Obama’s unsettling attack on the Supreme Court - PostPartisan - The Washington Post
Obama’s assault on “an unelected group of people” stopped me cold.
Monday, April 02, 2012
Solar Trust seeks bankruptcy protection in Del.
Solar Trust seeks bankruptcy protection in Del. - Yahoo! News
: Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and California Gov. Jerry Brown were on hand last June when Solar Trust broke ground on a 1,000-megawatt project in California.
The project was touted as the world's largest solar power plant and a keystone of the Obama administration's efforts to promote solar energy.
: Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and California Gov. Jerry Brown were on hand last June when Solar Trust broke ground on a 1,000-megawatt project in California.
The project was touted as the world's largest solar power plant and a keystone of the Obama administration's efforts to promote solar energy.
Four charged in connection with fake petitions
Four charged in connection with fake petitions - southbendtribune.com
SOUTH BEND – Four people have been charged in connection with an investigation into fake petitions to place Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton on the Indiana primary ballot in 2008.
Butch Morgan, former head of the county Democratic Party,
SOUTH BEND – Four people have been charged in connection with an investigation into fake petitions to place Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton on the Indiana primary ballot in 2008.
Butch Morgan, former head of the county Democratic Party,
Clinton Avoids Criticizing Decision of Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood to Run for Presidency
Clinton Avoids Criticizing Decision of Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood to Run for Presidency | CNSNews.com
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sidestepped an opportunity Sunday to question the Muslim Brotherhood’s decision to abandon its pledge not to run for the Egyptian presidency in upcoming elections.
This is the latest move by the veteran Islamist organization to consolidate its hold on the country
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sidestepped an opportunity Sunday to question the Muslim Brotherhood’s decision to abandon its pledge not to run for the Egyptian presidency in upcoming elections.
This is the latest move by the veteran Islamist organization to consolidate its hold on the country
Could more school districts eliminate superintendents like Muskegon Heights?
Could more school districts eliminate superintendents like Muskegon Heights? | MLive.com
The district ended last year with an $8 million deficit and has $4 million in overdue bills to vendors.
The district ended last year with an $8 million deficit and has $4 million in overdue bills to vendors.
Sunday, April 01, 2012
Sweden mulls shaving products ban for minors
Sweden mulls shaving products ban for minors - The Local
Sweden wants to draw up legislation that would bar anyone under 18 from purchasing shaving products, after a spate of bullying towards women who are "pro-hair" highlighted public health concerns.
Sweden wants to draw up legislation that would bar anyone under 18 from purchasing shaving products, after a spate of bullying towards women who are "pro-hair" highlighted public health concerns.
'If you don't believe in climate change you must be sick': Oregon professor likens skepticism to racism
'If you don't believe in climate change you must be sick': Oregon professor likens skepticism to racism | Mail Online
The scientists behind the event recently put out a statement calling for humans to be packed into denser cities so that the rest of the planet can be surrendered to mother nature.
And fellow attendee Yale University professor Karen Seto told MSNBC: ‘We certainly don’t want them (humans) strolling about the entire countryside.
We want them to save land for nature by living closely [together].
The scientists behind the event recently put out a statement calling for humans to be packed into denser cities so that the rest of the planet can be surrendered to mother nature.
And fellow attendee Yale University professor Karen Seto told MSNBC: ‘We certainly don’t want them (humans) strolling about the entire countryside.
We want them to save land for nature by living closely [together].
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Trayvon Martin | George Zimmerman | Public Opinion | Arrest | The Daily Caller
The earlier poll, from CNN and ORC International, found that 73 percent of Americans were in favor of police arresting Zimmerman, the self-appointed neighborhood watch leader who killed Martin after what he has said was an altercation initiated by the unarmed teen.
But just two days later, a national poll from Wilson Perkins Allen (WPA) Opinion Research determined that just 48 percent of Americans said police should arrest Zimmerman — a decrease of 25 percent
The earlier poll, from CNN and ORC International, found that 73 percent of Americans were in favor of police arresting Zimmerman, the self-appointed neighborhood watch leader who killed Martin after what he has said was an altercation initiated by the unarmed teen.
But just two days later, a national poll from Wilson Perkins Allen (WPA) Opinion Research determined that just 48 percent of Americans said police should arrest Zimmerman — a decrease of 25 percent
NBC News Accused of Editing 911 Call in Trayvon Martin Controversy
NBC News Accused of Editing 911 Call in Trayvon Martin Controversy (Video) - The Hollywood Reporter
In the NBC segment, Zimmerman says: “This guy looks like he’s up to no good. He looks black.”
The full version, though, unfolds like this:
Zimmerman: “This guy looks like he’s up to no good, or he’s on drugs or something. It’s raining and he’s just walking around, looking about.”
911 operator: “Okay. And this guy, is he white black or Hispanic?”
Zimmerman: “He looks black.”
In the NBC segment, Zimmerman says: “This guy looks like he’s up to no good. He looks black.”
The full version, though, unfolds like this:
Zimmerman: “This guy looks like he’s up to no good, or he’s on drugs or something. It’s raining and he’s just walking around, looking about.”
911 operator: “Okay. And this guy, is he white black or Hispanic?”
Zimmerman: “He looks black.”
Fuel Strike Threat Explained
Fuel Strike Threat Explained: Q And A On Risk Of Petrol Shortages And Why Drivers Could Walk Out | Politics | Sky News
What should drivers do?
According to the Prime Minister's spokesman, there is no fuel shortage in the UK.
The AA said people should do nothing they would not usually do.
Any shortages are "self-inflicted" as drivers top-up their tanks unnecessarily due to panic.
What should drivers do?
According to the Prime Minister's spokesman, there is no fuel shortage in the UK.
The AA said people should do nothing they would not usually do.
Any shortages are "self-inflicted" as drivers top-up their tanks unnecessarily due to panic.
Teachers would have to pay to keep their pensions
Teachers would have to pay to keep their pensions | MLive.com
Most teachers and other public school employees could see more than 10 percent of their paychecks go to retirement costs next school year under legislation that would take some of the burden for retiree benefits off school districts' shoulders and hand the cost to workers.
Teachers unions and public retiree groups say it's just one more attempt by Republican lawmakers to shift the cost for retiree benefits to current and former teachers.
They argue the state stopped prefunding retiree health care in the 1990s and now is taking money from individuals to make up for its mistake.
Retiree health care benefits make up the bulk of the $45 million hole Michigan finds itself in for unfunded school employee liabilities.
Asking so much from teachers "is not very fair," Michigan Education Association spokesman Doug Pratt said Friday.
Most teachers and other public school employees could see more than 10 percent of their paychecks go to retirement costs next school year under legislation that would take some of the burden for retiree benefits off school districts' shoulders and hand the cost to workers.
Teachers unions and public retiree groups say it's just one more attempt by Republican lawmakers to shift the cost for retiree benefits to current and former teachers.
They argue the state stopped prefunding retiree health care in the 1990s and now is taking money from individuals to make up for its mistake.
Retiree health care benefits make up the bulk of the $45 million hole Michigan finds itself in for unfunded school employee liabilities.
Asking so much from teachers "is not very fair," Michigan Education Association spokesman Doug Pratt said Friday.
3 unpaid parking tickets could stop drivers
3 unpaid parking tickets could stop drivers | MLive.com
Here's another reason to pay your parking tickets: Your driver's license could be blocked.
A Michigan law kicking in on May 16 says three unpaid parking tickets can prevent renewal of a license. The current threshold is six.
Here's another reason to pay your parking tickets: Your driver's license could be blocked.
A Michigan law kicking in on May 16 says three unpaid parking tickets can prevent renewal of a license. The current threshold is six.
Is sugar toxic?
Is sugar toxic? - CBS News
Americans are now consuming nearly 130 pounds of added sugars per person, per year.
Those include both sugar and high fructose corn syrup.
And while many vilify high fructose corn syrup and believe it is worse than sugar, Dr. Lustig says metabolically there is no difference.
"They are basically equivalent.
The problem is they're both bad.
They're both equally toxic," he says.
Americans are now consuming nearly 130 pounds of added sugars per person, per year.
Those include both sugar and high fructose corn syrup.
And while many vilify high fructose corn syrup and believe it is worse than sugar, Dr. Lustig says metabolically there is no difference.
"They are basically equivalent.
The problem is they're both bad.
They're both equally toxic," he says.
2012 Senate Bill 918: Increase state fuel taxes
2012 Senate Bill 918: Increase state fuel taxes - Michigan Votes
2012 Senate Bill 918: Increase state fuel taxes
Comments on this legislation Post new comment Text and Analysis Add to Watch List
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Introduced by Sen. Roger Kahn (R) on January 26, 2012, to replace the current 19-cent per gallon gas tax and 15-cent diesel tax with a 10.1 percent wholesale fuel tax (subject to various adjustments), which would initially be levied at an effective rate of 28.3 cents per gallon.
This would extract an additional $541 million from motorists each year, or more if the price of fuel increases (up to 40-cents per gallon would be allowed, and a minimum of 28.3 cents per gallon).
This would be phased in gradually at an annual rate of increase of 1-cent per gallon.
This is part of Gov. Rick Snyder’s road and transit tax proposal. Referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee on January 26, 2012.
Michigan currently has the 5th highest total state taxes on gasoline at 39.4 cents/gal:
http://taxfoundation.org/taxdata/show/26079.html
The new tax offers the possibility of more than double our current rate.
Is our problem that we don't pay enough in taxes...or is it that our state government spending and growth is out of control?
2012 Senate Bill 918: Increase state fuel taxes
Comments on this legislation Post new comment Text and Analysis Add to Watch List
Previous Next
Introduced by Sen. Roger Kahn (R) on January 26, 2012, to replace the current 19-cent per gallon gas tax and 15-cent diesel tax with a 10.1 percent wholesale fuel tax (subject to various adjustments), which would initially be levied at an effective rate of 28.3 cents per gallon.
This would extract an additional $541 million from motorists each year, or more if the price of fuel increases (up to 40-cents per gallon would be allowed, and a minimum of 28.3 cents per gallon).
This would be phased in gradually at an annual rate of increase of 1-cent per gallon.
This is part of Gov. Rick Snyder’s road and transit tax proposal. Referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee on January 26, 2012.
Michigan currently has the 5th highest total state taxes on gasoline at 39.4 cents/gal:
http://taxfoundation.org/taxdata/show/26079.html
The new tax offers the possibility of more than double our current rate.
Is our problem that we don't pay enough in taxes...or is it that our state government spending and growth is out of control?
Federal government, 5 states put wind farms on fast track
Federal government, 5 states put wind farms on fast track | Detroit Free Press | freep.com
Critics say the giant turbines would ruin spectacular vistas, lower shoreline property values and harm birds and fish.
......Supporters describe the lakes' winds as a vast, untapped source of clean energy and economic growth.
"The goal ... is to cut through red tape so we can efficiently and responsibly evaluate offshore wind projects that have the potential to create American jobs and reduce pollution in our communities," said Nancy Sutley, chairwoman of the White House Council on Environmental Quality.
Administration officials said the region's offshore winds could generate more than 700 gigawatts of electricity -- a fifth of all potential wind energy nationwide.
.....Yet harnessing only a small portion of the Great Lakes' offshore wind could generate thousands of jobs, officials said.
......Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn said developing offshore wind energy would "promote economic development and create jobs, while reducing our dependence on foreign energy sources."
The deal "should lower yield costs and improve processing of permit applications, as each government unit learns from others' experiences," said Tim Rylan, president of Apex Offshore Wind, a Charlottesville, Va., company that is considering a Lake Erie project.
Critics say the giant turbines would ruin spectacular vistas, lower shoreline property values and harm birds and fish.
......Supporters describe the lakes' winds as a vast, untapped source of clean energy and economic growth.
"The goal ... is to cut through red tape so we can efficiently and responsibly evaluate offshore wind projects that have the potential to create American jobs and reduce pollution in our communities," said Nancy Sutley, chairwoman of the White House Council on Environmental Quality.
Administration officials said the region's offshore winds could generate more than 700 gigawatts of electricity -- a fifth of all potential wind energy nationwide.
.....Yet harnessing only a small portion of the Great Lakes' offshore wind could generate thousands of jobs, officials said.
......Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn said developing offshore wind energy would "promote economic development and create jobs, while reducing our dependence on foreign energy sources."
The deal "should lower yield costs and improve processing of permit applications, as each government unit learns from others' experiences," said Tim Rylan, president of Apex Offshore Wind, a Charlottesville, Va., company that is considering a Lake Erie project.
Trayvon Martin rally organizer: Muskegon Heights event generates potential group
Trayvon Martin rally organizer: Muskegon Heights event generates potential group | MLive.com: Among those issues, especially involving young men, are black-on-black crime and other crime, Covington said.
He pointed out that the rally can help bring people together to talk about those issues.
He pointed out that the rally can help bring people together to talk about those issues.
Tony Moulatsiotis-Muskegon Township lawsuit back in court Monday
Tony Moulatsiotis-Muskegon Township lawsuit back in court Monday | MLive.com
The township won't issue a building permit to fix the house until the municipality receives $2,257.63 in unpaid legal and inspection fees awarded by a judge in 2010.
The land bank, which now owns the house, won't allow any buyer to pay those fees. Moulatsiotis says state law scrubs all prior liens off a property when a governmental unit forecloses on it for unpaid taxes, as Muskegon County did in this case in 2010.
At 11 a.m. Monday, Muskegon County 14th Circuit Judge Timothy G. Hicks is scheduled to hear a motion by the township to add Erica Ream as a party to the lawsuit.
Ream last year paid the land bank for the house, in hopes of fixing it up and moving in, but the purchase agreement invalidates the deal if she pays the township's fees. And the township won't let her fix it up unless the fees are paid.
The township won't issue a building permit to fix the house until the municipality receives $2,257.63 in unpaid legal and inspection fees awarded by a judge in 2010.
The land bank, which now owns the house, won't allow any buyer to pay those fees. Moulatsiotis says state law scrubs all prior liens off a property when a governmental unit forecloses on it for unpaid taxes, as Muskegon County did in this case in 2010.
At 11 a.m. Monday, Muskegon County 14th Circuit Judge Timothy G. Hicks is scheduled to hear a motion by the township to add Erica Ream as a party to the lawsuit.
Ream last year paid the land bank for the house, in hopes of fixing it up and moving in, but the purchase agreement invalidates the deal if she pays the township's fees. And the township won't let her fix it up unless the fees are paid.
Should Michigan relax laws for concealed weapons in churches and schools?
Should Michigan relax laws for concealed weapons in churches and schools? | MLive.com
Should the state relax a prohibition against concealed weapons in churches, schools and other pistol-free zones?
Michigan House Speaker Jase Bolger said he doesn’t believe pistol-free zones protect the innocent.
Should the state relax a prohibition against concealed weapons in churches, schools and other pistol-free zones?
Michigan House Speaker Jase Bolger said he doesn’t believe pistol-free zones protect the innocent.
$25 million for 'Pure Michigan' ad campaign worth every penny
$25 million for 'Pure Michigan' ad campaign worth every penny (editorial with poll) | MLive.com
There is such an ad campaign.
It costs $25 million.
It's worth the money, and your state lawmakers should spend it.
There is such an ad campaign.
It costs $25 million.
It's worth the money, and your state lawmakers should spend it.
Oakridge teachers 'lose confidence' with superintendent, board fires back
Oakridge teachers 'lose confidence' with superintendent, board fires back | MLive.com
“As a board we are frustrated with the whole situation,” Roomsburg said.
“We’re going on almost two years trying to get the contract settled.
There’s frustration on both sides.”
Among the issues the employees have are privatization of staff, the refusal to deduct union members’ dues from their paychecks, not awarding “professional advancement” to union members and pursuing fact-finding in stalled contract negotiations.
The board noted in its own press release that state law prevents schools from deducting union dues and from allowing step salary increases due to professional advancement.
.....The latest proposal from the Oakridge administration, from November, includes a 10 percent pay cut.
A proposal from the union on Jan. 19 includes a wage freeze, and sets financial conditions for reopening wage and benefits talks.
The Oakridge school board has pledged not to allow its fund balance to drop below 5 percent of its general fund spending.
That likely will require cuts next year, Livezey said.
“As a board we are frustrated with the whole situation,” Roomsburg said.
“We’re going on almost two years trying to get the contract settled.
There’s frustration on both sides.”
Among the issues the employees have are privatization of staff, the refusal to deduct union members’ dues from their paychecks, not awarding “professional advancement” to union members and pursuing fact-finding in stalled contract negotiations.
The board noted in its own press release that state law prevents schools from deducting union dues and from allowing step salary increases due to professional advancement.
.....The latest proposal from the Oakridge administration, from November, includes a 10 percent pay cut.
A proposal from the union on Jan. 19 includes a wage freeze, and sets financial conditions for reopening wage and benefits talks.
The Oakridge school board has pledged not to allow its fund balance to drop below 5 percent of its general fund spending.
That likely will require cuts next year, Livezey said.
Muskegon Heights school review team to meet on emergency manager recommendation
Muskegon Heights school review team to meet on emergency manager recommendation | MLive.com
The team agreed at its last meeting that Muskegon Heights' finances had deteriorated to a point where it needed the powers of an emergency manager to turn around the district.
An emergency manager would be able to nullify contracts and will take control of the district from the school board.
The team agreed at its last meeting that Muskegon Heights' finances had deteriorated to a point where it needed the powers of an emergency manager to turn around the district.
An emergency manager would be able to nullify contracts and will take control of the district from the school board.
Readers support Norton Shores bike paths, but some want road work done first
Readers support Norton Shores bike paths, but some want road work done first | MLive.com
Reader rivertown was excited for the project:
Make this happen Norton Shores!....Ottawa County has miles of trails mostly funded by grants.
Commenter patio54 liked the idea, but said road work should have a higher priority:
Here's an idea, fix the frigg#n' roads !!
Most of Norton Shores main roads resemble a war zone.
Maybe that will be an asset.
Bike path is a great idea that could follow .
Norton Shores City Council member Jerry Wiersma got into the comment thread to address patio54's concerns:
We have to wait until the state decides when they are going to pitch in for the main roads in the form of a grant.
Norton will be done this year and next, a section of getty will also be done this spring and we are hoping they approve Grand Haven Rd south of Pontaluna soon.
We are doing all that we can, believe me.
Reader rivertown was excited for the project:
Make this happen Norton Shores!....Ottawa County has miles of trails mostly funded by grants.
Commenter patio54 liked the idea, but said road work should have a higher priority:
Here's an idea, fix the frigg#n' roads !!
Most of Norton Shores main roads resemble a war zone.
Maybe that will be an asset.
Bike path is a great idea that could follow .
Norton Shores City Council member Jerry Wiersma got into the comment thread to address patio54's concerns:
We have to wait until the state decides when they are going to pitch in for the main roads in the form of a grant.
Norton will be done this year and next, a section of getty will also be done this spring and we are hoping they approve Grand Haven Rd south of Pontaluna soon.
We are doing all that we can, believe me.
Try this public policy: 'You don't work, you don't eat'
Steve Gunn: Try this public policy: 'You don't work, you don't eat' | MLive.com#incart_mce
"You don't work, you don't eat," he told the shocked young lady.
That should be public policy for all able-bodied adults in the United States of America.
"You don't work, you don't eat," he told the shocked young lady.
That should be public policy for all able-bodied adults in the United States of America.
Turkey crashes through plate glass window into Roosevelt Park living room
Turkey crashes through plate glass window into Roosevelt Park living room | MLive.com
Monica Merrill was sitting in a recliner about a foot from the window.
“All of a sudden I saw this big black flying blob and before you could distinguish what it was, the window exploded,” she said.
Monica Merrill was sitting in a recliner about a foot from the window.
“All of a sudden I saw this big black flying blob and before you could distinguish what it was, the window exploded,” she said.
A group of Muskegon citizens plan to force rezoning of Sappi site
A group of Muskegon citizens plan to force rezoning of Sappi site | MLive.com
“It is our understanding legally, (Melching) would still retain their rights to the old zoning,” Brubaker-Clarke said of initial discussions of the legal ramifications of a zone change.
But make no mistake of Page’s intentions.
“It is our understanding legally, (Melching) would still retain their rights to the old zoning,” Brubaker-Clarke said of initial discussions of the legal ramifications of a zone change.
But make no mistake of Page’s intentions.
Michigan voters would have to show photo ID to pick up an absentee ballot under House-approved bill
Michigan voters would have to show photo ID to pick up an absentee ballot under House-approved bill | MLive.com
Rep. Woodrow Stanley, D-Flint, said the legislation will suppress the vote, especially among those who are less likely to have a photo ID, such as elderly or low-income residents.
“Back in another era this would have been called a poll tax, because there is a cost item associated with receiving ID,” he said.
“You’re generally talking about folks who are in some kind of fixed-income situation anyway.”
Rep. Woodrow Stanley, D-Flint, said the legislation will suppress the vote, especially among those who are less likely to have a photo ID, such as elderly or low-income residents.
“Back in another era this would have been called a poll tax, because there is a cost item associated with receiving ID,” he said.
“You’re generally talking about folks who are in some kind of fixed-income situation anyway.”
Muskegon school district finalizing school closure, reorganization plan
Muskegon school district finalizing school closure, reorganization plan | MLive.com
The district is facing a potential $5 million deficit next year and Felske has said he hopes school reorganization can save $2 million.
The district is facing a potential $5 million deficit next year and Felske has said he hopes school reorganization can save $2 million.
Bills restricting food stamps for Michigan lottery winners head to Governor's desk
Bills restricting food stamps for Michigan lottery winners head to Governor's desk | MLive.com
The Michigan League for Human Services contends the legislation is unnecessary since the federal government does not require an asset test.
The state operates the federally funded program and shares administrative costs with the federal government.
The Michigan League for Human Services contends the legislation is unnecessary since the federal government does not require an asset test.
The state operates the federally funded program and shares administrative costs with the federal government.
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