Sunday, July 20, 2008
Most eligible state kids miss free summer lunches
Most eligible state kids miss free summer lunches: "The Michigan Department of Education took over the summer meal program in 2004, and its outreach efforts have added about 200 sites for a total of about 960. Even so, only about 15 percent of the 460,000 children who are eligible take advantage of it, the Detroit Free Press reported Sunday."
Instapundit.com -
Instapundit.com -: "Too much U.S. presence might interfere with corruption! 'As long as the American troops are in the country, auditors have armed protection and can be very effective at revealing the thefts and getting the thieves punished."
Saturday, July 19, 2008
For Some Ohioans, Even Meat Is Out Of Reach
For Some Ohioans, Even Meat Is Out Of Reach
"The rising cost of food means their money gets them about a third fewer bags of groceries — $100 used to buy about 12 bags of groceries, but now it's more like seven or eight. So they cut back on expensive items like meat, and they don't buy extras like ice cream anymore."
And not a minute too soon!
"The rising cost of food means their money gets them about a third fewer bags of groceries — $100 used to buy about 12 bags of groceries, but now it's more like seven or eight. So they cut back on expensive items like meat, and they don't buy extras like ice cream anymore."
And not a minute too soon!
chizumatic.mee.nu
chizumatic.mee.nu: "In order for 'alternate energy' to become feasible, it has to satisfy all of the following criteria:
1. It has to be huge (in terms of both energy and power)
2. It has to be reliable (not intermittent or unschedulable)
3. It has to be concentrated (not diffuse)
4. It has to be possible to utilize it efficiently
5. The capital investment and operating cost to utilize it has to be comparable to existing energy sources (per gigawatt, and per terajoule).
If it fails to satisfy any of those, then it can't scale enough to make any difference. Solar power fails #3, and currently it also fails #5. (It also partially fails #2, but there are ways to work around that.)
The only sources of energy available to us now that satisfy all five are petroleum, coal, hydro, and nuclear."
1. It has to be huge (in terms of both energy and power)
2. It has to be reliable (not intermittent or unschedulable)
3. It has to be concentrated (not diffuse)
4. It has to be possible to utilize it efficiently
5. The capital investment and operating cost to utilize it has to be comparable to existing energy sources (per gigawatt, and per terajoule).
If it fails to satisfy any of those, then it can't scale enough to make any difference. Solar power fails #3, and currently it also fails #5. (It also partially fails #2, but there are ways to work around that.)
The only sources of energy available to us now that satisfy all five are petroleum, coal, hydro, and nuclear."
Grand Valley State University board increases tuition 13 percent
Grand Valley State University board increases tuition 13 percent
"Trustee Noreen Myers said many families are struggling financially and will be devastated by a $1,000 hit. A freshman will pay $8,196, up from $7,240. Upperclassmen will pay slightly more.
'I'm really troubled by this increase in light of the troubled economy in Michigan at this time,' Myers said. She and Michael Thomas voted against the hike, a rare dissent on the board."
"Trustee Noreen Myers said many families are struggling financially and will be devastated by a $1,000 hit. A freshman will pay $8,196, up from $7,240. Upperclassmen will pay slightly more.
'I'm really troubled by this increase in light of the troubled economy in Michigan at this time,' Myers said. She and Michael Thomas voted against the hike, a rare dissent on the board."
Grand Valley State University to offer benefits to any live-in partner
Grand Valley State University to offer benefits to any live-in partner
"In a surprise move, Grand Valley State University trustees on Friday added benefits for unmarried couples to the health insurance they offer employees.
The benefit will apply to gay couples, as well as any other live-in partner or friend who is an unrelated adult and has lived with a faculty member or staff member for 18 months or more."
"In a surprise move, Grand Valley State University trustees on Friday added benefits for unmarried couples to the health insurance they offer employees.
The benefit will apply to gay couples, as well as any other live-in partner or friend who is an unrelated adult and has lived with a faculty member or staff member for 18 months or more."
McCain Talks with GM workers
McCain Talks with GM workers
".--Speaking to a group of General Motors Corp. employees, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) promised to provide a $5,000 tax credit for Americans who buy electric-powered cars such as the future Chevy Volt and 'other automobiles that put us on the path to energy independence,' even as he suggested he might alter his climate plan to aid the auto industry."
".--Speaking to a group of General Motors Corp. employees, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) promised to provide a $5,000 tax credit for Americans who buy electric-powered cars such as the future Chevy Volt and 'other automobiles that put us on the path to energy independence,' even as he suggested he might alter his climate plan to aid the auto industry."
Friday, July 18, 2008
Do As They Say
Do As They Say
"Of course, this spartan existence would be for the masses only. The elites will still be able to live their lives of opulence, just as high-ranking communists in the Soviet Union, the nomenklatura, had private Chaika lanes in Moscow streets that members of the working class — Marx's proletariat — were forbidden to drive on."
"Of course, this spartan existence would be for the masses only. The elites will still be able to live their lives of opulence, just as high-ranking communists in the Soviet Union, the nomenklatura, had private Chaika lanes in Moscow streets that members of the working class — Marx's proletariat — were forbidden to drive on."
'Rig' The Election
'Rig' The Election
"When President Bush lifted the executive order banning exploration and drilling in the Outer Continental Shelf, two things happened almost immediately: The world price for oil started to drop and the Democrats panicked. They could no longer hide under the umbrella the order provided.
On Sept. 30, when the Interior Department's 2008 appropriations expire, the Democrats will have to reauthorize the congressional ban and explain to the voters why."
"When President Bush lifted the executive order banning exploration and drilling in the Outer Continental Shelf, two things happened almost immediately: The world price for oil started to drop and the Democrats panicked. They could no longer hide under the umbrella the order provided.
On Sept. 30, when the Interior Department's 2008 appropriations expire, the Democrats will have to reauthorize the congressional ban and explain to the voters why."
Texas approves major new wind power project
Texas approves major new wind power project
"Texas electric customers will bear the cost of construction over the next several years, paying about $3 or $4 more per month on their bills, according to Tom Smith, state director of the consumer group Public Citizen. But he predicted that increase would easily be offset by lower energy prices."
BULLSHIT!
"Texas electric customers will bear the cost of construction over the next several years, paying about $3 or $4 more per month on their bills, according to Tom Smith, state director of the consumer group Public Citizen. But he predicted that increase would easily be offset by lower energy prices."
BULLSHIT!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Drowning boy saved by passers-by
Drowning boy saved by passers-by
"She was Sandy Butkis, 41, of Spring Lake, who saw the mother and heard people asking if anyone knew CPR."
HERO!
"She was Sandy Butkis, 41, of Spring Lake, who saw the mother and heard people asking if anyone knew CPR."
HERO!
Retired adminstrator to stay on at middle school under private contract
Retired adminstrator to stay on at middle school under private contract
"The district will pay Beaudoin $79,050, similar to his annual salary.
Superintendent Dave Sipka said the change will save the district about $36,000 in money it would have spent on health insurance benefits, FICA and annual retirement contributions."
Holy shittake!
$36,000 in benefits?
That's 46% added to his pay?
I wonder what the benefit package is for the rest of the school employees.
"The district will pay Beaudoin $79,050, similar to his annual salary.
Superintendent Dave Sipka said the change will save the district about $36,000 in money it would have spent on health insurance benefits, FICA and annual retirement contributions."
Holy shittake!
$36,000 in benefits?
That's 46% added to his pay?
I wonder what the benefit package is for the rest of the school employees.
Norton Shores council supports wind turbine ordinance
Norton Shores council supports wind turbine ordinance
"Shared turbines for residential developments could be 70 to 200 feet tall, according to the draft ordinance."
This is so wrong on so many levels, but 200' tall towers all over Norton Shores?
And have we set aside money for all the PETA lawsuits?
"Shared turbines for residential developments could be 70 to 200 feet tall, according to the draft ordinance."
This is so wrong on so many levels, but 200' tall towers all over Norton Shores?
And have we set aside money for all the PETA lawsuits?
West Michigan Film Office created to tout local movie settings
West Michigan Film Office created to tout local movie settings
"State film incentives legislation, which offers a 42 percent rebate for filmmakers,"
Apparently, our state "leaders" understand the concept of "reduce taxes, increase employers".
But only for Hollywood style boondoggles.
"State film incentives legislation, which offers a 42 percent rebate for filmmakers,"
Apparently, our state "leaders" understand the concept of "reduce taxes, increase employers".
But only for Hollywood style boondoggles.
Environmentalists oppose more coal plants in state - Muskegon Chronicle - MLive.com
Environmentalists oppose more coal plants in state
The headline says it all.
"environmentalists=democrats=no-new-powerplants"
The headline says it all.
"environmentalists=democrats=no-new-powerplants"
Grant money to boost state university research
Grant money to boost state university research
"Universities also are assisting the projects with their own resources, but more cash from foundations and businesses is needed to make the program successful.
'We have a responsibility in the economic development of this state,' Grand Valley State President Thomas J. Haas said"
Businesses, small and big, tell us they're leaving Michigan because of high taxes and onerous regulation.
Our state government and educational leaders tell us that more spending and government subsidized competition are what's needed.
No wonder we have a "single-state recession" that ain't gonna end soon.
"Universities also are assisting the projects with their own resources, but more cash from foundations and businesses is needed to make the program successful.
'We have a responsibility in the economic development of this state,' Grand Valley State President Thomas J. Haas said"
Businesses, small and big, tell us they're leaving Michigan because of high taxes and onerous regulation.
Our state government and educational leaders tell us that more spending and government subsidized competition are what's needed.
No wonder we have a "single-state recession" that ain't gonna end soon.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
New Taxes!
(from an e-mail)
Proposed changes in taxes after the 2008 General election:
CAPITAL GAINS TAX
MCCAIN 0% on home sales up to $500,000 per home (couples). McCain does not propose any change in existing home sales income tax.
OBAMA 28% on profit from ALL home sales How does this affect you? If you sell your home and make a profit, you will pay 28% of your gain on taxes. If you are heading toward retirement and would like to down-size your home or move into a retirement community, 28% of the money you make from your home will go to taxes. This proposal will adversely affect the elderly who are counting on the income from their homes as part of their retirement income.
DIVIDEND TAX
MCCAIN 15% (no change)
OBAMA 39.6% How will this affect you? If you have any money invested in stock market, IRA, mutual funds, college funds, life insurance, retirement accounts, or anything that pays or reinvests dividends, you will now be paying nearly 40% of the money earned on taxes if Obama becomes president. The experts predict that 'Higher tax rates on dividends and capital gains would crash the stock market, yet do absolutely nothing to cut the deficit.'
INCOME TAX
MCCAIN (no changes)
Single making 30K - tax $4,500
Single making 50K - tax $12,500
Single making 75K - tax $18,750
Married making 60K- tax $9,000
Married making 75K - tax $18,750
Married making 125K - tax $31,250
OBAMA (reversion to pre-Bush tax cuts)Single making 30K - tax $8,400 Single making 50K - tax $14,000 Single making 75K - tax $23,250 Married making 60K - tax $16,800 Married making 75K - tax $21,000 Married making 125K - tax $38,750 Under Obama, your taxes could almost double!
INHERITANCE TAX
MCCAIN 0% (No change, Bush repealed this tax)
OBAMA Restore the inheritance taxMany families have lost businesses, farms, ranches, and homes that have been in their families for generations because they could not afford the inheritance tax. Those willing their assets to loved ones will only lose them to these taxes.
NEW TAXES PROPOSED BY OBAMA
New government taxes proposed on homes that are more than 2400 square feet.
New gasoline taxes (as if gas weren't high enough already)
New taxes on natural resources consumption (heating gas, water, & electricity)
New taxes on retirement accounts, and last but not least....
New taxes to pay for socialized medicine so we can receive the same level of medical care as other third-world countries!!!
You can verify a lot of the above at the following web sites: http://money.cnn.com/news/specials/election/2008/index.html http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/issues/issues.taxes.html http://elections.foxnews.com/?s=proposed+taxes http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourworld/politics/articles/mccain_obama_offer_different_visions_on_taxes.html http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/candidates/barack_obama/ http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/candidates/john_mccain/ (and there are many more to choose from, just use your favorite search engine)
Proposed changes in taxes after the 2008 General election:
CAPITAL GAINS TAX
MCCAIN 0% on home sales up to $500,000 per home (couples). McCain does not propose any change in existing home sales income tax.
OBAMA 28% on profit from ALL home sales How does this affect you? If you sell your home and make a profit, you will pay 28% of your gain on taxes. If you are heading toward retirement and would like to down-size your home or move into a retirement community, 28% of the money you make from your home will go to taxes. This proposal will adversely affect the elderly who are counting on the income from their homes as part of their retirement income.
DIVIDEND TAX
MCCAIN 15% (no change)
OBAMA 39.6% How will this affect you? If you have any money invested in stock market, IRA, mutual funds, college funds, life insurance, retirement accounts, or anything that pays or reinvests dividends, you will now be paying nearly 40% of the money earned on taxes if Obama becomes president. The experts predict that 'Higher tax rates on dividends and capital gains would crash the stock market, yet do absolutely nothing to cut the deficit.'
INCOME TAX
MCCAIN (no changes)
Single making 30K - tax $4,500
Single making 50K - tax $12,500
Single making 75K - tax $18,750
Married making 60K- tax $9,000
Married making 75K - tax $18,750
Married making 125K - tax $31,250
OBAMA (reversion to pre-Bush tax cuts)Single making 30K - tax $8,400 Single making 50K - tax $14,000 Single making 75K - tax $23,250 Married making 60K - tax $16,800 Married making 75K - tax $21,000 Married making 125K - tax $38,750 Under Obama, your taxes could almost double!
INHERITANCE TAX
MCCAIN 0% (No change, Bush repealed this tax)
OBAMA Restore the inheritance taxMany families have lost businesses, farms, ranches, and homes that have been in their families for generations because they could not afford the inheritance tax. Those willing their assets to loved ones will only lose them to these taxes.
NEW TAXES PROPOSED BY OBAMA
New government taxes proposed on homes that are more than 2400 square feet.
New gasoline taxes (as if gas weren't high enough already)
New taxes on natural resources consumption (heating gas, water, & electricity)
New taxes on retirement accounts, and last but not least....
New taxes to pay for socialized medicine so we can receive the same level of medical care as other third-world countries!!!
You can verify a lot of the above at the following web sites: http://money.cnn.com/news/specials/election/2008/index.html http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/issues/issues.taxes.html http://elections.foxnews.com/?s=proposed+taxes http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourworld/politics/articles/mccain_obama_offer_different_visions_on_taxes.html http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/candidates/barack_obama/ http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/candidates/john_mccain/ (and there are many more to choose from, just use your favorite search engine)
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Give citizens facts before Shores votes
After reading the article in the June 25 Chronicle concerning Norton Shores' proposed road millage, I feel compelled to write. First, I find it disingenuous and misleading that under the title "Road Tax Details," The Chronicle stated that the 1.5 mills would cost a homeowner of a $50,000 house an extra $75 per year. I do not know of many houses in Norton Shores that have a taxable value of $50,000!
Instead, the taxable value of most homes in the city range between $100,000 to $175,000, which for the average taxpayer translates into $150 to $263 more in annual taxes if the millage passes. I urge you not to play fast and loose with your readers, but instead be upfront and give them the facts. I know they would appreciate it.
And, being upfront brings me to my second point. I have been a Norton Shores resident nearly my entire life, and have witnessed our quickly deteriorating roads. While I question whether the city is being overzealous in asking its taxpayers for an extra 1.5 mills in these tough economic times, I know that something needs to be done, and done quickly. However, it appears that the city is once again not being upfront with its citizens.
That is, the city refuses to inform its citizens as to which roads would most likely be improved if the millage passes. It uses excuses such as it being "too difficult at this stage" to create a street improvement list. What are the difficulties? What makes it "too difficult" now in June than in December? The city concedes that it has an inventory of the conditions of the roads, so what else does the city need?
Clearly, the city fears that an informed citizenry will make ill-informed decisions at the voting booth, and thus the city has made a decision to keep them in the dark until after the November vote. I believe it is the obligation of our councilmembers, all of whom are elected officials, to ensure that their constituents, before they pull the lever this November, are well informed and privy to all of the facts surrounding the millage. Norton Shores, be upfront and honest with your citizens.
Dan Olson
Norton Shores
After reading the article in the June 25 Chronicle concerning Norton Shores' proposed road millage, I feel compelled to write. First, I find it disingenuous and misleading that under the title "Road Tax Details," The Chronicle stated that the 1.5 mills would cost a homeowner of a $50,000 house an extra $75 per year. I do not know of many houses in Norton Shores that have a taxable value of $50,000!
Instead, the taxable value of most homes in the city range between $100,000 to $175,000, which for the average taxpayer translates into $150 to $263 more in annual taxes if the millage passes. I urge you not to play fast and loose with your readers, but instead be upfront and give them the facts. I know they would appreciate it.
And, being upfront brings me to my second point. I have been a Norton Shores resident nearly my entire life, and have witnessed our quickly deteriorating roads. While I question whether the city is being overzealous in asking its taxpayers for an extra 1.5 mills in these tough economic times, I know that something needs to be done, and done quickly. However, it appears that the city is once again not being upfront with its citizens.
That is, the city refuses to inform its citizens as to which roads would most likely be improved if the millage passes. It uses excuses such as it being "too difficult at this stage" to create a street improvement list. What are the difficulties? What makes it "too difficult" now in June than in December? The city concedes that it has an inventory of the conditions of the roads, so what else does the city need?
Clearly, the city fears that an informed citizenry will make ill-informed decisions at the voting booth, and thus the city has made a decision to keep them in the dark until after the November vote. I believe it is the obligation of our councilmembers, all of whom are elected officials, to ensure that their constituents, before they pull the lever this November, are well informed and privy to all of the facts surrounding the millage. Norton Shores, be upfront and honest with your citizens.
Dan Olson
Norton Shores
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