Playing defense: Muskegon County's much-maligned indigent legal defense system headed for scrap heap | MLive.com:
"The new model will launch Jan. 1. It’s budgeted at $1.3 million for the first year.
That’s $160,000 more than the current system costs, according to County Administrator Bonnie Hammersley.
The plan calls for 13 staff attorneys and three support staff plus $150,000 to contract for outside attorneys for appeals and cases where there’s a conflict of interest."
Friday, May 10, 2013
Thursday, May 09, 2013
Mona Shores reducing administrators, facing $1 million shortfall next year
Mona Shores reducing administrators, facing $1 million shortfall next year | MLive.com:
"The district continues to seek ways to close an anticipated $1 million shortfall next year.
Peden said part of the plan is to attract 50 additional schools of choice students, who would bring in another $350,000. In addition, the district is negotiating with its employee union groups.
“We are negotiating with all our groups and 85 percent of our money goes to people, so it’s going to come from people," Peden said. "
"The district continues to seek ways to close an anticipated $1 million shortfall next year.
Peden said part of the plan is to attract 50 additional schools of choice students, who would bring in another $350,000. In addition, the district is negotiating with its employee union groups.
“We are negotiating with all our groups and 85 percent of our money goes to people, so it’s going to come from people," Peden said. "
Green energy triumph: $11,000,000.00 spent per job created
Green energy triumph: $11,000,000.00 spent per job created | Human Events:
“Without much fanfare, the Department of Energy (DOE) recently updated the list of loan guarantee projects on its website,” the Institute for Energy Research noticed on Wednesday.
”Unlike in 2008, when Barack Obama pledged to create 5 million jobs over 10 years by directing taxpayer funds toward renewable energy projects, there were no press conferences or stump speeches.”
Uh-oh.
Why weren’t there any celebrations?
President Obama loves a good celebration.
Why, we just found out about the super-secret star-studded bash he held after his inauguration.
Maybe it’s because the IER divided the $26 billion spent on “green jobs” by the Energy Department since 2009, divided it by the 2,298 permanent jobs created, and came up with a cost of $11.45 million per job."
“Without much fanfare, the Department of Energy (DOE) recently updated the list of loan guarantee projects on its website,” the Institute for Energy Research noticed on Wednesday.
”Unlike in 2008, when Barack Obama pledged to create 5 million jobs over 10 years by directing taxpayer funds toward renewable energy projects, there were no press conferences or stump speeches.”
Uh-oh.
Why weren’t there any celebrations?
President Obama loves a good celebration.
Why, we just found out about the super-secret star-studded bash he held after his inauguration.
Maybe it’s because the IER divided the $26 billion spent on “green jobs” by the Energy Department since 2009, divided it by the 2,298 permanent jobs created, and came up with a cost of $11.45 million per job."
Education Dept. eliminates 'father,' 'mother' from student aid forms
Education Dept. eliminates 'father,' 'mother' from student aid forms - Washington Times:
"The new FAFSA form will use terms like “Parent 1” and “Parent 2” instead of gender-specific terms like “mother” and “father.”"
"The new FAFSA form will use terms like “Parent 1” and “Parent 2” instead of gender-specific terms like “mother” and “father.”"
Latino student group says eating tacos is offensive to Mexicans
Latino student group says eating tacos is offensive to Mexicans | The Daily Caller:
"Northwestern University continued to stumble over diversity issues this week as Mexican students voiced disagreement with a campuswide letter that advised students not to celebrate Cinco de Mayo by engaging in racially-offensive activities, such as eating tacos and drinking tequila."
"Northwestern University continued to stumble over diversity issues this week as Mexican students voiced disagreement with a campuswide letter that advised students not to celebrate Cinco de Mayo by engaging in racially-offensive activities, such as eating tacos and drinking tequila."
Student Suspended For Insulting His School In Tweet
HARDOCP - Student Suspended For Insulting His School In Tweet:
Raise your hand if you knew you could be suspended for the rest of the year for insulting your school on Twitter.
The senior class president at Heights High School has been suspended for the rest of the school year and barred from most graduation activities for posting a tweet that school officials say insulted athletes at the school.
Raise your hand if you knew you could be suspended for the rest of the year for insulting your school on Twitter.
The senior class president at Heights High School has been suspended for the rest of the school year and barred from most graduation activities for posting a tweet that school officials say insulted athletes at the school.
2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray to Pace the 2013 Indy 500 Race
2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray to Pace the 2013 Indy 500 Race - Carscoops:
"The Corvette Stingray Pace Car sports a Laguna Blue Tintcoat with official Indianapolis 500 graphics on the doors.
Fitted with track-mandated safety features and strobe lights, the pace-car has no powertrain upgrades, with its 6.2-liter LT1 engine supplying 450 horsepower, enough for running in front of the IndyCar pack.
However, it does feature the track-capable Z51 package that includes an electronic limited-slip differential, dry-sump oiling system, integral brake, differential and transmission cooling plus a unique aero package aimed at improving high-speed stability."
"The Corvette Stingray Pace Car sports a Laguna Blue Tintcoat with official Indianapolis 500 graphics on the doors.Fitted with track-mandated safety features and strobe lights, the pace-car has no powertrain upgrades, with its 6.2-liter LT1 engine supplying 450 horsepower, enough for running in front of the IndyCar pack.
However, it does feature the track-capable Z51 package that includes an electronic limited-slip differential, dry-sump oiling system, integral brake, differential and transmission cooling plus a unique aero package aimed at improving high-speed stability."
Angry Michigan bus drivers call in sick, forcing school to close for a day
Angry Michigan bus drivers call in sick, forcing school to close for a day - EAGnews.org :: Education Research, Reporting, Analysis and Commentary:
"Many of the district’s 120 drivers reacted to the decision by calling in sick Wednesday, forcing the cancellation of school.
The district advised parents to drive their children to school today because it wasn’t clear if enough bus drivers would report to get the job done"
"Many of the district’s 120 drivers reacted to the decision by calling in sick Wednesday, forcing the cancellation of school.
The district advised parents to drive their children to school today because it wasn’t clear if enough bus drivers would report to get the job done"
Welfare is Rotten in State of Denmark
Welfare is Rotten in State of Denmark - Lessons for AmericaJob Creators Network:
"He found “Carinia,” a 36-year old single mom who had been on the system since age 16.
Her annual income from welfare was $32,400 – more than many of the nation’s dwindling number of full-time workers.
The American welfare state is not yet at the point of Denmark’s, but the trends are ominous.
"He found “Carinia,” a 36-year old single mom who had been on the system since age 16.
Her annual income from welfare was $32,400 – more than many of the nation’s dwindling number of full-time workers.
The American welfare state is not yet at the point of Denmark’s, but the trends are ominous.
Academic warmists celebrate book burning at San Jose State University
Blog: Academic warmists celebrate book burning at San Jose State University:
"Alison Bridger, on the left, is Department Chair of Meteorology at SJSU, while Craig Clements is an Associate Professor.
These are persons of standing, not crazy grad students pulling a prank.
No, they are making a profound statement about their intellectual methods. "
"Alison Bridger, on the left, is Department Chair of Meteorology at SJSU, while Craig Clements is an Associate Professor.
These are persons of standing, not crazy grad students pulling a prank.
No, they are making a profound statement about their intellectual methods. "
Get Ready for the War on Data
Get Ready for the War on Data - The Daily Beast:
But for voters, in the end the only thing that mattered in yesterday's special elections was the (R) after Sanford's name.
And that's not limited to South Carolina. Michael Barone recently noted that . Political preferences are hardening; folks in a given district are consistently voting the party, not the candidate. This suggests that for the foreseeable future, all the political action will lie in the presidency, and the Senate. The next big movement in the House will probably be the 2020 census.
But the implications don't stop there. If the Census is the key to political control, then you can expect parties to put more energy into gaming the census. Arguably, you're already seeing this: Republicans are now making their second attempt to defund the American Community Survey, which uses sampling to generate data between censuses. The American Community Survey is not used for districting, but it is used for all manner of other policy purposes.
As the political fault lines harden in Congress, the battlegrounds are moving back to more hidden levers of policymaking. There are the courts, of course: we're now in the third decade of a mostly undeclared war to gain control of the Supreme Court and do some unelected legislating. Data gathering and research funding are coming under fierce scrutiny. And on the national security front, secrecy and executive orders seem to be the order of the day for whoever is in the White House.
Bill Gives DHS Sec. 'Virtually Unlimited Discretion to Waive Any Manner of Crimes,' ICE Council Warns Congress
Bill Gives DHS Sec. 'Virtually Unlimited Discretion to Waive Any Manner of Crimes,' ICE Council Warns Congress | CNS News:
"They warn that the Senate immigration bill gives DHS Sec. Janet Napolitano “virtually unlimited discretion to waiver” prohibitions on obtaining legal status, such as criminal activity or previous deportation:"
"They warn that the Senate immigration bill gives DHS Sec. Janet Napolitano “virtually unlimited discretion to waiver” prohibitions on obtaining legal status, such as criminal activity or previous deportation:"
HHS rolls out $150M to help Americans find coverage under 'Obamacare'
HHS rolls out $150M to help Americans find coverage under 'Obamacare' - Washington Times:
"The Obama administration announced Thursday a plan to helpuninsured Americans find coverage under the new health care law by offering $150 million to community health centers."
"The Obama administration announced Thursday a plan to helpuninsured Americans find coverage under the new health care law by offering $150 million to community health centers."
Michigan school district that can't pay teachers shuts another day
Michigan school district that can't pay teachers shuts another day | Detroit Free Press | freep.com:
"BUENA VISTA TOWNSHIP — A Michigan school district that says it can’t afford to pay its teachers is closed for another day as officials plan to declare a financial emergency."
"BUENA VISTA TOWNSHIP — A Michigan school district that says it can’t afford to pay its teachers is closed for another day as officials plan to declare a financial emergency."
Wednesday, May 08, 2013
Coast Guard, hazmat crews clean up diesel fuel spill at Harbour Towne Marina on Muskegon Lake
Coast Guard, hazmat crews clean up diesel fuel spill at Harbour Towne Marina on Muskegon Lake | MLive.com:
"The Muskegon County Hazardous Materials Team and Muskegon firefighters contained the spill to the marina area around 6:30 p.m. May 8, about an hour and a half after an oily sheen was reported in the water."
"The Muskegon County Hazardous Materials Team and Muskegon firefighters contained the spill to the marina area around 6:30 p.m. May 8, about an hour and a half after an oily sheen was reported in the water."
In Defense of Carbon Dioxide
Harrison H. Schmitt and William Happer: In Defense of Carbon Dioxide - WSJ.com:
"We know that carbon dioxide has been a much larger fraction of the earth's atmosphere than it is today, and the geological record shows that life flourished on land and in the oceans during those times.
The incredible list of supposed horrors that increasing carbon dioxide will bring the world is pure belief disguised as science.
Mr. Schmitt, an adjunct professor of engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, was an Apollo 17 astronaut and a former U.S. senator from New Mexico.
Mr. Happer is a professor of physics at Princeton University and a former director of the office of energy research at the U.S. Department of Energy."
"We know that carbon dioxide has been a much larger fraction of the earth's atmosphere than it is today, and the geological record shows that life flourished on land and in the oceans during those times.
The incredible list of supposed horrors that increasing carbon dioxide will bring the world is pure belief disguised as science.
Mr. Schmitt, an adjunct professor of engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, was an Apollo 17 astronaut and a former U.S. senator from New Mexico.
Mr. Happer is a professor of physics at Princeton University and a former director of the office of energy research at the U.S. Department of Energy."
The Price Of Copper And 11 Other Recession Indicators That Are Flashing Red
The Price Of Copper And 11 Other Recession Indicators That Are Flashing Red | Zero Hedge:
"So why do U.S. stocks continue to skyrocket?
Will U.S. financial markets be able to continue to be divorced from reality?
Unfortunately, as we have seen so many times in the past, when stocks do catch up with reality they tend to do so very rapidly.
So you better put on your seatbelts because a crash is coming at some point."
"So why do U.S. stocks continue to skyrocket?
Will U.S. financial markets be able to continue to be divorced from reality?
Unfortunately, as we have seen so many times in the past, when stocks do catch up with reality they tend to do so very rapidly.
So you better put on your seatbelts because a crash is coming at some point."
Michigan's teen birth rate plummets
Michigan's teen birth rate plummets | Lansing State Journal | lansingstatejournal.com:
"But the number of babies born to unmarried moms has increased by 18 percent.
More moms are uninsured, and too many babies are being born early, which can create lasting challenges for children and their families."
"But the number of babies born to unmarried moms has increased by 18 percent.
More moms are uninsured, and too many babies are being born early, which can create lasting challenges for children and their families."
Putting Final Four games on cable saved college hoops from 96-team mess
Putting Final Four games on cable saved college hoops from 96-team mess - NCAA Basketball - Sporting News:
"In the history of college basketball, most of the unsung heroes are role players such A.J. Granger of the 2000 Michigan State Spartans or A.J. Bramlett of the 1997 Arizona Wildcats.
Those players quietly helped their teams win championships.
TBS rescued the future of the NCAA Tournament."
"In the history of college basketball, most of the unsung heroes are role players such A.J. Granger of the 2000 Michigan State Spartans or A.J. Bramlett of the 1997 Arizona Wildcats.
Those players quietly helped their teams win championships.
TBS rescued the future of the NCAA Tournament."
The Disgraceful Episode Of Lysenkoism Brings Us Global Warming Theory | Somewhat Reasonable
The Disgraceful Episode Of Lysenkoism Brings Us Global Warming Theory | Somewhat Reasonable:
"Trofim Lysenko became the Director of the Soviet Lenin All-Union Academy of Agricultural Sciences in the 1930s under Josef Stalin.
He was an advocate of the theory that characteristics acquired by plants during their lives could be inherited by later generations stemming from the changed plants, which sharply contradicted Mendelian genetics.
As a result, Lysenko became a fierce critic of theories of the then rising modern genetics."
"Trofim Lysenko became the Director of the Soviet Lenin All-Union Academy of Agricultural Sciences in the 1930s under Josef Stalin.
He was an advocate of the theory that characteristics acquired by plants during their lives could be inherited by later generations stemming from the changed plants, which sharply contradicted Mendelian genetics.
As a result, Lysenko became a fierce critic of theories of the then rising modern genetics."
Wal-Mart film to be shown May 8 and 14 as debate continues on retailer's plans for Whitehall Township
Wal-Mart film to be shown May 8 and 14 as debate continues on retailer's plans for Whitehall Township | MLive.com:
"The anti-Wal-Mart documentary from 2005 was directed by Robert Greenwald. The 90-minute film looks at the impact of Wal-Mart in small communities across the country.
It was publicly shown by opponents in early April and, at the time, Wal-Mart officials refuted the film’s premise."
(click link to see Walmart response)
"The anti-Wal-Mart documentary from 2005 was directed by Robert Greenwald. The 90-minute film looks at the impact of Wal-Mart in small communities across the country.
It was publicly shown by opponents in early April and, at the time, Wal-Mart officials refuted the film’s premise."
(click link to see Walmart response)
Thomas Sowell Discusses The Words That Stop People From Thinking
Thomas Sowell Discusses The Words That Stop People From Thinking - Investors.com:
"If there is ever a contest for words that substitute for thought, "diversity" should be recognized as the undisputed world champion.
You don't need a speck of evidence, or a single step of logic, when you rhapsodize about the supposed benefits of diversity.
The very idea of testing this wonderful, magical word against something as ugly as reality seems almost sordid.
To ask whether institutions that promote diversity 24/7 end up with better or worse relations between the races than institutions that pay no attention to it is only to get yourself regarded as a bad person."
"If there is ever a contest for words that substitute for thought, "diversity" should be recognized as the undisputed world champion.
You don't need a speck of evidence, or a single step of logic, when you rhapsodize about the supposed benefits of diversity.
The very idea of testing this wonderful, magical word against something as ugly as reality seems almost sordid.
To ask whether institutions that promote diversity 24/7 end up with better or worse relations between the races than institutions that pay no attention to it is only to get yourself regarded as a bad person."
Dubiously Disabled
Dubiously Disabled | National Review Online:
"With regularity, the Wall Street Journal recently reported, airport employees witness people who falsely claim to be handicapped when they arrive at the airport.
Having successfully cut to the front of the long security lines, these parasites jump out of their chairs the moment they’re through the screening process and race to their gates, bags in tow.
Airport security sardonically calls these occurrences “airport miracles,” because the body scanners seem to possess mysterious healing powers.
How big is the problem?
One airport investigated the matter and concluded that at least 15 percent of wheelchair requests are phonies designed to game the system.
Some think that estimate is low."
"With regularity, the Wall Street Journal recently reported, airport employees witness people who falsely claim to be handicapped when they arrive at the airport.
Having successfully cut to the front of the long security lines, these parasites jump out of their chairs the moment they’re through the screening process and race to their gates, bags in tow.
Airport security sardonically calls these occurrences “airport miracles,” because the body scanners seem to possess mysterious healing powers.
How big is the problem?
One airport investigated the matter and concluded that at least 15 percent of wheelchair requests are phonies designed to game the system.
Some think that estimate is low."
West Michigan school elections: Why Wyoming was only Grand Rapids-area district to reject tax request
West Michigan school elections: Why Wyoming was only Grand Rapids-area district to reject tax request | MLive.com:
"Voters in the Wyoming Public Schools district defeated a 25-year, $53.1 million tax request Tuesday, making it the only West Michigan community to not support school funding questions.
Seven other districts in Kent, Ottawa, Allegan and Barry counties emerged with convincing wins that will send much-needed revenue to improve the learning environments and safety of children, area district leaders said."
"Voters in the Wyoming Public Schools district defeated a 25-year, $53.1 million tax request Tuesday, making it the only West Michigan community to not support school funding questions.
Seven other districts in Kent, Ottawa, Allegan and Barry counties emerged with convincing wins that will send much-needed revenue to improve the learning environments and safety of children, area district leaders said."
Tuesday, May 07, 2013
2 Va. Boys Suspended For Using Pencils As Guns
2 Va. Boys Suspended For Using Pencils As Guns « CBS DC:
"SUFFOLK, Va. — Two Suffolk second graders have been suspended for making shooting noises while pointing pencils at each other.
Media outlets report the 7-year-old boys were suspended for two days for a violation of the Suffolk school system’s zero-tolerance policy on weapons.
They were playing with one another in class Friday at Driver Elementary.
“When I asked him about it, he said, ‘Well I was being a Marine and the other guy was being a bad guy,’” said Paul Marshall, one of the boys’ fathers.
“It’s as simple as that.”
"SUFFOLK, Va. — Two Suffolk second graders have been suspended for making shooting noises while pointing pencils at each other.
Media outlets report the 7-year-old boys were suspended for two days for a violation of the Suffolk school system’s zero-tolerance policy on weapons.
They were playing with one another in class Friday at Driver Elementary.
“When I asked him about it, he said, ‘Well I was being a Marine and the other guy was being a bad guy,’” said Paul Marshall, one of the boys’ fathers.
“It’s as simple as that.”
Muskegon's Coast West Music Festival concert ticket, pass prices reduced
Muskegon's Coast West Music Festival concert ticket, pass prices reduced | MLive.com:
"Dockrdude
Normally I would say lowering prices is a good thing. But I think we all know the reason for this."
"Dockrdude
Normally I would say lowering prices is a good thing. But I think we all know the reason for this."
Why Expand Care with No Proven Benefits?
Why Expand Care with No Proven Benefits? | Cato Institute:
"ObamaCare aims to cover 16 million poor uninsured adults through Medicaid, plus 16 million higher-income uninsured Americans through government-subsidized “private” insurance. Supporters portrayed these “reforms” as a matter of life and death, particularly for the poor.
Yet a monumental new study finds that “Medicaid coverage generated no significant improvements in measured physical health outcomes” for poor adults.
These findings strengthen the case that states should stop implementing ObamaCare, and Congress should swiftly repeal it."
"ObamaCare aims to cover 16 million poor uninsured adults through Medicaid, plus 16 million higher-income uninsured Americans through government-subsidized “private” insurance. Supporters portrayed these “reforms” as a matter of life and death, particularly for the poor.
Yet a monumental new study finds that “Medicaid coverage generated no significant improvements in measured physical health outcomes” for poor adults.
These findings strengthen the case that states should stop implementing ObamaCare, and Congress should swiftly repeal it."
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