History for February 18

History for February 18 - On-This-Day.com

Happy Birthday! George Kennedy,  Molly Ringwald,  Cybill Shepherd

1564 - The artist Michelanglelo died in Rome.
 
1861 - In Montgomery, AL, Jefferson Davis was inaugurated as the President of the Confederate States. 

1885 - Mark Twain's "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" was published in the U.S. for the first time. 


1930 - The planet Pluto was discovered by Clyde Tombaugh. The discovery was made as a result of photographs taken in January 1930. 


1930 - Elm Farm Ollie became the first cow to fly in an airplane. During the flight, she was milked, and the milk was sealed in paper containers and parachuted over St. Louis, MO.


1932 - Sonja Henie won her 6th world women’s figure skating title in Montreal, Canada. 


1953 - Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz signed a contract worth $8,000,000 to continue the "I Love Lucy" TV show through 1955. 


1970 - The Chicago Seven defendants were found innocent of conspiring to incite riots at the 1968 Democratic national convention. 


2001 - NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt, Sr., was killed in a crash during the Daytona 500 race. 

2006 - American Shani Davis won the men's 1,000-meter speedskating in Turin. He was the first black athlete to win an individual gold medal in Winter Olympic history.

Meet Some Obamacare Navigators at Jackson Lee Event in Houston

The PJ Tatler » Meet Some Obamacare Navigators at Jackson Lee Event in Houston:
"Houston residents will have an opportunity to meet some of Obamacare’s mysterious navigators at a “Rock-Enroll” party tomorrow in Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee’s (D-Texas) district.

The navigators have been a key point of Republican criticism against the healthcare law’s rollout.
“This is reported, interestingly enough, that in California with the so-called navigators, the people who are the certified navigators, over 40 of them are convicted criminals,” Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) said on the floor this week.
“Forty convicted criminals were hired and certified, certified, to be navigators in California in spite of the fact that people are being asked to give personal information, health information, financial information, to these navigators.”"

american Morons-----Groupon gaffe: Alexander Hamilton was president

Groupon gaffe: Alexander Hamilton was president - Jose DelReal - POLITICO.com:

"“The $10 bill, as everyone knows, features President Alexander Hamilton — undeniably one of our greatest presidents and most widely recognized for establishing the country’s financial system,” said the release."

IRS Officials Created a New Entitlement Program, Because They Felt Like It

IRS Officials Created a New Entitlement Program, Because They Felt Like It | Cato @ Liberty:
"The full post includes details some pretty stunning examples of how agency officials were derelict in their duty to execute faithfully the laws Congress enacts."

The Priceline of Pot: WikiLeaf Offers Discounts to Marijuana Customers

The Priceline of Pot: WikiLeaf Offers Discounts to Marijuana Customers:
"When you book a flight online, you're unlikely to use American Airlines's website directly.
Like most money-conscious consumers, you'll visit a price comparison site like Kayak or Expedia instead.
Same goes for hotel reservations, rental cars, even consumer goods ranging from iPhone cases to toothbrushes.
Why not apply that same logic to pot?
That's the concept behind WikiLeaf, a comparison shopping website for medical marijuana that launched Jan. 22.
Created by Dan Nelson, a Seattle-based financial blogger and medical marijuana patient, the site allows medical (and soon, retail) marijuana users to locate nearby dispensaries in four states — California, Colorado, Washington and Oregon — and comparison-shop for the lowest rates on weed.
 "I can step outside of my apartment and chuck a rock to three different dispensaries," says Nelson.
"But $60 will get me so many different amounts, depending on which dispensary I go to.
I wanted some sort of tool that would shine a light on the best places.""

Why Formula 1 Cars Are So Ugly This Year

Why Formula 1 Cars Are So Ugly This Year | Autopia | Wired.com:

"The 2014 Formula One season is gonna be one of the most exciting in years.

A slew of new rules and technology promise to turn the sport, and the standings, upside down.

They might even be enough to knock Red Bull from the top of the podium.

Well, maybe not.

One thing’s sure, though: The new rules have made the cars, well, let’s say aesthetically challenged, and packed them with tech you might one day see in your own car."

Detroit News Report falls short on Michigan’s Road Fund Money Allocation Problem

Detroit News Report falls short on Michigan’s Road Fund Money Allocation Problem | The Bain Report:
"Michigan ranks dead last in the nation when it comes to its per capita spending on its roads and bridges, according to a report citing U.S. Census Bureau data.
Is it because Michiganders don’t pay a high enough gas tax, or have our legislators been re-directing our road tax dollars elsewhere?

Michigan has the 5th highest Gasoline Tax in the nation, only Democrat controlled CA, NY, HI, CT are higher!
Michigan’s gas excise tax is 19 cents per gallon. Michigan also collects sales taxes and an environmental regulation tax for a whopping grand total of 39.4 cents per gallon.

Michigan legislators have been stealing, robbing and shifting “our” road fund monies for years! 
Now that the kitty is bone dry they have the gull to suggest “we taxpayers” pony up by accepting a gas tax and vehicle registration fee increases."

Michigan Still No. 10 Nationally for Cigarette Smuggling

Michigan Still No. 10 Nationally for Cigarette Smuggling:
"Analysis: Michigan’s Cigarette Smuggling Rate Falls Slightly; State Still in Top 10 Nationally
More than 27 percent of Michigan’s total cigarette consumption in 2012 was smuggled into the state, according to Center study

MIDLAND — The Mackinac Center for Public Policy today released its latest estimates for cigarette smuggling rates in 47 of the 48 contiguous states for 2012, including Michigan, which saw its overall rate decrease from 29.3 percent to 27.6 percent.
Michigan still has, however, the 10th highest smuggling rate in the nation."

Hmmm. Mug an old lady.... go to prison.... FREE College?--------Gov. Andrew Cuomo Proposes Turning Prisons Into College Campuses

What could POSSIBLY go wrong?

Gov. Andrew Cuomo Proposes Turning Prisons Into College Campuses « CBS New York:

"ALBANY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) – Gov. Andrew Cuomo is proposing to provide college classes in New York prisons, saying a college degree will reduce the likelihood an inmate will return to a life of crime when released. 

The program will offer associate and bachelor degree education at 10 prisons, one in each region of the state."

ObamaCare patients with serious pre-existing diseases could face expensive drug costs

ObamaCare patients with serious pre-existing diseases could face expensive drug costs | Fox News:

"People with serious pre-existing diseases, precisely those the president aimed to help with ObamaCare, could find themselves paying for expensive drug treatments with no help from the health care exchanges.

 Those with expensive diseases such as lupus or multiple sclerosis face something called a "closed drug formulary.""

And the black "leaders" complaining they have no shopping options------Black mobs terrorize Victoria’s Secret shoppers

Black mobs terrorize Victoria’s Secret shoppers:
"Some were surprised to hear about the black mob violence on Valentine’s Day at Victoria’s Secret in Norfolk, Va.

Not at the violence: The Galleria at Military Circle has been the site of dozens of episodes of racial lawlessness over the last two years, most of which has gone unreported in the local newspaper.

The surprise is that this mall is still open.
Most of its major tenants are gone or leaving – Sears, J.C. Penney’s, the nearby DoubleTree also closed.
The big draw there now is a movie theater with cheap tickets."

WeMOG Today!

I am planning to ski Pigeon Creek on Monday Feb 17. 

Please join me.  

Meet in the parking lot at 2:00 PM.

Any questions call  616.914.3374

Andy Koning

Tracy Lorenz -Grand Haven Channel

Tracy Lorenz - Mobile Uploads:
"Tracy Lorenz
I've lived here a looong time and I've never seen a sight like this, not hundred but thousands of people out on the ice.
There were people a hundred yards beyond the light house, some had set up tables and chairs and were drinking wine a half mile out.
It's also the first time I ever walked across the channel. 
All the parking spaces in the state park and fisherman's lots were full and traffic was backed up to downtown.
Crazy what a little sun will do."

Which crony contributors will get this gift?------------------Obama pitches $1B climate resilience fund

(Picture show another "successful" scam to divert money to connected types)
Obama pitches $1B climate resilience fund | Fox News:
"President Obama is asking for a $1 billion, taxpayer-funded program to help communities across the country prepare for the effects of climate change.

The fund would need congressional approval and if passed would pay for underwriting granular, community-level preparations and pay for new technologies to adjust to rising sea levels.

The president made the announcement Friday during a visit to drought-stricken California and said the so-called “climate resilience fund” will be included in his proposed fiscal 2015 budget."

Love it or hate it, Cadillac’s new ad creates big political controversy

Love it or hate it, Cadillac’s new ad creates big political controversy - BizPac Review:

"A new Cadillac ad has become a bone of contention between conservatives and liberals, inspiring fans and irritating critics.
Purportedly meant to sell Cadillac’s new electric vehicle, the ELR, the commercial is an in-your-face statement on what capitalism has brought America — while thumbing its nose at European socialism.
Fox News contributor Jonathan Hoenig told Neil Caluto Friday on “Your World” that the commercial “celebrates America’s essential sense of life.”
I agree. Its celebration of American ingenuity and work ethic is powerful.
More politically correct types find it insulting and grating — like fingernails on a blackboard.
And that’s all the more reason to like it."

History for February 17

History for February 17 - On-This-Day.com:
George Washington’s Birthday (United States). Legal holiday observed on the third Monday in February.

Birth anniversarie actor Buster Crabbe (1908-83), economist Thomas Malthus (1766-1834).

Happy Birthday! Hal Holbrook, Lou Diamond Phillips, Rene Russo

1801 - The U.S. House of Representatives broke an electoral tie between Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr. Jefferson was elected president and Burr became vice president. 


1876 - Julius Wolff was credited with being the first to can sardines. 


1947 - The Voice of America began broadcasting to the Soviet Union.
 

1985 - U.S. Postage stamp prices were raised from 20 cents to 22 cents for first class mail. 


1995 - Colin Ferguson was convicted of six counts of murder in the December 1993 Long Island Rail Road shootings. He was later sentenced to a minimum of 200 years in prison. 


1996 - World chess champion Garry Kasparov beat the IBM supercomputer "Deep Blue" in Philadelphia, PA. 

Famous Politicians Who Went To Jail (VIDEO)

Famous Politicians Who Went To Jail (VIDEO) - The Federalist Papers:
"From Blago to Jesse Jackson, Jr. – politicians who are now, or at one time were, in jail.
What’s most surprising (or not) is that the vast majority of politicians who went to jail come from a specific political party.
Can you guess which one?"

Video – liberal examples of Tea Party racism

Video – liberal examples of Tea Party racism « Hot Air:
Our colleagues over at Town Hall have an enlightening video up this weekend which provides a look inside the inner workings of some progressive protesters. A reporter asks a number of them whether or not the Tea Party is racist. The answers are a rapid series of unanimous nods and enthusiastic answers in the affirmative. One in particular really expands on the subject.

“I think they’re racist against blacks, Hispanics… I think they’re racist against women.

In the interest of due diligence, the reporter asks them to provide a few examples of these terrible, racist tendencies. At that point, the responses become a bit more… vague.

“Ummm…. no, because I’m not thinking about them right now. Uh… let’s see…”

“It’s their reaction to us having a black president that makes them racist.”

“I suppose the thing that makes them, uh… I actually can’t talk right now.”

Here’s the video to pass the time on your Sunday morning. 

Enjoy.

Cuba training armed government groups attacking and killing protestors in Venezuela

Cuba training armed government groups attacking and killing protestors in Venezuela | Babalú Blog:
"In the video below (or click here), former Cuban intelligence official, Uberto Mario, describes (in Spanish) how the Castro regime is currently training Venezuelan armed groups.
Mario defected during his "service" in Venezuela.
Known as the Venezuelan Tupamaros, these are the groups who are violently and lethally attacking student protesters.
In other words, old habits die hard for the Castro regime.
Another reason why Cuba remains a "state-sponsor of terrorism.""

"Baby Daddy Biology" Being Taught In Public Schools

"Baby Daddy Biology" Being Taught In Public Schools... - Chicks on the Right - Chicks on the Right:

Holy mother of education going down the toilet in this country. 

And seriously, Detroit.  

Like you're not already the butt of enough jokes at this point."

Yes, It’s A “Major Issue:” The Industrialized World Is Abandoning The U.S.

Yes, It’s A “Major Issue:” The Industrialized World Is Abandoning The U.S. - Austin Hill - Page full: "Shortly before his election win Abbott was asked in a nationwide television interview “with our government debt so low, why do you want to cut government spending even further?”
“Because there’s still waste in our government, that’s why” Abbott replied.
Shortly after his September 7, 2013 landslide victory he set a date of July 1, 2014 by which he intends to eliminate his nation’s “carbon tax.”

And – gasp! – could it be that the European nations are abandoning their “green” status?
It would appear that way.
Last month the European commission, the legislative body of the union that sets policies shared among the member nations, voted to officially abandon specific sets of “climate change protocols.”
Even more stunning, the commission appears to be preparing to allow fracking among the member nations, with the hope of making Europe a leader in the global natural gas and oil shale markets."

Making rules requires MORE government workers???--------------Gov't fails to issue rules on musical instruments

Gov't fails to issue rules on musical instruments | CNS News:
"WASHINGTON (AP) — Busted guitars, mangled cellos, broken banjos, lost lutes — musicians who rely on airlines to get them to performances have seen it all.

Two years ago, Congress stepped in to help, directing the Department of Transportation to write rules to make sure instruments don't get damaged or lost. The rules were due Friday, but the department hasn't even started writing them, citing a lack of money."

"We're working to find funding to support the kind of regulatory evaluations that are required to do the rulemaking," Transportation spokeswoman Meghan Keck said.

The department, which regulates airlines on matters that affect consumers, asked for money in this year's budget for four more staff members to write new agency regulations but was turned down by Congress.

The rules are supposed to implement a law requiring airlines to store instruments in closets and in overhead bins where they fit. Travelers would be allowed to buy seats for larger instruments weighing less than 165 pounds.

In Indonesia, Kerry blasts climate change deniers

My Way News - In Indonesia, Kerry blasts climate change deniers:

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) - Climate change may be the world's "most fearsome" weapon of mass destruction and urgent global action is needed to combat it, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said on Sunday, comparing those who deny its existence or question its causes to people who insist the Earth is flat.

In a speech to Indonesian students, civic leaders and government officials in Jakarta, Kerry laid into climate change skeptics, accusing them of using shoddy science and scientists to delay measures needed to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases at the risk of imperiling the planet. He also went after those who dispute who is responsible for such emissions, arguing that everyone and every country must take responsibility and act immediately.

"We simply don't have time to let a few loud interest groups hijack the climate conversation," he said, referring to what he called "big companies" that "don't want to change and spend a lot of money" to act to reduce the risks. He later singled out big oil and coal concerns as the primary offenders.

"We should not allow a tiny minority of shoddy scientists and science and extreme ideologues to compete with scientific facts," Kerry told the audience gathered at a U.S. Embassy-run American Center in a Jakarta shopping mall. "Nor should we allow any room for those who think that the costs associated with doing the right thing outweigh the benefits."

"The science is unequivocal, and those who refuse to believe it are simply burying their heads in the sand," Kerry said. "We don't have time for a meeting anywhere of the Flat Earth Society,"

Kerry, saying that 97 percent of scientists who have weighed in on the issue agree that the phenomenon is real, argued that the cost of inaction to environments and economies will far outweigh the significant expense of reducing greenhouse gas emissions that trap solar heat in the atmosphere and contribute to the Earth's rising temperatures.

Breedism: Eight Dogs that Have Never Won 'Best in Show'

Breedism: Eight Dogs that Have Never Won 'Best in Show' | CNS News:

"Don't believe me?

Here are a list of dog breeds who have never been honored with the top prize at Westminster:

Labrador Retriever 

Golden Retriever 

Dachshund 

Rottweiler 

Chihuahua 

Great Dane 

Boston Terrier 

Shih Tzu 

WeMOG today!

Chet Connie and Bonnie are going to Crystal Valley and ski today if anyone wants to join us.

 

Ski today Feb 16 at Crystal Valley  

Meet at NOON at Russ' on M-120 and US-31 in the south west of their parking lot, North Muskegon

questions:Bonnie 616-550-3670

Trail was groomed on Friday

The story of the Nebraska cowboy who invented ranch dressing

The story of the Nebraska cowboy who invented ranch dressing - Omaha.com:
"They started to get so many requests for the dressing -- more than for ranch bookings -- that Gayle and Henson created a dry packaged mix. They sold the mix of salt, monosodium glutamate, dehydrated garlic, parsley and onions, black pepper and calcium stearate to stores and customers who lived a great distance away.

Kelley’s Korner in Santa Barbara was the first store to sell the packaged mix. The packages sold out so fast that Lloyd Kelley, store owner, thought his staff was stealing it. Within no time, Hidden Valley Ranch became transformed into a salad dressing center.

The name Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing was originally trademarked by Henson. Henson’s trademark has since expired, but Hidden Valley (#1307312, reg 1984), owned by Clorox, continues.

The Hidden Valley “dude” Ranch was sold in the early 1970s. By October of 1973, Henson sold the brand and product to Clorox for $8 million."

Aspen airport shuts down for Michelle Obama

Aspen airport shuts down for Michelle Obama | Page Six:

"First Lady Michelle Obama apparently halted private-jet traffic at Aspen airport as she landed for a weekend of skiing while President Obama headed to California.
Michelle, with her daughters, Sasha and Malia, was expected to touch down in Aspen Friday to spend Valentine’s Day and Presidents Day weekend away from her husband, who was meeting late Friday with Jordan’s King Abdullah II in Rancho Mirage, Calif.

Mrs. Obama’s arrival amid tight security was expected to delay the arrival of other wealthy vacationers on private jets at the Colorado ski resort.

One source said, “Some of those heading into Aspen were whining that they’re shutting the airport for an hour so nobody can get in on their private jets on a high travel day.”

The weather in New York and in Aspen caused further delays. 

The White House did not get back to us about the first lady’s arrival."

....Last year, the Obama family stayed at the home of Aspen Skiing Company owners Jim and Paula Crown, who are big Democratic donors. 

Their security team occupied a house next door.

4 secrets to save big on your cable bill

4 secrets to save big on your cable bill - The Kim Komando Show:

"But the trick is finding places to save money.

After you slash your heating bill, lighten your utility bill, blitzkrieg your grocery bill   and get one over on your cellular carrier, what else is there?

 Well, if you’re like most folks, the next sizable bill you have each month is probably your cable bill.

Bring it down out of the stratosphere with these handy secrets."

Jails need customers too----------------South Carolina woman jailed after failing to return movie rented nine years ago

South Carolina woman jailed after failing to return movie rented nine years ago | Fox News: