EyeOnMuskegon: $2.3 million just poofed? EyeOnMuskegon Sunday 3-25-2012
$2.3 million just poofed?
EyeOnMuskegon Sunday 3-25-2012
We've got Muskegon Comical and ex-Muskegon Chronicle columnist Tracy Lorenz as our co-host and special guest Muskegon County commissioner Alan Jager on this Sunday morning from 8:30-10:00am on 1090AM, WKBZ.
You can also listen live at http://www.newstalk1090.com/main.html.
Among other issues, we'll try to figure out why the county just had to loan Brookhaven Medical Care (nursing home) $2.3 million!
Talk to ya at 8:30am Sunday!
Jim
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Is There An Imposter In The White House? An Excerpt from "Hope Is Not A Strategy"
Is There An Imposter In The White House? An Excerpt from "Hope Is Not A Strategy" - Forbes
There is something very wrong when the sitting president refuses to divulge huge pieces of information about his background.
What is he hiding?
Maybe the “birthers” were a little extreme, but is there something wrong with this “manufactured candidate,” whose history remains sealed from public view?
What is he hiding?
There is something very wrong when the sitting president refuses to divulge huge pieces of information about his background.
What is he hiding?
Maybe the “birthers” were a little extreme, but is there something wrong with this “manufactured candidate,” whose history remains sealed from public view?
What is he hiding?
Tungsten-Filled 1 Kilo Gold Bar Found In The UK
Tungsten-Filled 1 Kilo Gold Bar Found In The UK | ZeroHedge
The reason the bar attracted attention is that it was 2 grams underweight.
Upon cropping it was uncovered that about 30-40% of the bar weight was tungsten.
So two documented incidents in two years: isolated?
Or indication of the same phenomonenon of precious metal debasement that marked the declining phase of the Roman empire.
Only then it was relatively public for anyone who cared to find out on their own.
Now, with the bulk of popular physical gold held in top secret, private warehouses around the world, where it allegedly backs the balance sheets of the world's central banks, yet nobody can confirm its existence, nor audit the actual gold content, it is understandable why increasingly more are wondering: just how much gold is there?
The reason the bar attracted attention is that it was 2 grams underweight.
Upon cropping it was uncovered that about 30-40% of the bar weight was tungsten.
So two documented incidents in two years: isolated?
Or indication of the same phenomonenon of precious metal debasement that marked the declining phase of the Roman empire.
Only then it was relatively public for anyone who cared to find out on their own.
Now, with the bulk of popular physical gold held in top secret, private warehouses around the world, where it allegedly backs the balance sheets of the world's central banks, yet nobody can confirm its existence, nor audit the actual gold content, it is understandable why increasingly more are wondering: just how much gold is there?
Muskegon school board approves new elementary sex ed curriculum
Muskegon school board approves new elementary sex ed curriculum | MLive.com
The new curriculum expands the information provided to fourth- and fifth-graders to include sexual intercourse and homosexuality.
The new curriculum expands the information provided to fourth- and fifth-graders to include sexual intercourse and homosexuality.
BREAKING NEWS: Michigan Senate Stops Home Health Care 'Dues Skim'
BREAKING NEWS: Michigan Senate Stops Home Health Care 'Dues Skim' [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
The “home health care dues skim” resulted from a union scheme perpetrated while Jennifer Granholm was governor.
The plan used a dummy employer and a stealth election to railroad 43,729 so-called home health care workers into the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
That 43,729 has now swollen to 60,190.
Once this “forced unionization” was achieved, money started being extracted from the taxpayer-provided checks received by the so-called “home health care workers.”
This money continues to be sent to SEIU as dues.
Overall, the “skim” has netted more than $29 million for the SEIU.
The “home health care dues skim” resulted from a union scheme perpetrated while Jennifer Granholm was governor.
The plan used a dummy employer and a stealth election to railroad 43,729 so-called home health care workers into the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
That 43,729 has now swollen to 60,190.
Once this “forced unionization” was achieved, money started being extracted from the taxpayer-provided checks received by the so-called “home health care workers.”
This money continues to be sent to SEIU as dues.
Overall, the “skim” has netted more than $29 million for the SEIU.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Michigan ranks among worst states for political financing transparency and accountability
Michigan ranks among worst states for political financing transparency and accountability | MLive.com
But on a statewide level, interest seems to have waned in the past decade, said Frank Kelley, a former Michigan attorney general who sits on the State Ethics Board.
He blames that on the shrinking capitol press corps.
Without media scrutiny and pressure for disclosure, legislators haven’t been pushed into more accessibility and accountability, he said.
“There’s nobody watching the farm,” Kelley said.
“That’s your biggest problem.”
But on a statewide level, interest seems to have waned in the past decade, said Frank Kelley, a former Michigan attorney general who sits on the State Ethics Board.
He blames that on the shrinking capitol press corps.
Without media scrutiny and pressure for disclosure, legislators haven’t been pushed into more accessibility and accountability, he said.
“There’s nobody watching the farm,” Kelley said.
“That’s your biggest problem.”
After study ranks Michigan high for corruptibility potential, lawmakers push ethics reforms - but it gets political
After study ranks Michigan high for corruptibility potential, lawmakers push ethics reforms - but it gets political | MLive.com
A Democratic-led ballot proposal to require disclosure of political spending and lobbying by corporations within 24 hours was postponed after Republicans called it hypocritical for not including unions.
A Democratic-led ballot proposal to require disclosure of political spending and lobbying by corporations within 24 hours was postponed after Republicans called it hypocritical for not including unions.
Tragic death of Ravenna teens sparks new bus safety legislation called "Privacky Law"
Tragic death of Ravenna teens sparks new bus safety legislation called "Privacky Law" | MLive.com
State Rep. Holly Hughes, R-Montague, has introduced House Bills 5453 and 5507, together known as "Privacky Law," which would require new buses be equipped with enhanced rear lighting and rear guards on the top and bottom of school buses
State Rep. Holly Hughes, R-Montague, has introduced House Bills 5453 and 5507, together known as "Privacky Law," which would require new buses be equipped with enhanced rear lighting and rear guards on the top and bottom of school buses
Man assaulted at gunpoint by two Oceana County brothers during grill dispute
Man assaulted at gunpoint by two Oceana County brothers during grill dispute | MLive.com
The victim told authorities that he was trying to retrieve his charcoal grill from the brothers when the assault occurred.
The victim had a friend drive him over to the brothers home and that driver was threatened with a gun as well, Mast said.
Grills don't kill people, people do!
The victim told authorities that he was trying to retrieve his charcoal grill from the brothers when the assault occurred.
The victim had a friend drive him over to the brothers home and that driver was threatened with a gun as well, Mast said.
Grills don't kill people, people do!
Muskegon County to seek potential sites for consolidated job-training center
Muskegon County to seek potential sites for consolidated job-training center | MLive.com
Andrew Stone, director of the county’s Department of Employment and Training, described the consolidation plan to county commissioners last month during a planning session.
County officials estimate the plan would save $1.3 million that could be used for the new or existing facility and to train more workers.
.....County officials claim the consolidation plan will serve the community better by streamlining the workforce-development services and making operations more cost effective by eliminating service duplication.
No mention of how many (ANY) jobs created by these $millions.
And no questions asked by our county commissioners.
Business as usual here in Muskegon.
Andrew Stone, director of the county’s Department of Employment and Training, described the consolidation plan to county commissioners last month during a planning session.
County officials estimate the plan would save $1.3 million that could be used for the new or existing facility and to train more workers.
.....County officials claim the consolidation plan will serve the community better by streamlining the workforce-development services and making operations more cost effective by eliminating service duplication.
No mention of how many (ANY) jobs created by these $millions.
And no questions asked by our county commissioners.
Business as usual here in Muskegon.
Clayton Hardiman: Has the 'hoodie' joined the list of 'thou shalt nots' for black youth?
Clayton Hardiman: Has the 'hoodie' joined the list of 'thou shalt nots' for black youth?
If there is any hope to be found in this tragedy, it is the power of the human voice. People have raised their voices, through petition and protest, and have made themselves heard. A federal civil rights investigation has been opened into the shooting, and it has been reported that a grand jury will be opened to consider evidence in the case.
But there’s a discouraging aspect, too, in addition to the irreplaceable loss of human life and promise -- and that’s how old and familiar all this feels. For generations, African-American parents have been passing down survival training to their sons and daughters. Whole lifetimes experienced as being a suspect have taught us to teach our children a catechism of “thou shalt nots" -- how not to dress, how not to act, how not to speak and where not to go.
And as Trayvon Martin’s parents have learned, there are still no guarantees.
Now it’s the hoodie. Is this one more thing we’ll need to include in “the talk"? Is this to be yet another chapter in the lesson plan?
If there is any hope to be found in this tragedy, it is the power of the human voice. People have raised their voices, through petition and protest, and have made themselves heard. A federal civil rights investigation has been opened into the shooting, and it has been reported that a grand jury will be opened to consider evidence in the case.
But there’s a discouraging aspect, too, in addition to the irreplaceable loss of human life and promise -- and that’s how old and familiar all this feels. For generations, African-American parents have been passing down survival training to their sons and daughters. Whole lifetimes experienced as being a suspect have taught us to teach our children a catechism of “thou shalt nots" -- how not to dress, how not to act, how not to speak and where not to go.
And as Trayvon Martin’s parents have learned, there are still no guarantees.
Now it’s the hoodie. Is this one more thing we’ll need to include in “the talk"? Is this to be yet another chapter in the lesson plan?
S.S. Badger's quest to receive active opposition from high-ranking senator
S.S. Badger's quest to receive active opposition from high-ranking senator | MLive.com
“Because of your continued, long-term refusal to clean up your dangerous operations, I will actively oppose your new permit application,” he added.
“Because of your continued, long-term refusal to clean up your dangerous operations, I will actively oppose your new permit application,” he added.
Bill Maher’s Attacks on Women
Bill Maher’s Attacks on Women - NYTimes.com: Maher’s Attacks on Women
To the Editor:
Re “Please Stop Apologizing,” by Bill Maher (Op-Ed, March 22):
We’re both women who have worked in Democratic politics and the media for decades and find Bill Maher’s misogynist treatment of women candidates deeply disturbing.
Coincidentally we both hail from Alaska — where women are treated as equals — so perhaps our threshold for this kind of behavior is less than here in the Lower 48.
Mr. Maher has implicitly attempted to tie his own demeaning attacks on women to the unrelated issue of partisan-motivated fake outrage, which we agree is tiring.
While others have been held to account for their sexism, Mr. Maher remains unrepentant for his attacks on women in public life.
How can we expect women to run for office when they are essentially told to “lighten up about” and accept misogynist attacks?
The Women’s Media Center has found that such attacks on women candidates have a measurable negative effect on how voters view them.
To the Editor:
Re “Please Stop Apologizing,” by Bill Maher (Op-Ed, March 22):
We’re both women who have worked in Democratic politics and the media for decades and find Bill Maher’s misogynist treatment of women candidates deeply disturbing.
Coincidentally we both hail from Alaska — where women are treated as equals — so perhaps our threshold for this kind of behavior is less than here in the Lower 48.
Mr. Maher has implicitly attempted to tie his own demeaning attacks on women to the unrelated issue of partisan-motivated fake outrage, which we agree is tiring.
While others have been held to account for their sexism, Mr. Maher remains unrepentant for his attacks on women in public life.
How can we expect women to run for office when they are essentially told to “lighten up about” and accept misogynist attacks?
The Women’s Media Center has found that such attacks on women candidates have a measurable negative effect on how voters view them.
Muskegon set to host open house for program-built home
Muskegon set to host open house for program-built home | MLive.com
The city’s program is designed to revive areas and stimulate neighborhoods by fixing up homes and, in some cases, building a new home.
As part of the program, the home is set to be sold to a qualified buyer at a relatively low price.
The new home at 1543 Hoyt was built by Kramer Builders, based in Spring Lake.
The city’s program is designed to revive areas and stimulate neighborhoods by fixing up homes and, in some cases, building a new home.
As part of the program, the home is set to be sold to a qualified buyer at a relatively low price.
The new home at 1543 Hoyt was built by Kramer Builders, based in Spring Lake.
Teachers targeted? MEA looks to restore clout after flurry of union-focused legislation
Teachers targeted? MEA looks to restore clout after flurry of union-focused legislation | MLive.com: That effort, “Protect Our Jobs” petition drive, is intended to add a constitutional amendment protecting collective bargaining and repealing many of the GOP reforms.
It will likely draw national attention and out-of-state resources, Ballenger said.
It will likely draw national attention and out-of-state resources, Ballenger said.
Muskegon County administrator, Hammersley, gets glowing evaluation and contract extension
Muskegon County administrator, Hammersley, gets glowing evaluation and contract extension | MLive.com
Hammersley also will receive basically the same fringe benefit package that is provided to county department heads.
And the cost of that package is....?
No one who voted for the "package" has a clue what it costs.
Heck, it ain't their money.
Hammersley also will receive basically the same fringe benefit package that is provided to county department heads.
And the cost of that package is....?
No one who voted for the "package" has a clue what it costs.
Heck, it ain't their money.
Superintendent: Emergency manager process 'in jeopardy' for Muskegon Heights schools
Superintendent: Emergency manager process 'in jeopardy' for Muskegon Heights schools | MLive.com
Most significantly, the manager would not be able to force a reduction in employee salaries that Sipka and his deputy say is critical for the district to have enough money to operate.
Public Act 4 allows emergency managers, with the approval of the state treasurer, to reject, modify or terminate collective bargaining agreements.
They also can suspend collective bargaining for up to five years.
Sipka and Deputy MAISD Superintendent Marios Demetriou have asked staff to agree to salary and benefit cuts of 35 percent to 40 percent, but couldn’t get an agreement.
Demetriou told the governor's financial review team, which recommended Snyder appoint an emergency manager, that without concessions the district may not survive.
“The school district barely survives right now,” Demetriou said.
“It cannot continue past this year.
Changes need to take place right away.”
Demetriou also told the review team that the staff has no copays for health insurance, other than $10 for generic prescriptions and $20 for brand name ones.
Most significantly, the manager would not be able to force a reduction in employee salaries that Sipka and his deputy say is critical for the district to have enough money to operate.
Public Act 4 allows emergency managers, with the approval of the state treasurer, to reject, modify or terminate collective bargaining agreements.
They also can suspend collective bargaining for up to five years.
Sipka and Deputy MAISD Superintendent Marios Demetriou have asked staff to agree to salary and benefit cuts of 35 percent to 40 percent, but couldn’t get an agreement.
Demetriou told the governor's financial review team, which recommended Snyder appoint an emergency manager, that without concessions the district may not survive.
“The school district barely survives right now,” Demetriou said.
“It cannot continue past this year.
Changes need to take place right away.”
Demetriou also told the review team that the staff has no copays for health insurance, other than $10 for generic prescriptions and $20 for brand name ones.
Norton Shores City Council invokes right to bore new water main
Norton Shores City Council invokes right to bore new water main | MLive.com
Norton Shores city attorney Douglas Hughes blamed the failure to reach an agreement on owners who live out of state and lack “community pride” and interest in improvements.
Norton Shores city attorney Douglas Hughes blamed the failure to reach an agreement on owners who live out of state and lack “community pride” and interest in improvements.
Ex-Mona Shores choir assistant facing big court day in choirboy sex cases
Ex-Mona Shores choir assistant facing big court day in choirboy sex cases | MLive.com
In each of those cases, involving two different boys than in the earlier case, D'Oyly is charged with one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison, and one count of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct.
In each of those cases, involving two different boys than in the earlier case, D'Oyly is charged with one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison, and one count of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct.
The Sun Also Sets
The Sun Also Sets - Mark Steyn - National Review Online
Presumably they mean that, right now, our national debt, which crossed the Rubicon of 100 percent of GDP just before Christmas, is not as bad as that of Athens, although it’s worse than Britain, Canada, Australia, Sweden, Denmark, and every other European nation except Portugal, Ireland, and Italy.
Or perhaps they mean that America’s current deficit-to-GDP ratio is not quite as bad as Greece’s, although it’s worse than that of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, and every other European nation except Ireland.
Presumably they mean that, right now, our national debt, which crossed the Rubicon of 100 percent of GDP just before Christmas, is not as bad as that of Athens, although it’s worse than Britain, Canada, Australia, Sweden, Denmark, and every other European nation except Portugal, Ireland, and Italy.
Or perhaps they mean that America’s current deficit-to-GDP ratio is not quite as bad as Greece’s, although it’s worse than that of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, and every other European nation except Ireland.
Al-Qaeda Loves MSNBC, Wishes Death Upon Fox News
Al-Qaeda Loves MSNBC, Wishes Death Upon Fox News
In the final six months of his life, Osama bin Laden received a 21-page letter from his media advisor, U.S.-born jihadist Adam Gadahn, that lamented the firing of MSNBC host Keith Olbermann and wished death upon Fox News:
In the final six months of his life, Osama bin Laden received a 21-page letter from his media advisor, U.S.-born jihadist Adam Gadahn, that lamented the firing of MSNBC host Keith Olbermann and wished death upon Fox News:
The Witches of Le Roy
The American Spectator : The Witches of Le Roy
So it wasn't long before Erin Brockovich was in towntrying out for her next movie role and assuring everyone thatenvironmental contamination was the likely culprit.
Why environmental contamination would only affect teenage girls,particularly cheerleaders, was something left for the newspaper andTV reporters to figure out.
And of course they didn't.
So it wasn'tlong before the cameras and notebooks were following Brockovich allaround, barging onto the school grounds at one point to collectsamples proving her theory that a railroad accident that hadspilled an organic solvent forty years before must be theperpetrator.
When school officials turned them away, there wasanother TV moment in which Brockovich told CNN, "Usually when I'mconfronted by officials barring access to something, they usuallyhave something to hide."
The whole town was in general agreementand soon public officials were hooted down and accused ofcover-ups.
So it wasn't long before Erin Brockovich was in towntrying out for her next movie role and assuring everyone thatenvironmental contamination was the likely culprit.
Why environmental contamination would only affect teenage girls,particularly cheerleaders, was something left for the newspaper andTV reporters to figure out.
And of course they didn't.
So it wasn'tlong before the cameras and notebooks were following Brockovich allaround, barging onto the school grounds at one point to collectsamples proving her theory that a railroad accident that hadspilled an organic solvent forty years before must be theperpetrator.
When school officials turned them away, there wasanother TV moment in which Brockovich told CNN, "Usually when I'mconfronted by officials barring access to something, they usuallyhave something to hide."
The whole town was in general agreementand soon public officials were hooted down and accused ofcover-ups.
Friday, March 23, 2012
A modern day mission: Lancaster bomber crew prepares for action 70 years on in remarkable set of airfield pictures
A modern day mission: Lancaster bomber crew prepares for action 70 years on in remarkable set of airfield pictures | Mail OnlineForty four per cent of the men who served in the Command were killed in action.
Gun Boom Continues Despite Florida Shooting
Gun Boom Continues Despite Florida Shooting | Washington Free Beacon
Shares of Sturm Ruger & Co. (RGR) were up as high as 14 percent Thursday afternoon after CEO Michael Fifer announced the company was temporarily suspending its acceptance of new orders in an effort to meet a dramatic surge in demand for its products.
Shares of Sturm Ruger & Co. (RGR) were up as high as 14 percent Thursday afternoon after CEO Michael Fifer announced the company was temporarily suspending its acceptance of new orders in an effort to meet a dramatic surge in demand for its products.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Will California Unions Force Cities Into Stockton Syndrome?
Will California Unions Force Cities Into Stockton Syndrome? - Investors.com
As one California city slogs toward bankruptcy, others may soon try to avoid the same fate by passing pension reforms — that is, if a pro-union state government will let them.
As one California city slogs toward bankruptcy, others may soon try to avoid the same fate by passing pension reforms — that is, if a pro-union state government will let them.
Muskegon County prosecutor set to reorganize department staff positions
Muskegon County prosecutor set to reorganize department staff positions | MLive.com
However, the overall impact is unclear at this time. The Sheriff’s Office is expected to recommend a change to cover the administrative duties there.
Something stinks with this one.
Hey, Chronicle!
How 'bout a little investigative journalism here!
However, the overall impact is unclear at this time. The Sheriff’s Office is expected to recommend a change to cover the administrative duties there.
Something stinks with this one.
Hey, Chronicle!
How 'bout a little investigative journalism here!
Muskegon school board approves new elementary sex ed curriculum
Muskegon school board approves new elementary sex ed curriculum | MLive.com
The new curriculum expands the information provided to fourth- and fifth-graders to include sexual intercourse and homosexuality.
The new curriculum expands the information provided to fourth- and fifth-graders to include sexual intercourse and homosexuality.
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