Muskegon planning commissioners table site plan review of scrap metal operation for Sappi site | MLive.com
After some heated questioning by commissioners, the planning commission allowed citizens to address the site plan issue before unanimously voting to table the site plan review until next month.
Planning commissioners cited a lack of details, a point disputed by the company’s representatives.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Presentation on fracking in Muskegon County produces controversy, opposition
Presentation on fracking in Muskegon County produces controversy, opposition | MLive.com
More than 50 people, many apparently opposed to the idea of fracking on the county’s 11,000-acre wastewater site to extract natural gas and oil, created a standing-room-only audience for the initial meeting on the issue.
Some became vocally upset, including one yelling out, "shameful" when they learned that no public comment would be accepted during the special Board of Public Works meeting.
Public Works Board Chairman Marvin Engle, who called for a sheriff’s deputy to be in the board room, said the special meeting was held so the public could also hear the planned presentation on the topic rather than conduct it during a work session, because it “seems to be a sensitive” issue.
Several commissioners said the meeting was strictly held for informational purposes.
More than 50 people, many apparently opposed to the idea of fracking on the county’s 11,000-acre wastewater site to extract natural gas and oil, created a standing-room-only audience for the initial meeting on the issue.
Some became vocally upset, including one yelling out, "shameful" when they learned that no public comment would be accepted during the special Board of Public Works meeting.
Public Works Board Chairman Marvin Engle, who called for a sheriff’s deputy to be in the board room, said the special meeting was held so the public could also hear the planned presentation on the topic rather than conduct it during a work session, because it “seems to be a sensitive” issue.
Several commissioners said the meeting was strictly held for informational purposes.
Pete Hoekstra: No Child Left Behind has 'ruined education,' compares reform law to 'Obamacare'
Pete Hoekstra: No Child Left Behind has 'ruined education,' compares reform law to 'Obamacare'
MLive.com: Hoekstra was one of 20 Republicans in the U.S. House to vote against the bipartisan education reform in 2001 and said he fears have been confirmed over the years.
MLive.com: Hoekstra was one of 20 Republicans in the U.S. House to vote against the bipartisan education reform in 2001 and said he fears have been confirmed over the years.
Muskegon County free food truck sites for July 2012
Muskegon County free food truck sites for July 2012 | MLive.com
Local mobile pantry truck sites have been scheduled for July 2012.
The sites are part of Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank, Inc., a regional food bank in Comstock Park, according to information provided by Muskegon County Cooperating Churches.
.....The program is supported by various community groups and companies.
Local mobile pantry truck sites have been scheduled for July 2012.
The sites are part of Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank, Inc., a regional food bank in Comstock Park, according to information provided by Muskegon County Cooperating Churches.
.....The program is supported by various community groups and companies.
Sen. Debbie Stabenow: Bipartisan farm bill is a win for Michigan
Sen. Debbie Stabenow: Bipartisan farm bill is a win for Michigan | MLive.com
By Debbie Stabenow
I love seeing “Made in Michigan” fruits and vegetables in the supermarket produce aisle.
Isn't "fruit" both singular ANS plural?
What's with the "fruits"?
Is Big Deb homophobic?
By Debbie Stabenow
I love seeing “Made in Michigan” fruits and vegetables in the supermarket produce aisle.
Isn't "fruit" both singular ANS plural?
What's with the "fruits"?
Is Big Deb homophobic?
Huge Numbers of Same Day Registrations for Recall
Huge Numbers of Same Day Registrations for Recall | MacIver InstituteA look at the numbers of same day registrants in Milwaukee, Madison and Racine for the recent recall elections.
We will update this chart with additional cities as the information becomes available.
Click on graphic to enlarge.
Michigan Supreme Court to decide if repeal of emergency manager law goes on ballot
Michigan Supreme Court to decide if repeal of emergency manager law goes on ballot | MLive.com
The Michigan Supreme Court will decide if a referendum of the state's emergency financial manager law goes on the November statewide ballot, settling a dispute on whether organizers' petitions had the wrong type size.
The court on Wednesday scheduled oral arguments for July 25.
Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility, a group started by current and former business leaders, in late June appealed a ruling from the Court of Appeals that said the issue should proceed to voters.
The Michigan Supreme Court will decide if a referendum of the state's emergency financial manager law goes on the November statewide ballot, settling a dispute on whether organizers' petitions had the wrong type size.
The court on Wednesday scheduled oral arguments for July 25.
Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility, a group started by current and former business leaders, in late June appealed a ruling from the Court of Appeals that said the issue should proceed to voters.
Visa, MasterCard in $6B settlement over card fees
My Way News - Visa, MasterCard in $6B settlement over card fees
....the settlement is a victory for small businesses across the country because it could ultimately lead to banks lowering the fees they charge stores for customers' credit card purchases.
Landis, who owns Pittsburgh-based financial services firm Basic Business Concepts, said that would be a big relief.
She's now paying 3.75 percent each time a customer pays with a credit card.
If bank card companies reduce the fees they charge her to 2.75 percent, she would save a dollar on every $100 in sales.
....the settlement is a victory for small businesses across the country because it could ultimately lead to banks lowering the fees they charge stores for customers' credit card purchases.
Landis, who owns Pittsburgh-based financial services firm Basic Business Concepts, said that would be a big relief.
She's now paying 3.75 percent each time a customer pays with a credit card.
If bank card companies reduce the fees they charge her to 2.75 percent, she would save a dollar on every $100 in sales.
Norton Shores drive-in theatre still attracting crowds
Norton Shores drive-in theatre still attracting crowds | wzzm13.com
Michigan was once home to more than 130 drive-in theatres.
Now only ten of them are still open, including The Getty 4 Drive-In Theatre in Norton Shores.
Michigan was once home to more than 130 drive-in theatres.
Now only ten of them are still open, including The Getty 4 Drive-In Theatre in Norton Shores.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Letters: David Wells best choice in Circuit judge race
Letters: David Wells best choice in Circuit judge race | MLive.com
Muskegon County citizens will vote in next month's Primary Election to select two candidates to replace the exceptional Judge James M. Graves as circuit court judge.
The winners will face off on the General Election ballot in November.
I believe the most important traits necessary in a thoughtful and fair judge are experience and temperament.
Of the six candidates running to replace Graves, David Wells has the most impressive and varied experience.
His experience as a private judge, mediator and circuit court case evaluator combined with his decades of community service also includes his appointment as one of only three non-physicians in the country to the board that monitors and accredits all U.S. osteopathic medical schools.
It is clear that Wells has respect that is acknowledged on a national scale.
But I believe those who know him would say that it is his temperament that sets Wells apart from the other candidates.
Maybe it's because he's the father of an autistic son or the fact that David and Nancy have been foster parents.
Whatever the reason, Wells has an understanding and an empathy for those in need of justice.
Judicial temperament, experience and nationally recognized respect.
If we want an able replacement to one of the most respected judges in Muskegon history, David M. Wells deserves your vote on Aug. 7
FRANCINE M. LESSARD
Muskegon
Muskegon County citizens will vote in next month's Primary Election to select two candidates to replace the exceptional Judge James M. Graves as circuit court judge.
The winners will face off on the General Election ballot in November.
I believe the most important traits necessary in a thoughtful and fair judge are experience and temperament.
Of the six candidates running to replace Graves, David Wells has the most impressive and varied experience.
His experience as a private judge, mediator and circuit court case evaluator combined with his decades of community service also includes his appointment as one of only three non-physicians in the country to the board that monitors and accredits all U.S. osteopathic medical schools.
It is clear that Wells has respect that is acknowledged on a national scale.
But I believe those who know him would say that it is his temperament that sets Wells apart from the other candidates.
Maybe it's because he's the father of an autistic son or the fact that David and Nancy have been foster parents.
Whatever the reason, Wells has an understanding and an empathy for those in need of justice.
Judicial temperament, experience and nationally recognized respect.
If we want an able replacement to one of the most respected judges in Muskegon history, David M. Wells deserves your vote on Aug. 7
FRANCINE M. LESSARD
Muskegon
Market Savior? Stocks Might Be 50% Lower Without Fed
Market Savior? Stocks Might Be 50% Lower Without Fed - CNBC
Theoretically, the S&P 500 [.SPX 1334.76 --- UNCH ] would be more than 50 percent lower—at the 600 level—if the bullish price action preceding Fed announcements was excluded, the study showed.
Theoretically, the S&P 500 [.SPX 1334.76 --- UNCH ] would be more than 50 percent lower—at the 600 level—if the bullish price action preceding Fed announcements was excluded, the study showed.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
NBC And Microsoft Reportedly To Announce Split, MSNBC.com Rebranding
On Wednesday afternoon, Howard Kurtz reported that NBC and Microsoft will announce a deal to part ways, with the NBC purchasing back the remainder of MSNBC.com from the software corporation.
Reportedly, the plan entails a rebranding of MSNBC.com as NBCNews.com. The site currently ranks among the top three in online news sites.
Reportedly, the plan entails a rebranding of MSNBC.com as NBCNews.com. The site currently ranks among the top three in online news sites.
Andrea Mitchell Struggles To Respond To Claim Obama Outsourced Jobs Via Stimulus
Andrea Mitchell Struggles To Respond To Claim Obama Outsourced Jobs Via Stimulus | RealClearPolitics
Sununu: [laughing] You're struggling, Andrea. You're struggling.
Mitchell: First of all, these are competing claims and we will get back to you with all of the numbers.
Sununu: [laughing] You're struggling, Andrea. You're struggling.
Mitchell: First of all, these are competing claims and we will get back to you with all of the numbers.
CBO: Top earners pay 68 percent of tax burden
CBO: Top earners pay 68 percent of tax burden | The Daily Caller
The top 20 percent of earners — the top quintile — bore 67.9 percent of the federal tax burden in 2009. The middle quintile paid 9.4 percent, while the lowest paid .03 percent of the federal tax burden.
The top 20 percent of earners — the top quintile — bore 67.9 percent of the federal tax burden in 2009. The middle quintile paid 9.4 percent, while the lowest paid .03 percent of the federal tax burden.
Report: Thousands fled Canada for health care in 2011
Report: Thousands fled Canada for health care in 2011 | The Daily Caller
The nonpartisan Fraser Institute reported that 46,159 Canadians sought medical treatment outside of Canada in 2011, as wait times increased 104 percent — more than double — compared with statistics from 1993.
Specialist physicians surveyed across 12 specialties and 10 provinces reported an average total wait time of 19 weeks between the time a general practitioner refers a patient and the time a specialist provides elective treatment — the longest they have ever recorded.
The nonpartisan Fraser Institute reported that 46,159 Canadians sought medical treatment outside of Canada in 2011, as wait times increased 104 percent — more than double — compared with statistics from 1993.
Specialist physicians surveyed across 12 specialties and 10 provinces reported an average total wait time of 19 weeks between the time a general practitioner refers a patient and the time a specialist provides elective treatment — the longest they have ever recorded.
San Bernardino seeks bankruptcy protection
San Bernardino seeks bankruptcy protection - latimes.com
San Bernardino on Tuesday became the third California city in less than a month to seek bankruptcy protection, with officials saying the financial situation had become so dire that it could not cover payroll through the summer.
San Bernardino on Tuesday became the third California city in less than a month to seek bankruptcy protection, with officials saying the financial situation had become so dire that it could not cover payroll through the summer.
Don't panic yet: The Detroit Free Press isn't closing, but a major change is afoot
Don't panic yet: The Detroit Free Press isn't closing, but a major change is afoot | Crain's Detroit Business
The company will have to tell the U.S. Department of Justice, though, before it can do anything radical.
The Free Press and Detroit News are linked at the hip via a 25-year joint operating agreement signed in 2005 to handle as one business unit the advertising, printing and distribution of the papers.
Under a federal law from the 1970s aimed to preserving newspapers, owners have to inform the feds when significantly changing or terminating a Justice Department-approved JOA.
The Detroit JOA, according to its terms (I have a copy) can be dissolved starting in August 2015 if the newspapers are both unprofitable – what the document calls "newspaper operating losses" sustained by the partnership.
The company will have to tell the U.S. Department of Justice, though, before it can do anything radical.
The Free Press and Detroit News are linked at the hip via a 25-year joint operating agreement signed in 2005 to handle as one business unit the advertising, printing and distribution of the papers.
Under a federal law from the 1970s aimed to preserving newspapers, owners have to inform the feds when significantly changing or terminating a Justice Department-approved JOA.
The Detroit JOA, according to its terms (I have a copy) can be dissolved starting in August 2015 if the newspapers are both unprofitable – what the document calls "newspaper operating losses" sustained by the partnership.
The Eternal Stupidity of Liberalism
The Eternal Stupidity of Liberalism
Consider along these lines the spectacular failures of the USSR, Cuba, China’s communist regime, North Korea, etc.
In fact, there is no country which committed itself to a major socialist or communist makeover that did not thereafter implode.
Further, when Liberalism is applied to other areas of inquiry, the outcome is equally bad—such as so called “family planning,” etc.
So if liberalism is failure incarnate, why the perpetual slavering supplication of its blind, deaf and dumb followers?
Therein lies the mystery.
Consider along these lines the spectacular failures of the USSR, Cuba, China’s communist regime, North Korea, etc.
In fact, there is no country which committed itself to a major socialist or communist makeover that did not thereafter implode.
Further, when Liberalism is applied to other areas of inquiry, the outcome is equally bad—such as so called “family planning,” etc.
So if liberalism is failure incarnate, why the perpetual slavering supplication of its blind, deaf and dumb followers?
Therein lies the mystery.
Microsoft’s Downfall: Inside the Executive E-mails and Cannibalistic Culture That Felled a Tech Giant
Microsoft’s Downfall: Inside the Executive E-mails and Cannibalistic Culture That Felled a Tech Giant
Today, a single Apple product—the iPhone—generates more revenue than all of Microsoft’s wares combined.
Today, a single Apple product—the iPhone—generates more revenue than all of Microsoft’s wares combined.
Conservatives Are Happier, and Extremists Are Happiest of All
Conservatives Are Happier, and Extremists Are Happiest of All - NYTimes.com
WHO is happier about life — liberals or conservatives?
The answer might seem straightforward. After all, there is an entire academic literature in the social sciences dedicated to showing conservatives as naturally authoritarian, dogmatic, intolerant of ambiguity, fearful of threat and loss, low in self-esteem and uncomfortable with complex modes of thinking.
And it was the candidate Barack Obama in 2008 who infamously labeled blue-collar voters “bitter,” as they “cling to guns or religion.”
Obviously, liberals must be happier, right?
Wrong.
WHO is happier about life — liberals or conservatives?
The answer might seem straightforward. After all, there is an entire academic literature in the social sciences dedicated to showing conservatives as naturally authoritarian, dogmatic, intolerant of ambiguity, fearful of threat and loss, low in self-esteem and uncomfortable with complex modes of thinking.
And it was the candidate Barack Obama in 2008 who infamously labeled blue-collar voters “bitter,” as they “cling to guns or religion.”
Obviously, liberals must be happier, right?
Wrong.
HIGHER EDUCATION BUBBLE UPDATE: U.S. pushes for more scientists, but the jobs aren’t there.
Instapundit » Blog Archive » HIGHER EDUCATION BUBBLE UPDATE: U.S. pushes for more scientists, but the jobs aren’t there.
As noted here earlier, we don’t need more scientists, we need better ones.
“I was talking with someone the other day who advanced the proposition that there are probably only 50 really first-rate scientific minds produced in the United States every year.
And then came the question:
Does the current system of training and funding scientists encourage those 50 to stay in the game, or to find something else to do?”
As noted here earlier, we don’t need more scientists, we need better ones.
“I was talking with someone the other day who advanced the proposition that there are probably only 50 really first-rate scientific minds produced in the United States every year.
And then came the question:
Does the current system of training and funding scientists encourage those 50 to stay in the game, or to find something else to do?”
Pennsylvania city workers to take mayor to court over across-the-board minimum wage salaries
Pennsylvania city workers to take mayor to court over across-the-board minimum wage salaries | Fox News
Employees of a Pennsylvania city, who have all seen their salaries cut to minimum wage as the mayor grapples with budget problems, are hoping a judge restores their paychecks in full.
Employees of a Pennsylvania city, who have all seen their salaries cut to minimum wage as the mayor grapples with budget problems, are hoping a judge restores their paychecks in full.
NAACP Requires Photo I.D. to See Holder Speak in State Being Sued Over Voter ID
NAACP Requires Photo I.D. to See Holder Speak in State Being Sued Over Voter ID - Katie Pavlich
Earlier today, Attorney General Eric Holder addressed the NAACP Nation Convention at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.
What did media need in order to attend? That's right, government issued photo identification (and a second form of identification too!), something both Holder and the NAACP stand firmly against when it comes to voting.
Holder's DOJ is currently suing Texas for "discriminatory" voter ID laws. From the press release:
All media must present government-issued photo I.D. (such as a driver’s license) as well as valid media credentials. Members of the media must RSVP to receive press credentials at http://action.naacp.org/page/s/registration.
For security purposes, media check-in and equipment set up must be completed by 7:45 a.m. CDT for an 8:00 a.m. CDT security sweep.
Once the security sweep is completed, additional media equipment will NOT be permitted to enter and swept equipment will NOT be permitted to exit.
Ironically, NAACP President Ben Jealous railed against voter ID just before Holder took the stage.
Earlier today, Attorney General Eric Holder addressed the NAACP Nation Convention at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.
What did media need in order to attend? That's right, government issued photo identification (and a second form of identification too!), something both Holder and the NAACP stand firmly against when it comes to voting.
Holder's DOJ is currently suing Texas for "discriminatory" voter ID laws. From the press release:
All media must present government-issued photo I.D. (such as a driver’s license) as well as valid media credentials. Members of the media must RSVP to receive press credentials at http://action.naacp.org/page/s/registration.
For security purposes, media check-in and equipment set up must be completed by 7:45 a.m. CDT for an 8:00 a.m. CDT security sweep.
Once the security sweep is completed, additional media equipment will NOT be permitted to enter and swept equipment will NOT be permitted to exit.
Ironically, NAACP President Ben Jealous railed against voter ID just before Holder took the stage.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Muskegon County Board of Commissioners
Muskegon County Board of Commissioners:
MEETING NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE MUSKEGON COUNTY BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS ON THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012, 3:30 P.M., BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ROOM, 4TH FLOOR, MICHAEL E. KOBZA HALL OF JUSTICE, 990 TERRACE STREET, MUSKEGON, MI 49442.
MARVIN ENGLE, CHAIRMAN
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
POSTED: 7-9-12, 10:00 A.M.
MEETING NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE MUSKEGON COUNTY BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS ON THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012, 3:30 P.M., BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ROOM, 4TH FLOOR, MICHAEL E. KOBZA HALL OF JUSTICE, 990 TERRACE STREET, MUSKEGON, MI 49442.
MARVIN ENGLE, CHAIRMAN
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
POSTED: 7-9-12, 10:00 A.M.
Steps in the double-talk direction
Steps in the double-talk direction - NYPOST.com
Our president has a funny way with words when it comes to describing the lousy economy.
Even for an election year, some of his whoppers would be laughable — if they weren’t coming from a man who wants to remain in charge of the country and its floundering economy for another four years
Our president has a funny way with words when it comes to describing the lousy economy.
Even for an election year, some of his whoppers would be laughable — if they weren’t coming from a man who wants to remain in charge of the country and its floundering economy for another four years
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