School districts say pension reform plan penalizes them for outsourcing employees | MLive.com
School district leaders say a new plan to pay for teacher pensions will penalize them for privatizing some employees – a move they say is one of Gov. Snyder’s recommended best practices.
Important stuff you won't get from the liberal media! We do the surfing so you can be informed AND have a life!
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Technology in schools underscored with Muskegon intermediate district's new administrator
Technology in schools underscored with Muskegon intermediate district's new administrator | MLive.com
Lindquist said he will help schools adopt new technology and help them understand its full potential for instruction.
He praised the county schools’ “amazing collaborative efforts,” including the united discussion of seeking a countywide technology millage to provide schools a stable source of funding.
Lindquist said he will help schools adopt new technology and help them understand its full potential for instruction.
He praised the county schools’ “amazing collaborative efforts,” including the united discussion of seeking a countywide technology millage to provide schools a stable source of funding.
Muskegon vehicle and home struck by bullets, police investigating
Muskegon vehicle and home struck by bullets, police investigating | MLive.com
A Muskegon home was struck multiple times by bullets about six minutes after a vehicle driven by a Muskegon woman was shot twice, police said.
A Muskegon home was struck multiple times by bullets about six minutes after a vehicle driven by a Muskegon woman was shot twice, police said.
Muskegon County sheriff's candidates begin outlining campaign messages for hot race
Muskegon County sheriff's candidates begin outlining campaign messages for hot race | MLive.com
One of the hottest races in Muskegon County, a three-man contest for sheriff, is kicking off the area’s campaign season for the upcoming elections.
One of the hottest races in Muskegon County, a three-man contest for sheriff, is kicking off the area’s campaign season for the upcoming elections.
From Greenville to Muskegon, companies announce plans to create 700 jobs in next 3 years
From Greenville to Muskegon, companies announce plans to create 700 jobs in next 3 years | MLive.com: Five companies announced plans today to hire nearly 700 workers across West Michigan thanks to incentives from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
Their investments, which totaled about $97 million, will be rewarded with state incentives totaling about $3.5 million, according to the MEDC.
Their investments, which totaled about $97 million, will be rewarded with state incentives totaling about $3.5 million, according to the MEDC.
Norton Shores considers requiring charities to prove they're legitimate before special events
Norton Shores considers requiring charities to prove they're legitimate before special events | MLive.com
Norton Shores Mayor Gary Nelund said the change wasn’t prompted by any specific problems with a previous event.
“It’s just a matter of making sure that everyone’s who they say they are,” he said.
The changes also will require events expected to attract 750 people or more to get approval from the city council.
Previously, the council had to approve any events expected to draw 500 or more people.
Norton Shores Mayor Gary Nelund said the change wasn’t prompted by any specific problems with a previous event.
“It’s just a matter of making sure that everyone’s who they say they are,” he said.
The changes also will require events expected to attract 750 people or more to get approval from the city council.
Previously, the council had to approve any events expected to draw 500 or more people.
The new income tax break? The rich will benefit more
Tim Skubick: The new income tax break? The rich will benefit more | MLive.com
“If you are making about a million dollars…you would get $444 back.”
Hum. $25 vs. $444.
“If you are making about a million dollars…you would get $444 back.”
Hum. $25 vs. $444.
Michigan film incentives: Movie executives praise potential boost included in state budget deal
Michigan film incentives: Movie executives praise potential boost included in state budget deal | MLive.com
Snyder has expressed more confidence in the Pure Michigan tourism campaign, which is funded at $25 million.
The state’s $14.2 million summer 2011 advertising campaign attracted 3.2 million out-of-state visitors that paid $70 million in Michigan taxes, according to a study from Longwoods International.
It’s easier to measure the benefits of that program than the film incentives, said Sue Marx, a filmmaker from Birmingham.
But she said the film incentives’ real impact comes from the national exposure the state receives from major movies that are filmed there.
It makes people take a more serious look a t doing business in Michigan, Marx said.
Snyder has expressed more confidence in the Pure Michigan tourism campaign, which is funded at $25 million.
The state’s $14.2 million summer 2011 advertising campaign attracted 3.2 million out-of-state visitors that paid $70 million in Michigan taxes, according to a study from Longwoods International.
It’s easier to measure the benefits of that program than the film incentives, said Sue Marx, a filmmaker from Birmingham.
But she said the film incentives’ real impact comes from the national exposure the state receives from major movies that are filmed there.
It makes people take a more serious look a t doing business in Michigan, Marx said.
Did you see that crash? Fruitport Township police want to speak with witnesses
Did you see that crash? Fruitport Township police want to speak with witnesses | MLive.com
Police would like to talk to anyone who may have witnessed the crash.
Witnesses are urged to call the Fruitport Township Police Department at (231) 865-8477 and Silent Observer at 72-CRIME.
Police would like to talk to anyone who may have witnessed the crash.
Witnesses are urged to call the Fruitport Township Police Department at (231) 865-8477 and Silent Observer at 72-CRIME.
Muskegon County unemployment rate falls to 8.3 percent, labor force shrinks
Muskegon County unemployment rate falls to 8.3 percent, labor force shrinks | MLive.com
The unemployment rate in Muskegon County fell to 8.3 percent in April, but the number of people with jobs also fell.
The number of people listed as unemployed fell by about 800, but about 900 fewer people were employed in April than in March, when the unemployment rate was 9.1 percent.
Altogether, about 1,700 people left the labor force, meaning they were no longer looking for work.
Statewide, the unemployment rate fell to 8 percent, driven mostly by people leaving the labor force.
The unemployment rate in Muskegon County fell to 8.3 percent in April, but the number of people with jobs also fell.
The number of people listed as unemployed fell by about 800, but about 900 fewer people were employed in April than in March, when the unemployment rate was 9.1 percent.
Altogether, about 1,700 people left the labor force, meaning they were no longer looking for work.
Statewide, the unemployment rate fell to 8 percent, driven mostly by people leaving the labor force.
Muskegon Correctional Facility reopening means hundreds of jobs returning to area
Muskegon Correctional Facility reopening means hundreds of jobs returning to area | MLive.com: Muskegon Correctional Facility's reopening Oct. 1, just announced, should mean the return of at least 200 jobs to the Muskegon area.
For Ludington, the Badger issue is personal and financial as community rallies around its ferry
For Ludington, the Badger issue is personal and financial as community rallies around its ferry | MLive.com
The 2013 sailing season is in jeopardy if the Badger does not receive a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency permit to continue its coal ash disposal into Lake Michigan.
Lake Michigan Carferry officials are asking for a five-year permit that would allow the company time to convert the Badger to another, cleaner fuel such as liquefied natural gas.
The 2013 sailing season is in jeopardy if the Badger does not receive a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency permit to continue its coal ash disposal into Lake Michigan.
Lake Michigan Carferry officials are asking for a five-year permit that would allow the company time to convert the Badger to another, cleaner fuel such as liquefied natural gas.
Elimination of senior transit service expected to be the hot issue in city of Muskegon budget discussions
Elimination of senior transit service expected to be the hot issue in city of Muskegon budget discussions | MLive.com
Rev. Kallen comment:
"I like the city providing transportation for seniors.
But if this service is providing 3,200 rides a year at a cost to taxpayers of $77,000., that is $24 per one-way ride.
I bet the city could contract with a local taxi company for $10 or less per one-way ride, provide a higher level of service, and save city taxpayers $50,000 per year."
Rev. Kallen comment:
"I like the city providing transportation for seniors.
But if this service is providing 3,200 rides a year at a cost to taxpayers of $77,000., that is $24 per one-way ride.
I bet the city could contract with a local taxi company for $10 or less per one-way ride, provide a higher level of service, and save city taxpayers $50,000 per year."
The Dependency Agenda
Amazon.com: The Dependency Agenda (9781594036637): Kevin D. Williamson: Books
Each year, the United States spends $65,000 per poor family to “fight poverty” – in a country in which the average family income is just under $50,000.
Meanwhile, most of that money goes to middle-class and upper-middle-class families, and the current U.S. poverty rate is higher than it was before the government began spending trillions of dollars on anti-poverty programs.
Each year, the United States spends $65,000 per poor family to “fight poverty” – in a country in which the average family income is just under $50,000.
Meanwhile, most of that money goes to middle-class and upper-middle-class families, and the current U.S. poverty rate is higher than it was before the government began spending trillions of dollars on anti-poverty programs.
The Fat Garden Project, Muskegon
The Fat Garden Project, Muskegon | Let's Save Michigan
Fatty Lumpkins Sandwich Shack is located in a neighborhood setting and with the incredible success of this deli the need for additional parking is imminent.
Rather than simply paving the vacant property – Fatty’s and the Watermark Development are teaming up on a plan that will not only serve as parking for Fatty’s customers, but a portion of the lot will be turned in to a beautiful, functional picnic and garden area complete with works of art by local Muskegon artists. By serving as a creative example to the entire community of a large corporation partnering with a local entrepreneur to celebrate art and beautify our neighborhood the Fat Garden Project we hope will encourage more forward thinking in the community and promote projects which draw on sustainability and accountability to community and environment as well as foster big picture ideas and examples of cooperation.
Fatty Lumpkins Sandwich Shack is located in a neighborhood setting and with the incredible success of this deli the need for additional parking is imminent.
Rather than simply paving the vacant property – Fatty’s and the Watermark Development are teaming up on a plan that will not only serve as parking for Fatty’s customers, but a portion of the lot will be turned in to a beautiful, functional picnic and garden area complete with works of art by local Muskegon artists. By serving as a creative example to the entire community of a large corporation partnering with a local entrepreneur to celebrate art and beautify our neighborhood the Fat Garden Project we hope will encourage more forward thinking in the community and promote projects which draw on sustainability and accountability to community and environment as well as foster big picture ideas and examples of cooperation.
Muskegon Heights High School celebrates 68 graduates in the Class of 2012
Muskegon Heights High School celebrates 68 graduates in the Class of 2012 | MLive.com
It was a momentous occasion for the 68 high school students
68?!!!
That's all?!!!!
It was a momentous occasion for the 68 high school students
68?!!!
That's all?!!!!
Republican freshmen thrive in primaries
Republican freshmen thrive in primaries - Alex Isenstadt - POLITICO.com
All 29 of the Republican rookies — one-third of the freshman class — whose states have held primaries have won.
In many cases, they steamrolled little-known foes; in other cases, they drew no opponent at all.
All 29 of the Republican rookies — one-third of the freshman class — whose states have held primaries have won.
In many cases, they steamrolled little-known foes; in other cases, they drew no opponent at all.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
MIT and Harvard in battle to create life-changing product: Non-stick ketchup bottles
MIT and Harvard in battle to create life-changing product: Non-stick ketchup bottles | Technology News Blog - Yahoo! News
It's the world's biggest non-problemic problem: getting the last bit of ketchup out of the jar.
It's the world's biggest non-problemic problem: getting the last bit of ketchup out of the jar.
Feds fine Utah school over soda sales during lunch
Feds fine Utah school over soda sales during lunch - EAGnews.org :: Education Research, Reporting, Analysis and Commentary
Now comes word that the federal government in fining a high school in Salt Lake City, Utah $15,000 for selling soda during lunch.
That’s a hefty penalty – almost half of a beginning teacher’s salary.
Davis High School ran afoul of federal law that demands schools only sell nutritious food during the students’ lunch period.
By law, school officials are required to turn off soda vending machines during the 47-minute lunch hour
Now comes word that the federal government in fining a high school in Salt Lake City, Utah $15,000 for selling soda during lunch.
That’s a hefty penalty – almost half of a beginning teacher’s salary.
Davis High School ran afoul of federal law that demands schools only sell nutritious food during the students’ lunch period.
By law, school officials are required to turn off soda vending machines during the 47-minute lunch hour
The Most Comma Mistakes
The Most Comma Mistakes - NYTimes.com
As I noted in my earlier article, rules and conventions about when to use and not to use commas are legion.
But certain errors keep popping up. Here are a few of them.
As I noted in my earlier article, rules and conventions about when to use and not to use commas are legion.
But certain errors keep popping up. Here are a few of them.
Full Disclosure for Student Borrowers
Full Disclosure for Student Borrowers - NYTimes.com
Schools must be required to do more to educate students about the real cost of their education and about a complex borrowing process that even the most sophisticated people have trouble understanding.
Schools must be required to do more to educate students about the real cost of their education and about a complex borrowing process that even the most sophisticated people have trouble understanding.
Local business or lowest bidder? Norton Shores mulls local preference in city purchases
Local business or lowest bidder? Norton Shores mulls local preference in city purchases | MLive.com
Council member Lowell Kinney said making that change could turn bids into political issues.
“It wouldn’t be local preference, it would be council preference,” he said.
Council member Lowell Kinney said making that change could turn bids into political issues.
“It wouldn’t be local preference, it would be council preference,” he said.
MSU graduation rates increase, race gap persists
Graduation rates
Six-year graduation rates in percents at Michigan’s public universities, students who entered in 2004:| College | White | Black | Gap* | Overall |
| Central Michigan University | 56 | 37 | 19 | 54 |
| Eastern Michigan University | 43 | 22 | 21 | 38 |
| Ferris State University | 49 | 20 | 29 | 48 |
| Grand Valley State University | 62 | 48 | 14 | 61 |
| Lake Superior State University | 39 | 20 | 19 | 39 |
| Michigan State University | 80 | 58 | 22 | 77 |
| Michigan Technological University | 66 | 37 | 29 | 66 |
| Northern Michigan University | 47 | 33 | 14 | 45 |
| Oakland University | 45 | 12 | 33 | 40 |
| Saginaw Valley State University | 45 | 22 | 23 | 43 |
| University of Michigan | 91 | 78 | 13 | 90 |
| University of Michigan - Dearborn | 55 | 32 | 23 | 52 |
| University of Michigan - Flint | 40 | 19 | 21 | 39 |
| Wayne State University | 44 | 10 | 34 | 31 |
| Western Michigan University | 53 | 46 | 7 | 52 |
Germany Sells 2-Year, 0% Bonds Amid Greek Anxiety
Germany Sells 2-Year, 0% Bonds Amid Greek Anxiety - EU Business News - CNBC
Germany sold 4.56 billion euros ($5.8 billion) of the new two-year bonds, which carry a zero percent coupon
Germany sold 4.56 billion euros ($5.8 billion) of the new two-year bonds, which carry a zero percent coupon
Obama’s war on coal hits your electric bill
Obama’s war on coal hits your electric bill | Fox News
Why the massive price increases? Andy Ott from PJM stated the obvious: “Capacity prices were higher than last year's because of retirements of existing coal-fired generation resulting largely from environmental regulations which go into effect in 2015.”
Why the massive price increases? Andy Ott from PJM stated the obvious: “Capacity prices were higher than last year's because of retirements of existing coal-fired generation resulting largely from environmental regulations which go into effect in 2015.”
Pay Up, Suckers
Vodkapundit » Pay Up, Suckers
Last week PJM Interconnection, the company that operates the electric grid for 13 states (Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia) held its 2015 capacity auction.
These are the first real, market prices that take Obama’s most recent anti-coal regulations into account, and they prove that he is keeping his 2008 campaign promise to make electricity prices “necessarily skyrocket.”
The market-clearing price for new 2015 capacity – almost all natural gas – was $136 per megawatt. That’s eight times higher than the price for 2012, which was just $16 per megawatt.
In the mid-Atlantic area covering New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and DC the new price is $167 per megawatt.
For the northern Ohio territory served by FirstEnergy, the price is a shocking $357 per megawatt.
Last week PJM Interconnection, the company that operates the electric grid for 13 states (Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia) held its 2015 capacity auction.
These are the first real, market prices that take Obama’s most recent anti-coal regulations into account, and they prove that he is keeping his 2008 campaign promise to make electricity prices “necessarily skyrocket.”
The market-clearing price for new 2015 capacity – almost all natural gas – was $136 per megawatt. That’s eight times higher than the price for 2012, which was just $16 per megawatt.
In the mid-Atlantic area covering New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and DC the new price is $167 per megawatt.
For the northern Ohio territory served by FirstEnergy, the price is a shocking $357 per megawatt.
The Illusion of Obama's Bin Laden Raid Situation Room Leadership
Articles: The Illusion of Obama's Bin Laden Raid Situation Room Leadership
Apparently, my previous article on the famous "Situation Room" photo tapped a nationwide nerve. The response ranged from some eye-opening tips on other photos to a few perplexed criticisms as to the motivation for Photoshopping a Situation Room photo.
The answer to that latter question can be summed up in one simple thought:
To hide the truth.
Obama was out golfing while the OBL mission was unfolding, and the administration needed the Situation Room photo op for public perception -- to give the illusion that he's presidential.
Obama's entire "Composite Presidency" and administration are orchestrated in this fashion. Not only is the photo's legitimacy in question, but so is the narrative illusion behind it. Obama knew of OBL's location for a year and refused to act. The CIA admits that there was "no live video feed," as implied by the iconic White House photo. It is anyone's guess what the captive audience was looking at, but it wasn't the OBL raid. It was recently reported that a highly lawyered CYA memo was drafted that made it clear that the military would take all blame for any errors, while Obama would claim all glory for successes.
Apparently, my previous article on the famous "Situation Room" photo tapped a nationwide nerve. The response ranged from some eye-opening tips on other photos to a few perplexed criticisms as to the motivation for Photoshopping a Situation Room photo.
The answer to that latter question can be summed up in one simple thought:
To hide the truth.
Obama was out golfing while the OBL mission was unfolding, and the administration needed the Situation Room photo op for public perception -- to give the illusion that he's presidential.
Obama's entire "Composite Presidency" and administration are orchestrated in this fashion. Not only is the photo's legitimacy in question, but so is the narrative illusion behind it. Obama knew of OBL's location for a year and refused to act. The CIA admits that there was "no live video feed," as implied by the iconic White House photo. It is anyone's guess what the captive audience was looking at, but it wasn't the OBL raid. It was recently reported that a highly lawyered CYA memo was drafted that made it clear that the military would take all blame for any errors, while Obama would claim all glory for successes.
EPA-NASCAR green deal covers everything--but racing!
EPA-NASCAR green deal covers everything--but racing! | Washington Examiner
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, NASCAR will encourage fans to buy “sustainable concessions” at races, expand the use of “safer chemical products,” conserve water, reduce waste, promote recycling, push products approved by the EPA that have a small enviro footprint and encourage suppliers to get an “E3 tuneup” aimed at promoting sustainable manufacturing.
Missing: any talk of greening races or race cars that consume about two million gallons of gas a year and average five miles per gallon.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, NASCAR will encourage fans to buy “sustainable concessions” at races, expand the use of “safer chemical products,” conserve water, reduce waste, promote recycling, push products approved by the EPA that have a small enviro footprint and encourage suppliers to get an “E3 tuneup” aimed at promoting sustainable manufacturing.
Missing: any talk of greening races or race cars that consume about two million gallons of gas a year and average five miles per gallon.
SC union leader attacks pinata with Gov. Nikki Haley’s likeness
SC union leader attacks pinata with Gov. Nikki Haley’s likeness | The Lookout - Yahoo! News
In the video, posted to YouTube, Dewitt is encouraged by others at the gathering, with calls of "Hit her again" and "Give her another whack."
In the video, posted to YouTube, Dewitt is encouraged by others at the gathering, with calls of "Hit her again" and "Give her another whack."
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Muskegon Mayor Steve Warmington announces he will resign his office June 30
Muskegon Mayor Steve Warmington announces he will resign his office June 30 | MLive.com
"I want to go on to the next chapter of my life," said Warmington, who has been Muskegon mayor since taking office in 2000.
Warmington is owner of the Marine Tap Room, a popular bar in the city's Lakeside Business District.
"I have made the decision and I have fought with it long and hard," Warmington said.
"It is the right decision for me."
"I want to go on to the next chapter of my life," said Warmington, who has been Muskegon mayor since taking office in 2000.
Warmington is owner of the Marine Tap Room, a popular bar in the city's Lakeside Business District.
"I have made the decision and I have fought with it long and hard," Warmington said.
"It is the right decision for me."
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