Monday, October 19, 2009

In Hawaii, school's out for recession

In Hawaii, school's out for recession
"At a time when President Barack Obama is pushing for more time in the classroom, his home state has created the nation's shortest school year under a new union contract that closes schools on most Fridays for the remainder of the academic calendar.
The deal whacks 17 days from the school year for budget-cutting reasons and has education advocates incensed that Hawaii is drastically cutting the academic calendar at a time when it already ranks near the bottom in national educational achievement."

Michigan limits mercury from coal-fired plants

Michigan limits mercury from coal-fired plants
"Michigan's coal-fired power plants will be required to make drastic cuts in mercury emissions under regulations announced Monday.
The rules developed by the Department of Environmental Quality are designed to implement a policy Gov. Jennifer Granholm announced three years ago to slash the generators' mercury output 90 percent by 2015.
Coal-fired plants produce 60 percent of Michigan's electricity."

Imagine you're a company CEO thinking of expanding in Michigan ...... or moving out....

Times Says It Will Cut 100 Newsroom Jobs

Times Says It Will Cut 100 Newsroom Jobs
"The New York Times plans to eliminate 100 newsroom jobs — about 8 percent of the total — by year’s end, offering buyouts to union and non-union employees, and resorting to layoffs if it cannot get enough people to leave voluntarily, the paper announced on Monday"

Who would not cheer the soon demise of Pravda on the East River.
Take those few niblets of hope while the tsunami progressivism rolls over.....

Black leaders getting restless for answers in Muskegon police shooting that killed one man | Muskegon News - - MLive.com

Black leaders getting restless for answers in Muskegon police shooting that killed one man
"Anger and frustration within the Muskegon community has continued over the lack of information released by law enforcement officials about the nearly month-old shooting of a Muskegon man.

It’s something Rev. William Anderson hopes to address during a community meeting on Tuesday.

Anderson, president of the Muskegon branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, is hosting a townhall-style meeting at 6 p.m. at Angel Community Christian Church about the shooting of Julius Allen-Ray Johnson"

This "anger" from black leaders might just have some legitimacy 'cept their congenital silence at outrage from anyone other than a brotha..... and we wonder where our contry is going?

How cool is this! Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) from us to THEM!





Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT)
"As of Oct. 1, 2008, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the new name for the federal Food Stamp Program.

The new name reflects the changes we’ve made to meet the needs of our clients, including a focus on nutrition and an increase in benefit amounts.
SNAP is the federal name for the program.
State programs may have different names.

Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) is an electronic system that allows a recipient to authorize transfer of their government benefits from a Federal account to a retailer account to pay for products received.
EBT is used in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam. BT has been implemented in all States since June of 2004."
I saw this "EBT" on a pizza flier.
So our tax dollars are supporting PIZZA as a "focus on nutrition"?

Don't ya just love government's love of "nutrition"?
And don't you love SNAP!

Residents of Missouri's Dancing Rabbit test the limits of green living

Residents of Missouri's Dancing Rabbit test the limits of green living
"Drawn by cheap land prices and a lack of repressive zoning restrictions, Missouri is home to more than 50 'intentional communities,' a broad term that includes communes, co-housing, and student co-ops."

The future of eco-loonie?

Rush Limbaugh: The Race Card, Football and Me

Rush Limbaugh: The Race Card, Football and Me - WSJ.com
"David Checketts, an investor and owner of sports teams, approached me in late May about investing in the St. Louis Rams football franchise.
As a football fan, I was intrigued.
I invited him to my home where we discussed it further.
Even after informing him that some people might try to make an issue of my participation, Mr. Checketts said he didn't much care.
I accepted his offer."

READ THIS!

MSU Homecoming 2009


Spartan March Madness sets records!


My Way - Sports News
"It would be hard for Michigan State to be much better than it was last season, when it went 31-7, won the Big Ten by the second-largest margin in history and went 5-1 in the NCAA tournament, including upsets of overall top seed Louisville and semifinal opponent Connecticut in Ford Field, 92 miles from campus.
'When I recruited these guys, we talkd about the chance to play for a championship in our own state,' Izzo said.
'We put 73,000 fans in Detroit, had 30,000 for a public practice and had 9,000 in a mall for a pep rally, all records.
In fact, your program now has the number 1, 2 and 3 largest crowds ever to watch a basketball game.'
Izzo has always compared his program to the established powers and looked at crowd counts for Midnight Madness.
When told that people were turned away Friday night and there was a sellout crowd of 14,759, he flashed a satisfied smile.
'That's the most we've had here by a lot,' he said. '...
One of my personal dreams was to somehow fill this place for Midnight Madness.
Now, we've done that.'"
Tom rode in on an IndyCar replica.... gonna get back to Indy in March 2010!

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Ariz. sheriff launches immigration sweep

Ariz. sheriff launches immigration sweep
"'It doesn't bother me, because we are going to do the same thing,' said Arpaio, whose deputies had arrested 16 people by Friday evening on unspecified charges.
'I am the elected sheriff.
I don't take orders from the federal government.'"

Destruction Of Healthcare Delivery System Underway

Destruction Of Healthcare Delivery System Underway
"If you want to understand why Aetna, Independence Blue Cross (Keystone), and other insurance companies are dropping some, though not all, of their Medicare Advantage policies, you have to understand the way these plans have been tainted by President Obama and the Democratic proposals for Obamacare in its various forms.
Their proposals, not yet enacted, will destroy the greatest health care delivery system in the world if enacted.
But what they have already done has started to do serious damage to our system, as exemplified by what is going on with Medicare Advantage.
Medicare Advantage plans are popular and have many advantages for senior citizens. So, naturally, Mr. Obama wants to kill them."

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Taking the National Debt Seriously

Taking the National Debt Seriously
"The OMB projects deficits of about $9 trillion over the next 10 years.
If that occurs, the national debt will be almost $21 trillion by 2019.
However, the actual amount could be much higher.
The OMB also optimistically projects $13.5 trillion of revenue increases over the next decade, while minimizing the inevitable rise in interest rates that will come with an expanding national debt.
During Jimmy Carter's years in the White House, Treasury yields reached 15%. The 2009 average interest rate on the debt was only 3.2%.
With our mounting national debt and budget deficits, it is reasonable to assume that in the near future interest rates on new and refinanced debt could double or triple."

Dow 10,000 isn't a green light for economy

Dow 10,000 isn't a green light for economy
"Several experts point out than many of the relatively strong earnings reports helping to lift the markets in recent days are being driven by cost cuts, rather than strong revenue growth that would be a better indicator of consumers and businesses being willing to spend again.
If businesses keep cutting costs to make the numbers that Wall Street wants to see, that can only put more downward pressure on jobs and wages, and result in weaker economic growth or another downturn.
'The companies are cutting fat, and in many cases cutting bone and muscle.
There's no organic economic growth there,' said Yamarone."

California appears poised to be first to ban power-guzzling big-screen TVs

California appears poised to be first to ban power-guzzling big-screen TVs
'We would not propose TV efficiency standards if we thought there was any evidence in the record that they will hurt the economy,' said Commissioner Julia Levin, who has been in charge of the two-year rule-making procedure. 'This will actually save consumers money and help the California economy grow and create new clean, sustainable jobs.'"

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

S&P 500 P/E Ratio - Chart

S&P 500 P/E Ratio - Chart: "Chart Table CSV Subscribe
Current P/E: 19.50 +0.34 (1.75%)
P/Es are based on average inflation-adjusted earnings from the previous 10 years (P/E10)."

Some things are more entertaining than politics

Some things are more entertaining than politics
"Some things are more entertaining than politics
Former police officer Barry Cooper (author, 'Never Get Busted Again') is so disgusted with the War on Drugs that he came up with an idea for a reality TV show called 'Kop Busters.'
In a clever sting operation, police ended up raiding a house where nothing illegal was going on -- most likely because their illegal FLIR cameras detected indoor grow lights:"

Let it Rip Apartment flag ban

Let it Rip Apartment flag ban: "Let it Rip: Apartment flag ban
People living in an Oregon apartment complex are up in arms after their landlord asked them to keep the American flag off their cars.
Renters were told if there is a flag anywhere on their car -- even on a sticker -- it must be removed or they could face eviction.
Managers say they made the move because the image is offensive to some people."

Michigan State's Izzo driven to win another title

Michigan State's Izzo driven to win another title
"'I am concerned about the fact that we have no proven center,' Izzo said."

Gateway Pundit: Top Quotes From This Year's Nobel Peace Prize Winner

Gateway Pundit: Top Quotes From This Year's Nobel Peace Prize Winner: "Obama to his supporters:
'Get in Their Faces!'


Obama on ACORN mobs:
'I don't want to quell anger. I think people are right to be angry! I'm angry!'


Obama to his mercenary army:
'Hit Back Twice As Hard'"

Wall Street Journal surpasses USA Today as No. 1

Wall Street Journal surpasses USA Today as No. 1
"The Wall Street Journal has surpassed USA Today as the top-selling daily newspaper in the United States."

Can you hear us now - Tea Party of West Michigan

Can you hear us now - Tea Party of West Michigan
"Holland walk by is a definite GO!!! Gather just west (down hill) of Sentinell office on 8th street.
Note this is not a rally.
No speakers, no program.
Just citizens out for Saturday stroll, exercising 1st amendment rights.

Do not give the paper the slightest opportunity to trash us.
In particular following are NOT appropriate:

No Anti-Obama, Anti-Pelosi, Anti-Reid, etc messages
No Obamacare / Healthcare messages
No 'Liar' related
No name calling (e.g. dumb, stupid, racial epithet, etc.)
No Glenn Beck or Rush Limbaugh for President"

Interesting that the "Tea Party" czars are so worried about offending the media.......and those who are destroying our country.

Sad.

Or is there something we don't know going on?

Just who are these "sensative" TP czars?

Nation's Oldest Taxpayer Group Criticizes Committee Vote for Baucus Health Bill, Hidden Tax Increases

Nation's Oldest Taxpayer Group Criticizes Committee Vote for Baucus Health Bill, Hidden Tax Increases
"The 362,000-member National Taxpayers Union (NTU) today condemned the Senate Finance Committee's 14-9 vote to support the health care bill drafted by Senator Max Baucus (D-MT), pointing to hundreds of billions of dollars in damaging tax increases.
This so-called 'moderate' health care reform bill would grow the already bloated federal budget while saddling middle class families with billions in new taxes."

The 2010 Senate Candidates

The 2010 Senate Candidates:
While the 2010 election is a long way off, one fact stands out right now:
the Democrats will be defending 18 seats and the Republicans will also be defending 18 seats.
However, more Republicans are retiring than Democrats, as listed on the Senate retirements page.
In races where there is only one serious competitor for his or her party's nomination, that person is shown below, even though the nominee is not certain until the primary is finished."

Taking the National Debt Seriously

Taking the National Debt Seriously
"As of Sept. 30, 2009, the national debt was almost $12 trillion and interest on that debt was $383 billion for the year, according to the Treasury Department's Bureau of the Public Debt.
The Congressional Budget Office on Oct. 7 estimated the 2009 budget deficit to be almost $1.4 trillion (about 10% of GDP). In August, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) estimated total government revenues at about $2 trillion.
The revenue estimate included $904 billion from individual income taxes.
This means the cost of interest on the debt represented more than 40 cents of every dollar that came in from individual income taxes."

Court rules Duluth free to change city retiree benefits

Court rules Duluth free to change city retiree benefits
"A state court has sided with the City of Duluth in a long-standing dispute over the generous health benefits provided to hundreds of retired city workers.
The court ruled the city is free to change the retiree's benefits to match those of current workers.
State District Judge Kenneth Sandvik said Duluth can change the terms for retired workers' health care and that the city is not bound by whatever terms were in effect the day a particular worker retired."

This is BIG!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Teachers benefit from job-saving stimulus spending

Teachers benefit from job-saving stimulus spending
"In Michigan, where officials said 19,500 jobs have been saved or created, three out of four were in education."


We tighten our belts so they can buy bigger belts.
How long will the taxpayers continue their silence?

Day care next frontier in fighting kids' obesity

Day care next frontier in fighting kids' obesity
"Day care is the next frontier: New Harvard research shows few states require that child-care providers take specific nutrition and physical activity steps considered key to keeping the under-5 crowd fit.
And while years of work now have older kids starting to get healthier food in schools, more and more kindergarteners show up their first day already overweight or obese.
'We've got to start really early. Elementary school is too late,' Dr. Lynn Silver of the New York City Health Department — a leader in anti-obesity standards for day care — told a recent meeting that brought child-care specialists together with federal and state health authorities to start learning how."

Thank "god" the parents won't feel guilty.....

A Perfect Nobel Pick

A Perfect Nobel Pick
"Pop quiz: What do Bertha von Suttner, Henri La Fontaine, Ludwig Quidde, Norman Angell, Arthur Henderson, Eisaku Sato, Alva Myrdal and Joseph Rotblat have in common?
Answer: Barack Obama.
If you're drawing blanks on most of these names, don't be hard on yourself: They're just some of the worthies of yesteryear who were favored with a Nobel Peace Prize before disappearing into the footnotes of history."

Seriously, how pathetic are the 5 Norway idiots?

And the 1 "american" who accepted this dumbed down drivel?

HEH: “He gets the Nobel Peace Prize one week, the next week he’s declaring war on Fox News and gay …

HEH: “He gets the Nobel Peace Prize one week, the next week he’s declaring war on Fox News and gay bloggers …:

Some lawmakers frown on museum spending -- latimes.com

Some lawmakers frown on museum spending
"To New York officials, the $3 million in federal economic stimulus money they received to transform an old canal boat into a 259-foot-long floating museum was money well spent."

Is ANYONE listening?

Monday, October 12, 2009

R-P energy-savings program a success

R-P energy-savings program a success
"Reeths-Puffer Schools has saved more than $900,000 in energy costs the last four years by adjusting thermostats and turning off lights and computers........
The district contracted with an energy management firm, Energy Education Inc., four years ago, paying it $70,000 annually to help analyze energy use and implement savings strategies.
The four-year contract is up, so the district won't pay any more fees, but it will continue to pay $19,000 per year for its energy manager,"

OK, $900,000- $356,000 [$280,000($70,000x4)+$76,000($19,000x4)] = $544,000.
That's a great investment....... if there is no more to the story...like other costs......
The Chronicle continues its tradition of unabashed public cheer leading and its utter lack of curiosity.

Survey: Most economists see recovery beginning

Survey: Most economists see recovery beginning
"Forecasters now expect the economy, as measured by gross domestic product, to advance at a 2.9 percent pace in the second half of the year, after falling for four straight quarters for the first time on records dating to 1947....
The recession, the worst since the 1930s, has eliminated a net total of 7.2 million jobs"

So, how's that hope-thang workin' out for ya?

"Midnight Madness At The Breslin Center on Oct. 16


Midnight Madness At The Breslin Center on Oct. 16

Celebrate the Moment with Spartan basketball.

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State’s annual Midnight Madness event to tip-off the 2009-10 basketball season will be held on Friday, Oct. 16.
This year’s event is called Celebrate the Moment, as the men’s and women’s basketball team will recognize some of the best moments in the programs’ history.

Spartan fans will also have the opportunity to be a part of a banner ceremony as Michigan State will unveil new Final Four banners and raise the 2009 Final Four banner to the rafters for the first time.
Doors to the Breslin Center will open at 9:30 p.m.
Admission is free.
The event begins with autographs for Spartan fans on the Breslin Center concourse.
The formal program will begin at 10:30 p.m. and feature the introduction of the men’s and women’s basketball teams.
The evening will also include promotional giveaways and performances by the Spartan Marching Band, Michigan State cheerleaders, MSU dance team and Sparty.
The evening will conclude with the men’s basketball team playing on the court."

Obama fails to win Nobel prize in economics


Obama fails to win Nobel prize in economics
"In a decision as shocking as Friday's surprise peace prize win, President Obama failed to win the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences Monday."

Sunday, October 11, 2009

"DETROIT - Viagra and pornography are not staples on the government's food stamp list?

"DETROIT
Viagra and pornography are not staples on the government's food stamp list.
But authorities say a Detroit store supplied them during a series of illegal deals.
Federal prosecutors filed fraud charges this week against three people who worked at Jefferson's Liquor Palace.
The alleged scheme worked this way:
Food stamp recipients would get cash from the store in exchange for swiping larger amounts off their electronic cards.
The store would then be reimbursed by the U.S. Agriculture Department.
But in some transactions, confidential informants got more than cash.
The government says the store provided Viagra, painkillers, liquor and porn videos in exchange for swiping about $2,000 off food stamp cards.
The government says overall fraud at the store topped $130,000 over 2-1/2 years"


Nothing new here except for minor media coverage.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

What happened to global warming?

What happened to global warming?
"This headline may come as a bit of a surprise, so too might that fact that the warmest year recorded globally was not in 2008 or 2007, but in 1998.
But it is true.
For the last 11 years we have not observed any increase in global temperatures.
And our climate models did not forecast it, even though man-made carbon dioxide, the gas thought to be responsible for warming our planet, has continued to rise."

Picking the Most Visible of 205 Names

Picking the Most Visible of 205 Names
"Several prominent Nobel observers in Oslo said the Nobel committee had put the integrity of the award at stake. But Mr. Jagland seemed to savor the risk. He said no one could deny that “the international climate” had suddenly improved, and that Mr. Obama was the main reason."

"suddenly improved"?
Huh!

Generational Battle Brews Over Gilded Baby-Boom Pensions

Generational Battle Brews Over Gilded Baby-Boom Pensions
"Generation X and Gen Y are getting fed up and might not take much more.
That's what I'm hearing from a number of younger public employees who responded to my column last month on the incumbent employee conundrum.
The gist of their feedback was this:
They don't appreciate bearing the brunt of pay cuts and benefits reductions — the ones imposed by employers who try to balance the books on their pension and retiree medical plans by slashing compensation for younger employees and new hires.
They'd like to see their elders share in the pain — or at least pay their share."

This will one of the biggest battles in America in the next few years.

Friday, October 09, 2009

tOfficial 2009-10 MSU Men's Basketball Preseason Thread

tOfficial 2009-10 MSU Men's Basketball Preseason Thread
MSU in the PRESEASON POLLS and RANKINGS

Athlon - #2 (Lucas #3 floor leader and 3rd team AA, Morgan #9 slasher)
Blue Ribbon - #2
Lindy's - #3 (Lucas #1 PG, Summers #14 SG, Morgan #19 PF)
Sporting News #3 (Lucas #3 PG)

Gary Parrish (CBS) - #3
Jeff Goodman (Fox) - #3"

Midnight Madness in just one week!

Senate 2010: Most endangered seats

Senate 2010: Most endangered seats
"The 2010 Senate landscape is almost evenly split down the middle: Republicans will be defending 18 seats, while the Democrats will be defending 19 seats, including the January special election in Massachusetts. Click here for the full watch list."

Thursday, October 08, 2009

50 Examples of Government Waste

50 Examples of Government Waste
"8. A GAO audit classified nearly half of all purchases on government credit cards as improper, fraudulent, or embezzled.

Examples of taxpayer-funded purchases include gambling, mortgage payments, liquor, lingerie, iPods, Xboxes, jewelry, Internet dating services, and Hawaiian vacations.
In one extraordinary example, the Postal Service spent $13,500 on one dinner at a Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, including “over 200 appetizers and over $3,000 of alcohol, including more than 40 bottles of wine costing more than $50 each and brand-name liquor such as Courvoisier, Belvedere and Johnny Walker Gold.”
The 81 guests consumed an average of $167 worth of food and drink apiece."

Decision to Cut Funding to Iran Watchdog Is Misguided, Critics Say - Political News - FOXNews.com

Decision to Cut Funding to Iran Watchdog Is Misguided
FOXNews.com:
"A decision by the Obama administration to deny federal funding to a group that keeps track of human rights abuses in Iran is a misguided attempt by the White House to appear non-confrontational with the Islamic republic, critics say.
....The State Department has not divulged the reason the request was denied."

Is this another example of FOX's "opinion journalism masquerading as news"?

Or is it FOX reporting what the Obamedia won't?

White House Defends Attacks on Fox News

White House Defends Attacks on Fox News: 'They Will Say Anything'
"The White House is stepping up its attacks against the Fox News Channel, labeling it a bastion of stilted and opinionated journalism.
A top administration communications official has called the Fox 'opinion journalism masquerading as news,' and vowed to wage a war of ideas against the network"

Food stamps swapped for booze, porn, Viagra

Food stamps swapped for booze, porn, Viagra
"Viagra and pornography are not staples on the government's food stamp list. But authorities say a Detroit store supplied them during a series of illegal deals."

If School Kids Sang the Truth About Obama

If School Kids Sang the Truth About Obama
"We recently found out that a bunch of kids in New Jersey and yesterday on CNN were told to sing songs praising President Barack Hussein Obama.
This particular song caused a lot of outcry, probably because it swiped bits from “Jesus Loves Me” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic” while trying to mold them into little Obamaites.
Well, in the spirit of fairness we should provide a counter-song the kids can sing to cleanse their minds of indoctrination and give them a more accurate assessment of our 44th president"

THIS is a great song!

Todd Olin, of Alpine Township, pleads guilty to seventh drunk driving offense

Todd Olin, of Alpine Township, pleads guilty to seventh drunk driving offense
An Alpine Township businessman faces up to five years in prison after he pleaded guilty to his seventh drunk driving offense.
State police troopers busted Todd Olin, 40, when he parked on the lawn of the Paw Paw post and was covered in his own vomit.
Olin will be sentenced Jan. 11 for the July 23 arrest after which he registered a 0.19 on a preliminary breath test.
Olin told police he believed he was near his home."

Nipped in the bud: CVS quickly pulls Chia Obama

Nipped in the bud: CVS quickly pulls Chia Obama
"Walgreens officials said they received a few complaints.
CVS would not say why it stopped the sales."

Gov. Jennifer Granholm wants ailing Doug Bennett in Lansing for budget votes

Gov. Jennifer Granholm wants ailing Doug Bennett in Lansing for budget votes
"Bennett supported legislation Tuesday that would place a 3-percent tax on gross incomes of Michigan physicians.
The House also approved tax increases to fund college scholarships, which is expected to face strong resistance in the Senate."

No Kidding: Snow on Sunday!

No Kidding: Snow on Sunday
"Start cursing the weather gods, Chicago.
Snow could be coming to town as early as this weekend.
That’s right, snow. Flurries and flakes.
The forecast says that Saturday night rain will turn into the white stuff early Sunday morning."

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Residents Get Chance At Stimulus Money

Residents Get Chance At Stimulus Money
"Detroit's homeless and low-income residents have another opportunity for a chance at millions of stimulus dollars.

The money is available to help low-income residents from becoming homeless and homeless residents to find housing.

Thousands of people lined up Tuesday"

We used to call this welfare.

Now dear leader Obama-ummm-ummm-ummm calls it a job stimulus program.

Nothing like giving free money to homeless folks to bring jobs to Detroit....right?

Why bother to fix our state roads when we can just enjoy that big sucking sound of money headin' east to Detroit..... right?

Criminalizing everyone

Criminalizing everyone
"'You don't need to know. You can't know.'

That's what Kathy Norris, a 60-year-old grandmother of eight, was told when she tried to ask court officials why, the day before, federal agents had subjected her home to a furious search.

The agents who spent half a day ransacking Mrs. Norris' longtime home in Spring, Texas, answered no questions while they emptied file cabinets, pulled books off shelves, rifled through drawers and closets, and threw the contents on the floor.

The six agents, wearing SWAT gear and carrying weapons, were with - get this- the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service."

This is change we must believe in with our brave new Obamanation.
How's the "change" thing working out for you?

City illustrates new report on unions' impact

City illustrates new report on unions' impact
"'What you have right now is a very uneven playing field,' he said.
In the Vallejo study, the authors argue that public unions are more costly in government than private business because business management is accountable to stockholders, compared to the often less politically active average citizens.
'...Politically, public-sector unions constitute a permanent activist constituency that works to expand the size and scope of government,' the report authors wrote. '
And bosses beholden to their employees are not likely to be accountable to the taxpayers.'"

This is exactly what has happened in Muskegon.

There is absolutely ZERO representation on behalf of the citizen/taxpayer when county employment contracts are negotiated.

Just the union lawyers and county department heads vs county department heads and 11 county commissioners who suffer not one penny of risk if the union contracts bankrupt our county.

Anyone see a problem here?

Flu Vaccinations in Muskegon

Flu Vaccinations:
Cost:
Seasonal flu shot $27
Seasonal flu mist $35
Pneumonia shot $52

Anyone can receive a seasonal flu vaccination at the health department, however, the health department is unable to bill Medicare or health insurance programs other than Medicaid. If you have Medicare, we recommend either getting a seasonal flu shot at your doctor's office or through Visiting Nurse Services (VNS).

Hours of Service
Monday through Friday
Noon until 4:30 pm

Public Health - Muskegon County
209 East Apple Avenue
Muskegon, Michigan 49442

Plus at many libraries in the county.
Take control of your own health!

Cholesterol, Lipid and Glucose Screening

Cholesterol, Lipid and Glucose Screening
Tuesday, Oct. 14 and Nov. 11,
7 a.m. to noon

Mercy H.E.A.R.T. Center
No appointment needed.

$6 for cholesterol or glucose screenings, $15 for a lipid profile and $21 for both

Save on your own health care!

Loveland ski opens Wednesday, A-Basin on Friday

Loveland ski opens Wednesday, A-Basin on Friday
"Boasting its earliest opening day in 40 years, Loveland officials today announced the area will open for skiing Wednesday."

More proof of "global warming"!

Historic '81 lottery winner Lou Eisenberg now living in mobile home

Historic '81 lottery winner Lou Eisenberg now living in mobile home
"The former multimillionaire now lives in a mobile home in Lake Worth, Fla., on $250 a week from his Social Security and pension checks."

Bummer!

When war in Afghanistan comes to Whitehall

When war in Afghanistan comes to Whitehall
"It is the Government's cavalier attitude towards our Armed Forces, as well as its failure to provide sufficient quantities of combat troops and equipment, that lies at the root of what is becoming the most rancorous falling-out between the military and political classes in living memory."

Much like the Neville Chamberlain/Roosevelt types in the 30s, these selfish politicians will be the cause of much suffering soon.

Support Builds for a Tax Credit for Creating Jobs

Support Builds for a Tax Credit for Creating Jobs
"critics of the idea argue that businesses hire based on actual demand for their products, and a minor subsidy for adding an employee will not make up for the collapse in demand across the broader economy.
“Why would a business hire a new worker?” Bill Rys, tax counsel to the National Federation of Independent Business, a small-business industry group, said.
“They’re hiring because they need to do work. Unless you have work to do, it’s still an expense.”

This was a disaster when tried under the Carter regime.
It will be a disaster under Hussein Carter the 2nd.
Except for all the new government employees needed to run this idiocy.

Chicago Violence Haunts Obama

Chicago Violence Haunts Obama
"At least 47 school-age children in Chicago have been killed in homicides, mostly by guns, since the month President Barack Obama took office."

Tuesday, October 06, 2009

Lucianne.com News Forum - Thread

Lucianne.com News Forum - Thread:
"Comments:
Same thing over and over....a kid gets murdered......the community demand solutions from Leaders... A bunch of do-nothing Poverty Pimps (in this case Eric Holder) fly in, make a few perfunctory remarks and leave....nothing changes.
The destruction of the urban Black family by power seeking Liberals from LBJ to 0bama are directly responsible for this violence, but addressing the real problem would require they admit their guilt.....don't hold your breath for any real change Chicago"

ObamaCare, The Great Tragedy

ObamaCare, The Great Tragedy
"Today, the Senate Finance Committee is expected to vote on the mark-up of the Senate version of ObamaCare, which would create the equivalent of a public-private partnership like Fannie Mae, the Federal Reserve, or Amtrak to 'compete' with private sector health insurance."

Obama Talks Up Counterterrorism Efforts

Obama Talks Up Counterterrorism Efforts
"Citing a counterterrorism expert, Mr. Obama added:
“Because of our efforts, Al Qaeda and its allies have not only lost operational capacity, they’ve lost legitimacy and credibility.”

Interesting, though not surprising, the NYT accolates continue to try to provide cover for their Dear Leader.

French Gay Football Team Says Muslim Players Snubbed Them

French Gay Football Team Says Muslim Players Snubbed Them
"But 'as a Muslim, I have the right to decide not to play against homosexuals because I don't agree with their ideas,' he said."

Southside Chicago, The Home of Corruption

Southside Chicago, The Home of Corruption
"In this new position, one of Michelle's top priorities was to solve a problem of too many poor patients or those on Medicare and Medicaid clogging the emergency room at UCMC.
To deal with this problem, Michelle helped create the Southside Health Collaborative.
This project served to provide a way to shuttle away patients to other medical clinics to receive care.
This was blatant patient dumping."

Congressional leaders fight against posting bills online

Congressional leaders fight against posting bills online
"What you don't know can hurt you:
» House energy and global warming bill, passed June 26, 2009. 1,200 pages. Available online 15 hours before vote.

» $789 billion stimulus bill, passed Feb. 14, 2009. 1,100 pages. Available online 13 hours before debate.

» $700 billion financial sector rescue package, passed Oct. 3, 2008. 169 pages. Available online 29 hours before vote.

» USA Patriot domestic surveillance bill, passed Oct. 23, 2001. Unavailable to the public before debate."

UN calls for new reserve currency

UN calls for new reserve currency
"The United Nations called on Tuesday for a new global reserve currency to end dollar supremacy which has allowed the United States the 'privilege' of building a huge trade deficit."

This is BIG!

The coming war with Iran

The coming war with Iran
"War with Iran is now inevitable.
The only question is: Will it happen sooner or later?
Tehran's recent missile tests and war games suggest that the apocalyptic mullahs have reached the same conclusion."

Does anyone have ANY faith in our commander in chief?
I don't.

CNN Fact Checks Last Saturday's SNL Obama-Razzing Skit

CNN Fact Checks Last Saturday's SNL Obama-Razzing Skit
"Can one even imagine CNN fact checking any of the skits SNL on President Bush or Sarah Palin??
Heaven forbid SNL finally make fun of President Obama.
CNN couldn't help themselves.
They actually fact checked the jokes."

Brit chain folds to hate mongers

Welcome To Forbes.com
Upscale British supermarket chain Waitrose says it is pulling its advertisements from Fox News in the U.K. after customers complained about the right-wing cable news channel's Glenn Beck program.

Why Public Sector Unionism Is a Bad Deal for Taxpayers

Why Public Sector Unionism Is a Bad Deal for Taxpayers and Representative Government
"By granting monopoly power to labor unions over the supply of government labor, elected officials undermine their duty to taxpayers, because this puts unions in a privileged position to extract political goods in the form of high pay and benefits that are much higher than anything comparable in the private sector."

New wine shop bearing Russo family name opens

New wine shop bearing Russo family name opens
"Russo, 60, said he has not been involved with the G.B. Russo store since a falling-out in January with his two youngest brothers, Dave and Phil Russo.
He said his new store is a partnership with his wife's brother, Farouk Karadsheh, who owns Towne & Country's anchor store, Mediterranean Island International Foods, and several of the center's spaces."

10 Manliest Names Eve

10 Manliest Names Ever
"Lieutenant General Sir Manley Power, a British military leader who fought in a number of campaigns for Britain and rosed to the rank of Lieutenant General. After his active military service, Manley was appointed Lieutenant Governor of Malta, which made him even manlier."

Hoekstra hosts tranquil town hall meeting on health care reform

Hoekstra hosts tranquil town hall meeting on health care reform
"No major outbursts. No finger pointing. No name calling"

The "Difference"

The Difference:

If a conservative doesn't like guns, they don't buy one. If a liberal doesn't like guns, then no one should have one.

a conservative is a vegetarian, they don't eat meat. If a liberal is vegetarian, they want to ban all meat products for everyone.

If a conservative sees a foreign threat, he thinks about how to defeat his enemy. A liberal wonders how to surrender gracefully and still look good.

If a conservative is homosexual, they quietly enjoy their life. If a liberal is homosexual, they loudly demand legislated respect.

If a black man or Hispanic is conservative, they see themselves as independently successful. Their liberal counterparts see themselves as victims in need of government protection.

If a conservative is down-and-out, he thinks about how to better his situation. A liberal wonders who is going to take care of him.

If a conservative doesn't like a talk show host, he switches channels. Liberals demand that those they don't like be shut down.

If a conservative is a non-believer, he doesn't go to church. A liberal wants all churches to be silenced and God removed from public view..

If a conservative decides he needs health care, he goes about shopping for it, or may choose a job that provides it. A liberal demands that his neighbors pay for his.

from an e-mail

How Toll Of 'Social Justice' Eludes Elites

How Toll Of 'Social Justice' Eludes Elites
The Nazis murdered 20 million of their own people and those in nations they captured.

From 1917 and 1987, Stalin and his successors murdered, or were otherwise responsible for the deaths of, 62 million of their own people.

From 1949 and 1987, Mao Zedong and his successors were responsible for the deaths of 76 million Chinese"

Monday, October 05, 2009

Orton was a who?

Ortonville man dies after MSU-UM game
"A 25-year-old Ortonville man died Saturday night after he fell and hit his head following the college football game between Michigan State and U-M, police said.
The incident happened at a residence on Gunson in East Lansing, said Sgt. Mark VandeWouwer. The man, who had been drinking, was not a student at MSU, he said...... The man's name had not been released. "

ACORN embezzlement was $5 million, La. attorney general says

ACORN embezzlement was $5 million, La. attorney general says
"Louisiana's attorney general has broadened the scope of an investigation of ACORN to include a possible embezzlement of $5 million a decade ago within the community organization, five times more than previously reported."

Taliban Afghan momentum due to lack of troops

Taliban Afghan momentum due to lack of U.S. troops
The Taliban has the momentum in Afghanistan now because of the inability of the United States and its allies to put enough troops into the country, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on Monday"

What great leaders Obama has!

Letterman apologizes to wife on Monday's show

Letterman apologizes to wife on Monday's show
"David Letterman apologized to his wife on Monday's 'Late Show,' saying she had been 'horribly hurt by my behavior.'
The late-night host vowed to repair his relationship with his wife, Regina Lasko.
'Let me tell you folks, I got my work cut out for me,' said Letterman, according to an early transcript of the program released by CBS."

Hey gals!
Is this guy funny or what?

Corporate Welfare for Mickey Mouse

Corporate Welfare for Mickey Mouse
"Earlier this month, the Senate passed the Travel Promotion Act by a lopsided margin of 79–19. The name is innocuous enough. Read the fine print, however, and the bill becomes rather less appealing. It’s corporate welfare for Mickey Mouse.

Here’s a little background on the bill. The TPA directs the Department of Homeland Security to impose a $10 fee on foreign citizens who visit America under the visa-waiver program. That program lets people from 35 countries, mostly in Europe, travel to the U.S. without first obtaining a visa. Instead, travelers register with DHS’s online security system before coming to this country.

The DHS fee could bring in hundreds of millions of dollars over the next decade. (In 2006 alone, the United States welcomed some 18 million visitors from visa-waiver countries.) The fees will be used to fund a new nonprofit known as the Corporation for Travel Promotion. Its mission is to “promot[e] the United States of America to world travelers,” and it will do so via multimillion-dollar ad campaigns.

What could be wrong with that?"

PLENTY! READ IT ALL!!

Big Government Health Care PSA

This is Obama's best argument for his big government take-over of 16% of our American economy....and your health care decisions for you and your family.

I love that guy!

And he loves me too!!!!!!

Um, isn't that ship getting a little close?

Um, isn't that ship getting a little close?
"From the Enchantment of the seas.
OK, so we're sitting in port.
A few of us are on the pool deck watching the Carnival Legend pull out of port.
As we're watching it, it's getting closer and closer.
It looked like the wind was pushing the other ship toward us. I looked down and saw a tug boat try to get between the two boats, but it was too late.
Then the collision became inevitable.
There was some crunching and breaking glass noises and the ship rocked to one side a little.
It was such a slow crash that it was barely noticeable.
We could see scraped paint on the other ship, Really, nobody was hurt and we're waiting for the all-clear from the Harbor master to leave port."

Barney Frank (D-Fannie Mae) Comes To Talk To Michigan Democrats (with video)

theblogprof: TEA PARTY Protest Breaks Out As Barney Frank (D-Fannie Mae) Comes To Talk To Michigan Democrats (with video)
"TEA PARTY Protest Breaks Out As Barney Frank (D-Fannie Mae) Comes To Talk To Michigan Democrats (with video)
With Michigan being in the state that it is in - highest unemployment in the nation for 40 straight months, in a perpetual budget hole due to Democrat tax and spend policies that necessitated a short state shutdown (again), it was only appropriate that Democrats brought in Barney Frank to speak at their dinner yesterday in Troy, MI.
Especially since Democrats in the state have proposed this 5-point program to lift Michigan back into prosperity:

Hiking the minimum wage to $10 an hour for all workers.
Imposing a blanket moratorium on home foreclosures for 12 months.
Cutting utility rates 20% across the board.
Requiring all employers to provide health care to their employees.
Hiking, by $100 a week, and extending, for six months, unemployment benefits.

And no, that's not a joke. About 600 Democrats came to the dinner."

GVSU reverses course, sends bills to Michigan Promise students because scholarship's future in doubt

GVSU reverses course, sends bills to Michigan Promise students because scholarship's future in doubt
"Grand Valley State University is now telling students to expect bills to make up for potentially lost Michigan Promise scholarships.
President Thomas J. Haas sent an e-mail to students Monday saying the university is reversing course and now is assuming that the scholarships of up to $4,000 will be lopped out of the still-undecided state budget.
'I am disappointed beyond words that the state of Michigan cannot keep its promise to you,' he said in the letter.
Students had been credited for up to $500 for the scholarship on their fall semester tuition bills. Now they'll be billed for the amount and can pay in two monthly installments"

Bing: AFSCME won't budge; more layoffs may come

Bing: AFSCME won't budge; more layoffs may come
"Bing said the city has presented its final offer to the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 25, which represents about 3,500 of the 13,000 workers.
But he said the union has rejected any concessions, including his call for a 10 percent pay cut"

Teacher perks bleed budget dry

Teacher perks bleed budget dry
"The study conducted by analyst Kenneth Braun finds salaries for Michigan public school teachers are $12,000 above the national average.
If paychecks for the state's nearly 110,000 teachers were lowered to the average of other states, taxpayers would save $1.3 billion a year -- or exactly the amount of the deficit in the 2010 budget.
The salary discrepancy is a surcharge of $789 per pupil. And it keeps Michigan teachers the fourth-highest paid in the nation......
... Benefits for public school teachers cost taxpayers $2.6 billion a year or about $1,600 per pupil. That's 41 percent above the national average and consumes roughly 35 percent of school district budgets."

At least our bankrupt state is close to #1 in a couple of things!

What's new in Windows 7?

Komando Toolbox
"Q. I’ve heard a lot about Windows 7.
But I don’t know much about it.
What’s new in Windows 7?
Can I upgrade my machine without losing my data and programs?
A. Yes, Microsoft’s marketing machine has been working overtime.
But many are still confused about Windows 7.
Let’s get that cleared right up!"

Sunday, October 04, 2009

Capitalism: The Real Story

CARPE DIEM: Capitalism: The Real Story
"Michael Moore: Capitalism did nothing for me."

The data show that capitalism has actually done a lot for Michael Moore, and the millions of others living in countries with higher levels of economic freedom and capitalism."

Mug a Hoodie: Tories promise they will put 100,000 in jail to clear Britain's streets of thugs

Mug a Hoodie: Tories promise they will put 100,000 in jail to clear Britain's streets of thugs
"Thousands of thugs will be locked up in a fresh crackdown on the horrific lawlessness that blights so many towns and cities in Britain if the Conservatives win power.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Grayling is to introduce new laws to tackle violent crime - and he will ditch Labour’s policy of releasing prisoners because there are not enough cells.....
They will also outline a huge welfare shake-up, aimed at stripping the work-shy and forcing them back into work and proposals to reform care for the elderly."

County taxi regulations proposal reaches dead end

County taxi regulations proposal reaches dead end
"After researching ordinances in cities like Kalamazoo, Waters had redrafted the proposal.
Her proposal had called for the state to regulate taxicabs similar to limousine operators.

Trip fares would have been agreed upon prior to a taxi picking someone up, instead of the traditional ticking meter.

“That would have been completely unworkable,” McEnvoy said. “When you drop someone off at Meijer, how long would you wait for them to shop?”

Is Waters as stupid as her proposal?

Bronze statue of patron lumber baron will oversee his park

Bronze statue of patron lumber baron will oversee his park
"The sculpture is another project of Downtown Muskegon Development Corp.’s Public Art Committee, which also made possible the Richard Hunt “Muskegon, Together Rising” sculpture in the traffic circle."

Oh boy!
More "art" spending!

Death is Milliseconds Away…


Death is Milliseconds Away…
"Unless there’s some Photoshop trickery afoot here, this photo makes you want to shout, “He’s behind you!”, because you know that the cute little robin is as good as a gone."

15 Most Stupid Forehead Tattoos - Oddee.com


15 Most Stupid Forehead Tattoos - Oddee.com: "Does the cursive make this f* word tattoo more elegant? (Link)"

Saturday, October 03, 2009

Guns allowed in Arizona bars starting Wednesday

Guns allowed in Arizona bars starting Wednesday
"Bartender Randy Shields was serving British brews and Arizona ambers as usual at Shady's bar in east Phoenix when he saw a customer walk in with a hunting knife strapped to his hip.
A disturbing image flashed through his mind — 'that knife sliding between my ribs.'
The customer willingly turned over the knife while he was in the bar, but Shields still worries about a new Arizona law that goes into effect Wednesday that will allow guns into Arizona bars and restaurants that serve alcohol.
Under the law, backed by the National Rifle Association, the 138,350 people with concealed-weapons permits in Arizona will be allowed to bring their guns into bars and restaurants that haven't posted signs banning them."

The silence from the MSM when dead, drunk Arizonians ....don't appear....will be deafening.

A VICTORY FOR FREE SPEECH: Pittsburgh-Area College Allows Student to Advocate for Concealed Carry

A VICTORY FOR FREE SPEECH:
"A VICTORY FOR FREE SPEECH: Pittsburgh-Area College Allows Student to Advocate for Concealed Carry on Campus, Abandons Repressive Policy.
Chalk another one up to F.I.R.E. — an institution worthy of your support."

U.S. Review of Battle Disaster Sways Strategy on Afghanistan

U.S. Review of Battle Disaster Sways Strategy on Afghanistan
"The history is replete with wrong turns at every point of the unit’s mission, starting with the day it was reassigned to Afghanistan from training for Iraq."

Editorial: West Michigan perfect home for March Madness

Editorial: West Michigan perfect home for March Madness
"There’s so much happening here that would appeal to an NCAA crowd. Grand Rapids, which would be the center of the action, has lots to offer in terms of nightlife and restaurants. But Muskegon, Grand Haven and Holland would put the icing on the cake for a West Michigan weekend fans would remember for a lifetime.

Depending on the weather, indoor and outdoor events showing off Lake Michigan could be planned.

When the Local Organizing Committee puts in its bid for the 2014, 2015 and 2016 games, we suggest they broaden their appeal to include the lakeshore communities. If the bid is awarded, certainly the lakeshore communities could offer coordinating events."

West Michigan in March!
What a concept!
Hoop fans would just love a 45 mile drive through the drizzle to wallow in our March Misery on the lake.

This has got to be the brain pupa of the delusional Paul Keep.

LeanLogistics preps for move, add 580 jobs in Holland | West Michigan Business - - MLive.com

LeanLogistics preps for move, add 580 jobs in Holland
"The company’s efforts have been aided by tax incentives approved by the Michigan Economic Growth Authority.
The City Council has an Oct. 14 public hearing on the company’s request for a renaissance zone, the first step for local tax breaks on the project.
The economic development agency Lakeshore Advantage aided LeanLogistics’ efforts to expand."

A triple play of government tax incentives!
From our bankrupt government.
And so it goes.....

Muskegon County to save $200,000 through early retirements

Muskegon County to save $200,000 through early retirements
"Two incentives were on the table, but employees could only choose one. For employees with fewer than 25 years with the county, a credit of three years is applied toward the retirement medical plan. In other words, someone with 22 years could retire with medical insurance that is offered to those with 25 years’ tenure.

Also, employees who qualified to retire early were offered the option of collecting an increase of 200 hours in the employee’s “vacation bank.” That would be a $4,000 incentive, before taxes, for someone who makes $20 an hour.

The $200,000 annual savings takes into account salaries and benefits. While 10 of the positions are expected to be filled, the new hires will have lower salaries and less benefits than their predecessors."

This giant gift to Muskegon county employees may...and I mean "may" save the county $200,000 but if was really true wouldn't there be a simple way to track the savings..... and report it back to us taxpayers?

Yeah right. Just like all the other "savings" generated by the county "leadership".

And there is the idiocy of having to pay for the same position while the retiree gets a bonus AND a significant pension and health benefits paid by the state retirement fund.

So we're sorta paying 2 folks for one job? Yep!

And EVERY other county in the state is doing the same thing...so our broke state will get broker.

Now that's leadership!

Hoekstra workshop to focus on federal government contracts | Muskegon News - - MLive.com

Workshop to focus on federal government contracts
"U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland, is hosting a federal procurement/contracting workshop Thursday at Grand Valley State University’s Lake Michigan Center in Muskegon, 740 W. Shoreline.
The event is 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m."