Federal Workers' 2011 Salary Data Exposed Online | wusa9.com
DataUniverse.com estimates the databank covers about 70% of federal workers, but Department of Defense, White House, Congress, CIA, FBI, and some other agencies are excluded.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Red Cross responds on union contract issues
Letter: Red Cross responds on union contract issues | MLive.com
Health benefits remain the biggest obstacle to reaching a contract agreement with workers in the Great Lakes Region.
The Red Cross offered its union members a health benefits package that is the same as those provided to nonunion employees in the Region, but union leaders continue to demand health benefits that are greater than those of any Red Cross employee in Michigan -- or across the country.
It’s important to know that since these unions went on strike March 30, the Red Cross has reached settlements with two unions in other parts of the country.
Notably, one of these two agreements was with the OPEIU in Oakland, Calif. - the same union that is striking here.
Overall, the Red Cross has reached agreements on 20 other union contracts since July 2011 -- and three with other Teamsters unions.
Health benefits remain the biggest obstacle to reaching a contract agreement with workers in the Great Lakes Region.
The Red Cross offered its union members a health benefits package that is the same as those provided to nonunion employees in the Region, but union leaders continue to demand health benefits that are greater than those of any Red Cross employee in Michigan -- or across the country.
It’s important to know that since these unions went on strike March 30, the Red Cross has reached settlements with two unions in other parts of the country.
Notably, one of these two agreements was with the OPEIU in Oakland, Calif. - the same union that is striking here.
Overall, the Red Cross has reached agreements on 20 other union contracts since July 2011 -- and three with other Teamsters unions.
Audit: Dead people and prisoners recorded as voting in Michigan
Audit: Dead people and prisoners recorded as voting in Michigan | MLive.com
Elections officials say in the report that they’re working on fixing the issues raised in the audit.
And they say clerical error is the culprit behind the voting concerns, not voter fraud.
Elections officials say in the report that they’re working on fixing the issues raised in the audit.
And they say clerical error is the culprit behind the voting concerns, not voter fraud.
Invasive grubs destroy lawns in Northern Michigan
Invasive grubs destroy lawns in Northern Michigan - petoskeynews.com
The grubs he's talking about specifically are European chafer grubs, an invasive insect, and they've arrived in Michigan
The grubs he's talking about specifically are European chafer grubs, an invasive insect, and they've arrived in Michigan
Chris Matthews Bombs on 'Jeopardy!' After Repeatedly Mocking Palin for How She'd Do | NewsBusters.org
Chris Matthews Bombs on 'Jeopardy!' After Repeatedly Mocking Palin for How She'd Do | NewsBusters.org
On at least four occasions, MSNBC's Chris Matthews mocked Sarah Palin for how he felt she'd do if she were ever on the hit television game show Jeopardy!
In a delicious example of instant karma, the self-proclaimed brainiac got his chance to show America how smart he was in a special "Power Players" version of the show Monday, but came up quite short finishing dead last with the paltry sum of only $2,300 (video follows with transcribed highlights and commentary):
On at least four occasions, MSNBC's Chris Matthews mocked Sarah Palin for how he felt she'd do if she were ever on the hit television game show Jeopardy!
In a delicious example of instant karma, the self-proclaimed brainiac got his chance to show America how smart he was in a special "Power Players" version of the show Monday, but came up quite short finishing dead last with the paltry sum of only $2,300 (video follows with transcribed highlights and commentary):
Monday, May 14, 2012
CJ's on the Beach financial struggles might keep it from opening this summer at Pere Marquette Park
CJ's on the Beach financial struggles might keep it from opening this summer at Pere Marquette Park | MLive.com
Because the beach bar business is not current on its property taxes and owes the city of Muskegon for its land lease payments, the Muskegon City Commission recommended the state deny the eatery's annual liquor license renewal until past debts are paid.
Because the beach bar business is not current on its property taxes and owes the city of Muskegon for its land lease payments, the Muskegon City Commission recommended the state deny the eatery's annual liquor license renewal until past debts are paid.
Can the American Currency Union Survive?
Can the American Currency Union Survive? - Ricochet.com
Frank’s argument, which makes perfect sense to me, set me to thinking about the United States.
After all, we have the same problem as the European Union.
Some of the states constituting our Union have spent money on public-sector salaries and benefits and on welfare programs as if there was no tomorrow.
California has a budget deficit of $16 billion for this year, and that is just the beginning.
As time passes and pensions promised in the past come due, public expenses will skyrocket.
Something similar is true in Illinois and New York.
In effect, these are clientalistic states on the Greek model, and they are approaching the end of their tether.
Frank’s argument, which makes perfect sense to me, set me to thinking about the United States.
After all, we have the same problem as the European Union.
Some of the states constituting our Union have spent money on public-sector salaries and benefits and on welfare programs as if there was no tomorrow.
California has a budget deficit of $16 billion for this year, and that is just the beginning.
As time passes and pensions promised in the past come due, public expenses will skyrocket.
Something similar is true in Illinois and New York.
In effect, these are clientalistic states on the Greek model, and they are approaching the end of their tether.
The Spirit of Geert Wilders - Mark Steyn
The Spirit of Geert Wilders - Mark Steyn - National Review Online
The British Home Office banned Mr. Wilders as a threat to “public security” — not because he was threatening any member of the public, but because prominent Muslims were threatening him:
The Labour-party peer Lord Ahmed pledged to bring a 10,000-strong mob to lay siege to the House of Lords if Wilders went ahead with his speaking engagement there.
The British Home Office banned Mr. Wilders as a threat to “public security” — not because he was threatening any member of the public, but because prominent Muslims were threatening him:
The Labour-party peer Lord Ahmed pledged to bring a 10,000-strong mob to lay siege to the House of Lords if Wilders went ahead with his speaking engagement there.
Did Michigan Supreme Court Justice play a shell game to get out from underwater home?
Did Michigan Supreme Court Justice play a shell game to get out from underwater home?
The owner is Justice Diane Hathaway. Last November, she convinced her bank she didn’t have the money to keep making payments on her Michigan home on Lake St. Clair, even though she owned her Florida lakefront home free and clear.
In fact, records show in a little over a year, she’s owned four homes: one in Florida, and three in Grosse Pointe Park.
The homes are a part of a dizzying property shuffle that experts say raise ethical and legal questions, but Justice Hathaway has been ducking those questions for more than six weeks.
The owner is Justice Diane Hathaway. Last November, she convinced her bank she didn’t have the money to keep making payments on her Michigan home on Lake St. Clair, even though she owned her Florida lakefront home free and clear.
In fact, records show in a little over a year, she’s owned four homes: one in Florida, and three in Grosse Pointe Park.
The homes are a part of a dizzying property shuffle that experts say raise ethical and legal questions, but Justice Hathaway has been ducking those questions for more than six weeks.
Obama begged Jeremiah Wright to stay silent during 2008 election as ally offered bribe, new book says
Obama begged Jeremiah Wright to stay silent during 2008 election as ally offered bribe, new book says | The Daily Caller
An ally of then-Senator Barack Obama offered Rev. Jeremiah Wright $150,000 to keep his mouth shut until after the 2008 election, according to excerpts released today from the upcoming book “The Amateur” by Edward Klein.
An ally of then-Senator Barack Obama offered Rev. Jeremiah Wright $150,000 to keep his mouth shut until after the 2008 election, according to excerpts released today from the upcoming book “The Amateur” by Edward Klein.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
War On Coal: EPA Rule Could Shut Down One-Fourth of America’s Coal Plants
The PJ Tatler » War On Coal: EPA Rule Could Shut Down One-Fourth of America’s Coal Plants
President Obama came into office promising to bankrupt the coal industry.
Through the EPA he has followed up on that promise, and coal producers are warning that the agency’s latest rule may kill off a huge swath of their industry:
President Obama came into office promising to bankrupt the coal industry.
Through the EPA he has followed up on that promise, and coal producers are warning that the agency’s latest rule may kill off a huge swath of their industry:
Will this cut crime in Muskegon?
Tell us your thoughts: Will this cut crime in Muskegon? | MLive.com
"The Muskegon County Social Justice Commission hosted a community picnic on May 12 at Heritage Landing to help raise awareness about its "Safe Days and Quiet Nights" initiative, which is meant to stem violence and keep kids off the streets in Muskegon and Muskegon Heights......
The commission was created in June last year in response to an outbreak of street shootings in 2010 and 2011. It is made up of government officials, law enforcement and church pastors.
Safe Days and Quiet Nights" is aseries of programs set to start this summer that include the enforcement oftruancy and curfew laws, a gun buy-back event and a youth mentoring program.
Other programs are aimed at providing young people withsomething to do, including recreational activities at school gyms and swimmingpools and a "buddy bucks" program which is meant to reward good behavior and foster positive interactions between youth and law enforcement.
The commission said that in order for the initiative towork, it needs the community's support and input.
"We need community participation, we need community buy in, having people to get excited about 'Safe Days and Quiet Nights,'" said Pastor Samuel Greer of the Queen Esther BaptistChurch.
Muskegon Heights Mayor Darrell Paige said community input isimportant to helping the commission plan and execute programs to help the area'syoung people.
"We don't have all the answers, we're looking for answersfrom the community for residents to come in and say 'You know, that was a good program but that didn't work because of this,' so we can go and adjust it," he said.
Muskegon County senior assistant prosecutor and countyprosecutor candidate D.J. Hilson encouraged residents to interact with thecommission and share their thoughts.
"No voice will go unheard.
No idea will be turned away," hesaid.
"This is just a spring board into what we want to do and certainly thecommission is open having folks sit down and discuss."
"The Muskegon County Social Justice Commission hosted a community picnic on May 12 at Heritage Landing to help raise awareness about its "Safe Days and Quiet Nights" initiative, which is meant to stem violence and keep kids off the streets in Muskegon and Muskegon Heights......
The commission was created in June last year in response to an outbreak of street shootings in 2010 and 2011. It is made up of government officials, law enforcement and church pastors.
Safe Days and Quiet Nights" is aseries of programs set to start this summer that include the enforcement oftruancy and curfew laws, a gun buy-back event and a youth mentoring program.
Other programs are aimed at providing young people withsomething to do, including recreational activities at school gyms and swimmingpools and a "buddy bucks" program which is meant to reward good behavior and foster positive interactions between youth and law enforcement.
The commission said that in order for the initiative towork, it needs the community's support and input.
"We need community participation, we need community buy in, having people to get excited about 'Safe Days and Quiet Nights,'" said Pastor Samuel Greer of the Queen Esther BaptistChurch.
Muskegon Heights Mayor Darrell Paige said community input isimportant to helping the commission plan and execute programs to help the area'syoung people.
"We don't have all the answers, we're looking for answersfrom the community for residents to come in and say 'You know, that was a good program but that didn't work because of this,' so we can go and adjust it," he said.
Muskegon County senior assistant prosecutor and countyprosecutor candidate D.J. Hilson encouraged residents to interact with thecommission and share their thoughts.
"No voice will go unheard.
No idea will be turned away," hesaid.
"This is just a spring board into what we want to do and certainly thecommission is open having folks sit down and discuss."
Chicago NATO summit asks a lot
Chicago NATO summit asks a lot - chicagotribune.com
McCormick's newspaper earlier warned in editorials that NATO would help "wreck America and permit Stalin and the Communists to take over here" and represent "the final sellout of the United States as an independent nation."
One editorial said the pact inevitably would lead to war and backers "should be frank enough to say … the alliance will be worth the million American lives it will probably cost."
These epistles may not exactly constitute a warm welcome for the world leaders converging on the lakefront convention center that bears the colonel's name.
But they also should remind locals that our worst fears are rarely fully realized.
Then again, neither are our greatest aspirations.
Maybe the summit will do for Chicago everything organizers say it will.
Producing an economic windfall of $128 million, raising the city's profile globally, and precipitating a surge in foreign investment and tourism would be just swell.
McCormick's newspaper earlier warned in editorials that NATO would help "wreck America and permit Stalin and the Communists to take over here" and represent "the final sellout of the United States as an independent nation."
One editorial said the pact inevitably would lead to war and backers "should be frank enough to say … the alliance will be worth the million American lives it will probably cost."
These epistles may not exactly constitute a warm welcome for the world leaders converging on the lakefront convention center that bears the colonel's name.
But they also should remind locals that our worst fears are rarely fully realized.
Then again, neither are our greatest aspirations.
Maybe the summit will do for Chicago everything organizers say it will.
Producing an economic windfall of $128 million, raising the city's profile globally, and precipitating a surge in foreign investment and tourism would be just swell.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Pete Hoekstra tries to clear up stance on Great Lakes drilling
http://tinyurl.com/8xo79mx
At the town hall, the moderator asked a question about drilling for oil and gas in Alaska, a proposal the three GOP candidates -- Hoekstra, American Family Association of Michigan President Gary Glenn and charter school founder Clark Durant -- supported as a way to make the U.S. more energy independent.
Then the moderator asked about the Great Lakes.
"I would not support putting a well in the lake," Hoekstra answered.
"I would support the new technology now that allows you to drill, you know, onshore, drill down, and drill -- I'm a marketing guy -- and then drill sideways. Laterally."
At the town hall, the moderator asked a question about drilling for oil and gas in Alaska, a proposal the three GOP candidates -- Hoekstra, American Family Association of Michigan President Gary Glenn and charter school founder Clark Durant -- supported as a way to make the U.S. more energy independent.
Then the moderator asked about the Great Lakes.
"I would not support putting a well in the lake," Hoekstra answered.
"I would support the new technology now that allows you to drill, you know, onshore, drill down, and drill -- I'm a marketing guy -- and then drill sideways. Laterally."
News You Won’t Find At The New York Times
News You Won’t Find At The New York Times | Via Meadia
However, those who rely on the New York Times for their Wisconsin news won’t have any idea about some of the factors shaping this race;
Weigel’s piece provides a healthy reality check for them.
A few things Times readers ought to know but likely don’t:
An unprecedented turnout in the essentially uncontested GOP primary shows Walker with extremely high and energized support;
Walker got more votes than the two leading Democratic contenders.
Public weariness with the incessant political wars in Wisconsin is working against Democrats more than the GOP at this point, with many voters blaming the unions for endlessly prolonging the struggle.
Walker’s labor reforms are generally seen as successful.
However, those who rely on the New York Times for their Wisconsin news won’t have any idea about some of the factors shaping this race;
Weigel’s piece provides a healthy reality check for them.
A few things Times readers ought to know but likely don’t:
An unprecedented turnout in the essentially uncontested GOP primary shows Walker with extremely high and energized support;
Walker got more votes than the two leading Democratic contenders.
Public weariness with the incessant political wars in Wisconsin is working against Democrats more than the GOP at this point, with many voters blaming the unions for endlessly prolonging the struggle.
Walker’s labor reforms are generally seen as successful.
Too Big To Exist
JPMorgan Chase: Too Big To Exist - Seeking Alpha
One quote from that Dallas Fed report underlines the scope of the danger that we narrowly escaped just a few years ago.
"The term 'too big to fail' disguised the fact that commercial banks holding roughly one-third of the assets in the banking system did essentially fail, surviving only with extraordinary government assistance."
That government assistance either comes out of your pockets and mine or those of our grandchildren or their grandchildren.
Notwithstanding how much of that assistance has been recovered this time through the continuing largesse of essentially free money from the Fed, it must never occur again.
One quote from that Dallas Fed report underlines the scope of the danger that we narrowly escaped just a few years ago.
"The term 'too big to fail' disguised the fact that commercial banks holding roughly one-third of the assets in the banking system did essentially fail, surviving only with extraordinary government assistance."
That government assistance either comes out of your pockets and mine or those of our grandchildren or their grandchildren.
Notwithstanding how much of that assistance has been recovered this time through the continuing largesse of essentially free money from the Fed, it must never occur again.
California Voters to Have Say Over Cigarette Tax Hike Measure
California Voters to Have Say Over Cigarette Tax Hike Measure | Heartlander Magazine
California citizens will soon vote whether to raise the state’s cigarette tax from 87 cents to $1.87 a pack, with supporters saying the money would fund cancer research and opponents saying there’s no guarantee how the money would be used – or where.
..................Supporters say Prop 29 would provide more money for cancer research, tobacco law enforcement and smoking prevention programs to reduce illness and medical-related costs.
California citizens will soon vote whether to raise the state’s cigarette tax from 87 cents to $1.87 a pack, with supporters saying the money would fund cancer research and opponents saying there’s no guarantee how the money would be used – or where.
..................Supporters say Prop 29 would provide more money for cancer research, tobacco law enforcement and smoking prevention programs to reduce illness and medical-related costs.
Road resurfacing on Sherman Boulevard around U.S. 31 in Muskegon to begin May 15
Road resurfacing on Sherman Boulevard around U.S. 31 in Muskegon to begin May 15 | MLive.com
Residents should brace themselves for anotherroad improvement project, this time on Sherman Boulevard, which will start on May15.
According to a notice from the Muskegon County RoadCommission, the stretch of Sherman between Black Creek Drive and Worden Street willbe resurfaced, and will cause closures on the ramps for both north- andsouthbound U.S. 31.
The resurfacing is expected to be complete by May 25.
Residents should brace themselves for anotherroad improvement project, this time on Sherman Boulevard, which will start on May15.
According to a notice from the Muskegon County RoadCommission, the stretch of Sherman between Black Creek Drive and Worden Street willbe resurfaced, and will cause closures on the ramps for both north- andsouthbound U.S. 31.
The resurfacing is expected to be complete by May 25.
Holly Hughes' State House challenger Collene Lamonte making an issue of school funding
Holly Hughes' State House challenger Collene Lamonte making an issue of school funding | MLive.com: “I think public schools are under attack,” said Markel, who also is president of the Whitehall school board.
French president who claims to 'dislike the rich' has 3 French Riviera homes
Francois Hollande: French president who claims to 'dislike the rich' has 3 French Riviera homes | Mail Online
France's new Socialist president owns three holiday homes in the glamorous Riviera resort of Cannes, it emerged today.
The 57-year-old who 'dislikes the rich' and wants to revolutionise his country with high taxes and an onslaught against bankers is in fact hugely wealthy himself
France's new Socialist president owns three holiday homes in the glamorous Riviera resort of Cannes, it emerged today.
The 57-year-old who 'dislikes the rich' and wants to revolutionise his country with high taxes and an onslaught against bankers is in fact hugely wealthy himself
Muskegon County conducts re-enactment, approves $2 million loan for Brookhaven again
Muskegon County conducts re-enactment, approves $2 million loan for Brookhaven again | MLive.com
The county was sued last month by local talk-radio host and fiscal conservative James Riley, making allegations that the board violated the Open Meetings Act and the Freedom of Information Act stemming from its closed-session discussions involving the Brookhaven loan.
In approving the re-enactment, several county commissioners made it clear they were not admitting any wrongdoing by conducting the closed session involving a legal opinion.
The county was sued last month by local talk-radio host and fiscal conservative James Riley, making allegations that the board violated the Open Meetings Act and the Freedom of Information Act stemming from its closed-session discussions involving the Brookhaven loan.
In approving the re-enactment, several county commissioners made it clear they were not admitting any wrongdoing by conducting the closed session involving a legal opinion.
Comments on Muskegon Causeway northbound lanes set to re-open Thursday, transportation official says
Comments on Muskegon Causeway northbound lanes set to re-open Thursday, transportation official says | Muskegon News
The contractor, Rieth-Riley, is finishing up some work Thursday afternoon with the goal of re-opening the northbound lanes.
The Causeway will be open for only northbound travelers Thursday.
The contractor, Rieth-Riley, is finishing up some work Thursday afternoon with the goal of re-opening the northbound lanes.
The Causeway will be open for only northbound travelers Thursday.
Taxpayers Are Liable For $850 Billion In Student Loan Debt If Higher-Ed Bubble Bursts
Taxpayers Are Liable For $850 Billion In Student Loan Debt If Higher-Ed Bubble Bursts - Investors.com
With a possible higher-education bubble looming, taxpayers are on the hook for about $850 billion in student loan debt.
Exactly how much of that the federal government would have to bail out if the bubble bursts is unknown, but with delinquency and default rates rising, it could be substantial.
Yet Congress may exacerbate the problem with current efforts to maintain lower interest rates on student loans.
With a possible higher-education bubble looming, taxpayers are on the hook for about $850 billion in student loan debt.
Exactly how much of that the federal government would have to bail out if the bubble bursts is unknown, but with delinquency and default rates rising, it could be substantial.
Yet Congress may exacerbate the problem with current efforts to maintain lower interest rates on student loans.
Metra Unveils Commuter Rail Security Restrictions For NATO
Metra Unveils Commuter Rail Security Restrictions For NATO « CBS Chicago
Some commuters will have to make alternate plans during the NATO Summit, as Metra today said it will close several stations on the Electric Line.
All Metra passengers–not just those on the Electric Line–will also face carry-on restrictions and security screenings from May 19-21.
Riders will be allowed one briefcase-sized bag up to 15 by 15 inches and four inches deep.
Riders will not be allowed to carry boxes, luggage, backpacks, pocket knives, bikes, food or liquid.
This includes all beverages, such as coffee and soda.
Some commuters will have to make alternate plans during the NATO Summit, as Metra today said it will close several stations on the Electric Line.
All Metra passengers–not just those on the Electric Line–will also face carry-on restrictions and security screenings from May 19-21.
Riders will be allowed one briefcase-sized bag up to 15 by 15 inches and four inches deep.
Riders will not be allowed to carry boxes, luggage, backpacks, pocket knives, bikes, food or liquid.
This includes all beverages, such as coffee and soda.
Canceled: Muskegon summer festival efforts now focused on a new event for 2013
Canceled: Muskegon summer festival efforts now focused on a new event for 2013 | MLive.com
But if Art in the Park was the highlight of past Summer Celebration events, art and craft fans will get their annual fix of a juried art show in Hackley Park and craft marketplace along adjacent streets.
The art fair event is still scheduled for June 29 to July 1.
But if Art in the Park was the highlight of past Summer Celebration events, art and craft fans will get their annual fix of a juried art show in Hackley Park and craft marketplace along adjacent streets.
The art fair event is still scheduled for June 29 to July 1.
Editorial: Will it take binding arbitration to get Muskegon pulling together?
Editorial: Will it take binding arbitration to get Muskegon pulling together? | MLive.com
What's the problem? A disagreement between the City of Muskegon and the rest of the members of the wastewater system over $800,000 the city thinks it was overcharged.
Because of that dispute, the city has not signed the new wastewater pact, which was created in 2010 for a 20-year period.
Last month, Muskegon city commissioners went so far as to direct city staff to “explore alternate long-term wastewater system options for the city.”
What's the problem? A disagreement between the City of Muskegon and the rest of the members of the wastewater system over $800,000 the city thinks it was overcharged.
Because of that dispute, the city has not signed the new wastewater pact, which was created in 2010 for a 20-year period.
Last month, Muskegon city commissioners went so far as to direct city staff to “explore alternate long-term wastewater system options for the city.”
Should voters decide who is on Michigan Supreme Court? Debate between former mayor and chief justice gets heated
Should voters decide who is on Michigan Supreme Court? Debate between former mayor and chief justice gets heated | MLive.com
Taylor calls the Michigan Judicial Selection Task Force recommendations “the product of the well-funded, politically-motivated” proponents of so-called merit selection of judges.
The deciders of merit among judicial candidates would be heavy with lawyers who are not elected.
He said the proponents of merit selection tend to believe that law is complicated and “beyond the ken of common folks.”
Taylor calls the Michigan Judicial Selection Task Force recommendations “the product of the well-funded, politically-motivated” proponents of so-called merit selection of judges.
The deciders of merit among judicial candidates would be heavy with lawyers who are not elected.
He said the proponents of merit selection tend to believe that law is complicated and “beyond the ken of common folks.”
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