California tops states in teen unemployment | TheUnion.com
Nationally, the teen unemployment rate stands at 24.9 percent, and has averaged above 20 percent for over 40 months.
The number of employed teens fell by 14,000 from March to April 2012.
Important stuff you won't get from the liberal media! We do the surfing so you can be informed AND have a life!
Friday, May 25, 2012
Asian carp surveillance ramping up in Illinois
Asian carp surveillance ramping up in Illinois | MLive.com
Illinois fisheries biologists netted two Asian carp in a Chicago lagoon Thursday as part of a stepped-up effort to track and remove the invasive species from Illinois waterways.
Illinois fisheries biologists netted two Asian carp in a Chicago lagoon Thursday as part of a stepped-up effort to track and remove the invasive species from Illinois waterways.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
“More People Die from Guns Than Car Accidents in Michigan”
The Volokh Conspiracy » “More People Die from Guns Than Car Accidents in Michigan”
So states a Detroit Free Press op-ed headline.
Here’s an excerpt from the op-ed itself:
Michigan is one of 10 states in which gun deaths now outpace motor vehicle deaths, according to a study released Thursday by the Washington, D.C.-based Violence Policy Center.
But don’t expect the from-my-cold-dead-hands crowd to embrace the center’s conclusion that the disparity has everything to do with federal regulation — extensive and wildly successful in the case of motor vehicles, and virtually non-existent in the case of firearms.
“The idea that gun deaths exceed motor vehicle deaths in 10 states is stunning when one considers that 90% of American households own a car, while fewer than a third own firearms,” VPC Legislative Director Kristen Rand said. “It is time to end firearms’ status as the last unregulated consumer product.” …
“Motor vehicle deaths are on the decline as the result of a successful decades-long public health-based injury prevention strategy that includes safety-related changes to vehicles and highway design informed by comprehensive data collection and analysis,” a release accompanying the VPC study said. “Meanwhile, firearms are the only consumer product not regulated by the federal government for health and safety.”
But wait: The number of accidental gun deaths in Michigan in 2009 (the most recent year reported in WISQARS) was … 12, compared to 962 accidental motor-vehicle-related deaths. 99% of the gun deaths in Michigan that year consisted of suicides (575) and homicides (495).
So states a Detroit Free Press op-ed headline.
Here’s an excerpt from the op-ed itself:
Michigan is one of 10 states in which gun deaths now outpace motor vehicle deaths, according to a study released Thursday by the Washington, D.C.-based Violence Policy Center.
But don’t expect the from-my-cold-dead-hands crowd to embrace the center’s conclusion that the disparity has everything to do with federal regulation — extensive and wildly successful in the case of motor vehicles, and virtually non-existent in the case of firearms.
“The idea that gun deaths exceed motor vehicle deaths in 10 states is stunning when one considers that 90% of American households own a car, while fewer than a third own firearms,” VPC Legislative Director Kristen Rand said. “It is time to end firearms’ status as the last unregulated consumer product.” …
“Motor vehicle deaths are on the decline as the result of a successful decades-long public health-based injury prevention strategy that includes safety-related changes to vehicles and highway design informed by comprehensive data collection and analysis,” a release accompanying the VPC study said. “Meanwhile, firearms are the only consumer product not regulated by the federal government for health and safety.”
But wait: The number of accidental gun deaths in Michigan in 2009 (the most recent year reported in WISQARS) was … 12, compared to 962 accidental motor-vehicle-related deaths. 99% of the gun deaths in Michigan that year consisted of suicides (575) and homicides (495).
House GOP on Verge of Surrendering to MEA
House GOP on Verge of Surrendering to MEA [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
As reported by CapCon, Senators defied government employee unions by voting to close the chronically underfunded “defined benefit” school pension system to new employees, starting in 2013.
If the House follows through, this would be arguably the most transformational state budget reform since Gov. John Engler signed a similar measure for state workers back in 1996.
That measure has helped taxpayers avoid some $4.3 billion in unfunded liability since then.
If the House fails, every new school employee hired going forward represents a new taxpayer liability that won't be extinguished during the lifetime of most who read this. T
he history of this and and other government pension systems suggests that much of this liability won't be properly pre-funded, with the cost falling on our children and grandchildren.
As reported by CapCon, Senators defied government employee unions by voting to close the chronically underfunded “defined benefit” school pension system to new employees, starting in 2013.
If the House follows through, this would be arguably the most transformational state budget reform since Gov. John Engler signed a similar measure for state workers back in 1996.
That measure has helped taxpayers avoid some $4.3 billion in unfunded liability since then.
If the House fails, every new school employee hired going forward represents a new taxpayer liability that won't be extinguished during the lifetime of most who read this. T
he history of this and and other government pension systems suggests that much of this liability won't be properly pre-funded, with the cost falling on our children and grandchildren.
Muskegon County considering tax 'increase' to keep millage rate the same
Muskegon County considering tax 'increase' to keep millage rate the same | MLive.com
The proposal would essentially keep the county’s current operating millage rate of 5.6984 at the same level, bypassing a 0.04-mill reduction that would be triggered by liquor- and cigarette-tax revenues.
The county is set to receive more revenues from the liquor and cigarette taxes than last year.
The proposal would essentially keep the county’s current operating millage rate of 5.6984 at the same level, bypassing a 0.04-mill reduction that would be triggered by liquor- and cigarette-tax revenues.
The county is set to receive more revenues from the liquor and cigarette taxes than last year.
Former Gov. Jennifer Granholm calls election reform bills 'treasonous'
Former Gov. Jennifer Granholm calls election reform bills 'treasonous' | MLive.com
Former Gov. Jennifer Granholm has tough words for election reform bills headed to the floor of the state House, calling them “treasonous.”
Writing in the Huffington Post on the day protestors attempted to disrupt a vote in a state House committee, Granholm said such bills are aimed at suppressing voters, or at least those who usually vote for Democrats.
“Efforts to suppress voting are not just selfish.
They are not just short-sighted. Voter restriction laws that lead to an outcome based upon process instead of merit might be labeled -- I imagine even by our Founding Fathers -- as treasonous,” she wrote.
Amid chanting, shouting and protestors being restrained as they charged the dais, the House Redistricting and Elections Committee approved a series of reforms that Republicans said are intended to preserve election integrity and make proactive moves to prevent election fraud.
The package would increase penalties for campaign finance statement violations, enhance the accuracy of the qualified voter files and require registration and training for third-party voter registration organizations.
It also requires people to register to vote in person and show identification if they want to cast an absentee ballot.
“Who do these laws most directly affect?
The poor, the elderly, minorities and the young. And how do those groups typically vote? Democratic,” Granholm wrote.
“Why do they do this?
It seems obvious: when you don't have winning ideas, you change the rules of the game.
When you can't convince voters that you are the best choice, you restrict their ability to choose.”
Former Gov. Jennifer Granholm has tough words for election reform bills headed to the floor of the state House, calling them “treasonous.”
Writing in the Huffington Post on the day protestors attempted to disrupt a vote in a state House committee, Granholm said such bills are aimed at suppressing voters, or at least those who usually vote for Democrats.
“Efforts to suppress voting are not just selfish.
They are not just short-sighted. Voter restriction laws that lead to an outcome based upon process instead of merit might be labeled -- I imagine even by our Founding Fathers -- as treasonous,” she wrote.
Amid chanting, shouting and protestors being restrained as they charged the dais, the House Redistricting and Elections Committee approved a series of reforms that Republicans said are intended to preserve election integrity and make proactive moves to prevent election fraud.
The package would increase penalties for campaign finance statement violations, enhance the accuracy of the qualified voter files and require registration and training for third-party voter registration organizations.
It also requires people to register to vote in person and show identification if they want to cast an absentee ballot.
“Who do these laws most directly affect?
The poor, the elderly, minorities and the young. And how do those groups typically vote? Democratic,” Granholm wrote.
“Why do they do this?
It seems obvious: when you don't have winning ideas, you change the rules of the game.
When you can't convince voters that you are the best choice, you restrict their ability to choose.”
SOS petitions delivered to Muskegon City Commission; group hopes for positive approach to Sappi redevelopment
SOS petitions delivered to Muskegon City Commission; group hopes for positive approach to Sappi redevelopment | MLive.com
The environmental action group concerned about Muskegon Lake approached commissioners Tuesday with 899 signatures on a petition that were collected in the last month.
The environmental action group concerned about Muskegon Lake approached commissioners Tuesday with 899 signatures on a petition that were collected in the last month.
School districts say pension reform plan penalizes them for outsourcing employees
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.
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.
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.
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