to call them 'limousine liberals.'
Anyway, there was one little 'glitch,' as the Washington Post calls it. Daschle, who in 1998 said, 'Make no mistake, tax cheaters cheat us all, and the IRS should enforce our laws to the letter' "
"LET THEM EAT STEAK"
"LET THEM EAT STEAK"
"Is Barack Obama an insensitive lout who serves $100 per pound steaks to his elite guests and turns up the heat in the White House high enough to grow orchids while a million of his countrymen are without power and dozens are freezing to death? If not, why not?
Solely because that is not the story the media want to tell. Many on the web--but no one in the mainstream media--have commented on the fact that Obama has not even pretended to do anything about the massive ice storm that has disabled much of Kentucky and neighboring states. It took days for FEMA to swing into action. Why is that not a scandal?"
"Is Barack Obama an insensitive lout who serves $100 per pound steaks to his elite guests and turns up the heat in the White House high enough to grow orchids while a million of his countrymen are without power and dozens are freezing to death? If not, why not?
Solely because that is not the story the media want to tell. Many on the web--but no one in the mainstream media--have commented on the fact that Obama has not even pretended to do anything about the massive ice storm that has disabled much of Kentucky and neighboring states. It took days for FEMA to swing into action. Why is that not a scandal?"
Michigan crafts stimulus wish list
Michigan crafts stimulus wish list
"Michigan officials, like those in many states across the nation, are crafting a multibillion dollar wish list for road improvements and other projects in anticipation of an expected federal stimulus package."
So while we tighten our fiscal belts, the "leaders" of Michigan are searching for MORE ways to spend OUR money.
Disgusting!
And consistent....
"Michigan officials, like those in many states across the nation, are crafting a multibillion dollar wish list for road improvements and other projects in anticipation of an expected federal stimulus package."
So while we tighten our fiscal belts, the "leaders" of Michigan are searching for MORE ways to spend OUR money.
Disgusting!
And consistent....
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