Basketball fans beware: Sheriff's Department gets report of scam from Craigslist ticket sale

Basketball fans beware: Sheriff's Department gets report of scam from Craigslist ticket sale "A local fan complained to the sheriff's department Wednesday after he realized he was suckered out of $800 for four seats to Saturday night's NCAA Final Four game between Michigan State University and the University of Connecticut.
The man shared the news of his Craigslist purchase on a Spartan basketball fan Web site, only to find that another fan reported he bought the same seats for the same price......The address where the men sent their money is in a California town near the Mexican border and is likely a phony drop spot where scammers pick up the cash"

What's "Doh!" in Spanish?

Finding a Doctor Who Accepts Medicare Isn’t Easy

Finding a Doctor Who Accepts Medicare Isn’t Easy
"EARLY this year, Barbara Plumb, a freelance editor and writer in New York who is on Medicare, received a disturbing letter. Her gynecologist informed her that she was opting out of Medicare. When Ms. Plumb asked her primary-care doctor to recommend another gynecologist who took Medicare, the doctor responded that she didn’t know any — and that if Ms. Plumb found one she liked, could she call and tell her the name?
Many people, just as they become eligible for Medicare, discover that the insurance rug has been pulled out from under them. Some doctors — often internists but also gastroenterologists, gynecologists, psychiatrists and other specialists — are no longer accepting Medicare, either because they have opted out of the insurance system or they are not accepting new patients with Medicare coverage. The doctors’ reasons: reimbursement rates are too low and paperwork too much of a hassle."

This is reality in EVERY country that has adopted socialized medicine.

Why would ANYONE be surprised it's happening to us now?

President Barry has promised more to come!

Kent County commissioners say 2009, 2010 budget deficits will be larger than expected

Kent County commissioners say 2009, 2010 budget deficits will be larger than expected
"Kent County leaders say the economic storm has left them a larger-than-expected budget deficit for this year and next.
A projected $2 million gap for 2009 has been revised to more than $5 million, forcing officials to dig deeper into the county savings or make budget cuts. The fundamental problem is that county expenses are expected to dramatically outpace revenues beginning this year.
Forecasts now call for about $1 million less in property tax revenues because of the housing slump and less interest income on county investments...

So, a $1 million shortfall in property tax revenue results in a $5 million budget deficit and it's the fault of "the economic storm"?
No mention of out of control spending, waaay over market pay and compensation to county employees.

Simply "not our fault!"

gimme a break....

REASON TV: Introducing the DMV Automotive Repair Center. …

REASON TV: Introducing the DMV Automotive Repair Center. …

Michigan smoking ban backed by public - Michigan Political Report

Michigan smoking ban backed by public - Michigan Political Report: "An indoor workplace smoking ban in Michigan was supported by two-thirds of those questioned in a fresh survey of the issue sponsored by smoking opponents.http://www.epicmra.com/
Sixty six percent of those polled by the Lansing firm EPIC-MRA supported a blanket smoking ban that would include bars and restaurants with 52 percent 'strongly' in favor. Sixty four percent supporting banning smoking in the three commercial casinos in Detroit as well."

Cops Bust Stool Fool

Cops Bust Stool Fool
"In a law enforcement first, Ohio cops this month arrested a man for drunk driving on a motorized bar stool."

THIS IS AN OUTRAGE!

The Carmen's invite

And, no!

You are not invited.

Bummer...


President Obama now has promised an extended warrantee for our Cadillacs so why not for our omelets?

If we don't like our Carmen-cuisine we gotta a brotha in the White House who feels our indigestion and demands retribution!

Heck, we might even get Carmen's owner fired!

How cool would that be!

And why don't we, "the people" have any say in the Carmen's menu!


Coffee is nice but why do we have to wait for our coffee when we WANT OUR COFFEE NOW?

Isn't it time for our President Obama to bring the efficiency of our USPS to small towns in America!

http://muskegonpundit.blogspot.com/2009/03/us-postal-service-seeks-25-billion.html

Isn't it time to harness the efficiency those who administer our border fence to make our local dining emporiums.... more efficient!

Isn't it time that the promise of congressional oversight and expertise that so well served us mope American taxpayers during the S&L scandal and the recent world wide financial decomposition be expanded to Indian Toast and poached eggs!

How lucky we are to have our betters making those tough decision for us mere taxpayers!

See ya Thursday!

Lansing to reimburse $550K in parking overcharges

Lansing to reimburse $550K in parking overcharges
"Lansing plans to reimburse drivers up to $550,000 for overcharged parking fines and monthly parking permits, dating back to 2006 in some cases.
The city said it has identified more than 112,000 cases where parking fines were overcharged since July 1, 2006. Three quarters of the fines were issued for a single parking violation. Drivers were overcharged by $2 or $5. It was not immediately clear how or why drivers were overcharged.


Great news reporting!
No one knows what happened!
No one asked!
No worries cuz Jenny is gonna send us $550,000!

It don't get better than this!

I can't wait til they take over Toyota of America......

Longtime county official retires

Longtime county official retires
"But he doesn't plan on staying that way long. He's searching for his next opportunity to serve the community.
Elwell, 60, has completed a stint as Muskegon County's interim administrator. He will remain at the county building this week to help his replacement get acquainted with employees and the issues.
Wisconsin's Bonnie Hammersley becomes the county's first female top administrator on Monday.
Elwell, the county's former director of mental health, retired in 2007. A year later, county commissioners tapped him to serve as interim administrator.

Is there a possible triple-dip on our state pension system about to happen?

Longtime Montague Principal Gary Beaudoin retiring

Longtime Montague Principal Gary Beaudoin retiring
"After retiring last summer but continuing to serve as Montague's middle school principal this year, Gary Beaudoin will end his 22-year tenure with the district in late June.
The Montague school board approved his retirement last July and reaccepted it at a meeting this week. Beaudoin, an educator for 37 years, started in June 1987 as principal of Nellie B. Chisholm Middle School.
Beaudoin worked this year on a one-year contract through a private educational consulting business owned by Beaudoin and his wife, Jane. The couple is now ready to 'change the pace of life a little' and are moving to East Lansing to be closer to family, he said.
'It's been a wonderful ride,' he said. 'It's been a wonderful place to work, and I will miss the kids, but I'm looking forward to the change.'
The contract with Key Points Consulting paid Beaudoin $79,050, similar to his annual salary, this year. The arrangement was designed to provide a financial savings to the district and allow Beaudoin to reduce his workload and draw from his retirement while continuing to work.
Superintendent Dave Sipka has said the change would save the district about $36,000 in money it would have spent on health insurance benefits, FICA and annual retirement contributions."

This is disgusting!
The Montague fools paid him full time wages for part-time work!
So, if they need a part timer, why EVER pay $115,050 for a middle school principal, plus our state funded mega retirement?

Michigan auto insurance rates going up

Michigan auto insurance rates going up
"Michigan motorists will pay $20 more per vehicle for unlimited medical coverage in their auto policies, $104.58 to $124.89 effective July 1, the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association decided Monday."

I thought Obambi promised tax cuts for ALL Americans!

Michigan smoking ban backed by public

Michigan smoking ban backed by public
"Posted by generalsn on 03/30/09 at 7:10PM
After over a year of experience here in Chicago, now that the fanfare has worn off and the lobbyists have moved on to other states, it's clearly obvious that trying to ban smoking in small neighborhood 'shot and beer' bars is pretty useless. Many small bars in my area ignore the ban to keep their customers, neighbors, and local police (many are patrons when off duty) satisfied. In areas where real crime is an issue, the problem of undesirables being attracted by groups of people outside the bars and causing disturbances on the PUBLIC street, property that the owner has no control over, far outweighs the issue of people peacefully smoking inside a bar, bothering absolutly no one, All of the complaints are from neighbors of bars that comply. It's fading into history in many small neighborhood bars. The only places it becomes an issue seems to be in rural areas where local police have little to do except visit local bars and monitor their parking lots."

Interesting!
Another law that will be used to selectively exert power over the opposition.

Tonight 7:00 PM!

View a Live Simulcast at 7 p.m. of Economist David Littmann at MSU
“Littmannomics: Crisis and the Road to Recovery”

To view and listen, click:http://www.michiganliveevents.com/MPPI-3.html

DATE: Tuesday, March 31, 2009
TIME: 7 p.m.
LOCATION: Wonders Hall, Room C100Michigan State University

Live Webcast Q&A Session to Follow

Mackinac Center Senior Economist David Littmann will explain how the economy reached such a low point and will highlight what Michigan and the nation must do to regain a stable footing. He will also discuss how the natural forces of recovery are working overtime and will right the economy if permitted. The interference of policymakers in the market is delaying the recovery, which Littmann fears may lead to a depression. He points to Michigan’s economy as proof of what happens when government intervention is unchecked.
The event is sponsored by the Mackinac Center’s Students for a Free Economy and the MSU chapter of Young Americans for Liberty. It is open to the public and free of charge.

Two Wheels on my Wagoner - Mark Steyn - The Corner on National Review Online

Two Wheels on my Wagoner - Mark Steyn - The Corner on National Review Online: "Two Wheels on my Wagoner [Mark Steyn]

Incidentally, the government 'overhaul' of GM is a useful shorthand for where we're heading:
The first quid pro quo for the government giving you money (or 'investing', as President Obama and David Brooks say) is that it gets to regulate your behavior. Not just who sits on your board or (see Sarkozy last week) where your factory has to be. When the government 'pays' for your health care, it reserves the right to deny (as in parts of Britain) heart disease treatment for smokers or hip replacement for the obese. Why be surprised? When the state's 'paying' for your health, your lifestyle directly impacts its 'investment.'
The next stage is that, having gotten you used to having your behavior regulated, the state advances to approving not just what you do but what you're allowed to read, see, hear, think: See the 'Canadian Content' regulations up north, and the enforcers of the 'human rights' commissions. Or Britain's recent criminalization of 'homophobic jokes.'
You'd be surprised how painlessly and smoothly once-free peoples slip from government 'investing' to government control.
03/30 09:41 AMShare"

Officer, dog square off against Modesto mob of 60

Officer, dog square off against Modesto mob of 60
"Some members of the crowd told the officer that 'he was not going to leave the scene alive,' according to police.
The crowd of as many as 60 people included some known gang members, Findlen said. Police believe the group was gathered for a party in the 1700 block of Pelton Avenue. The officer happened upon the group when he was responding to another call in the area."

Is our entire country going to descend back to the days of Mayor Dinkins' NYC?

Spartan Pep Rally!

Umm, warm Spartan blog-happy!

U.S. Postal Service seeks $25 billion federal bailout

U.S. Postal Service seeks $25 billion federal bailout
"The U.S. Postal Service — known in the tech world as “snail mail” — is in the midst of a financial meltdown of its own."

Wow! I can't wait for these wizards to work their magic on our financial and auto industries!

Whither GM?

Whither GM?
"The more I read about these plans, the more I wonder what the end game is supposed to be. The administration is acting serious: firing Wagoner, and threatening to cut off funds if Chrysler doesn't make a deal with Fiat. Then you read the report, and the government's statements seem . . . kinda silly."

Editorial: Pensions add to Detroit budget problems

Editorial: Pensions add to Detroit budget problems
"City and pension fund officials aren't saying with any precision the amount of the damage the market's current decline has wrought on the investment assets of the city's pension funds.
But they acknowledge it is serious. And it will put added pressure on the next few city budgets."

Why should teachers be a protected class?

Why should teachers be a protected class?
"Their unions are whipping up hysteria about possible layoffs, but they don't seem to care about getting rid of bad educators."

Reading Eagle Newspaper

Reading Eagle Newspaper: "Birdnapper snatches Gordon the skateboarding parrot from his front-porch cage in California"

Senate reviewing how college football picks No. 1

Senate reviewing how college football picks No. 1
"Behind the push for the hearings is the subcommittee's top Republican, Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah. People there were furious that Utah was bypassed for the national championship despite going undefeated in the regular season.
The title game pitted No. 1 Florida (12-1) against No. 2 Oklahoma (12-1); Florida won 24-14 and claimed the title.
The subcommittee's statement said Hatch would introduce legislation 'to rectify this situation.' No details were offered and Hatch's office declined to provide any.
Hatch said in a statement that the BCS system 'has proven itself to be inadequate, not only for those of us who are fans of college football, but for anyone who believes that competition and fair play should have a role in collegiate sports.'
In the House, Rep. Joe Barton of Texas, the top Republican on the Energy and Commerce Committee, has sponsored legislation that would prevent the NCAA from calling a football game a 'national championship' unless the game culminates from a playoff system."

Hoekstra to announce Monday!

West Michigan News
"U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra is expected to make an announcement Monday in three locations across Michigan concerning his possible candidacy for governor"

This early announcement and apparent organization bodes well for Pete's campaign.
Let's see how the campaign communicates with the SE counties of Michigan.

Angry workers take boss hostage

Angry workers take boss hostage
"Angry French workers were on Wednesday holding the boss of their factory hostage to try to make their US employers improve their redundancy package,"

The French version of "card check"?

Bush Deficit vs. Obama Deficit in Pictures » The Foundry

Bush Deficit vs. Obama Deficit in Pictures » The Foundry

Dodd's Wife a Former Director of Bermuda-Based IPC Holdings, an AIG Controlled Company

Dodd's Wife a Former Director of Bermuda-Based IPC Holdings, an AIG Controlled Company
"But it turns out that Senator Dodd's wife has also benefited from past connections to AIG as well.
From 2001-2004, Jackie Clegg Dodd served as an 'outside' director of IPC Holdings, Ltd., a Bermuda-based company controlled by AIG."

1 dead, one injured in Miami Burger King shooting

1 dead, one injured in Miami Burger King shooting
"Police said a man wearing a ski mask walked into the store at Biscayne Boulevard and 54th Street and demanded money from a clerk.
A customer, who has a concealed weapons permit, pulled a gun, said Officer Jeff Giordano, a Miami police spokesman.
The customer and robber exchanged fire.
The robber was shot dead at the scene."

YES!

Romania Weighs Decriminalizing Incest - CBS News

Romania Weighs Decriminalizing Incest
"incest is not always a crime in Europe.
Three European Union nations - France, Spain and Portugal - do not prosecute consenting adults for incest, and Romania is considering following suit."

Those sophisticated Euros!

Granholm not apologizing for Palin joke

Granholm not apologizing for Palin joke
"Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm said she won't apologize to Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin for her crack at last weekend's Gridiron Dinner that the former Republican vice presidential candidate 'really set back the cause of hot governors.'"

What a classless fool Gov. Lumpy (Clinton-Obama) Granholm is!

Ann Arbor News to close in July

Ann Arbor News to close in July
"The Ann Arbor News will close in July and be replaced by a new online-only news organization, according the newspaper’s Web site.
Laurel Champion, publisher of the News told employees this morning at a 9 a.m. meeting the newspaper had “steep losses” in 2008.

Also today, three more Michigan newspapers announced they will cut production to three days a week.
The Bay City Times, Saginaw News and Flint Journal will soon only publish print editions on Thursday, Friday and Sunday.
All the newspapers are part of the Booth newspaper chain in Michigan that also comprises the Grand Rapids Press, Muskegon Chronicle, Kalamazoo Gazette and Jackson Citizen Patriot. "

It seems the people have spoken.
"Ye cannot live on liberals alone"

Chicago Way extension runs right through D.C.

Chicago Way extension runs right through D.C.

Dan Dakich's two hours of fame have lasted 25 years

Dan Dakich's two hours of fame have lasted 25 years
"'I remember it like it was yesterday, and I'm standing there and I can't figure out why I'm there,' Dakich said.
'I know why Alford is there because he scored 27.
I know why coach Knight is there.
Then all of a sudden Billy Packer says, 'So Dan, how did you stop Michael Jordan?'"

Nice bit of history for this super weekend.

Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag - Watch the full feature film now.

Hulu - Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag - Watch the full feature film now.

This is fabulous!
Grab the family.
Watch the entire movie. (it's 48 minutes long)
You'll feel prouder to be an American!

Educating Michelle

Educating Michelle
"Thousands of crosses sprout from the rolling green hills above the beaches and disappear into the horizon. Beneath the sea of white markers lay the thousands of American men who charged head on that day into a nightmare of flying German lead. It's hard to describe the effect all of this has on an American tourist: a quickening breath, a weak and unsteady stride, a certain flush of grief, and then the tears."

Doctor: Lack of medical helicopter cost actress

Doctor: Lack of medical helicopter cost actress
"As a steady stream of celebrities pay their last respects to Natasha Richardson, questions are arising over whether a medical helicopter might have been able to save the ailing actress.
The province of Quebec lacks a medical helicopter system, common in the United States and other parts of Canada, to airlift stricken patients to major trauma centers. Montreal's top head trauma doctor said Friday that may have played a role in Richardson's death."

CARPE DIEM: CEOs: Best and Worst States to Do Business

CARPE DIEM: CEOs: Best and Worst States to Do Business
"Texas, North Carolina, Florida Top List as Best States;
California, New York, Michigan Are the Worst"

And our union-owned democrooks in Michigan are gonna keep it that way!

One CEO said, “Michigan and California literally need to do a 180 if they are ever to become competitive again. California has huge advantages with its size, quality of work force, particularly in high tech, as well as the quality of life and climate advantages of the state. However, it is an absolute regulatory and tax disaster, as is Michigan.”

MP: What do the top 9 states (TX, NC, FL, GA, TN, NV, VA, AZ and SC) have in common? What do the bottom 7 states (CA, NY, MI, NJ, MA, IL, and OH) have in common?
Check map here to find out.
http://www.nrtw.org/rtws.htm"

CARPE DIEM: Wal-Mart's $400m Eyewear/Contact Lense Stimulus

CARPE DIEM: Wal-Mart's $400m Eyewear/Contact Lense Stimulus: "Additionally, Walmart has lowered its prices on glasses and frames for children and teenagers to make quality eyewear more affordable for families across the nation."

CARPE DIEM: Wal-Mart's $2 Billion Bonus Stimulus

CARPE DIEM: Wal-Mart's $2 Billion Bonus Stimulus

CARD CHECK: THE POSTER

CARD CHECK: THE POSTER

OUR WAR ON SMALL BUSINESS

OUR WAR ON SMALL BUSINESS

The Futility of Hybrid Cars

The Futility of Hybrid Cars
"What about plug-in hybrid vehicles? When he was running for president, Obama pledged to put 1 million of the vehicles on the road by 2015. Aside from the question of how popular they’ll be with a projected retail price of $40,000 (as compared to $23,000 for a conventional vehicle), will they actually reduce carbon emissions? Only if the power plants they get electricity from produce little if any carbon. But since most U.S. electricity production is not carbon-free, the CRS observes that the “widespread adoption of plug-in hybrid vehicles through 2030 may have only a small effect on, and might actually increase, net CO2 emissions.”"

$1 trillion deficits estimated for each of next 10 years

$1 trillion deficits estimated for each of next 10 years
"President Obama's budget would generate unsustainably large deficits averaging almost $1 trillion a year over the next decade, according to new estimates released Friday.
The new Congressional Budget Office figures predict Obama's budget will produce $9.3 trillion worth of red ink over 2010-2019. That's $2.3 trillion worse than the administration predicted in its budget just last month.
Worst of all, CBO says the deficit under Obama's policies would never go below 4% of the size of the economy, figures that economists agree are unsustainable. By the end of the decade, the deficit would exceed 5% of gross domestic product, a dangerously high level.
The latest figures throw a major monkey wrench into efforts to enact Obama's budget, which promises universal health care for all and higher spending for domestic programs like education and research into renewable energy.
The dismal deficit figures, if they prove to be accurate, inevitably raise the prospect that Obama and his allies controlling Congress would have to consider raising taxes after the recession ends or else pare back his agenda."

Where Do We Get Such Men?

Where Do We Get Such Men?
"Dr. Bill Krissoff was commissioned Lieutenant Commander in the Navy Medical Corps on November 17, 2007, at the age of 61. His decision to apply to the Navy Medical Corps to care for Marines came in response to the death of his oldest son. In December 2006, his son First Lieutenant Nathan Krissoff, USMC, who was serving as a Counterintelligence Officer with the 3rd Recon Battalion in Iraq, was killed in combat. Inspired by his son’s commitment and dedication to serving his country, Dr. Krissoff decided to apply himself."

Gordon Brown is frustrated by 'Psycho' in No 10

Gordon Brown is frustrated by 'Psycho' in No 10
"Alas, when the PM settled down to begin watching them the other night, he found there was a problem.
The films only worked in DVD players made in North America and the words 'wrong region' came up on his screen."

Gun sales UP UP UP!

Gun Sales UP UP UP UP!
"And the timing does seem to be more closely linked to the election than to the economic downturn more broadly"

Roll Call 143 on H R 1586 - GOP.gov

Roll Call 143 on H R 1586 - GOP.gov:
H R 1586 (Roll # 143)To Impose An Additional Tax On Bonuses Received From Certain Tarp Recipients.

Ayes:
"Hoekstra (R, MI-02)"

shit!

What's up with Hoekstra?

Governoritus?

and Eilers?

Ehlers (R, MI-03)

Why Obama’s Teleprompter Gaffe Tape Matters

Why Obama’s Teleprompter Gaffe Tape Matters
"John McCain time and time again repudiated Republicans who went after Obama in the way the Democrats went after him. McCain lost. The only chance for a GOP comeback is to fight as nastily as the Democrats have fought and nastier if possible."

Naked Short Sales Hint Fraud in Bringing Down Lehman

Naked Short Sales Hint Fraud in Bringing Down Lehman
"This isn’t a trail of breadcrumbs; this audit trail is lit up like an airport runway,” he said. “You can see it a mile off. Subpoena e-mails. Find out who spread false rumors and also shorted the stock and you’ve got your manipulators.”"

Wilson Williams and his Platters coming to Frauenthal

Wilson Williams and his Platters coming to Frauenthal
"It seemed everyone wanted to be one of The Platters, during the doo-wop music group's 1950s heyday.
Today, many people are.
Wilson Williams and his Platters will perform Saturday at the Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts. The Platters group performing this weekend is not the original group and does not have any original members in its line-up, said Bob Scolnik, president of Mona Lake Productions, the company promoting the Muskegon concert."

US Rep Proposes Bill To Use Pension Assets For Banking System

US Rep Proposes Bill To Use Pension Assets For Banking System: "A ranking member of the House Financial Services Committee has proposed legislation that would allow public pension funds to buy preferred stock from ailing U.S. banks, prompting apprehension from public pension plan trustees.
The legislation introduced by Rep. Gary Ackerman, D-N.Y., offers public pension funds a guaranteed rate of return in exchange for buying the preferred stock, or for loaning the government their money to loosen the credit freeze."

Harvard Chaplain Oversees Godless 'Congregations' for Humanists

Harvard Chaplain Oversees Godless 'Congregations' for Humanists
"Definitions of humanism vary. Generally, humanists reject belief in the supernatural and are guided by reason, experience and compassion for others. Epstein defines the philosophy as a commitment to living ethical, personally fulfilling lives while serving the greater good."

Isn't this "atheism" and hasn't it been tried, and failed, in communist and NAZI countries before?

And doesn't the "compassion for others" result in the "compassionate" stealing from "others" to give to their "special others"?

BONUSES FOR Fannie Mae execs? “Fannie Mae is planning to pay retention bonuses of as much as $611,0…

BONUSES FOR Fannie Mae execs? “Fannie Mae is planning to pay retention bonuses of as much as $611,0…

AIG links

http://moelane.com/2009/03/18/so-why-did-you-vote-for-the-aig-payoffs-rep-kanjorski-d-in-11/

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=7110145&page=1

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Analysis-White-House-Dems-apf-14677357.html

Snarky Huntress: Go away sun, I want the Summer.

Snarky Huntress: Go away sun, I want the Summer
"How can it be that summer is when the sun is the farthest away from us?"

I never knew this!

NATASHA LEFT BRAIN DEAD

NATASHA LEFT BRAIN DEAD
"Richardson, 45, was injured after what seemed to be a minor fall on a 'bunny' slope during a skiing lesson near Montreal on Monday."

Do NOT get injured or sick in "free health care" Canada.

You, or someone you love will die!

Bankruptcy on the Table

Bankruptcy on the Table
"Vallejo, California declared Chapter 9 bankruptcy last year primarily to get out of generous obligations promised to public employees. Yesterday they did. A judge ruled that union contracts can be voided in a municipal bankruptcy.
Also yesterday, the New Jersey legislature allowed localities to skip out on making half of their required pension payments that would otherwise be due April 1"

Teacher Pension problems

Teacher Pension problems
"Ever since she stopped teaching in 2001 after 37 years in Collinsville classrooms, Ann Moss has received a steady stream of pension money to support her retirement years.

But with a recession gaining steam and a state budget shortfall surging past $9 billion, Moss, 62, of Collinsville, is thinking about what will happen if the payments from Springfield somehow slow down - and the fate of future teachers if the investments dissolve even more.

'If everything tanks, everybody's going down with you,' she said recently."

Britain apologises for 'Third World' hospital

Britain apologises for 'Third World' hospital
"Receptionists with no medical training were left to to assess patients arriving at the hospital's accident and emergency department, the report found."

Pelosi goes to bat to keep Bay Area papers alive

Pelosi goes to bat to keep Bay Area papers alive: "House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, worried about the fate of The Chronicle and other financially struggling newspapers, urged the Justice Department Monday to consider giving Bay Area papers more leeway to merge or consolidate business operations to stay afloat."

What does the Justice dept. have to do with private businesses?

GRAPH: Pensions as a Percentage of Total State Economies (gif)

The American Legion Strongly Opposed to President's Plan to Charge Wounded Heroes for Treatment

The American Legion Strongly Opposed to President's Plan to Charge Wounded Heroes for Treatment

Car Lust: Ford Fiesta

Car Lust: Ford Fiesta

I loved my Fiesta!

My friend, Cheater, killed it in it's youth.....

Thomas Friedman’s World Is Flat Broke: Peter Newcomb | Vanity Fair

Thomas Friedman’s World Is Flat Broke: Peter Newcomb Vanity Fair: "That’s because the author’s wife, Ann (née Bucksbaum), is an heir to the General Growth fortune. In the past year, the couple—who live in an 11,400-square-foot mansion in Bethesda, Maryland—have watched helplessly as General Growth stock has fallen 99 percent, from a high of $51 to a recent 35 cents a share. The assorted Bucksbaum family trusts, once worth a combined $3.6 billion, are now worth less than $25 million.
But don’t expect Friedman to go from Beirut to Jerusalem begging for money. The distinguished columnist (and former New Establishment member) is still said to get at least $50,000 per speaking engagement on top of the millions he makes writing best-sellers."

RON SILVER DIES - New York Post

RON SILVER DIES - New York Post

Fruitland Township to discuss 2009-10 budget

Fruitland Township to discuss 2009-10 budget
"Fruitland Township residents are encouraged to attend Monday's regular township meeting to hear more about the budget for fiscal year 2009-10.
'Come help us spend your money,' said township Supervisor Sam St. Amour. 'We're trying to make our government more open.'
The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the township hall, 4545 Nestrom Road.
A public hearing on the budget will be at 7 p.m. March 30, followed by an adoption hearing at 4 p.m. March 31."

Attend or shut up and pay.

Obama's energy policy will increase dependence on foreign oil

Obama's energy policy will increase dependence on foreign oil: "According to the latest data from the Renewable Fuels Association, ethanol production is currently averaging 0.60 million barrels per day. At the subsidy of 51¢ per gallon, this amount of ethanol production costs taxpayers over $4 Billion in 2008.


The ethanol future looks much worse. The “Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007” required maximum ethanol production of 2.35 million barrels per day by 2022. But, this amount of ethanol production will require the entire corn crop in the US, every kernel of corn."

Sears Tower to become Willis Tower

Sears Tower to become Willis Tower
"The Sears Tower, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, will soon become the Willis Tower.

Come this summer, Chicago's iconic landmark known around the world is getting a new moniker: Willis Tower."

LIFE EXPECTANCY CALCULATOR

http://www.sonnyradio.com/realage3.swf


LIFE EXPECTANCY CALCULATOR

Newsweek Partners with Money-Losing Liberal Radio Network Air America

Newsweek Partners with Money-Losing Liberal Radio Network Air America

Mark Steyn: Welcome, kids, to the Brokest Generation

Welcome, kids, to the Brokest Generation
"General Motors has 96,000 employees but provides health benefits to over a million people. They can never sell enough cars to make that math add up. In fact, selling cars doesn't help, as they lose money on each model. GM is a welfare project masquerading as economic activity. And, after the Obama transformation, America will be, too. The young need to recognize that this is their fight. They need to stop chanting along with the hopeychangey dirges and do something more effective, like form the anti-AARP: The association of Americans who'll never be able to retire."

Gov. Illinois 50% Income Tax Hike Is Needed To Fight Deficit

Gov. Pat Quinn Says Illinois Income Tax Hike Is Needed To Fight Deficit
"Gov. Pat Quinn confirmed Friday that he plans to raise taxes on some Illinois residents to combat deficits in a difficult state budget, and called for broader tax reform.
Quinn said Friday that he plans to hike taxes for families that make more than $56,000 a year"

hmmm, no mention of cutting teacher or state government union member pay, benefits or retirement.

We, in the other America, must tighten our belts so union members can loosen theirs.

TYPICAL: “A New York Times editorial blames America’s gun lobby for 11 deaths in Alabama — but …

TYPICAL: “A New York Times editorial blames America’s gun lobby for 11 deaths in Alabama — but …
"TYPICAL: “A New York Times editorial blames America’s gun lobby for 11 deaths in Alabama — but ignores 16 deaths in ‘gun free’ Germany on the same day.” The honesty we’ve come to expect on these issues."

Snarky Huntress: It's Tough Out There for All of Us..Even the Birds.

It's Tough Out There for All of Us..Even the Birds.
"March is the most difficult month of the year for birds to find adequate food to survive winter in most of North America. That’s because the supplies of natural food....last year’s seeds, fruits, berries and insect eggs and larvae...are at their lowest levels after months of birds feeding on them."

Bad economy kills Shoreline Spectacular

Bad economy kills Shoreline Spectacular
"Dwindling beer sales at last year's festival and a shortage of business sponsors have left the festival without enough cash"

Killing the "Golden goose"?

We're still waiting for the "university study" that proves no correlation between beer prices and beer sales.

Is the White House “Going Galt” on Us?

Is the White House “Going Galt” on Us?

Shocking Video Unearthed Democrats in their own words Covering up the Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Scam that caused our Economic Cri

Top Democrat to propose climate welfare

Top Democrat to propose climate welfare
"Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA), a senior member of the House Ways & Means Committee and chairman of the subcommittee on income security, is drafting climate change legislation that aims to ensure low-income households are not adversely affected by the higher costs for energy and consumer goods that will accompany federal restrictions on greenhouse gases."

You had to know this was coming.

Sales of guns, ammo still high

Sales of guns, ammo still high
"Related Story: Liberals told to leave: An instructor for a hunter safety course orders Obama voters to get out of his class."

Heh, heh, heh.....

Obama Signs Law Banning Federal Embryo Research Two Days After Signing Executive Order to OK It

Obama Signs Law Banning Federal Embryo Research Two Days After Signing Executive Order to OK It
"On Wednesday, only two days after he lifted President Bush’s executive order banning federal funding of stem cell research that requires the destruction of human embryos, President Barack Obama signed a law that explicilty bans federal funding of any 'research in which a human embryo or embryos are destroyed, discarded, or knowingly subjected to risk of injury or death.'"

How long does this idiotic, inept administration continue before a complete meltdown?

Obama's Poll Numbers Are Falling to Earth

Obama's Poll Numbers Are Falling to Earth
"Polling data show that Mr. Obama's approval rating is dropping and is below where George W. Bush was in an analogous period in 2001."

The Futility of Hybrid Cars - Opinion

The Futility of Hybrid Cars - Opinion

Speach nazis on campus...again!

Lucianne.com News Forum - Thread

"Spokane Falls Community College student Beth Sheeran and several fellow Christian students wanted to put up an anti-abortion display and distribute fliers on campus in January to mark the 36th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. But school administrators turned them down, apparently saying such an event would be offensive and discriminatory and that they would need to include opposing viewpoints."

Solar arrays in Sahara could power all Europe

Solar arrays in Sahara could power all Europe
"ALL of Europe's energy needs could be supplied by building an array of solar panels in the Sahara desert, a climate change conference has been told.
Technological advances combined with falling costs have made it realistic to consider North Africa as Europe's main source of imported energy. By harnessing the power of the sun, possibly in tandem with wind farms along the North African coastline, Europe could easily meet its 2020 target of generating at least 20 per cent of its energy from renewable sources.
'It (North Africa) could supply Europe with all the energy it needs,' Anthony Patt, of the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, in Austria, told scientists. 'The sun is very strong there and it is very reliable.
'There is a growing number of cost estimates of both wind and concentrated solar power for North Africa that start to compare favourably with alternative technologies.'
Dr Patt said only a fraction of the Sahara, probably the size of a small country, needed to be covered to extract enough energy to supply the whole of Europe. Solar power uses mirrors to focus the sun's rays at a thin pipe containing either water or salt. The rays boil the water or turn the salt molten and the energy is extracted by using the heat to power turbines.
Trials of concentrated solar power are being planned for Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and Dubai. Libya and Tunisia could also be considered.
Receiving energy from North Africa would, the conference heard, reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The constant source of energy would also mean Europe relied less on Russia and the Middle East for fuel."

Move the energy czars from the Arabian peninsula to the Sahara?

Put these Toytown Talibandits on the first flight home

Put these Toytown Talibandits on the first flight home

"You couldn't make it up.

One of the Muslim headbangers screeching hatred at British troops this week turns out to be employed as a baggage handler at Luton Airport.
So let's get this straight: a fanatical supporter of a global jihadist movement best known for blowing up planes and crashing them into buildings is considered a fit and proper person to be given an air-side pass, which could potentially afford him the chance to plant a bomb?

Jalal Ahmed's job involves loading bags onto aircraft. I'm sure you find that reassuring as you plan your next sunshine break."

Nobel-prize winner backs world currency | The Australian

Nobel-prize winner backs world currency
KAZAKH President Nursultan Nazarbayev has won backing for his plan for a single world currency from an intellectual architect of the euro currency, Nobel-prize winner Professor Robert Mundell."

After attacks, Europe hurries to tighten gun laws

After attacks, Europe hurries to tighten gun laws

The High Cost Of Subsidizing Bad Decisions

The High Cost Of Subsidizing Bad Decisions
"Since the average American never took out a mortgage loan as big as seven hundred grand — for the very good reason that he could not afford it — why should he be forced as a taxpayer to subsidize someone else who apparently couldn't afford it either but who got in over his head anyway?
Why should taxpayers who live in apartments, perhaps because they did not feel that they could afford to buy a house, be forced to subsidize other people who could not afford to buy a house but who went ahead and bought one anyway?...........
The one person toward whom there is no compassion is the taxpayer."

Big Ten Tourney Brackets

Big Ten Basketball Tourney

The American Form of Government

Twitter in plain english. (Video)

Twitter in plain english. (Video)

Barack Obama 'too tired' to give proper welcome to Gordon Brown

Barack Obama 'too tired' to give proper welcome to Gordon Brown
"Sources close to the White House say Mr Obama and his staff have been 'overwhelmed' by the economic meltdown and have voiced concerns that the new president is not getting enough rest.
British officials, meanwhile, admit that the White House and US State Department staff were utterly bemused by complaints that the Prime Minister should have been granted full-blown press conference and a formal dinner, as has been customary. They concede that Obama aides seemed unfamiliar with the expectations that surround a major visit by a British prime minister"

The Brits are reporting Obama's meltdown.

The adoring US media still has its hands over its ears.

Shocking Video Unearthed Obama Hypocrisy On Iraq Success

Interesting Video On Fannie Mae And Freddie Mac

Interesting Video On Fannie Mae And Freddie Mac: "This is a video from 2004 where Democrats seem to oppose and Republicans seem to favor stricter review and regulation of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. This is not to say that the Democrats did not favor stricter review or that the Republicans are innocent from blame and I do blame both sides for the mess.
But for those who try to paint the other picture, the Democrats being those who fought for regulation against the GOP, it does change things a bit.
It’s all in their own words, so watch it for yourself"

Charlie Sykes

Charlie Sykes: "They said if I voted Republican, we'd continue to be an international embarassment. They were right."

Retired Wis. workers' pension cut amount released

Retired Wis. workers' pension cut amount released
"Retired Wisconsin state workers knew their pension checks were going to take a cut, and now they know exactly how much.
The Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds said Friday that pension funds will be cut 2.1 percent for retirees in the state's 'core' fund. Those investing in the optional 'variable' fund will see a 42 percent decrease."

Activists Want to Redistribute Philanthropic Wealth Based on Racial Quotas

Activists Want to Redistribute Philanthropic Wealth Based on Racial Quotas
"Its real aim is to push philanthropic organizations into ignoring donor intent and instead giving grants based on political considerations.
The committee is part of a rising tide of politicians and activists who are working to change the face of American philanthropy -- and not for the better."

I thought ALL our "race problems" were gonna go away with the coronation of our Great Leader.

Russian media teases Clinton over 'reset' button

Russian media teases Clinton over 'reset' button
"Russian media has been poking fun at US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton after she gave her Russian counterpart a 'reset' button with an ironic misspelling.
Clinton's gift to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at their meeting in Geneva on Friday evening was meant to underscore the Obama administration's readiness to 'to press the reset button' in ties with Moscow.
But instead of the Russian word for 'reset' (perezagruzka) it featured a slightly different word meaning 'overload' or 'overcharged' (peregruzka)."

Thank God that hilary isn't as STUPEDed as Sarah Palin....

The Harbor Theater

The Harbor Theater
"WE WILL ACCEPT YOUR MUSKEGON MONEY FOR ADMISSION"

Also, THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW encore is this Saturday Night at 10:15 PM.

Participation kits will be sold, so please do not bring your own from home. Hot dogs, squirt guns and lighters will not be tolerated, but feel free to throw rice, toast, paper plates, cards, confetti and everything else included in your kit!
Have a great weekend!

Good for the Harbor!
I wonder how much it will cost them in "Muskegon Madoff Dollars".

A pedometer without the weight

A pedometer without the weight - Cool Sites from The Kim Komando
"I’m a lover of techie gadgets. So you probably think I use some sort of high-tech pedometer, right? Wrong! I like to exercise without all the extra weight.
I still keep track of my distances, though. I use the Gmaps Pedometer. It is simpler and less cumbersome than a physical pedometer."

Did Obama Cause The Stock Slide?

BUSINESS WEEK: Did Obama Cause The Stock Slide?

"UPDATE: A reader emails: “From Election Day 2000 to Election Day 2008, the S&P 500 fell 29.8%. From Election Day 2008 til this afternoon, it’s down 33.3%.”
"Ouch."