Muskegon County executes wind-farm lease with Gamesa Energy | MLive.com
After months of completing environmental, birds and wind studies, Gamesa Energy would decide whether to move forward with construction of a 150-megawatt wind farm.
County officials have estimated the value of the project at about $300 million.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Gamesa's Muskegon County wind farm could be operating in late 2014
Gamesa's Muskegon County wind farm could be operating in late 2014 | MLive.com
If all goes as planned and the upcoming studies produce favorable results, a 150-megawatt wind farm built by Gamesa Energy USA on the county’s wastewater site could be producing energy in late 2014.
If all goes as planned and the upcoming studies produce favorable results, a 150-megawatt wind farm built by Gamesa Energy USA on the county’s wastewater site could be producing energy in late 2014.
Muskegon County wind farm lease 'major big deal' for larger industry
Muskegon County wind farm lease 'major big deal' for larger industry | MLive.com
Gamesa Energy recently executed the lease agreement, giving the company exclusive rights to investigate constructing a 150-megawatt wind farm on the 11,000-acre Muskegon County Wastewater System in Egelston and Moorland townships.
The county is set to consider final approval of the lease Thursday.
Gamesa Energy recently executed the lease agreement, giving the company exclusive rights to investigate constructing a 150-megawatt wind farm on the 11,000-acre Muskegon County Wastewater System in Egelston and Moorland townships.
The county is set to consider final approval of the lease Thursday.
Wind power stays aloft in renewable energy race
Wind power stays aloft in renewable energy race | MLive.com
Michigan electricity providers are making good progress toward meeting the state’s 2015 renewable-energy mandate, mainly because of a sharp drop in wind-power generation costs, a recent state Public Service Commission report found.
The commission also says the cost of renewables is lower than the projected cost of producing electricity from a new coal-fired plant.
Michigan electricity providers are making good progress toward meeting the state’s 2015 renewable-energy mandate, mainly because of a sharp drop in wind-power generation costs, a recent state Public Service Commission report found.
The commission also says the cost of renewables is lower than the projected cost of producing electricity from a new coal-fired plant.
Lake Winds construction to resume, Mason County wind farm to be completed by year's end
Lake Winds construction to resume, Mason County wind farm to be completed by year's end | MLive.com
Consumers Energy's 56-turbine commercial wind farm construction will continue this month. Contractors last fall and early winter completed 25 turbine foundations and about a third of the associated underground electrical system needed for the $235 million wind energy development.
Consumers Energy's 56-turbine commercial wind farm construction will continue this month. Contractors last fall and early winter completed 25 turbine foundations and about a third of the associated underground electrical system needed for the $235 million wind energy development.
GVSU wind buoy now collecting information in the middle of Lake Michigan
GVSU wind buoy now collecting information in the middle of Lake Michigan | MLive.com
A U.S. Department of Energy research grant was the financial foundation for the $3.3 million wind buoy project.
Because of a loss of funding from the Michigan Public Services Commission, GVSU is financially supporting this year’s data collection effort.
However, scientists will have a huge collection of information that will not be able to be analyzed until further research dollars are secured, Boezaart said.
The university continues to seek funding partners on the project, he said.
"We won't look at the info until you give us more of your money"?
A U.S. Department of Energy research grant was the financial foundation for the $3.3 million wind buoy project.
Because of a loss of funding from the Michigan Public Services Commission, GVSU is financially supporting this year’s data collection effort.
However, scientists will have a huge collection of information that will not be able to be analyzed until further research dollars are secured, Boezaart said.
The university continues to seek funding partners on the project, he said.
"We won't look at the info until you give us more of your money"?
Friday, May 11, 2012
Reusable shopping bags may give consumers the ‘runs’ for their money
Reusable shopping bags may give consumers the ‘runs’ for their money | The Daily Caller
Thanks to proposed legislation scheduled for a vote May 23, shoppers in the Los Angeles area will no longer be able to get disposable plastic shopping bags in stores.
But what environmentalists see as a win for landfills may also be a loss for public health.
Oregon researchers discovered norovirus — “the perfect human pathogen” — Wednesday on reusable shopping bags that were left in a hotel bathroom, reports the Los Angeles Times.
The virus is believed to have caused an outbreak of diarrhea, vomiting and nausea that afflicted nine of thirteen girls on a youth soccer team, along with parent chaperones and members of the girls’ families.
Thanks to proposed legislation scheduled for a vote May 23, shoppers in the Los Angeles area will no longer be able to get disposable plastic shopping bags in stores.
But what environmentalists see as a win for landfills may also be a loss for public health.
Oregon researchers discovered norovirus — “the perfect human pathogen” — Wednesday on reusable shopping bags that were left in a hotel bathroom, reports the Los Angeles Times.
The virus is believed to have caused an outbreak of diarrhea, vomiting and nausea that afflicted nine of thirteen girls on a youth soccer team, along with parent chaperones and members of the girls’ families.
Wednesday, May 09, 2012
Why the euro is doomed to fall apart: it was an incredibly stupid idea in the first place
Why the euro is doomed to fall apart: it was an incredibly stupid idea in the first place – Telegraph Blogs
And, let me remind you, just because you want to ignore economics does not mean that economics is going to ignore you.
And, let me remind you, just because you want to ignore economics does not mean that economics is going to ignore you.
NYC can’t fire this $100,049-a-year teacher pulled from the classroom 11 years ago
NYC can’t fire this $100,049-a-year teacher pulled from the classroom 11 years ago - NYPOST.com
Hell no, he won’t go.
In a defiant raspberry to the city Department of Education — and taxpayers — disgraced teacher Alan Rosenfeld, 66, won’t retire.
Deemed a danger to kids, the typing teacher with a $10 million real estate portfolio hasn’t been allowed in a classroom for more than a decade, but still collects $100,049 a year in city salary — plus health benefits, a growing pension nest egg, vacation and sick pay.
Mayor Bloomberg and Gov. Cuomo can call for better teacher evaluations until they’re blue-faced, but Rosenfeld and six peers with similar gigs costing about $650,000 a year in total salaries are untouchable. Under a system shackled by protections for tenured teachers, they can’t be fired, the DOE says.
Hell no, he won’t go.
In a defiant raspberry to the city Department of Education — and taxpayers — disgraced teacher Alan Rosenfeld, 66, won’t retire.
Deemed a danger to kids, the typing teacher with a $10 million real estate portfolio hasn’t been allowed in a classroom for more than a decade, but still collects $100,049 a year in city salary — plus health benefits, a growing pension nest egg, vacation and sick pay.
Mayor Bloomberg and Gov. Cuomo can call for better teacher evaluations until they’re blue-faced, but Rosenfeld and six peers with similar gigs costing about $650,000 a year in total salaries are untouchable. Under a system shackled by protections for tenured teachers, they can’t be fired, the DOE says.
Rogue Democrats Loot Detroit As Nation Sleeps
Rogue Democrats Loot Detroit As Nation Sleeps | Via Meadia
The 41 year old Kwame Kilpatrick may well be the worst and most destructive American of his generation; his two terms as Mayor of Detroit are among the most sordid and stomach churning episodes in the storied history of American municipal corruption.
The 41 year old Kwame Kilpatrick may well be the worst and most destructive American of his generation; his two terms as Mayor of Detroit are among the most sordid and stomach churning episodes in the storied history of American municipal corruption.
Effort underway to stop Muskegon crime
Effort underway to stop Muskegon crime | News | Muskegon News
An annual summer initiative to reduce crime in and around Muskegon kicks off Saturday.
The Social Justice Commission's summer events include recreation and mentor programs, truancy sweeps, and curfew enforcement.
There will also be a gun buy back event.
The Social Justice Commission was formed following several homicides in Muskegon and Muskegon Heights in 2010.
The commission is made up of prosecutors, police, pastors, and community activists.
Muskegon County Senior Assistant Prosecutor D.J. Hilson says the group's effort is to build a strong connection to area youth and "To give them those opportunities to do something fun but also positive. And to surround themselves with the people who are going to give them those positive influences that they need in order to get through this stage in their life."
Members of the group will hold a picnic Saturday from 11am to 1pm Heritage Landing.
The event includes free food, speakers, and a time for youth to meet with event organizers.
An annual summer initiative to reduce crime in and around Muskegon kicks off Saturday.
The Social Justice Commission's summer events include recreation and mentor programs, truancy sweeps, and curfew enforcement.
There will also be a gun buy back event.
The Social Justice Commission was formed following several homicides in Muskegon and Muskegon Heights in 2010.
The commission is made up of prosecutors, police, pastors, and community activists.
Muskegon County Senior Assistant Prosecutor D.J. Hilson says the group's effort is to build a strong connection to area youth and "To give them those opportunities to do something fun but also positive. And to surround themselves with the people who are going to give them those positive influences that they need in order to get through this stage in their life."
Members of the group will hold a picnic Saturday from 11am to 1pm Heritage Landing.
The event includes free food, speakers, and a time for youth to meet with event organizers.
» Sowell: The Moral Infrastructure
» Sowell: The Moral Infrastructure » Commentary -- GOPUSA
The unwillingness of authorities to put a stop to their organized disruptions of other people's lives, their trespassing, vandalism and violence is a de facto suspension, if not repeal, of the 14th Amendment's requirement that the government provide "equal protection of the laws" to all its citizens.
The unwillingness of authorities to put a stop to their organized disruptions of other people's lives, their trespassing, vandalism and violence is a de facto suspension, if not repeal, of the 14th Amendment's requirement that the government provide "equal protection of the laws" to all its citizens.
Tuesday, May 08, 2012
NBC News projects Lugar defeated in Indiana primary
NBC Politics - NBC News projects Lugar defeated in Indiana primary
Mourdock defeated six-term Republican foreign policy elder statesman Sen. Richard Lugar.
Mourdock defeated six-term Republican foreign policy elder statesman Sen. Richard Lugar.
To the Class of 2012
Stephens: To the Class of 2012 - WSJ.com
Dear Class of 2012:
Allow me to be the first one not to congratulate you.
Through exertions that—let's be honest—were probably less than heroic, most of you have spent the last few years getting inflated grades in useless subjects in order to obtain a debased degree.
Now you're entering a lousy economy, courtesy of the very president whom you, as freshmen, voted for with such enthusiasm.
Please spare us the self-pity about how tough it is to look for a job while living with your parents. They're the ones who spent a fortune on your education only to get you back— return-to-sender, forwarding address unknown.
No doubt some of you have overcome real hardships or taken real degrees.
A couple of years ago I hired a summer intern from West Point.
She came to the office directly from weeks of field exercises in which she kept a bulletproof vest on at all times, even while sleeping.
She writes brilliantly and is as self-effacing as she is accomplished.
Now she's in Afghanistan fighting the Taliban.
If you're like that intern, please feel free to feel sorry for yourself.
Just remember she doesn't.
Unfortunately, dear graduates, chances are you're nothing like her.
And since you're no longer children, at least officially, it's time someone tells you the facts of life.
The other facts.
Fact One is that, in our "knowledge-based" economy, knowledge counts.
Yet here you are, probably the least knowledgeable graduating class in history.
Dear Class of 2012:
Allow me to be the first one not to congratulate you.
Through exertions that—let's be honest—were probably less than heroic, most of you have spent the last few years getting inflated grades in useless subjects in order to obtain a debased degree.
Now you're entering a lousy economy, courtesy of the very president whom you, as freshmen, voted for with such enthusiasm.
Please spare us the self-pity about how tough it is to look for a job while living with your parents. They're the ones who spent a fortune on your education only to get you back— return-to-sender, forwarding address unknown.
No doubt some of you have overcome real hardships or taken real degrees.
A couple of years ago I hired a summer intern from West Point.
She came to the office directly from weeks of field exercises in which she kept a bulletproof vest on at all times, even while sleeping.
She writes brilliantly and is as self-effacing as she is accomplished.
Now she's in Afghanistan fighting the Taliban.
If you're like that intern, please feel free to feel sorry for yourself.
Just remember she doesn't.
Unfortunately, dear graduates, chances are you're nothing like her.
And since you're no longer children, at least officially, it's time someone tells you the facts of life.
The other facts.
Fact One is that, in our "knowledge-based" economy, knowledge counts.
Yet here you are, probably the least knowledgeable graduating class in history.
City of Detroit is paying $65,000 for a 2004 Dodge Intrepid that it doesn’t even own
City of Detroit is paying $65,000 for a 2004 Dodge Intrepid that it doesn’t even own | Technology News Blog - Yahoo! News
Over 100 other Detroit Police vehicles also needlessly draining taxpayer pockets
For drivers who don't want to commit to a new car purchase, leasing has become a popular option.
But for a police department in a city with a struggling economy, running up a $65,000 bill for what amounts to renting an nine-year-old car seems like a bit of an oversight.
That's just what the Detroit Police Department has been doing since 2003 when it leased a 2004 model Dodge Intrepid at the lofty price of $608 per month.
The problem?
They've been paying that price ever since.
The original terms of the lease stated that the car would be returned in 2005, at which point the department could choose to buy it outright to take delivery of a newer model.
That trade-in never happened, and so far the city has handed out a total of over $56,000 in monthly payments.
But that's not all:
Because the department has gone well over the original mileage agreement, they owe nearly $10,000 in additional fees, bringing their total bill to well over $65,000.
That's $65,000 for a car that could be bought new in 2003 for less than $25,000
Over 100 other Detroit Police vehicles also needlessly draining taxpayer pockets
For drivers who don't want to commit to a new car purchase, leasing has become a popular option.
But for a police department in a city with a struggling economy, running up a $65,000 bill for what amounts to renting an nine-year-old car seems like a bit of an oversight.
That's just what the Detroit Police Department has been doing since 2003 when it leased a 2004 model Dodge Intrepid at the lofty price of $608 per month.
The problem?
They've been paying that price ever since.
The original terms of the lease stated that the car would be returned in 2005, at which point the department could choose to buy it outright to take delivery of a newer model.
That trade-in never happened, and so far the city has handed out a total of over $56,000 in monthly payments.
But that's not all:
Because the department has gone well over the original mileage agreement, they owe nearly $10,000 in additional fees, bringing their total bill to well over $65,000.
That's $65,000 for a car that could be bought new in 2003 for less than $25,000
Monday, May 07, 2012
Why Can't Obama Bring Wall Street to Justice?
Why Can't Obama Bring Wall Street to Justice? - The Daily Beast
Why, despite widespread outrage, financial-fraud prosecutions by the Department of Justice are at 20-year lows
Why, despite widespread outrage, financial-fraud prosecutions by the Department of Justice are at 20-year lows
Unique LAUSD charter with low test scores gets reprieve
Unique LAUSD charter with low test scores gets reprieve - latimes.com
As an example, the school notes its program is authorized by the International Baccalaureate foundation. Students at IB schools are expected to demonstrate such qualities as in-depth knowledge, global awareness, cultural respect and civic participation individually and in groups.
Hmmm...no mention of reedin', riten or nummers.
Sounds just like a liberal madrassa......
As an example, the school notes its program is authorized by the International Baccalaureate foundation. Students at IB schools are expected to demonstrate such qualities as in-depth knowledge, global awareness, cultural respect and civic participation individually and in groups.
Hmmm...no mention of reedin', riten or nummers.
Sounds just like a liberal madrassa......
Sunday, May 06, 2012
Dubious donations: A case study
Dubious donations: A case study | Power Line
We have been following the Obama campaign’s invitation of fraudulent and illegal giving through the disabling of basic credit card/debit card verification devices.
We have done so in the hope that it might arouse the interest of the mainstream media sufficiently to cause them to ask a few question of the powers-that-be in the Obama campaign.
It’s a rerun of a story that originated in 2008.
Love may be lovelier the second time around, but not fraud.
The best that can be said is that it’s more audacious than hope.
When Obama can count on his allies in the mainstream media to avert their eyes, however, it’s not even that audacious.
We have been following the Obama campaign’s invitation of fraudulent and illegal giving through the disabling of basic credit card/debit card verification devices.
We have done so in the hope that it might arouse the interest of the mainstream media sufficiently to cause them to ask a few question of the powers-that-be in the Obama campaign.
It’s a rerun of a story that originated in 2008.
Love may be lovelier the second time around, but not fraud.
The best that can be said is that it’s more audacious than hope.
When Obama can count on his allies in the mainstream media to avert their eyes, however, it’s not even that audacious.
What Is the Real Unemployment Rate? 11.1 Percent?
What Is the Real Unemployment Rate? 11.1 Percent? | The Weekly Standard
"what is the true state of the labor market?"
He offers, "If the size of the U.S. labor force as a share of the total population was the same as it was when Barack Obama took office—65.7% then vs. 63.6% today—the U-3 unemployment rate would be 11.1%."
"what is the true state of the labor market?"
He offers, "If the size of the U.S. labor force as a share of the total population was the same as it was when Barack Obama took office—65.7% then vs. 63.6% today—the U-3 unemployment rate would be 11.1%."
Rogue Democrats Loot Detroit As Nation Sleeps
Rogue Democrats Loot Detroit As Nation Sleeps | Via Meadia
The latest scandal, which leaves even hardened observers of the abysmal Democratic machine that has run the city into the ground bemused, involves a real estate firm which gave the felonious mayor massages, golf outings, trips in chartered jets and other perks as this enemy of the people went about his hypocritical business of pretending to care about the poor while robbing them blind.
The firm, apparently run by a sleazy low class crook named by the reprehensible Kilpatrick to be the Treasurer of what was left of Detroit’s finances, used Detroit pension funds to buy a couple of California strip malls.
Title to the properties was never transferred to the pension funds, and they seem to be out $3.1 million.
The latest scandal, which leaves even hardened observers of the abysmal Democratic machine that has run the city into the ground bemused, involves a real estate firm which gave the felonious mayor massages, golf outings, trips in chartered jets and other perks as this enemy of the people went about his hypocritical business of pretending to care about the poor while robbing them blind.
The firm, apparently run by a sleazy low class crook named by the reprehensible Kilpatrick to be the Treasurer of what was left of Detroit’s finances, used Detroit pension funds to buy a couple of California strip malls.
Title to the properties was never transferred to the pension funds, and they seem to be out $3.1 million.
Two events over the
last few weeks caught my attention and made me wonder how they might relate to
my community.
With this "clarification":
And they didn't
even bother to ask at all.
The first, grabbing
international attention, was the disgusting GSA scandal where government
employees were found to have spent almost a million dollars on a conference that
appeared to be more a debauched circus for their own enjoyment than anything
else.
The second, not well
reported, involved a city employee in a small Illinois
This from a town 2/3
the size of Norton
Shores!
Americans are
understandably upset and angry over the recently exposed waste and lavish
spending by federal GSA employees.
A growing scandal that
continues to exhibit the apparent contempt that too many government employees
have for the hard earned tax dollars of American workers.
The real point is not
how they spent or stole the money but that the money wasn't theirs to
waste.
If they'd spent their
own money no one would complain.
But, it was the
taxpayers of our country who provided that money and those GSA employees had a
solemn responsibility to treat it as they would their own.
Instead, it was
"somebody else's money" and no one seemed to give it a second
thought.
Not even those whose
job it was to oversee the spending.
The Dixon Ill.
embezzler got away with her theft because those who were entrusted to ask
important questions simply didn't ask the important questions.
And now those who we
expected and trusted to provide the oversight that would have prevented these
thefts tell us "it's not our fault".
I thought to myself,
this is a big deal!
Maybe those charged
with overseeing the spending of taxpayer dollars will be more prudent and take
extra thought when spending "other people's money" from now
on.
Sadly when I found
this little spending item had been inserted and passed by our county board of
commissioners, I realized nothing has changed:
With this "clarification":
I subsequently found
out it was a last minute addition, added so late that it wasn't included in the
agenda posted by the county until after the vote.
While it was an
important enough spending item to be inserted at the last minute, it wasn't
important enough for any of the 11 commissioners to bother asking ANY questions
about it at all during the 22 minute meeting.
Not one question was
asked by anyone in the room.
So I examined the
request and had many questions but one big question I'd have asked if I was a
county commissioner who cared about spending precious tax dollars would
be:
"WYSE's website has
the 14" X90M7 thin client laptops on sale to distributors for $749 (it's the
most expensive computer of the 9 listed).
I just bought a 17" HP
laptop for $399.
You want 40 new
computers. HOW MUCH WILL THEY COST?"
Not one of the eleven
Muskegon
Anybody!
If this was an
aberration or a rare occasion I'd have saved my letter writing time.
But it is emblematic
of the mindset that the GSA, Dixon Ill and our local politicians seem to
embrace.
"It's other people's
money so let's vote and get out of here before someone asks a question we don't
want to answer."
But voting to spend
money without a clue how much was being spent or fully knowing just where the
money is coming from is a regular occurrence on the 4th floor of our county
building.
I can't say if these
40 computers were a necessary purchase at a well researched price that will be
of great benefit to all involved.
Or another boondoggle
in a long list of "heck, it ain't my money so let's spend, spend, spend"
decisions that seem the hallmark of this board.
But I'm just a talk
radio host.
I'm not one of our
well compensated county commissioners spending someone else's money during a 22
minute meeting.
Flint Township forms committee to discuss potential name change, becoming city
Flint Township forms committee to discuss potential name change, becoming city | MLive.com
Chuck Hughes, 55, a former township treasurer and a computer analyst for the Flint School District, said his inspiration for the change comes from the former East Detroit becoming Eastpointe in 1992.
Chuck Hughes, 55, a former township treasurer and a computer analyst for the Flint School District, said his inspiration for the change comes from the former East Detroit becoming Eastpointe in 1992.
PJ Media » The More Precise Life of Julia
PJ Media » The More Precise Life of Julia
Of course, what Obama has published about Julia is only a rough draft of what he has planned.
He has since sat down with futurists, science fiction authors, and hippy drug addicts to come up with even more precise details of what life will be like for Julia if America chooses to re-elect Obama versus the horror that awaits her if Mitt Romney is elected.
Of course, what Obama has published about Julia is only a rough draft of what he has planned.
He has since sat down with futurists, science fiction authors, and hippy drug addicts to come up with even more precise details of what life will be like for Julia if America chooses to re-elect Obama versus the horror that awaits her if Mitt Romney is elected.
'Skim Tracker' Hits $30 Million
'Skim Tracker' Hits $30 Million [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
Despite the governor signing legislation to stop the “skim,” the dues continues to be taken because of apparent administrative issues.
Despite the governor signing legislation to stop the “skim,” the dues continues to be taken because of apparent administrative issues.
Senator Stabenow comes to Flint to unveil new jobs bill to be introduced next week
Senator Stabenow comes to Flint to unveil new jobs bill to be introduced next week | MLive.com: MI's Payroll Employment During the Stabenow Era
2000 4676
2001 4564
2002 4487
2003 4416
2004 4399
2005 4390
2006 4327
2007 4268
2008 4162
2009 3872
2010 3861
2011 3936 (Snyder's first year)
Source: BLS; thousands
2000 4676
2001 4564
2002 4487
2003 4416
2004 4399
2005 4390
2006 4327
2007 4268
2008 4162
2009 3872
2010 3861
2011 3936 (Snyder's first year)
Source: BLS; thousands
Saturday, May 05, 2012
Number of Americans Paid Not to Work Growing Faster than Number of Taxpayers
Number of Americans Paid Not to Work Growing Faster than Number of Taxpayers
The workforce participation rate is now at its lowest rate in 30 years, with 63.6 percent of adults who could work actually working....
Since the formal end of the recession in June 2009, the number of new people entering the Disability Insurance Program--4.7 million--is double the growth in non-farm payrolls--2.3 million.
In 1975, 1.33 percent of working age adults received Disability Insurance payments from the U.S. Today, the rate of officially disabled Americans of working age has soared to 7.1 percent.
The workforce participation rate is now at its lowest rate in 30 years, with 63.6 percent of adults who could work actually working....
Since the formal end of the recession in June 2009, the number of new people entering the Disability Insurance Program--4.7 million--is double the growth in non-farm payrolls--2.3 million.
In 1975, 1.33 percent of working age adults received Disability Insurance payments from the U.S. Today, the rate of officially disabled Americans of working age has soared to 7.1 percent.
After outcry, Republicans agree to change teacher retirement bill
After outcry, Republicans agree to change teacher retirement bill | Detroit Free Press | freep.com
...have agreed to change Senate Bill 1040, which aims to address a $45-billion unfunded liability in the Michigan Public Schools Employees Retirement System
...have agreed to change Senate Bill 1040, which aims to address a $45-billion unfunded liability in the Michigan Public Schools Employees Retirement System
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