Brigitte Bardot on trial for Muslim slur
"French former film star Brigitte Bardot went on trial on Tuesday for insulting Muslims, the fifth time she has faced the charge of 'inciting racial hatred' over her controversial remarks about Islam and its followers."
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Tax-free Internet shopping days could be numbered
Tax-free Internet shopping days could be numbered
"Two bills are pending in Congress that would allow tax collectors to target out-of-state Internet and mail-order retailers, and their supporters are optimistic about their political prospects.
'I certainly would love to see a floor vote,' said Neal Osten, federal affairs counsel for the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), a lobby group for state politicians. 'We've heard encouraging words from the Democratic leadership in the House.'"
"Two bills are pending in Congress that would allow tax collectors to target out-of-state Internet and mail-order retailers, and their supporters are optimistic about their political prospects.
'I certainly would love to see a floor vote,' said Neal Osten, federal affairs counsel for the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), a lobby group for state politicians. 'We've heard encouraging words from the Democratic leadership in the House.'"
Detroit schools must return $39M if federal funds aren't spent by June
Detroit schools must return $39M if federal funds aren't spent by June: "Detroit Public Schools has until June to spend more than $39 million targeted to reading programs for poor children or will have to pay it back to the federal government.
The money is part of about $140 million in federal money from programs, including Title 1, that give money to schools attended by large numbers of children who qualify for free or reduced lunches. The money is earmarked for reading teachers, tutors, books, supplies and other academic needs."
The money is part of about $140 million in federal money from programs, including Title 1, that give money to schools attended by large numbers of children who qualify for free or reduced lunches. The money is earmarked for reading teachers, tutors, books, supplies and other academic needs."
West Michigan News from the Grand Haven Tribune a Michigan Newspaper
West Michigan News from the Grand Haven Tribune a Michigan Newspaper: "Legislators are considering bills that would allow counties to dissolve road commissions and take over their responsibilities."
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Clinton losing traction over Obama in Pennsylvania, Indiana - Los Angeles Times
Clinton losing traction over Obama in Pennsylvania, Indiana - Los Angeles Times: "Her formerly double-digit lead is now just a five-point margin in Pennsylvania, survey finds. The reduced margin makes a win for her there less significant. She trails Obama among Hoosiers"
Harbor Theater comments
Pretty good response to earlier GordoM grumps!
Hmm I just noticed that I exceeded the allowed characters in my previous post.I was finishing by saying that Community Mental Health will be hosting the event and holding post-movie discussions led by not only mental health experts but individuals in the community living with the disease or disorder. We are always looking for new ways to utilize the building for public and private use, so if anyone has any suggestions or comments in this department, please feel free to contact me.Thanks, and hope to see you at the theater!-Jen Hahn NielsenJen Hahn Nielsen Homepage 04.14.08 - 12:22 am #
No, the board does not necessarily "pick" the showings, but occasionally offer suggestions including which direction they would like to see the theater focus. We (the executive directors) welcome all suggestions from not only the board but the community as a whole. If we like the idea, and fits in to our vision, we book the film!Jen Hahn Nielsen Homepage 04.14.08 - 12:18 am #
Hello! Just browsing through Harbor Theater information online and thought I would share a few comments (I am the co-executive director of the Harbor Theater).While doing some research (including talking to theater-goers that attended the Harbor Cinema and Lounge a few years ago), we discovered that one of the biggest complaints that theater patrons had was that they were unable to read the small print due to the smaller ad in the Muskegon Chronicle. This was verified by the man who sold us ad space, who said that people frequently called in to complain to the Chronicle and asked them to make the advertisement bigger (interesting that people think that the Chronicle is responsible for small advertisements). We are not sure what kind of "deal" the Chronicle gave the the old owners, but our advertisement price is very reasonable and we are very happy with the results. Not putting the website in the ad is something we have to notify them about, as we instructed (and, essentially, paid) them to do so.As far as effectiveness...well, I have no idea how you could judge that. We seem to have quite a positive response from the advertisement and many people have told us that the Muskegon Chronicle will be their primary source for getting our showtimes. The previous owners conducted a survey and 67% of people said that that is how they received Harbor Theater information and events, with the second runner up being Word of Mouth (at only 17%). I was very surprised to see that the internet wasn't a bigger factor. The times may have changed a little, though. We have a survey in the works to determine how and from what distance people are receiving their information.We are a new business, and as much as I would love to say "Well, it looks like people don't go to the movies as often (or as late) on Thursdays as on Fridays, so let's show one showing on Thursday at 7:00:", we can't. Last Thursday was our busiest day last week, and I would honestly say we had a decent turnout during the weekend. Finding what works in our community with the movies we are showing is something we are in the process of determining. We live a matter of blocks away from the theater in Lakeside and don't mind being there for extended periods of time. Spring Break was last week, so we did try some earlier matinees, and also showed E.T. free all week.We do anticipate renting the theater for both private and public events. It's a beautiful building, and we do stand by our statement as operating as a "community theater". Some of the events we have considered are special screenings, video game tournaments (even WalMart has picked up on the Halo tournament craze!), post-prom or school lock-ins, guest speakers (We will be booking Lloyd Kaufman in August for a two-day Q&A and special screening of his upcoming movie), and also host quarterly week-long mental health awareness "festivals" which will be absolutely free to the public. Community Mental Health will beJen Hahn Nielsen Homepage 04.14.08 - 12:13 am #
Does the board pick the showings?crack'd muskegon newz Homepage 04.13.08 - 9:12 pm #
NON PROFIT means we are incorporated as a NON PROFIT. Beyond our salaries, we can not profit. There is a board of directors. If you would like to come on down and have a cup of coffee, I can prove to you that we are a NON PROFIT and following all the rules a NON PROFIT needs to follow.Brendan Pelto 04.13.08 - 8:35 pm #
Hmm I just noticed that I exceeded the allowed characters in my previous post.I was finishing by saying that Community Mental Health will be hosting the event and holding post-movie discussions led by not only mental health experts but individuals in the community living with the disease or disorder. We are always looking for new ways to utilize the building for public and private use, so if anyone has any suggestions or comments in this department, please feel free to contact me.Thanks, and hope to see you at the theater!-Jen Hahn NielsenJen Hahn Nielsen Homepage 04.14.08 - 12:22 am #
No, the board does not necessarily "pick" the showings, but occasionally offer suggestions including which direction they would like to see the theater focus. We (the executive directors) welcome all suggestions from not only the board but the community as a whole. If we like the idea, and fits in to our vision, we book the film!Jen Hahn Nielsen Homepage 04.14.08 - 12:18 am #
Hello! Just browsing through Harbor Theater information online and thought I would share a few comments (I am the co-executive director of the Harbor Theater).While doing some research (including talking to theater-goers that attended the Harbor Cinema and Lounge a few years ago), we discovered that one of the biggest complaints that theater patrons had was that they were unable to read the small print due to the smaller ad in the Muskegon Chronicle. This was verified by the man who sold us ad space, who said that people frequently called in to complain to the Chronicle and asked them to make the advertisement bigger (interesting that people think that the Chronicle is responsible for small advertisements). We are not sure what kind of "deal" the Chronicle gave the the old owners, but our advertisement price is very reasonable and we are very happy with the results. Not putting the website in the ad is something we have to notify them about, as we instructed (and, essentially, paid) them to do so.As far as effectiveness...well, I have no idea how you could judge that. We seem to have quite a positive response from the advertisement and many people have told us that the Muskegon Chronicle will be their primary source for getting our showtimes. The previous owners conducted a survey and 67% of people said that that is how they received Harbor Theater information and events, with the second runner up being Word of Mouth (at only 17%). I was very surprised to see that the internet wasn't a bigger factor. The times may have changed a little, though. We have a survey in the works to determine how and from what distance people are receiving their information.We are a new business, and as much as I would love to say "Well, it looks like people don't go to the movies as often (or as late) on Thursdays as on Fridays, so let's show one showing on Thursday at 7:00:", we can't. Last Thursday was our busiest day last week, and I would honestly say we had a decent turnout during the weekend. Finding what works in our community with the movies we are showing is something we are in the process of determining. We live a matter of blocks away from the theater in Lakeside and don't mind being there for extended periods of time. Spring Break was last week, so we did try some earlier matinees, and also showed E.T. free all week.We do anticipate renting the theater for both private and public events. It's a beautiful building, and we do stand by our statement as operating as a "community theater". Some of the events we have considered are special screenings, video game tournaments (even WalMart has picked up on the Halo tournament craze!), post-prom or school lock-ins, guest speakers (We will be booking Lloyd Kaufman in August for a two-day Q&A and special screening of his upcoming movie), and also host quarterly week-long mental health awareness "festivals" which will be absolutely free to the public. Community Mental Health will beJen Hahn Nielsen Homepage 04.14.08 - 12:13 am #
Does the board pick the showings?crack'd muskegon newz Homepage 04.13.08 - 9:12 pm #
NON PROFIT means we are incorporated as a NON PROFIT. Beyond our salaries, we can not profit. There is a board of directors. If you would like to come on down and have a cup of coffee, I can prove to you that we are a NON PROFIT and following all the rules a NON PROFIT needs to follow.Brendan Pelto 04.13.08 - 8:35 pm #
A Living Lie
RealClearPolitics - Articles - A Living Lie: "becoming painfully apparent with each new revelation of how drastically his carefully crafted image this election year contrasts with what he has actually been saying and doing for many years.
Senator Obama's election year image is that of a man who can bring the country together, overcoming differences of party or race, as well as solving our international problems by talking with Iran and other countries with which we are at odds, and performing other miscellaneous miracles as needed.
There is, of course, not a speck of evidence that Obama has ever transcended party differences in the United States Senate. Voting records analyzed by the National Journal show him to be the farthest left of anyone in the Senate. Nor has he sponsored any significant bipartisan legislation -- nor any other significant legislation, for that matter."
Senator Obama's election year image is that of a man who can bring the country together, overcoming differences of party or race, as well as solving our international problems by talking with Iran and other countries with which we are at odds, and performing other miscellaneous miracles as needed.
There is, of course, not a speck of evidence that Obama has ever transcended party differences in the United States Senate. Voting records analyzed by the National Journal show him to be the farthest left of anyone in the Senate. Nor has he sponsored any significant bipartisan legislation -- nor any other significant legislation, for that matter."
Monday, April 14, 2008
GOP lawmaker apologizes for Obama quip
GOP lawmaker apologizes for Obama quip: "Republican Rep. Geoff Davis apologizing to Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama on Monday after referring to him as 'that boy.'
Addressing a Republican gathering Saturday night, the Kentucky lawmaker said, 'That boy's finger does not need to be on the button.' Davis was talking about political and national security issues at an annual GOP dinner."
GordoM is thinkin' "that boy" Davis is a gonner....bu bye...
Addressing a Republican gathering Saturday night, the Kentucky lawmaker said, 'That boy's finger does not need to be on the button.' Davis was talking about political and national security issues at an annual GOP dinner."
GordoM is thinkin' "that boy" Davis is a gonner....bu bye...
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Obama says many feel ignored
Obama says many feel ignored
"The audience was enthusiastic and angry at Obama's critics, The Indianapolis Star reported. Dr. Kathleen Beache, a Republican dentist from Indianapolis, wore an Obama T-shirt to the rally."
"The audience was enthusiastic and angry at Obama's critics, The Indianapolis Star reported. Dr. Kathleen Beache, a Republican dentist from Indianapolis, wore an Obama T-shirt to the rally."
IPS stuck in culture of apathy, inefficiency | IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star
IPS stuck in culture of apathy, inefficiency IndyStar.com The Indianapolis Star: "When the superintendent brought in auditors to look at the Indianapolis Public Schools bus operation in December, the department couldn't say how many routes it runs each day. Auditors had to guess.
When the school district tried to dismiss 14 administrators this year, it missed a deadline to notify the employees and now must pay their full salaries for another year.
Although the district struggles to hire teachers and is chronically short-staffed, it has 10,000 job applications that have never been reviewed."
When the school district tried to dismiss 14 administrators this year, it missed a deadline to notify the employees and now must pay their full salaries for another year.
Although the district struggles to hire teachers and is chronically short-staffed, it has 10,000 job applications that have never been reviewed."
Metro Indy under freeze watch tonight
Metro Indy under freeze watch tonight
"Central Indiana should see temperatures in the low 70s this week – but not before cooler air prompts a freeze watch."
"Central Indiana should see temperatures in the low 70s this week – but not before cooler air prompts a freeze watch."
Souder: U.S. should skip Games' opening | IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star
Souder: U.S. should skip Games' opening IndyStar.com The Indianapolis Star: "U.S. Rep. Mark Souder has joined a growing number of lawmakers who want to make it illegal for President Bush or any member of Congress to attend the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Summer Olympics because of China's crackdown in Tibet.
Souder, R-Ind., said Friday that if the president doesn't skip the ceremony then Congress should force him to stay home.
'I don't know why any president or elected official should go as they try to have their moment in the world spotlight as Hitler did during those Olympics' before World War II, Souder said Friday. 'That's about as hard as I can say it.'"
Souder, R-Ind., said Friday that if the president doesn't skip the ceremony then Congress should force him to stay home.
'I don't know why any president or elected official should go as they try to have their moment in the world spotlight as Hitler did during those Olympics' before World War II, Souder said Friday. 'That's about as hard as I can say it.'"
Record fine could present problems for DeVoses
Record fine could present problems for DeVoses
The National political action committee network under that name embodies founders Dick and Betsy DeVos' long-held passion for private school vouchers and charter schools.
But in the wake of a record $5.2 million fine levied April 3 by the Ohio Elections Commission, the issues pose a challenge to their stake in Michigan politics. It would not be the first time.
In 2000, the DeVoses poured nearly $5 million into a failed ballot measure in Michigan that would have offered vouchers for private schools."
The National political action committee network under that name embodies founders Dick and Betsy DeVos' long-held passion for private school vouchers and charter schools.
But in the wake of a record $5.2 million fine levied April 3 by the Ohio Elections Commission, the issues pose a challenge to their stake in Michigan politics. It would not be the first time.
In 2000, the DeVoses poured nearly $5 million into a failed ballot measure in Michigan that would have offered vouchers for private schools."
WeatherMate
http://ravib.com/wm
This is a really neet little weather aplet with no ads.
I have it on all my computers.
Enjoy.
GordoM-likes-weather
This is a really neet little weather aplet with no ads.
I have it on all my computers.
Enjoy.
GordoM-likes-weather
The Harbor Theater "thoughts"
Some thoughts on the Harbor Theater:
I haven't been yet and I hope I'm dead wrong but here are my thoughts.
It seems The Chronicle ad department isn't giving them much help.
1. I saw their ads this week in The Chronicle. Not terrible but about twice the size (and cost?) of the old ads the previous owners of the Harbor used. And less effective, in my opinion.
2. They have no web address of any kind in the ad. Why not?
Their own site isn't too bad.
3. The schedule is too dang confusing! They are new. They don't need new customers sitting in empty theatres on Sat. morning or 3 shows per day.
I'd suggest 2 shows on Sat/Sun and 1 on Wed/Thurs until they get some traction in the community.
4. The "non-profit" obsession is a turn-off to those of us who understand that privately generated "profit" is what pays for ALL the governmental functions of all of our governments....and there is that question about their definition of "non-profit".
5. A giant opportunity is the ability to rent their theatre for private events. I'd love to support a Tues night or afternoon showing of an art film or a political film like "An Inconvenient Truth" or "indoctrinate-u.com/" style DVD movies.
6.Are they contacting Rotary, Muskegon Community Foundation etc to offer their building for private shows?
7.Persnickety but it used to be spelled "Theatre" now "Theater".
Sad......
Maybe more of us can add positive advice.
GordoM-hopes-they-succeed
Turmoil Hits Mont. Club for Ultra Rich
We were in Big Sky 2 years ago. Ritzy!
"For the ultra-rich, the Yellowstone Club is a private retreat like no other. It boasts its own ski resort, security provided by ex-Secret Service agents and a deep-pocketed membership that includes Bill Gates and former Vice President Dan Quayle.
However, a bitter divorce fight between the club's billionaire founders as well as a lawsuit by a group of investors led by cycling legend Greg LeMond have revealed all is not well behind the tony club's gated entrance in southwestern Montana's Gallatin Mountains, according to recent court testimony and documents reviewed by The Associated Press"
However, a bitter divorce fight between the club's billionaire founders as well as a lawsuit by a group of investors led by cycling legend Greg LeMond have revealed all is not well behind the tony club's gated entrance in southwestern Montana's Gallatin Mountains, according to recent court testimony and documents reviewed by The Associated Press"
Alicia Keyes: 'Gangsta Rap' Created to Convince Black People to Kill Each Other
Alicia Keyes: 'Gangsta Rap' Created to Convince Black People to Kill Each Other
"There's another side to Alicia Keys: conspiracy theorist.
The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter tells Blender magazine: ''Gangsta rap' was a ploy to convince black people to kill each other. 'Gangsta rap' didn't exist.'
Keys, 27, said she's read several Black Panther autobiographies and wears a gold AK-47 pendant around her neck 'to symbolize strength, power and killing 'em dead,"
"There's another side to Alicia Keys: conspiracy theorist.
The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter tells Blender magazine: ''Gangsta rap' was a ploy to convince black people to kill each other. 'Gangsta rap' didn't exist.'
Keys, 27, said she's read several Black Panther autobiographies and wears a gold AK-47 pendant around her neck 'to symbolize strength, power and killing 'em dead,"
Lonely Planet's bad trip | The Daily Telegraph
Lonely Planet's bad trip The Daily Telegraph: "THE Lonely Planet guidebook empire is reeling from claims by one of its authors that he plagiarised and made up large sections of his books and dealt drugs to make up for poor pay."
Serial Subway Groper Arrested Once Again
Serial Subway Groper Arrested Once Again
"About two weeks after he was released from prison, Freddie Johnson boarded a crowded subway train in Manhattan and illegally rubbed up against a woman, authorities said.
It is a fairly common crime on subways in New York. But this was no common criminal.
Johnson has been arrested a staggering 53 times -- the majority for groping women on the subway, police and prosecutors said."
"About two weeks after he was released from prison, Freddie Johnson boarded a crowded subway train in Manhattan and illegally rubbed up against a woman, authorities said.
It is a fairly common crime on subways in New York. But this was no common criminal.
Johnson has been arrested a staggering 53 times -- the majority for groping women on the subway, police and prosecutors said."
Saturday, April 12, 2008
FEMA Issues New Limits on Formaldehyde Levels in Trailers
FEMA Issues New Limits on Formaldehyde Levels in Trailers
"The Federal Emergency Management Agency is setting strict new limits on formaldehyde levels in the mobile homes it buys for disaster victims.
After insisting that existing trailers are safe, the agency said Friday it will take 'extraordinary precautions' by buying trailers with formaldehyde emissions comparable to that of conventional housing. The requirement will cover a three-year contract to purchase up to 3,300 units and a smaller contract for units intended for disabled residents."
"The Federal Emergency Management Agency is setting strict new limits on formaldehyde levels in the mobile homes it buys for disaster victims.
After insisting that existing trailers are safe, the agency said Friday it will take 'extraordinary precautions' by buying trailers with formaldehyde emissions comparable to that of conventional housing. The requirement will cover a three-year contract to purchase up to 3,300 units and a smaller contract for units intended for disabled residents."
School spending out of control!
CARPE DIEM: "real Per Pupil Expenditures for public elementary and secondary schools has increased from $6051 in 1985-86 to $9295 in 2005-2006, a 53.61% increase (see graph above). Over the same period, real inflation-adjusted gas prices rose by only 10.9% according to EIA data, from $2.24 per gallon in January 1986 to $2.484 per gallon in January 2006 (the mid-point in the school year)."
Friday, April 11, 2008
FOXNews.com - Lawyers: Families of Virginia Tech Victims to Get $11M Settlement - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News
FOXNews.com - Lawyers: Families of Virginia Tech Victims to Get $11M Settlement - Local News News Articles National News US News: "Families of the victims in the Virginia Tech shootings have reached an $11 million settlement with the state, lawyers said Thursday. The deal is designed to prevent future lawsuits.
Peter Grenier and Douglas Fierberg, who represent 21 families, said they would not discuss terms of the settlement until final papers are drawn"
Peter Grenier and Douglas Fierberg, who represent 21 families, said they would not discuss terms of the settlement until final papers are drawn"
Higher state tax on beer? - San Jose Mercury News
Higher state tax on beer? - San Jose Mercury News: "Joe Six-pack will have to pay a lot more to get his buzz on if Assemblyman Jim Beall has his way.
The San Jose Democrat on Thursday proposed raising the beer tax by $1.80 per six-pack, or 30 cents per can or bottle. The current tax is 2 cents per can. That's an increase of about 1,500 percent."
The San Jose Democrat on Thursday proposed raising the beer tax by $1.80 per six-pack, or 30 cents per can or bottle. The current tax is 2 cents per can. That's an increase of about 1,500 percent."
Thursday, April 10, 2008
My Way - Sports News
My Way - Sports News: "Self's new deal is likely to make him one of college basketball's highest-paid coaches. Florida coach Billy Donovan is believed to be the highest among coaches at public universities, after he signed a six-year contract worth $3.5 million per year in 2007."
Michigan Girl's Birthday Hope Comes True
Michigan Girl's Birthday Hope Comes True
"At her seventh birthday party, Amber Birdsall thought the huge gift box wrapped in pink paper likely hid a pair of bicycles.
She was wrong. Inside was something she wanted even more - her stepfather, a soldier who had been deployed overseas.
'This is way better than bikes,' Amber said"
"At her seventh birthday party, Amber Birdsall thought the huge gift box wrapped in pink paper likely hid a pair of bicycles.
She was wrong. Inside was something she wanted even more - her stepfather, a soldier who had been deployed overseas.
'This is way better than bikes,' Amber said"
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