Newsweek: Grand Rapids not just sick, it's dying MLive.com
"Grand Rapids landed in tough company Friday, as one of the top 10 dying U.S. cities.
The No. 10 rank was a blow for a city trying hard to be cool.
The latest massage of census data came from Newsweek magazine.
Who did we beat?
No. 9 Flint, No. 8 South Bend, and No. 7 Detroit.
No, duh."
So I guess it's a good thing Muskegon has less than 100,000 residents?
Friday, January 21, 2011
A bunch of new posts at MuskegonTaxpayersAlliance
Lotto winner, Senate poll, new Irish bar and more!
http://muskegontaxpayers.blogspot.com/
http://muskegontaxpayers.blogspot.com/
USDA Approves Green, Bio-Based Product Label
USDA Approves Green, Bio-Based Product Label : NPR
"SHOGREN: Companies already have introduced thousands of products made from plants or animals instead of petroleum.
That's because of a law that requires the federal government to buy such products if they exist and are affordable.
Mr. STEPHEN CENSKY (Chief Executive Officer, American Soybean Association): We probably would not see the growth of these products without this program.
......SHOGREN: Using bio-based products is supposed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on foreign oil.
But, of course, lots of petroleum goes into fertilizers, tractors and irrigation machines.
The government isn't taking that into account when it decides whether a product qualifies for its new label."
"SHOGREN: Companies already have introduced thousands of products made from plants or animals instead of petroleum.
That's because of a law that requires the federal government to buy such products if they exist and are affordable.
Mr. STEPHEN CENSKY (Chief Executive Officer, American Soybean Association): We probably would not see the growth of these products without this program.
......SHOGREN: Using bio-based products is supposed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on foreign oil.
But, of course, lots of petroleum goes into fertilizers, tractors and irrigation machines.
The government isn't taking that into account when it decides whether a product qualifies for its new label."
State visit by China's President Hu Jintao yielded little in the way of trade concessions or commitment to human rights
State visit by China's President Hu Jintao yielded little in the way of trade concessions or commitment to human rights - NYPOST.com
"Yes, those were white bird feathers sticking out of the tiger's mouth at the lavish state dinner hosted by President Obama at the White House this week."
"Yes, those were white bird feathers sticking out of the tiger's mouth at the lavish state dinner hosted by President Obama at the White House this week."
Kidman, Urban have 2nd child through surrogate
My Way News - Kidman, Urban have 2nd child through surrogate
"Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban have added a second daughter to their family, born through a surrogate mother."
Seriously, this new trend of "mothers" on the left to "experience" the gift of "motherhood" is sickening.
"Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban have added a second daughter to their family, born through a surrogate mother."
Seriously, this new trend of "mothers" on the left to "experience" the gift of "motherhood" is sickening.
Mitt Romney keeps away from Tea Party
Mitt Romney keeps away from Tea Party - The Boston Globe
"As the former Massachusetts governor lays the groundwork for a possible second presidential run, he has largely shunned Tea Party activists in key primary states"
"As the former Massachusetts governor lays the groundwork for a possible second presidential run, he has largely shunned Tea Party activists in key primary states"
Michigan Item Pricing Regulations Among Nation's Most Strict
Michigan Item Pricing Regulations Among Nation's Most Strict [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
"Snyder called the “Item Pricing Law” an undue burden on retailers.
The law requires that most items on store shelves being sold be individually priced.
He asserted that the item-pricing law cost Michigan’s economy $2 billion dollars a year.
His office didn’t respond to a message left asking how they computed that $2 billion figure.
Tom Scott, senior vice president at the Michigan Retailers Association, said Michigan has the most restrictive item pricing law in the country."
"Snyder called the “Item Pricing Law” an undue burden on retailers.
The law requires that most items on store shelves being sold be individually priced.
He asserted that the item-pricing law cost Michigan’s economy $2 billion dollars a year.
His office didn’t respond to a message left asking how they computed that $2 billion figure.
Tom Scott, senior vice president at the Michigan Retailers Association, said Michigan has the most restrictive item pricing law in the country."
Study: Michigan left turns are the right way to go
Study: Michigan left turns are the right way to go MLive.com
"Considering the study's findings that this traffic design results in a “20 percent overall reduction in travel time compared to similar intersections that use conventional traffic designs,”"
Maybe time to expand this idea?
"Considering the study's findings that this traffic design results in a “20 percent overall reduction in travel time compared to similar intersections that use conventional traffic designs,”"
Maybe time to expand this idea?
Old media now asking about birth certificate
Old media now asking about birth certificate
"The New York Daily News apparently found the interview published Tuesday by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reason to declare final victory over 'conspiracy theorists,' but ABC News featured a story on its website pointing out Abercrombie has not delivered the promised proof."
"The New York Daily News apparently found the interview published Tuesday by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reason to declare final victory over 'conspiracy theorists,' but ABC News featured a story on its website pointing out Abercrombie has not delivered the promised proof."
France faces fine for neglecting its Great Hamster
France faces fine for neglecting its Great Hamster - Telegraph
"France is failing in its duty to protect the Great Hamster of Alsace, a cute fur-ball facing extinction with fewer than 200 remaining, the advocate-general of Europe's top court said on Thursday."
"France is failing in its duty to protect the Great Hamster of Alsace, a cute fur-ball facing extinction with fewer than 200 remaining, the advocate-general of Europe's top court said on Thursday."
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Climate change study had 'significant error': experts
Climate change study had 'significant error': experts - Yahoo! News
"A climate change study that projected a 2.4 degree Celsius increase in temperature and massive worldwide food shortages in the next decade was seriously flawed, scientists said Wednesday.
The study was posted on the website of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and was written about by numerous international news agencies, including AFP.
But AAAS later retracted the study as experts cited numerous errors in its approach."
"A climate change study that projected a 2.4 degree Celsius increase in temperature and massive worldwide food shortages in the next decade was seriously flawed, scientists said Wednesday.
The study was posted on the website of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and was written about by numerous international news agencies, including AFP.
But AAAS later retracted the study as experts cited numerous errors in its approach."
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Deep layoffs hit struggling N.J. city
Deep layoffs hit struggling N.J. city - Washington Times
"Some firefighters turned in their helmets and police officers their badges Tuesday as part of deep municipal layoffs destined to further erode the quality of life in Camden, already one of the nation's most impoverished and crime-ridden cities.
About 335 workers, representing one-sixth of the local government work force, lost their jobs, according to Mayor Dana Redd.
It was worst in the public safety departments, where nearly half the police force and close to one-third of the city's firefighters were laid off."
"Some firefighters turned in their helmets and police officers their badges Tuesday as part of deep municipal layoffs destined to further erode the quality of life in Camden, already one of the nation's most impoverished and crime-ridden cities.
About 335 workers, representing one-sixth of the local government work force, lost their jobs, according to Mayor Dana Redd.
It was worst in the public safety departments, where nearly half the police force and close to one-third of the city's firefighters were laid off."
Why the Left Hates Sarah Palin
American Thinker: Why the Left Hates Sarah Palin
"And what does the left do? They try to drag her through the mud to sully her. The hardcore among them want to eliminate her, even if this means putting her life at risk.
The progressives 'joke' about gang-rape, make pornographic movies about her, and leer at her legs. (Would any of this be tolerated against Michelle Obama?)
Palin's church was torched during the primary, a vicious crime that was hushed up by the MSM. And now, with the smears about Tucson, death threats against Palin have soared.
Yes, leftists attack Palin because they envy her beauty; and true, she's a political threat. But the main reason for the hatred is something deeper and darker.
Leftists loathe Palin because she has retained something that was stripped from them years ago: a wholesomeness, a purity of heart. People on the left despise Palin because she shines a bright light on their shame and unworthiness, which they try desperately to deny.
The progressives, like that brutal gang of abandoned girls, want to drag Palin down into the gutter with them; they want to spoil her. Of course, their efforts will be futile; Palin is fueled by a Spirit that isn't simply her own.
The left knows only how to point fingers, and threaten, and menace. Why? They are lost, abandoned children as well; they have shunned the only Force who could wash them clean and bring them home again."
"And what does the left do? They try to drag her through the mud to sully her. The hardcore among them want to eliminate her, even if this means putting her life at risk.
The progressives 'joke' about gang-rape, make pornographic movies about her, and leer at her legs. (Would any of this be tolerated against Michelle Obama?)
Palin's church was torched during the primary, a vicious crime that was hushed up by the MSM. And now, with the smears about Tucson, death threats against Palin have soared.
Yes, leftists attack Palin because they envy her beauty; and true, she's a political threat. But the main reason for the hatred is something deeper and darker.
Leftists loathe Palin because she has retained something that was stripped from them years ago: a wholesomeness, a purity of heart. People on the left despise Palin because she shines a bright light on their shame and unworthiness, which they try desperately to deny.
The progressives, like that brutal gang of abandoned girls, want to drag Palin down into the gutter with them; they want to spoil her. Of course, their efforts will be futile; Palin is fueled by a Spirit that isn't simply her own.
The left knows only how to point fingers, and threaten, and menace. Why? They are lost, abandoned children as well; they have shunned the only Force who could wash them clean and bring them home again."
Auto union wants to organize non-Big 3 plants
Auto union wants to organize non-Big 3 plants MLive.com
"The future of the United Auto Workers union is directly tied to its ability to sign up workers at U.S. plants owned by foreign-based car companies, the union's leader said Monday."
"The future of the United Auto Workers union is directly tied to its ability to sign up workers at U.S. plants owned by foreign-based car companies, the union's leader said Monday."
The damage has already begun
The damage has already begun - NYPOST.com
"Repeal of ObamaCare can't come soon enough -- as several damaging provisions are set to take effect this year.
For starters, it has effectively stopped the construction of physician-owned hospitals throughout the country.
Section 6001 of the health-care law required physician-owned hospitals to obtain their Medicare certification by the end of last year. Without it, they can't treat Medicare patients.
And the facilities needed to be open to get that certification.
So construction halted at 45 hospitals as the New Year arrived. Work on countless others will never start, having been effectively banned by ObamaCare. This will limit competition in the health-care marketplace, driving up costs for patients."
"Repeal of ObamaCare can't come soon enough -- as several damaging provisions are set to take effect this year.
For starters, it has effectively stopped the construction of physician-owned hospitals throughout the country.
Section 6001 of the health-care law required physician-owned hospitals to obtain their Medicare certification by the end of last year. Without it, they can't treat Medicare patients.
And the facilities needed to be open to get that certification.
So construction halted at 45 hospitals as the New Year arrived. Work on countless others will never start, having been effectively banned by ObamaCare. This will limit competition in the health-care marketplace, driving up costs for patients."
Hawaii governor can't find Obama birth certificate
Hawaii governor can't find Obama birth certificate
"Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie suggested in an interview published today that a long-form, hospital-generated birth certificate for Barack Obama may not exist within the vital records maintained by the Hawaii Department of Health."
"Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie suggested in an interview published today that a long-form, hospital-generated birth certificate for Barack Obama may not exist within the vital records maintained by the Hawaii Department of Health."
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Disaster! Rick Snyder, Public-Sector Benefits
Rick Snyder, Public-Sector Benefits [Mackinac Center]
"Early indications are that our new governor is acting boldly and wisely in his attempt to right size Michigan’s fiscal ship.
That’s good news, and he should be applauded, in part due to the fact that he will need the moral support.
Why?
The budget is in worse shape than even he and members of the media have probably fathomed.
I’m not the first budget analyst to notice this, but I may be the first to say it out loud.
With the year’s first state revenue estimating conference scheduled for Jan. 14, it is time to flesh out a few important issues.
First, it could be argued that the widely reported and official state deficit estimate for the fiscal 2012 General Fund/General Purpose budget is understated by at least $200 million."
"Early indications are that our new governor is acting boldly and wisely in his attempt to right size Michigan’s fiscal ship.
That’s good news, and he should be applauded, in part due to the fact that he will need the moral support.
Why?
The budget is in worse shape than even he and members of the media have probably fathomed.
I’m not the first budget analyst to notice this, but I may be the first to say it out loud.
With the year’s first state revenue estimating conference scheduled for Jan. 14, it is time to flesh out a few important issues.
First, it could be argued that the widely reported and official state deficit estimate for the fiscal 2012 General Fund/General Purpose budget is understated by at least $200 million."
Academically Adrift: Limited Learning on College Campuses
Amazon.com: Academically Adrift: Limited Learning on College Campuses
"In spite of soaring tuition costs, more and more students go to college every year.
A bachelor’s degree is now required for entry into a growing number of professions.
And some parents begin planning for the expense of sending their kids to college when they’re born.
Almost everyone strives to go, but almost no one asks the fundamental question posed by Academically Adrift: are undergraduates really learning anything once they get there?
For a large proportion of students, Richard Arum and Josipa Roksa’s answer to that question is a definitive no.
Their extensive research draws on survey responses, transcript data, and, for the first time, the state-of-the-art Collegiate Learning Assessment, a standardized test administered to students in their first semester and then again at the end of their second year.
According to their analysis of more than 2,300 undergraduates at twenty-four institutions, 45 percent of these students demonstrate no significant improvement in a range of skills—including critical thinking, complex reasoning, and writing—during their first two years of college."
"In spite of soaring tuition costs, more and more students go to college every year.
A bachelor’s degree is now required for entry into a growing number of professions.
And some parents begin planning for the expense of sending their kids to college when they’re born.
Almost everyone strives to go, but almost no one asks the fundamental question posed by Academically Adrift: are undergraduates really learning anything once they get there?
For a large proportion of students, Richard Arum and Josipa Roksa’s answer to that question is a definitive no.
Their extensive research draws on survey responses, transcript data, and, for the first time, the state-of-the-art Collegiate Learning Assessment, a standardized test administered to students in their first semester and then again at the end of their second year.
According to their analysis of more than 2,300 undergraduates at twenty-four institutions, 45 percent of these students demonstrate no significant improvement in a range of skills—including critical thinking, complex reasoning, and writing—during their first two years of college."
States Warned of $2 Trillion Pensions Shortfall
States Warned of $2 Trillion Pensions Shortfall - CNBC
"The severe US economic recession has cast a spotlight on years of fiscal mismanagement, including chronic underfunding of retirement promises.
“States face cost pressure, most prominently from retirement benefits and Medicaid [the health programme for the poor],” Orin Kramer told the Financial Times.
“One consequence is that asset sales and privatisation will pick up.
The very unfortunate consequence is that various safety nets for the most vulnerable citizens will be cut back.”"
Those who voted to spend us into local bankruptcy will be correctly blamed.
Those who trusted our local leaders to protect them will be betrayed.
"The severe US economic recession has cast a spotlight on years of fiscal mismanagement, including chronic underfunding of retirement promises.
“States face cost pressure, most prominently from retirement benefits and Medicaid [the health programme for the poor],” Orin Kramer told the Financial Times.
“One consequence is that asset sales and privatisation will pick up.
The very unfortunate consequence is that various safety nets for the most vulnerable citizens will be cut back.”"
Those who voted to spend us into local bankruptcy will be correctly blamed.
Those who trusted our local leaders to protect them will be betrayed.
The College Kids Aren't All Right, They're Depressed
The College Kids Aren't All Right, They're Depressed - ParentDish
"another recent study, conducted at Northwestern University, finds one out of every four or five students who visits a university health center for a routine cold or sore throat turns out to have undiagnosed depression"
Well duh.
Graduating with a worthless degree, no job prospects and owing tens of thousands of dollars.
Who wouldn't be depressed?
Government employees, university employees...and those nifty college counselors.
Oh yeah!
"another recent study, conducted at Northwestern University, finds one out of every four or five students who visits a university health center for a routine cold or sore throat turns out to have undiagnosed depression"
Well duh.
Graduating with a worthless degree, no job prospects and owing tens of thousands of dollars.
Who wouldn't be depressed?
Government employees, university employees...and those nifty college counselors.
Oh yeah!
Woman from Fruitport allegedly used a fish to attack two men ice fishing in Norton Shores
Woman from Fruitport allegedly used a fish to attack two men ice fishing in Norton Shores MLive.com
"Gale said officers were called to the lake by one of the men who claimed they were assaulted by “a female wielding a fish.”"
"Gale said officers were called to the lake by one of the men who claimed they were assaulted by “a female wielding a fish.”"
Sunday, January 16, 2011
This Is No Reason For Reform
This Is No Reason For Reform - Investors.com
"Over and over we were told Washington had to take over health care because so many Americans lack insurance due to pre-existing medical conditions.
So how many fall into this category?
Try 8,000.
You read that right: In this nation of nearly 311 million, the Democrats overhauled the world's best health care system to benefit 8,000 people."
"Over and over we were told Washington had to take over health care because so many Americans lack insurance due to pre-existing medical conditions.
So how many fall into this category?
Try 8,000.
You read that right: In this nation of nearly 311 million, the Democrats overhauled the world's best health care system to benefit 8,000 people."
Friday, January 14, 2011
Qanta A. Ahmed: Fulfilling Our Duty as Muslim-Americans
Qanta A. Ahmed: Fulfilling Our Duty as Muslim-Americans - WSJ.com
"According to Islamic law, Muslims are obligated to three entities: the self, God and society.
This last has been overlooked too often by Muslims and their adopted societies."
"According to Islamic law, Muslims are obligated to three entities: the self, God and society.
This last has been overlooked too often by Muslims and their adopted societies."
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Balance from a bracelet? All in your head
Balance from a bracelet? All in your head The Australian
"SHAQUILLE O'Neal swears by them.
The Power Balance bracelet, he says, gives him a competitive edge on the court.
It's no gimmick, he says.
It's for real.
It may be for him, but Australian authorities say the California-based company behind the wildly popular wristbands and pendants has no business claiming that they improve balance, strength and flexibility.
And they even got Power Balance to admit it.
The company wrote: 'We admit that there is no credible scientific evidence that supports our claims.'
It also agreed to give refunds to customers who believe they were cheated."
"SHAQUILLE O'Neal swears by them.
The Power Balance bracelet, he says, gives him a competitive edge on the court.
It's no gimmick, he says.
It's for real.
It may be for him, but Australian authorities say the California-based company behind the wildly popular wristbands and pendants has no business claiming that they improve balance, strength and flexibility.
And they even got Power Balance to admit it.
The company wrote: 'We admit that there is no credible scientific evidence that supports our claims.'
It also agreed to give refunds to customers who believe they were cheated."
YWCA drops the word Christian from its historic name to call itself Platform 51
YWCA drops the word Christian from its historic name to call itself Platform 51 Mail Online
"One of the country’s best-known charities has changed its name, losing the clearest link to its Christian roots.
The Young Women’s Christian Association has dropped its historic title after 156 years because ‘it no longer stands for who we are’.
Instead the organisation – which is mainly funded by legacies left by Christian supporters over 15 decades – will be known as ‘Platform 51’."
"One of the country’s best-known charities has changed its name, losing the clearest link to its Christian roots.
The Young Women’s Christian Association has dropped its historic title after 156 years because ‘it no longer stands for who we are’.
Instead the organisation – which is mainly funded by legacies left by Christian supporters over 15 decades – will be known as ‘Platform 51’."
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Electric Cars May Accelerate Global Warming
Electric Cars May Accelerate Global Warming - William Pentland - Clean Beta - Forbes
"The results, which appeared in a paper published in Energy Policy last Fall, found that for countries with dirty power supplies – like India and China – widespread adoption of electric vehicles could lead to more – not less – CO2 emissions compared to widespread adoption of gasoline based vehicles, unless dramatically less CO2 intensive."
"The results, which appeared in a paper published in Energy Policy last Fall, found that for countries with dirty power supplies – like India and China – widespread adoption of electric vehicles could lead to more – not less – CO2 emissions compared to widespread adoption of gasoline based vehicles, unless dramatically less CO2 intensive."
Monday, January 10, 2011
Sunday, January 09, 2011
Another Day, Another Misleading Think Progress Headline
Le·gal In·sur·rec·tion: Another Day, Another Misleading Think Progress Headline
"Here is the quote from The Financial Times article as reprinted by Think Progress (bold in TP original, italics mine):
The excitement started even before the show when David H. Koch, the co-owner of Koch Industries, the largest privately-own industrial conglomerate in the US, came out on stage to talk about his $2.5m sponsorship of the production. Most people applauded but there were also boos from near where I sat in the balcony, followed by an angry debate in the row in front of me, with one of the booers declaring “he’s an evil man” and a couple next to her telling her to “shut up” and to leave the theatre. [...] Once Mr Koch had left the stage, the booing stopped and the ballet started.
So an event at which most people applauded Koch, but a small number of classless people booed, gets the headline 'Theater audience boos ....'"
"Here is the quote from The Financial Times article as reprinted by Think Progress (bold in TP original, italics mine):
The excitement started even before the show when David H. Koch, the co-owner of Koch Industries, the largest privately-own industrial conglomerate in the US, came out on stage to talk about his $2.5m sponsorship of the production. Most people applauded but there were also boos from near where I sat in the balcony, followed by an angry debate in the row in front of me, with one of the booers declaring “he’s an evil man” and a couple next to her telling her to “shut up” and to leave the theatre. [...] Once Mr Koch had left the stage, the booing stopped and the ballet started.
So an event at which most people applauded Koch, but a small number of classless people booed, gets the headline 'Theater audience boos ....'"
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