Mother of children killed in Fruitport Township fire, Tosha Captain, blames gas company
"But a DTE Energy spokesman says the company tried repeatedly to contact the family to arrange a payment assistance program after months of unpaid bills.
DTE spokesman Len Singer said the company shut off natural gas to the home Jan. 28 because the customer had not paid any bill since September."
Indeed a tragedy.
But there were 5 adults living in the home. And the gas bill, split 5 ways wasn't paid?
I'd be interested in how many cell phones and cable TV add ons they had.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Muskegon school district seeks public input on millage vote
Muskegon school district seeks public input on millage vote
"Three public meetings have been scheduled by the Muskegon school district to discuss an upcoming millage vote.
The meetings this month and in early March are designed to inform voters about the plan to pay for $12.7 million in improvements by delaying a tax reduction."
Understand this. The school system says it's out of money.
Not because their total amount of money "IN" is decling. It's because the teacher's union members took all the maintenance money for themselves.
So now it's our fault. Our wallets that must be emptied.
Everyone else and every tax paying business is cutting back. But schools continue to expand, spend and figure new ways to spend.
Oh yeah, the teachers always get their COL and step-up in pay every year.
But the rest of us gotta tighten our belts so the teacher's union members can loosen theirs.
"Three public meetings have been scheduled by the Muskegon school district to discuss an upcoming millage vote.
The meetings this month and in early March are designed to inform voters about the plan to pay for $12.7 million in improvements by delaying a tax reduction."
Understand this. The school system says it's out of money.
Not because their total amount of money "IN" is decling. It's because the teacher's union members took all the maintenance money for themselves.
So now it's our fault. Our wallets that must be emptied.
Everyone else and every tax paying business is cutting back. But schools continue to expand, spend and figure new ways to spend.
Oh yeah, the teachers always get their COL and step-up in pay every year.
But the rest of us gotta tighten our belts so the teacher's union members can loosen theirs.
Norton Avenue KFC restaurant closed for good
Norton Avenue KFC restaurant closed for good
"Closing the restaurant, 715 W. Norton, was based on financial reasons,"
This is actually old news as the KFC closed about 2-3 weeks ago.
But Muskegon has lost at least 15 restaurants in the last year.
Why note this closure and none of the others?
"Closing the restaurant, 715 W. Norton, was based on financial reasons,"
This is actually old news as the KFC closed about 2-3 weeks ago.
But Muskegon has lost at least 15 restaurants in the last year.
Why note this closure and none of the others?
Federal obligations exceed world GDP
Federal obligations exceed world GDP
"As the Obama administration pushes through Congress its $800 billion deficit-spending economic stimulus plan, the American public is largely unaware that the true deficit of the federal government already is measured in trillions of dollars, and in fact its $65.5 trillion in total obligations exceeds the gross domestic product of the world.
The total U.S. obligations, including Social Security and Medicare benefits to be paid in the future, effectively have placed the U.S. government in bankruptcy, even before new continuing social welfare obligation embedded in the massive spending plan are taken into account."
"As the Obama administration pushes through Congress its $800 billion deficit-spending economic stimulus plan, the American public is largely unaware that the true deficit of the federal government already is measured in trillions of dollars, and in fact its $65.5 trillion in total obligations exceeds the gross domestic product of the world.
The total U.S. obligations, including Social Security and Medicare benefits to be paid in the future, effectively have placed the U.S. government in bankruptcy, even before new continuing social welfare obligation embedded in the massive spending plan are taken into account."
Thursday, February 12, 2009
D.C. voting rights advances in Senate
D.C. voting rights advances in Senate
"A Senate committee voted 11-1 Wednesday to give the District a full voting seat in Congress, adding momentum to legislation that would end decades of frustration for residents of the nation's capital. Backers declared that they have enough support pass the measure, while critics expressed concern about its constitutionality."
Clearly unconstitutional... and clearly the demo-crooks care not.
"A Senate committee voted 11-1 Wednesday to give the District a full voting seat in Congress, adding momentum to legislation that would end decades of frustration for residents of the nation's capital. Backers declared that they have enough support pass the measure, while critics expressed concern about its constitutionality."
Clearly unconstitutional... and clearly the demo-crooks care not.
CHARLES PLATT GOES UNDERCOVER AT WAL-MART
CHARLES PLATT GOES UNDERCOVER AT WAL-MART
"Some people, usually community activists, loath Wal-Mart.
Others, like the family of four struggling to make ends meet, are in love with the chain.
I, meanwhile, am in awe of it."
Fascinating!
"Some people, usually community activists, loath Wal-Mart.
Others, like the family of four struggling to make ends meet, are in love with the chain.
I, meanwhile, am in awe of it."
Fascinating!
The Harbor Theater-this weekend!
The Harbor Theater
"Admission Prices: $6 Adults, $5 Members, $5 Seniors, $4 Senior Members $4.50 Students
MOSCOW-BELGIUM and I'VE LOVED YOU SO LONG open February 20th!
WALTZ WITH BASHIR opens February 27th!
THE READER - Nominated for 5 Academy Awards including Best Picture"
"Admission Prices: $6 Adults, $5 Members, $5 Seniors, $4 Senior Members $4.50 Students
MOSCOW-BELGIUM and I'VE LOVED YOU SO LONG open February 20th!
WALTZ WITH BASHIR opens February 27th!
THE READER - Nominated for 5 Academy Awards including Best Picture"
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Heavy Infantry
Heavy Infantry
"We've gotten used to journalists acting as lazy propagandists against the Iraq war effort, but yesterday's piece by USA Today's Gregg Zoroya takes the cake, stuffs its face with it, and goes back for seconds. 'Pentagon Reports U.S. Troop Obesity Doubles Since 2003,' reads the headline. For years the Angry Left has insisted that the liberation of Iraq was illegal and immoral, but Zoroya may be the first to claim it is fattening:"
"We've gotten used to journalists acting as lazy propagandists against the Iraq war effort, but yesterday's piece by USA Today's Gregg Zoroya takes the cake, stuffs its face with it, and goes back for seconds. 'Pentagon Reports U.S. Troop Obesity Doubles Since 2003,' reads the headline. For years the Angry Left has insisted that the liberation of Iraq was illegal and immoral, but Zoroya may be the first to claim it is fattening:"
Doctors are the most trustworthy and journalists the least, poll finds - Telegraph
Doctors are the most trustworthy and journalists the least, poll finds - Telegraph: "Less than a quarter believe government ministers are trustworthy, 21 per cent trust politicians in general and journalists are ranked as the least trustworthy with just 19 per cent believing they tell the truth"
Politicians beat "journalists" in trust?
yikes!
Politicians beat "journalists" in trust?
yikes!
Barack Obama's Economic Policy, Guided By Liberal Ideology, Is Impeding Recovery
Barack Obama's Economic Policy, Guided By Liberal Ideology, Is Impeding Recovery
"The Obama administration's economic policies do not include any of the four Reagan components. In fact, the stimulus plan is the greatest increase in government spending in the history of the planet. Meanwhile, the Fed is furiously reinflating, sowing more havoc down the line. Mr. Obama is still promising future increases in tax rates by letting the Bush tax cuts lapse, because for ideological reasons he thinks even current rates are too low. And instead of deregulating for more energy production, he is still promising massive increases in regulatory barriers -- through global warming cap-and-trade legislation -- to increased production from proven energy sources to serve an extreme environmentalist ideology."
"The Obama administration's economic policies do not include any of the four Reagan components. In fact, the stimulus plan is the greatest increase in government spending in the history of the planet. Meanwhile, the Fed is furiously reinflating, sowing more havoc down the line. Mr. Obama is still promising future increases in tax rates by letting the Bush tax cuts lapse, because for ideological reasons he thinks even current rates are too low. And instead of deregulating for more energy production, he is still promising massive increases in regulatory barriers -- through global warming cap-and-trade legislation -- to increased production from proven energy sources to serve an extreme environmentalist ideology."
Jindal pushing classroom discipline changes
Jindal pushing classroom discipline changes
"Gov. Bobby Jindal wants to give teachers more authority to remove troublesome students from their classrooms and to stiffen penalties for parents who let their children skip classes regularly."
Hope, dudes!
"Gov. Bobby Jindal wants to give teachers more authority to remove troublesome students from their classrooms and to stiffen penalties for parents who let their children skip classes regularly."
Hope, dudes!
Macomb Commissioner facing recall for English Proposal?
Macomb Commissioner facing recall for English Proposal?
"Harry had discovered that the county spends more on bilingual education than on English as a Second Language. In other words, the county is investing more to keep immigrants speaking their native language than learning the language that will help them improve their economic standing. In fact, as reported by U.S. English.org, U.S. Census data reveals that an immigrant's income rises about 30% as a result of learning English."
"Harry had discovered that the county spends more on bilingual education than on English as a Second Language. In other words, the county is investing more to keep immigrants speaking their native language than learning the language that will help them improve their economic standing. In fact, as reported by U.S. English.org, U.S. Census data reveals that an immigrant's income rises about 30% as a result of learning English."
Proposed minimum GPA for Muskegon High School athletes tabled
Proposed minimum GPA for Muskegon High School athletes tabled
"Funding worries appear to have doomed, at least for now, a plan to require a minimum grade point average for Muskegon High School athletes.
A committee of the board of education decided Tuesday to table a policy requiring athletes to carry at least a 2.0 average grade. Committee members expressed concern that the district would not be able to afford the costs of tutoring that academically struggling athletes would need to meet the requirement."
Don't these youngsters have.. you know.... like...... teecheers..... ?
"Funding worries appear to have doomed, at least for now, a plan to require a minimum grade point average for Muskegon High School athletes.
A committee of the board of education decided Tuesday to table a policy requiring athletes to carry at least a 2.0 average grade. Committee members expressed concern that the district would not be able to afford the costs of tutoring that academically struggling athletes would need to meet the requirement."
Don't these youngsters have.. you know.... like...... teecheers..... ?
Sen. Harkin: 'We need the Fairness Doctrine back' - Politico.com
Michael Calderone's Blog: Sen. Harkin: 'We need the Fairness Doctrine back'
"Just this morning, I reported that Sen. Debbie Stabenow has backed off on the idea of holding hearings for radio accountability, something she discussed last week with liberal radio host Bill Press (leading to an uproar on conservative talk radio over the Fairness Doctrine).
Well today, Sen. Tom Harkin appeared on Press's show and came out in favor of the Fairness Doctrine.
BILL PRESS: And, thanks for your leadership, thanks for your good work, it's great to have you there Senator. And, great to have you on the show. Appreciate it.
SENATOR TOM HARKIN (D-IA): Well, anytime – just let me know Bill. I love being with you, and thanks again for all you do to get the truth and the facts out there. By the way, I read your Op-Ed in the Washington Post the other day. I ripped it out, I took it into my office and said 'there you go, we gotta get the Fairness Doctrine back in law again.'
BILL PRESS: Alright, well good for you. You know, we gotta work on that, because they are just shutting down progressive talk from one city after another. All we want is, you know, some balance on the airwaves, that's all. You know, we're not going to take any of the conservative voices off the airwaves, but just make sure that there are a few progressives and liberals out there, right?
SENATOR TOM HARKIN (D-IA): Exactly, and that's why we need the fair -- that's why we need the Fairness Doctrine back."
The free market won't support "progressive talk" so we'll have the Brown Shirts of Pelosi/Reid/Omama force it on our airwaves.
Well, it's at least "change"....
"Just this morning, I reported that Sen. Debbie Stabenow has backed off on the idea of holding hearings for radio accountability, something she discussed last week with liberal radio host Bill Press (leading to an uproar on conservative talk radio over the Fairness Doctrine).
Well today, Sen. Tom Harkin appeared on Press's show and came out in favor of the Fairness Doctrine.
BILL PRESS: And, thanks for your leadership, thanks for your good work, it's great to have you there Senator. And, great to have you on the show. Appreciate it.
SENATOR TOM HARKIN (D-IA): Well, anytime – just let me know Bill. I love being with you, and thanks again for all you do to get the truth and the facts out there. By the way, I read your Op-Ed in the Washington Post the other day. I ripped it out, I took it into my office and said 'there you go, we gotta get the Fairness Doctrine back in law again.'
BILL PRESS: Alright, well good for you. You know, we gotta work on that, because they are just shutting down progressive talk from one city after another. All we want is, you know, some balance on the airwaves, that's all. You know, we're not going to take any of the conservative voices off the airwaves, but just make sure that there are a few progressives and liberals out there, right?
SENATOR TOM HARKIN (D-IA): Exactly, and that's why we need the fair -- that's why we need the Fairness Doctrine back."
The free market won't support "progressive talk" so we'll have the Brown Shirts of Pelosi/Reid/Omama force it on our airwaves.
Well, it's at least "change"....
Risky pension fund fliers must end
Risky pension fund fliers must end
"The worse news was that a significant part of the difference between Detroit's loss and the average loss appears to have come from investments in local businesses that went belly up. Five such deals alone account for $140 million of the $2 billion-plus in losses. The pension boards' losing gambits include a now-defunct waste injection well in Romulus and an Asian Village restaurant venture that lasted about a year....
Taxpayers can only hold their breath in hopes disaster won't befall them, while insisting that the pension boards clean up their acts."
"Hold our breath"?
Why not address the problem!
The public pension funds need to be reworked!
"The worse news was that a significant part of the difference between Detroit's loss and the average loss appears to have come from investments in local businesses that went belly up. Five such deals alone account for $140 million of the $2 billion-plus in losses. The pension boards' losing gambits include a now-defunct waste injection well in Romulus and an Asian Village restaurant venture that lasted about a year....
Taxpayers can only hold their breath in hopes disaster won't befall them, while insisting that the pension boards clean up their acts."
"Hold our breath"?
Why not address the problem!
The public pension funds need to be reworked!
Calculating Employee Compensation
Calculating Employee Compensation
"When one does an in-depth analysis of the real rates of employee compensation in the public sector vs. the private sector, the solution to government deficits is clear. The solution is not “furloughs” or even layoffs. The solution is to cut their pay and their benefits to levels equivalent to what people make in the private sector. This step would not only restore equity to the workforce, but would immediately eliminate the structural deficits endured by state and local governments."
"When one does an in-depth analysis of the real rates of employee compensation in the public sector vs. the private sector, the solution to government deficits is clear. The solution is not “furloughs” or even layoffs. The solution is to cut their pay and their benefits to levels equivalent to what people make in the private sector. This step would not only restore equity to the workforce, but would immediately eliminate the structural deficits endured by state and local governments."
CONGRESS $HOPPING CARTS
CONGRESS $HOPPING CARTS
"The $838 billion economic stimulus bill that passed the Senate yesterday contains $300 million for the government to purchase a fleet of 'green' cars.
But the money won't just go to buy fuel-efficient hybrids such as the Ford Escape or Chevy Volt.
The cash also can be used to purchase 'neighborhood electric vehicles.'"
"The $838 billion economic stimulus bill that passed the Senate yesterday contains $300 million for the government to purchase a fleet of 'green' cars.
But the money won't just go to buy fuel-efficient hybrids such as the Ford Escape or Chevy Volt.
The cash also can be used to purchase 'neighborhood electric vehicles.'"
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Don't attack us please, UK ads to say
Don't attack us please, UK ads to say on Pak TV
The British government will air ads on Pakistani television urging terrorists to not attack Britain."
The British government will air ads on Pakistani television urging terrorists to not attack Britain."
Eight arrested in Michael Phelps case
Eight arrested in Michael Phelps case
"We've also learned that the department has located and confiscated that bong.
Sources say the owner of the bong was trying to sell it on eBay for as much as $100,000."
"We've also learned that the department has located and confiscated that bong.
Sources say the owner of the bong was trying to sell it on eBay for as much as $100,000."
Stealth bill would drop restrictions on travel to Cuba
Stealth bill would drop restrictions on travel to Cuba
"While most of the nation focused on the stimulus bill winding through Congress, nine representatives introduced a bill calling for an end to the 46-year-old ban on travel to Cuba."
Hey, what we don't know can't hurt us.... right?
"While most of the nation focused on the stimulus bill winding through Congress, nine representatives introduced a bill calling for an end to the 46-year-old ban on travel to Cuba."
Hey, what we don't know can't hurt us.... right?
MORE ON THOSE UNDERFUNDED/OVERGENEROUS PUBLIC PENSIONS
MORE ON THOSE UNDERFUNDED/OVERGENEROUS PUBLIC PENSIONS
"The common presumption is that public servants forgo high wages in exchange for safe jobs and benefits. The reality is they get all three.
State and local government workers get paid an average of $25.30 an hour, which is 33% higher than the private sector’s $19, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Throw in pensions and other benefits and the gap widens to 42%."
"The common presumption is that public servants forgo high wages in exchange for safe jobs and benefits. The reality is they get all three.
State and local government workers get paid an average of $25.30 an hour, which is 33% higher than the private sector’s $19, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Throw in pensions and other benefits and the gap widens to 42%."
Yessir we got trouble, right here in River City
........why do people who live off the taxpayer get better benefits than the taxpayers?
When will "we" start asking this question with force!
Posted using ShareThis
When will "we" start asking this question with force!
Posted using ShareThis
Monday, February 09, 2009
"Let them eat garlic bread?"
The Platters to perform in fundraiser at Muskegon's Frauenthal Theater
"There also is discussion of having Cole's Quality Foods Inc. make 'the world's largest garlic bread,' he said."
Well, that does sort of difuse the Marie Antoinette thing....if you get my drift..... err...cake.......
"There also is discussion of having Cole's Quality Foods Inc. make 'the world's largest garlic bread,' he said."
Well, that does sort of difuse the Marie Antoinette thing....if you get my drift..... err...cake.......
The Platters to perform in fundraiser at Muskegon's Frauenthal Theater
The Platters to perform in fundraiser at Muskegon's Frauenthal Theater
"A fundraising campaign for celebrations this summer to commemorate Muskegon County's sesquicentennial has landed doo-wop legends The Platters for a concert next month at the Frauenthal Theater.
Bob Scolnik, a spokesman for the event, confirmed that the '50s music act has signed a contract to perform 7:30 p.m. March 21.
The concert is part of Scolnik's campaign to raise money to pay back the county's $10,000 pledge for sesquicentennial celebrations this summer.
Scolnik is a member of the county board, representing District 11.
The county's 150th anniversary of becoming a governmental unit is July 18."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Platters
1955: The Platters hit #1 on the R&B chart and #1 (2/18/56) on the pop chart with the Mercury single “The Great Pretender.”
1956: The Platters reach #1 with the Mercury Records release “My Prayer.”
May 19, 1956: The Platters hit #4 on the R&B chart and #4 on the pop chart with the Mercury Records release “(You’ve Got) The Magic Touch.”
May 13, 1957: The Platters hit #5 on the R&B chart and #16 on the pop chart with the Mercury Records single “He’s Mine.”
April 15, 1958: Twilight Time (The Platters) was a hit.
April 21, 1958: The Platters hit #1 on the R&B chart and #1 on the pop chart with “Twilight Time” and #3 on the R&B chart and #1 (1/19/59) on the pop chart with “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes.” Both singles are released on Mercury Records.
January 13, 1959: Smoke Gets In Your Eyes (The Platters) was a hit.
1990: The Platters are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
"A fundraising campaign for celebrations this summer to commemorate Muskegon County's sesquicentennial has landed doo-wop legends The Platters for a concert next month at the Frauenthal Theater.
Bob Scolnik, a spokesman for the event, confirmed that the '50s music act has signed a contract to perform 7:30 p.m. March 21.
The concert is part of Scolnik's campaign to raise money to pay back the county's $10,000 pledge for sesquicentennial celebrations this summer.
Scolnik is a member of the county board, representing District 11.
The county's 150th anniversary of becoming a governmental unit is July 18."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Platters
1955: The Platters hit #1 on the R&B chart and #1 (2/18/56) on the pop chart with the Mercury single “The Great Pretender.”
1956: The Platters reach #1 with the Mercury Records release “My Prayer.”
May 19, 1956: The Platters hit #4 on the R&B chart and #4 on the pop chart with the Mercury Records release “(You’ve Got) The Magic Touch.”
May 13, 1957: The Platters hit #5 on the R&B chart and #16 on the pop chart with the Mercury Records single “He’s Mine.”
April 15, 1958: Twilight Time (The Platters) was a hit.
April 21, 1958: The Platters hit #1 on the R&B chart and #1 on the pop chart with “Twilight Time” and #3 on the R&B chart and #1 (1/19/59) on the pop chart with “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes.” Both singles are released on Mercury Records.
January 13, 1959: Smoke Gets In Your Eyes (The Platters) was a hit.
1990: The Platters are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
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