How much money do West Michigan school administrators make?
"Contract disputes have put teacher salaries into the spotlight in recent years, but rarely discussed are the salaries of school administrators.
Administrators' pay seems to have risen dramatically over the last five years.
Five years ago there were 65 area school employees making more than $100,000. Today that figure is 165, with four of them topping $200,000.
It's not just superintendents or even their deputies. Press education reporter Dave Murray has talked to area school districts to find why these salaries have risen so much.
Find his results in Sunday's Grand Rapids Press or on mlive.com/grand-rapids."
Friday, May 29, 2009
Bond Vigilantes Confront Obama as Housing Falters
Bond Vigilantes Confront Obama as Housing Falters
"Treasuries have lost 5.1 percent in their worst annual start since Merrill Lynch & Co. began its Treasury Master Index in 1977."
"Treasuries have lost 5.1 percent in their worst annual start since Merrill Lynch & Co. began its Treasury Master Index in 1977."
HOA Asks Vet to Remove Bumper Stickers
HOA Asks Vet to Remove Bumper Stickers: "Frank Larison is a disabled veteran with more than 14 years of service, including more than a year of combat duty in Vietnam.
The 58-year-old former Marine now finds himself under attack by his Dallas homeowners association for displaying seven decals on his vehicle supporting the Marine Corps."
The 58-year-old former Marine now finds himself under attack by his Dallas homeowners association for displaying seven decals on his vehicle supporting the Marine Corps."
Editorial: Scammers love us, so be careful
Editorial: Scammers love us, so be careful
"Apparently, scam season is moving from a springtime and holiday thing to a year-round profession"
Wait a minute!
Hold on here.... where's THE REST OF THE STORY?
What about the biggest scam EVER!
From government?
They promise "give us ever increasing amounts of you money and we'll make life better for you"?
And they keep on returning with the same old, same old "we're out of your money but if you will just give a little more, things will be GREAT"!
"Apparently, scam season is moving from a springtime and holiday thing to a year-round profession"
Wait a minute!
Hold on here.... where's THE REST OF THE STORY?
What about the biggest scam EVER!
From government?
They promise "give us ever increasing amounts of you money and we'll make life better for you"?
And they keep on returning with the same old, same old "we're out of your money but if you will just give a little more, things will be GREAT"!
Area unemployment rates drop slightly
Area unemployment rates drop slightly
"In Muskegon and Ottawa counties, the number of those listed as unemployed dropped but so did the number of those having jobs. It is not immediately known whether the drop in April unemployment rates is due to an improved job market or a case of frustrated job seekers dropping out of the labor force altogether."
The lack of curiosity among Chronicle reporters is stunning.
No mention of those who have left our county to find jobs in other more employer friendly places.
No interview (or even any interest, I'd bet) of local employers asking what might be done to improve their business and job market.
Nothing 'cept the same old "things are bad......but it's not Jenny's fault!.... or Barry's either!"
"In Muskegon and Ottawa counties, the number of those listed as unemployed dropped but so did the number of those having jobs. It is not immediately known whether the drop in April unemployment rates is due to an improved job market or a case of frustrated job seekers dropping out of the labor force altogether."
The lack of curiosity among Chronicle reporters is stunning.
No mention of those who have left our county to find jobs in other more employer friendly places.
No interview (or even any interest, I'd bet) of local employers asking what might be done to improve their business and job market.
Nothing 'cept the same old "things are bad......but it's not Jenny's fault!.... or Barry's either!"
West Michigan students showcase environmental work
West Michigan students showcase environmental work
"'Some people just mow their yard without caring what plants they're mowing down,' Charles said. 'They could mow down the lupine and hurt the Karner Blue butterfly. We don't want to see that butterfly go extinct.'"
These poor kids have been brainwashed in the same manner the Islamic madrasah's brainwash their children.
Though our kids only want to kill capitalism and our way of life.
"'Some people just mow their yard without caring what plants they're mowing down,' Charles said. 'They could mow down the lupine and hurt the Karner Blue butterfly. We don't want to see that butterfly go extinct.'"
These poor kids have been brainwashed in the same manner the Islamic madrasah's brainwash their children.
Though our kids only want to kill capitalism and our way of life.
From Golden State to 19th-century backwater
From Golden State to 19th-century backwater
"Imagine a state that considers itself progressive, cutting edge, the envy of the world.
Imagine a state with the globe's fifth largest economy.
Imagine a state, population 37 million, with more wealthy people than practically any other spot on earth. Imagine a state that once had by far the best public infrastructure in America and a voting public that was deeply committed to its premier institutions.
Now imagine that state so cash-strapped, because of decades of anti-tax revolts and irresponsible, unfunded, spending mandates, that it can't pay even its basic bills"
"Imagine a state that considers itself progressive, cutting edge, the envy of the world.
Imagine a state with the globe's fifth largest economy.
Imagine a state, population 37 million, with more wealthy people than practically any other spot on earth. Imagine a state that once had by far the best public infrastructure in America and a voting public that was deeply committed to its premier institutions.
Now imagine that state so cash-strapped, because of decades of anti-tax revolts and irresponsible, unfunded, spending mandates, that it can't pay even its basic bills"
Stimulus projects bypass hard-hit states
Stimulus projects bypass hard-hit states
"In Michigan, for example — where years of economic tumult and a collapsing domestic auto industry have produced the nation's worst unemployment rate — federal agencies have spent about $2 million on stimulus contracts, or 21 cents per person."
"In Michigan, for example — where years of economic tumult and a collapsing domestic auto industry have produced the nation's worst unemployment rate — federal agencies have spent about $2 million on stimulus contracts, or 21 cents per person."
An Open Letter to GM President Obama
An Open Letter to GM President Obama
"With the UAW owning 20%, only 11% of GM will remain in the hands of private investors of any stripe. In effect, GM will have been nationalized, putting Barack Obama in charge."
"With the UAW owning 20%, only 11% of GM will remain in the hands of private investors of any stripe. In effect, GM will have been nationalized, putting Barack Obama in charge."
Obama’s European Energy Vacation
Obama’s European Energy Vacation
"Turns out there really is a downside to forcing the marketplace to shift to energy sources that are less economical than those currently used. Spain, which instituted a green jobs program a decade ago, found this out the hard way.
A study by researchers at King Juan Carlos University found that 2.2 jobs were destroyed for every green job created through government mechanisms, and those green jobs are rarely permanent"
"Turns out there really is a downside to forcing the marketplace to shift to energy sources that are less economical than those currently used. Spain, which instituted a green jobs program a decade ago, found this out the hard way.
A study by researchers at King Juan Carlos University found that 2.2 jobs were destroyed for every green job created through government mechanisms, and those green jobs are rarely permanent"
Thursday, May 28, 2009
U.S. Inflation to Approach Zimbabwe Level
U.S. Inflation to Approach Zimbabwe Level,
"The U.S. economy will enter “hyperinflation” approaching the levels in Zimbabwe because the Federal Reserve will be reluctant to raise interest rates, investor Marc Faber said......
“The problem with government debt growing so much is that when the time will come and the Fed should increase interest rates, they will be very reluctant to do so and so inflation will start to accelerate.”"
"The U.S. economy will enter “hyperinflation” approaching the levels in Zimbabwe because the Federal Reserve will be reluctant to raise interest rates, investor Marc Faber said......
“The problem with government debt growing so much is that when the time will come and the Fed should increase interest rates, they will be very reluctant to do so and so inflation will start to accelerate.”"
“The Associated Press called it: GM is set to enter popular parlance as ‘Government …
“The Associated Press called it: GM is set to enter popular parlance as ‘Government …: "As the New York Times recently asserted (welcome!), we can blame GM’s sclerotic corporate culture for their abject failure to create a complete line of compelling/profitable vehicles. The idea that the United States government will reform GM’s way of being and reverse the curse is completely preposterous. It’s like asking a cocaine dealer to sponsor a crack addict.”"
Federal "Terrorist" Legislation Could Threaten Gun Owners
Federal "Terrorist" Legislation Could Threaten Gun Owners
"'Critics say the names of suspected terrorists could be drawn from existing government watch lists that cover such broad categories as animal rights extremists, Christian identity extremists, black separatists, anti-abortion extremists, anti-immigration extremists and anti-technology extremists.'
In effect, any group or people who someone might want to label as 'extremist' or 'anti.'
'It doesn't say anything about trials and due process,' Larry Pratt, executive director of Gun Owners of America, told Fox News. 'This is one of the most outrageous pieces of legislation to come along in some time. It's basically saying, ‘I suspect you, so your rights are toast.’'
The bill’s Constitutionality was a big question."
"'Critics say the names of suspected terrorists could be drawn from existing government watch lists that cover such broad categories as animal rights extremists, Christian identity extremists, black separatists, anti-abortion extremists, anti-immigration extremists and anti-technology extremists.'
In effect, any group or people who someone might want to label as 'extremist' or 'anti.'
'It doesn't say anything about trials and due process,' Larry Pratt, executive director of Gun Owners of America, told Fox News. 'This is one of the most outrageous pieces of legislation to come along in some time. It's basically saying, ‘I suspect you, so your rights are toast.’'
The bill’s Constitutionality was a big question."
Not another Runaway Entitlement Program
Not another Runaway Entitlement Program
"However high the current cost estimates might seem to be, actual costs will turn out to be thousands of times higher. Entitlement spending by its very nature cannot be controlled. Having determined the qualifications for participating in an entitlement program, the government is obligated to pay whoever shows up. If, as often happens, it turns out that more people than expected qualify for an entitlement program and therefore spending exceeds estimates, politically it’s almost impossible to stop."
"However high the current cost estimates might seem to be, actual costs will turn out to be thousands of times higher. Entitlement spending by its very nature cannot be controlled. Having determined the qualifications for participating in an entitlement program, the government is obligated to pay whoever shows up. If, as often happens, it turns out that more people than expected qualify for an entitlement program and therefore spending exceeds estimates, politically it’s almost impossible to stop."
Couple: County Trying To Stop Home Bible Studies
Couple: County Trying To Stop Home Bible Studies
"'The county asked,
'Do you have a regular meeting in your home?' She said, 'Yes.'
'Do you say amen?' 'Yes.'
'Do you pray?' 'Yes.'
'Do you say praise the Lord?' 'Yes.''"
"'The county asked,
'Do you have a regular meeting in your home?' She said, 'Yes.'
'Do you say amen?' 'Yes.'
'Do you pray?' 'Yes.'
'Do you say praise the Lord?' 'Yes.''"
RED ALERT: Did anti-Obama campaign contributions dictate which Chrysler dealers were shuttered?
RED ALERT: Did anti-Obama campaign contributions dictate which Chrysler dealers were shuttered?: "Click here for the latest Dealergate post, which shows statistical evidence that Chrysler dealers were shuttered on partisan grounds"
Is Obama closing GOP car dealers? | Mark Tapscott | San Francisco Examiner
Is Obama closing GOP car dealers? Mark Tapscott San Francisco Examiner: "Bloggers on the Right side of the Blogosphere are up in arms over data suggesting that President Barack Obama’s White House auto industry potentates are targeting for closure Chrysler dealers with records of contributing either to Republicans like Sen. John McCain or to other Democrats in the 2008 presidential primary.
Posts at RedState, Reliapundit, American Thinker, Gateway Pundit, Joey Smith and Doug Ross pointed initially at the remarkable number of closed Chrysler dealerships whose owners happen to have been contributors to Obama opponents, mainly Republicans."
Posts at RedState, Reliapundit, American Thinker, Gateway Pundit, Joey Smith and Doug Ross pointed initially at the remarkable number of closed Chrysler dealerships whose owners happen to have been contributors to Obama opponents, mainly Republicans."
Woman Upset After American Flag Taken Down At Work - cbs11tv.com
Woman Upset After American Flag Taken Down At Work - cbs11tv.com: "When McLucas came to work Friday, her boss told her another supervisor had found her flag offensive. 'I was just totally speechless. I was like, 'You're kidding me,'' McLucas said."
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Police: Last words by would-be robber, ‘Let’s get it on.’
Police: Last words by would-be robber, ‘Let’s get it on.’
"A Northwest Side pharmacy owner fatally shot a would-be robber on Wednesday morning. That’s according to San Antonio police detectives.
The robbery suspect entered the Babcock Square Pharmacy around 9 a.m. at 5824 Babcock Rd. Inside were the owner/pharmacist, his wife, and an employee. The employee saw the man had a gun and told the pharmacist, who then pulled out his own handgun.
Seeing this, the robber reportedly responded by saying “Let’s get it on.” That’s when the owner shot him. The man died inside the business."
"A Northwest Side pharmacy owner fatally shot a would-be robber on Wednesday morning. That’s according to San Antonio police detectives.
The robbery suspect entered the Babcock Square Pharmacy around 9 a.m. at 5824 Babcock Rd. Inside were the owner/pharmacist, his wife, and an employee. The employee saw the man had a gun and told the pharmacist, who then pulled out his own handgun.
Seeing this, the robber reportedly responded by saying “Let’s get it on.” That’s when the owner shot him. The man died inside the business."
Mental health center closes
Mental health center closes
"The steady increase of mentally ill residents combined with Sacramento County's budget woes forced the county's main psychiatric hospital late Friday to close its doors to new patients.
The doors remained closed through Tuesday – and might stay closed for several more days, officials said, until its caseload falls.
Officials said the scene could repeat itself throughout the year as local and state funding continue their decline.
The situation, officials and advocates say, suggests the state is at the brink of a mental health catastrophe."
"The steady increase of mentally ill residents combined with Sacramento County's budget woes forced the county's main psychiatric hospital late Friday to close its doors to new patients.
The doors remained closed through Tuesday – and might stay closed for several more days, officials said, until its caseload falls.
Officials said the scene could repeat itself throughout the year as local and state funding continue their decline.
The situation, officials and advocates say, suggests the state is at the brink of a mental health catastrophe."
"BRAVE NEW WORLD" Pest control company charged with animal cruelty
Pest control company charged with animal cruelty
"The owner of a New Jersey pest control company has been charged with animal cruelty after a squirrel was found dead in a rooftop trap.
The Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals charged Kathleen Buck, owner of Critter Ridder, on Friday.
Chief Buddy Amato says a professional complex hired Critter Ridder to help get rid of the squirrel. He says a trap was set Wednesday for the animal, and no one returned to check on it.
Amato says the squirrel was found 'cooked to death on the hot roof' Thursday afternoon.
Buck faces four counts of animal cruelty, including one that cites her for not providing the squirrel with adequate food, water and shelter."
This is the new "amerika" folks...... unless we rise up!
"The owner of a New Jersey pest control company has been charged with animal cruelty after a squirrel was found dead in a rooftop trap.
The Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals charged Kathleen Buck, owner of Critter Ridder, on Friday.
Chief Buddy Amato says a professional complex hired Critter Ridder to help get rid of the squirrel. He says a trap was set Wednesday for the animal, and no one returned to check on it.
Amato says the squirrel was found 'cooked to death on the hot roof' Thursday afternoon.
Buck faces four counts of animal cruelty, including one that cites her for not providing the squirrel with adequate food, water and shelter."
This is the new "amerika" folks...... unless we rise up!
Judge: Nash must resign a position
Judge: Nash must resign a position
"Judge Timothy G. Hicks agreed to the county prosecutor's request that he rule immediately on the inappropriateness of Nash serving on both boards, which have contractual agreements with one another.
Nash said he would appeal Hicks' decision, but declined to comment further.
He will need an order from the Michigan Court of Appeals staying Hicks' decision in order to remain on both boards while an appeal is being considered.
'The case was pretty clear-cut,' said Muskegon County Prosecutor Tony Tague. 'It was just a matter of Michigan law.'"
How much is this idiocy costing the taxpayers of Muskegon, the Muskegon schools and the County?
"Judge Timothy G. Hicks agreed to the county prosecutor's request that he rule immediately on the inappropriateness of Nash serving on both boards, which have contractual agreements with one another.
Nash said he would appeal Hicks' decision, but declined to comment further.
He will need an order from the Michigan Court of Appeals staying Hicks' decision in order to remain on both boards while an appeal is being considered.
'The case was pretty clear-cut,' said Muskegon County Prosecutor Tony Tague. 'It was just a matter of Michigan law.'"
How much is this idiocy costing the taxpayers of Muskegon, the Muskegon schools and the County?
Plan to ax dealers not Chrysler's decision -lawyer | Industries | Consumer Goods & Retail | Reuters
Plan to ax dealers not Chrysler's decision
"'It became clear to us that Chrysler does not see the wisdom
of terminating 25 percent of its dealers,' Bellavia said. 'It
really wasn't Chrysler's decision. They are under enormous
pressure from the President's automotive task force.'"
Why did Obama's acadenic "car czar" bankrupt those dealer- employers and their employees?
"'It became clear to us that Chrysler does not see the wisdom
of terminating 25 percent of its dealers,' Bellavia said. 'It
really wasn't Chrysler's decision. They are under enormous
pressure from the President's automotive task force.'"
Why did Obama's acadenic "car czar" bankrupt those dealer- employers and their employees?
Once Considered Unthinkable, U.S. Sales Tax Gets Fresh Look
Once Considered Unthinkable, U.S. Sales Tax Gets Fresh Look
"'There is a growing awareness of the need for fundamental tax reform,' Sen. Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) said in an interview. 'I think a VAT and a high-end income tax have got to be on the table.'
A VAT is a tax on the transfer of goods and services that ultimately is borne by the consumer. Highly visible, it would increase the cost of just about everything, from a carton of eggs to a visit with a lawyer. It is also hugely regressive, falling heavily on the poor. But VAT advocates say those negatives could be offset by using the proceeds to pay for health care for every American -- a tangible benefit that would be highly valuable to low-income families."
Understand that "fundamental tax reform" means MORE TAXES!
"'There is a growing awareness of the need for fundamental tax reform,' Sen. Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) said in an interview. 'I think a VAT and a high-end income tax have got to be on the table.'
A VAT is a tax on the transfer of goods and services that ultimately is borne by the consumer. Highly visible, it would increase the cost of just about everything, from a carton of eggs to a visit with a lawyer. It is also hugely regressive, falling heavily on the poor. But VAT advocates say those negatives could be offset by using the proceeds to pay for health care for every American -- a tangible benefit that would be highly valuable to low-income families."
Understand that "fundamental tax reform" means MORE TAXES!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Buying Brand New $23,000 Cars For Commuters in Phoenix is Cheaper Than Light Rail for $1.4B
Buying Brand New $23,000 Cars For Commuters in Phoenix is Cheaper Than Light Rail for $1.4B
"Well, if we bought each of these folks a brand new Prius III for $23,000 it would cost us just over $425 million.
This is WAY less than the $1.4 billion we pay to move them by rail instead.
We could have bought every regular rider a Prius and still have a billion dollars left over!"
"Well, if we bought each of these folks a brand new Prius III for $23,000 it would cost us just over $425 million.
This is WAY less than the $1.4 billion we pay to move them by rail instead.
We could have bought every regular rider a Prius and still have a billion dollars left over!"
Monday, May 25, 2009
Online news fees: financial salvation or suicide?
Online news fees: financial salvation or suicide?: "'To me, an online subscription is just the commonsense thing to do,' says Roger Plothow, editor and publisher of the Post Register in Idaho Falls, Idaho. 'To just give it all away on a Web site is completely and blindly idiotic.'"
Online news fees: financial salvation or suicide?
Online news fees: financial salvation or suicide?: "The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette is a rarity among large U.S. newspapers—it's selling more weekday copies than a decade ago. In Idaho, the Post Register's circulation has remained stable, while many other print publications have lost readers to the Internet. How can this be?
The executives behind the Arkansas and Idaho newspapers believe it's because they've been giving free access to their Web sites only to people who subscribe to the printed edition. Everyone else has to pay to read the Democrat-Gazette and the Post Register online. Meanwhile, most publishers have been giving away their stories and photos to all comers on the Internet."
The executives behind the Arkansas and Idaho newspapers believe it's because they've been giving free access to their Web sites only to people who subscribe to the printed edition. Everyone else has to pay to read the Democrat-Gazette and the Post Register online. Meanwhile, most publishers have been giving away their stories and photos to all comers on the Internet."
Legislature shuts door on nurse care
Legislature shuts door on nurse care
"The word in Washington is that health care reform, not immigration or energy, is Congress' top priority this year.
This means universal, or near universal, insurance coverage is likely. Insuring nearly everyone means more health care, right? Wrong. If the number of health care providers remains the same, it means less health care for everyone. If universal coverage materializes, you won't want to fall ill, especially in Texas.
Look at Massachusetts, where waits to see primary care doctors grew to as long as 100 days as of last September. The state's new insurance policy extended coverage in 2006 to 439,000 more people. The number of doctors putting out “no new patients” signs also is rising, the Boston Globe reported."
Where are the proofs of cheaper, more efficient health care provided by ANY government?
"The word in Washington is that health care reform, not immigration or energy, is Congress' top priority this year.
This means universal, or near universal, insurance coverage is likely. Insuring nearly everyone means more health care, right? Wrong. If the number of health care providers remains the same, it means less health care for everyone. If universal coverage materializes, you won't want to fall ill, especially in Texas.
Look at Massachusetts, where waits to see primary care doctors grew to as long as 100 days as of last September. The state's new insurance policy extended coverage in 2006 to 439,000 more people. The number of doctors putting out “no new patients” signs also is rising, the Boston Globe reported."
Where are the proofs of cheaper, more efficient health care provided by ANY government?
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