The Year of Pension Meltdowns?
"Last year we watched 401k’s deflate. This year looks like the year of pension fund implosions, an article says. Federal law requires funds to have enough money to pay all their retirees. Yet with markets way down, more than two-fifths of big-company plans “are nowhere close to meeting that standard, and those dire numbers are increasing.” The politically driven “social investing” of public pensions makes matters worse."
Friday, February 06, 2009
Granholm proposes lump-sum payment, not pension boost to encourage teacher retirements
Granholm proposes lump-sum payment, not pension boost to encourage teacher retirements
"Granholm instead favors offering lump-sum payments to teachers as a retirement lure, but local educators say that's likely a deal-killer because the state just doesn't have the money to make such a package work this year."
"Granholm instead favors offering lump-sum payments to teachers as a retirement lure, but local educators say that's likely a deal-killer because the state just doesn't have the money to make such a package work this year."
Obtuse sells!
I blame the entire Kenyan tragedy on the tobacco industry
"I've always been drawn to news stories of mass extinction because of human ignorance. I'm not talking about a bomb going off or a plane crash, I'm talking about the yearly tales of stampedes at religious ceremonies or ferry boats flipping when they're overloaded by a factor of six."
"I've always been drawn to news stories of mass extinction because of human ignorance. I'm not talking about a bomb going off or a plane crash, I'm talking about the yearly tales of stampedes at religious ceremonies or ferry boats flipping when they're overloaded by a factor of six."
Thursday, February 05, 2009
What's in the Stimulus?: An Earmark as Big as the Ritz
What's in the Stimulus?: An Earmark as Big as the Ritz
Buried in the 800 page stimulus bill is this seemingly innocuous allocation — well it's inocuous relative to a $1 trillion stimulus bill anyway — '$2,000,000,000 is available for one or more near zero emission powerplant(s).”
Interstingly enough, there's no such thing as a 'near zero emission powerplant' — yet."
Buried in the 800 page stimulus bill is this seemingly innocuous allocation — well it's inocuous relative to a $1 trillion stimulus bill anyway — '$2,000,000,000 is available for one or more near zero emission powerplant(s).”
Interstingly enough, there's no such thing as a 'near zero emission powerplant' — yet."
Michael Calderone's Blog: Sen. Stabenow wants hearings on radio 'accountability'
Michael Calderone's Blog: Sen. Stabenow wants hearings on radio 'accountability'; talks fairness doctrine
"This morning, radio host Bill Press brought up the recent closing of liberal station Obama 1260 when speaking with Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow, and talked about whether there needs to be a balance to right-wing talk on the radio dial."
"This morning, radio host Bill Press brought up the recent closing of liberal station Obama 1260 when speaking with Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow, and talked about whether there needs to be a balance to right-wing talk on the radio dial."
France 24 | NKorea may fire missiles across sea border: report | France 24
France 24 NKorea may fire missiles across sea border: report France 24: "North Korea may fire short-range missiles across its disputed sea border with South Korea to bolster its sabre-rattling campaign against the Seoul government, media reports said Friday.
Seoul officials believe this is the likeliest form of provocation from the communist state,"
Seoul officials believe this is the likeliest form of provocation from the communist state,"
How to Save Your Newspaper
How to Save Your Newspaper
"So I am hoping that this year will see the dawn of a bold, old idea that will provide yet another option that some news organizations might choose: getting paid by users for the services they provide and the journalism they produce."
Next time you hear how smart the Ivy grads are, remember this column.
"getting paid ...for your services....." is a good idea.
And he acts like this is a NEW idea. (yes, I know he wrote "old idea")
"So I am hoping that this year will see the dawn of a bold, old idea that will provide yet another option that some news organizations might choose: getting paid by users for the services they provide and the journalism they produce."
Next time you hear how smart the Ivy grads are, remember this column.
"getting paid ...for your services....." is a good idea.
And he acts like this is a NEW idea. (yes, I know he wrote "old idea")
The Great College Hoax
The Great College Hoax
"Not only are college numbers spun. Some are patently spurious, says Richard Sander, a law professor at UCLA. Law schools lure in minority students to improve diversity rankings without disclosing that less than half of African-Americans who enter these programs ever pass the bar. Schools goose employment statistics by temporarily hiring new grads and spotlighting kids who land top-paying jobs, while glossing over far-lower average incomes. The one certainty: The average law grad owes $100,000 in student debt.
'There are a lot of aspects of selling education that are tinged with consumer fraud,' Sander says. 'There is a definite conspiracy to lead students down a primrose path.'"
"Not only are college numbers spun. Some are patently spurious, says Richard Sander, a law professor at UCLA. Law schools lure in minority students to improve diversity rankings without disclosing that less than half of African-Americans who enter these programs ever pass the bar. Schools goose employment statistics by temporarily hiring new grads and spotlighting kids who land top-paying jobs, while glossing over far-lower average incomes. The one certainty: The average law grad owes $100,000 in student debt.
'There are a lot of aspects of selling education that are tinged with consumer fraud,' Sander says. 'There is a definite conspiracy to lead students down a primrose path.'"
Actors, baseball legends on Madoff client list
Actors, baseball legends on Madoff client list
"Harry Markopolos, told House lawmakers at a hearing that he had discovered that additional funds had relayed investments to Madoff in Europe - and that the managers of these 'feeder' funds may have ignored signs of the massive fraud scheme.
He plans to present his findings to the Securities and Exchange Commission's inspector general Thursday. If proven, they would substantiate the assertions of many analysts that the alleged fraud was far too large for Madoff to have conducted alone."
"Harry Markopolos, told House lawmakers at a hearing that he had discovered that additional funds had relayed investments to Madoff in Europe - and that the managers of these 'feeder' funds may have ignored signs of the massive fraud scheme.
He plans to present his findings to the Securities and Exchange Commission's inspector general Thursday. If proven, they would substantiate the assertions of many analysts that the alleged fraud was far too large for Madoff to have conducted alone."
Does your paycheck add up? Federal survey puts average Grand Rapids pay at $18.91
Does your paycheck add up? Federal survey puts average Grand Rapids pay at $18.91
"Public-school teachers topped the hourly pay scale of surveyed occupations at $50.01."
"Public-school teachers topped the hourly pay scale of surveyed occupations at $50.01."
And the median household income in Muskegon is $38,000.
Teachers pay and total compensation is WAY out of line. With summers off, dudes!
We pay. They take!
Governor Granholm's insurance advocate proposes big changes to lower rates
Governor Granholm's insurance advocate proposes big changes to lower rates
"Hollowell says urban motorists in particular are being penalized for where they live and said regulators should have the authority to block rate increases before they go into effect and to order consumer refunds.
"Hollowell says urban motorists in particular are being penalized for where they live and said regulators should have the authority to block rate increases before they go into effect and to order consumer refunds.
Mona Shores Bond issue meeting rescheduled for THIS Thursday!
It's YOUR money folks!
Bond issue meeting rescheduled
"MONA SHORES -- An informational meeting about Mona Shores Public Schools' upcoming bond issue originally planned for tonight has been rescheduled.
The forum will be 7 p.m. Feb. 5 in the media center of Lincoln Park Elementary, 2951 Leon.
On Feb. 24, voters will be asked to keep the current millage rate at or near its current 4.3 mills and extend it two years through 2019.
School officials are asking for $13 million for improvements districtwide, but with many upgrades to the middle and high schools.
The issue is not an additional tax for voters; without the public's approval, officials estimate the tax gradually will be reduced to 2.3 mills by the time it expires.
ON THE 'NET:
Details about the bond and proposed improvements can be found at www.monashores.net/proposedbond2009."
Bond issue meeting rescheduled
"MONA SHORES -- An informational meeting about Mona Shores Public Schools' upcoming bond issue originally planned for tonight has been rescheduled.
The forum will be 7 p.m. Feb. 5 in the media center of Lincoln Park Elementary, 2951 Leon.
On Feb. 24, voters will be asked to keep the current millage rate at or near its current 4.3 mills and extend it two years through 2019.
School officials are asking for $13 million for improvements districtwide, but with many upgrades to the middle and high schools.
The issue is not an additional tax for voters; without the public's approval, officials estimate the tax gradually will be reduced to 2.3 mills by the time it expires.
ON THE 'NET:
Details about the bond and proposed improvements can be found at www.monashores.net/proposedbond2009."
Mona Lake Park set for renovation
Mona Lake Park set for renovation
"A multimillion-dollar renovation of Mona Lake Park, which will include construction of a 400-seat conference center, is expected to begin in May.
The project is being paid for with state and federal grants, said Reatha Anderson, director of planning and community development for the city of Muskegon Heights. The city already has received $629,000 in grant dollars for the renovations."
"A multimillion-dollar renovation of Mona Lake Park, which will include construction of a 400-seat conference center, is expected to begin in May.
The project is being paid for with state and federal grants, said Reatha Anderson, director of planning and community development for the city of Muskegon Heights. The city already has received $629,000 in grant dollars for the renovations."
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Coal utility plants may take their lumps as Granholm touts alternative power
Coal utility plants may take their lumps as Granholm touts alternative power
"Gov. Jennifer Granholm wants to make it harder for utilities to justify building new coal-fired power plants, encouraging them to instead rely on more energy conservation.
.....Four companies have proposals before the state Department of Environmental Quality to build coal plants in Bay County's Hampton Township, Holland, Midland and Rogers City. The 800-megawatt Bay County plant would be an addition to the Consumers Energy Karn-Weadock complex, and cost upwards of $2 billion."
This woman is killing our state!
"Gov. Jennifer Granholm wants to make it harder for utilities to justify building new coal-fired power plants, encouraging them to instead rely on more energy conservation.
.....Four companies have proposals before the state Department of Environmental Quality to build coal plants in Bay County's Hampton Township, Holland, Midland and Rogers City. The 800-megawatt Bay County plant would be an addition to the Consumers Energy Karn-Weadock complex, and cost upwards of $2 billion."
This woman is killing our state!
Valentine to face unemployed voters
White Lake Beacon: "Representative to meet with constituents
Michigan State Representative Mary Valentine (91st District) will meet with constituents on Monday, Feb. 9, at the White Lake Community Library, 3900 White Lake Drive, Whitehall.
The meeting will be at 7 p.m."
Michigan State Representative Mary Valentine (91st District) will meet with constituents on Monday, Feb. 9, at the White Lake Community Library, 3900 White Lake Drive, Whitehall.
The meeting will be at 7 p.m."
Spartan football signs 23 recruits for 2009
Spartan football signs 23 recruits for 2009
"The group is hailed by some as the best at MSU in nearly a decade. Rivals.com ranks it No. 14 in the nation, while recruiting analyst Tom Lemming of CSTV ranks it No. 2 in the Big Ten, behind only Ohio State."
"The group is hailed by some as the best at MSU in nearly a decade. Rivals.com ranks it No. 14 in the nation, while recruiting analyst Tom Lemming of CSTV ranks it No. 2 in the Big Ten, behind only Ohio State."
A tale of two campaigns: Holly Hughes spent her own money; Mary Valentine relied on groups
A tale of two campaigns: Holly Hughes spent her own money; Mary Valentine relied on groups
"The Valentine campaign accepted a total of $51,000 from self-identified political action committees and $79,125 from labor unions or other special interest groups."
"The Valentine campaign accepted a total of $51,000 from self-identified political action committees and $79,125 from labor unions or other special interest groups."
President Obama to water down 'Buy American' plan after EU trade war threat
President Obama to water down 'Buy American' plan after EU trade war threat
"The European Union warned the US yesterday against plunging the world into depression by adopting a planned “Buy American” policy, intensifying fears of a trade war.
The EU threatened to retaliate if the US Congress went ahead with sweeping measures in its $800 billion (£554 billion) stimulus plan to restrict spending to American goods and services.
Gordon Brown was caught in the crossfire as John Bruton, the EU Ambassador to Washington, said that “history has shown us” where the closing of markets leads — a clear reference to the Depression of the 1930s, triggered by US protectionist laws."
Barry is turning out to be far dumber, faster than anyone had imagined!
"The European Union warned the US yesterday against plunging the world into depression by adopting a planned “Buy American” policy, intensifying fears of a trade war.
The EU threatened to retaliate if the US Congress went ahead with sweeping measures in its $800 billion (£554 billion) stimulus plan to restrict spending to American goods and services.
Gordon Brown was caught in the crossfire as John Bruton, the EU Ambassador to Washington, said that “history has shown us” where the closing of markets leads — a clear reference to the Depression of the 1930s, triggered by US protectionist laws."
Barry is turning out to be far dumber, faster than anyone had imagined!
Pensions and Promises
Pensions and Promises
"A pension war is brewing — and it's likely to pit state and municipal employees against citizens who foot the bill for government pension plans with their state tax dollars."
"A pension war is brewing — and it's likely to pit state and municipal employees against citizens who foot the bill for government pension plans with their state tax dollars."
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
WELL, SURE, WHEN YOU PUT IT THAT WAY, it doesn’t sound so good
WELL, SURE, WHEN YOU PUT IT THAT WAY, it doesn’t sound so good
At the dawn of the Obama Administration we have witnessed: four high-level appointees blow up over various issues, tax and otherwise (Richardson, Daschel, and Killefer get axed; Geitner stays); the appointment of at least 12 lobbyists to positions in the Administration — in direct contradiction of campaign promises; a pork-laden economic stimulus bill without precedent in US history; and the reversal of campaign positions concerning controversial policies like rendition.
But hey, it’s only been two weeks."
At the dawn of the Obama Administration we have witnessed: four high-level appointees blow up over various issues, tax and otherwise (Richardson, Daschel, and Killefer get axed; Geitner stays); the appointment of at least 12 lobbyists to positions in the Administration — in direct contradiction of campaign promises; a pork-laden economic stimulus bill without precedent in US history; and the reversal of campaign positions concerning controversial policies like rendition.
But hey, it’s only been two weeks."
Join Chronicle Publisher/Editor Paul Keep online Thursday to talk about The Chronicle
Join Chronicle Publisher/Editor Paul Keep online Thursday to talk about The Chronicle
"Join Chronicle Publisher/Editor Paul Keep online for a live chat at noon Thursday, Feb. 5.
He will discuss the state of the newspaper, the reasons for our recent changes, what the future holds and whatever other topics you might think important.
Join us at noon Feb. 5 on mlive.com/muskegon"
Use this link:
http://www.mlive.com/muskegon/
This might be easier for Paul if we were allowed/encouraged to submit some questions in advance.
Feel free to submit them here (in the comments section) and I'll forward to Mr Keep.
"Join Chronicle Publisher/Editor Paul Keep online for a live chat at noon Thursday, Feb. 5.
He will discuss the state of the newspaper, the reasons for our recent changes, what the future holds and whatever other topics you might think important.
Join us at noon Feb. 5 on mlive.com/muskegon"
Use this link:
http://www.mlive.com/muskegon/
This might be easier for Paul if we were allowed/encouraged to submit some questions in advance.
Feel free to submit them here (in the comments section) and I'll forward to Mr Keep.
Passengers stop flight after 'drunk' pilot sparks panic
Passengers stop flight after 'drunk' pilot sparks panic
"Aeroflot representatives boarded the aircraft to try to calm down the 300 passengers.
One sought to reassure them by announcing that it was 'not such a big deal' if the pilot was drunk because the aircraft practically flew itself."
"Aeroflot representatives boarded the aircraft to try to calm down the 300 passengers.
One sought to reassure them by announcing that it was 'not such a big deal' if the pilot was drunk because the aircraft practically flew itself."
Obama spokesman defends ethics standards
Obama spokesman defends ethics standards
"'The bar that we set is the highest that any administration in the country has ever set.'
During a briefing filled with questions about Tom Daschle's decision to withdraw from consideration to be Health and Human Services secretary"
Another one bites the dust; Part 2
"'The bar that we set is the highest that any administration in the country has ever set.'
During a briefing filled with questions about Tom Daschle's decision to withdraw from consideration to be Health and Human Services secretary"
Another one bites the dust; Part 2
Colleges, universities cringe at governor's request to freeze tuition again
Colleges, universities cringe at governor's request to freeze tuition again
"GVSU President Thomas Haas said a further drop in state funding would hurt students. His school's tuition has increased 42 percent since 2004, in part because state aid has been mostly flat or declining.
This year, GVSU raised tuition $1,000, a 13-percent hike -- the largest in its history"
Absolutely NO mention of teacher and staff pay and benefit increases!
It's like that has NO affect on student/parent tuition!
Our "what, me worry" liberal media.
Always asking the TOUGH questions...with such amazing insight!
yeah right.....
"GVSU President Thomas Haas said a further drop in state funding would hurt students. His school's tuition has increased 42 percent since 2004, in part because state aid has been mostly flat or declining.
This year, GVSU raised tuition $1,000, a 13-percent hike -- the largest in its history"
Absolutely NO mention of teacher and staff pay and benefit increases!
It's like that has NO affect on student/parent tuition!
Our "what, me worry" liberal media.
Always asking the TOUGH questions...with such amazing insight!
yeah right.....
Muskegon County Commission Citizen Action ToolkitCitizen Toolkit
Muskegon County Commission Citizen Action Toolkit!
If you are interested in learning about how our Muskegon county government works, it helps to attend the county commission meetings.
If you want to see "change you can believe in", you need to provide your own citizen input.
Or it will continue to be the same old, same old.
Here is a "toolkit" of links you can use to see what happened last time and what will be discussed at the next meetings.
All meetings are held in the Board of Commissioner's Room:
4th Floor of the Hall of Justice (County building)
990 Terrace Street, M
Muskegon, MI
3:30 p.m sharp!
Muskegon Taxpayers Alliance website:
http://muskegontaxpayers.blogspot.com/
Agenda for full County Commission Board meeting:
http://co.muskegon.mi.us/boardofcommissioners/board_agendas.cfm
Past minutes:
http://co.muskegon.mi.us/boardofcommissioners/board_minutes.cfm
Standing committee minutes and agendas:
http://co.muskegon.mi.us/boardofcommissioners/committees.htm
Future meeting schedules:
http://co.muskegon.mi.us/boardofcommissioners/meetings.htm
http://co.muskegon.mi.us/boardofcommissioners/meetings.pdf
Be an educated citizen!
"It's the SPENDING Stupid!"
"The liberties of a people never were, nor ever will be, secure when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them." -Patrick Henry, revolutionary (1736-1799)
If you are interested in learning about how our Muskegon county government works, it helps to attend the county commission meetings.
If you want to see "change you can believe in", you need to provide your own citizen input.
Or it will continue to be the same old, same old.
Here is a "toolkit" of links you can use to see what happened last time and what will be discussed at the next meetings.
All meetings are held in the Board of Commissioner's Room:
4th Floor of the Hall of Justice (County building)
990 Terrace Street, M
Muskegon, MI
3:30 p.m sharp!
Muskegon Taxpayers Alliance website:
http://muskegontaxpayers.blogspot.com/
Agenda for full County Commission Board meeting:
http://co.muskegon.mi.us/boardofcommissioners/board_agendas.cfm
Past minutes:
http://co.muskegon.mi.us/boardofcommissioners/board_minutes.cfm
Standing committee minutes and agendas:
http://co.muskegon.mi.us/boardofcommissioners/committees.htm
Future meeting schedules:
http://co.muskegon.mi.us/boardofcommissioners/meetings.htm
http://co.muskegon.mi.us/boardofcommissioners/meetings.pdf
Be an educated citizen!
"It's the SPENDING Stupid!"
"The liberties of a people never were, nor ever will be, secure when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them." -Patrick Henry, revolutionary (1736-1799)
2005 memories of millage: Mona Shores to replace 600 computers - Muskegon Chronicle - MLive.com
Mona Shores to replace 600 computers
"The district plans to replace 600 desktop computers in labs districtwide this summer, completing improvements funded with a 0.65-mill, $4.2 million bond issue approved by voters in 2005."
"The district plans to replace 600 desktop computers in labs districtwide this summer, completing improvements funded with a 0.65-mill, $4.2 million bond issue approved by voters in 2005."
Jackson-area resale stores expect problems from new federal rule governing lead levels
Jackson-area resale stores expect problems from new federal rule governing lead levels
"Most resale and thrift stores have their own standards for the quality and condition of items they accept.
A new consumer-protection law will require them to enforce standards for children's items they can't easily determine"
"Most resale and thrift stores have their own standards for the quality and condition of items they accept.
A new consumer-protection law will require them to enforce standards for children's items they can't easily determine"
Alinski's Rules: Must Reading In Obama Era
Alinski's Rules: Must Reading In Obama Era
"What was Saul Alinsky's model that Barack Obama used so successfully to defeat the Clinton machine plus the Republican Party in a dramatic one-two punch never before seen in politics?"
"What was Saul Alinsky's model that Barack Obama used so successfully to defeat the Clinton machine plus the Republican Party in a dramatic one-two punch never before seen in politics?"
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