Michigan homeowners facing foreclosure can get up to $30,000 forgivable loan from state | MLive.com
"The loan will be given at a 0 percent interest rate, and requires no monthly payments.
Each year, the loan will be forgiven 20 percent "as long as the property remains the homeowner’s primary residence."
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Guest view of Stacy Swimp: Right to work works for Black Americans
Guest view of Stacy Swimp: Right to work works for Black Americans | MLive.com:
"Unfortunately for union propagandists, U.S. Census Bureau data indicate that Americans of all races are “voting with their feet” in vast numbers against compulsory unionism.
This is actually true to an even greater degree of black Americans."
"Unfortunately for union propagandists, U.S. Census Bureau data indicate that Americans of all races are “voting with their feet” in vast numbers against compulsory unionism.
This is actually true to an even greater degree of black Americans."
Pricking the academic bloat
FIELDS: Pricking the academic bloat - Washington Times
"“Bubbles form when too many people expect values to go up forever,” Mr. Reynolds says.
“Bubbles burst when there are no longer enough excessively optimistic and ignorant folks to fuel them.
And there are signs that this is beginning to happen already where education is concerned.” "
"“Bubbles form when too many people expect values to go up forever,” Mr. Reynolds says.
“Bubbles burst when there are no longer enough excessively optimistic and ignorant folks to fuel them.
And there are signs that this is beginning to happen already where education is concerned.” "
Muskegon City Commission: Two recreation program contracts on Tuesday's meeting agenda
Muskegon City Commission: Two recreation program contracts on Tuesday's meeting agenda | MLive.com
"Commissioners have a staff recommendation to terminate a cooperative program and facilities agreement with the Muskegon Public Schools, while at the same time considering a management contract with the Muskegon Recreation Center Inc. for the management of Smith Ryerson Community Center and the adjacent park facilities."
"Commissioners have a staff recommendation to terminate a cooperative program and facilities agreement with the Muskegon Public Schools, while at the same time considering a management contract with the Muskegon Recreation Center Inc. for the management of Smith Ryerson Community Center and the adjacent park facilities."
Aspirin 'triples chance of blindness disease'
Aspirin 'triples chance of blindness disease' - Telegraph
Scientists have found those who take aspirin on a regular basis are much more likely to develop ‘wet’ age-related macular degeneration (‘wet AMD’) than those who do not.
Scientists have found those who take aspirin on a regular basis are much more likely to develop ‘wet’ age-related macular degeneration (‘wet AMD’) than those who do not.
Michigan to launch anti-obesity campaign
Michigan to launch anti-obesity campaign | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com
The Michigan Department of Community Health
plans to lay out a new educational campaign to combat obesity in the nation's fifth heaviest state.
The Michigan Department of Community Health
plans to lay out a new educational campaign to combat obesity in the nation's fifth heaviest state.
The stale claim that 40 percent of gun sales lack background checks
The stale claim that 40 percent of gun sales lack background checks - The Washington Post
The letter includes an interesting figure, comparing how many National Institute of Health awards have been given for firearms research versus infectious diseases.
Major NIH research awards and cumulative morbidity for select conditions in the US, 1973–2012
Condition Total cases NIH research awards
Cholera 400 212
Diphtheria 1337 56
Polio 266 129
Rabies 65 89
Total of four diseases 2068 486
Firearm injuries >4,000,000 3
One of the executive orders signed by Obama on Jan. 16 directed the Centers for Disease Control to research the causes and prevention of gun violence, based on a legal analysis that congressional restrictions on spending money to advocate for gun control does not apply to such inquiries.
There is a bit of irony here.
While the 40-percent figure appears overstated and out of date, it remains the most cited statistic on the secondary market because foes of gun control have thwarted extensive research on guns. Advocates of gun controls thus continue to rely on a flawed statistic nearly two decades old.
The letter includes an interesting figure, comparing how many National Institute of Health awards have been given for firearms research versus infectious diseases.
Major NIH research awards and cumulative morbidity for select conditions in the US, 1973–2012
Condition Total cases NIH research awards
Cholera 400 212
Diphtheria 1337 56
Polio 266 129
Rabies 65 89
Total of four diseases 2068 486
Firearm injuries >4,000,000 3
One of the executive orders signed by Obama on Jan. 16 directed the Centers for Disease Control to research the causes and prevention of gun violence, based on a legal analysis that congressional restrictions on spending money to advocate for gun control does not apply to such inquiries.
There is a bit of irony here.
While the 40-percent figure appears overstated and out of date, it remains the most cited statistic on the secondary market because foes of gun control have thwarted extensive research on guns. Advocates of gun controls thus continue to rely on a flawed statistic nearly two decades old.
Government Workers Average Twice As Many Sick Days Per Year As Private-Sector Employees
Government Workers Average Twice As Many Sick Days Per Year As Private-Sector Employees [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
State employees can get as many as 12 sick days a year, said Matt Fedorchuk, acting deputy director for the Michigan Civil Service Commission. Fedorchuk said sick days can't be cashed out at severance for employees hired after 1980.
Government union representatives did not respond to a request for comment.
State employees can get as many as 12 sick days a year, said Matt Fedorchuk, acting deputy director for the Michigan Civil Service Commission. Fedorchuk said sick days can't be cashed out at severance for employees hired after 1980.
Government union representatives did not respond to a request for comment.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Attention Oakridge parents: Now's the time to stand up and be heard
Attention Oakridge parents: Now's the time to stand up and be heard | MLive.com
"The plan and the process of developing it bring several benefits, including allowing stakeholders’ voices to be heard, developing an understanding of how the district is perceived and defining the roles of the board and the superintendent, according to district officials."
"The plan and the process of developing it bring several benefits, including allowing stakeholders’ voices to be heard, developing an understanding of how the district is perceived and defining the roles of the board and the superintendent, according to district officials."
Amazon.com: Customer Reviews: How to Avoid Huge Ships
Amazon.com: Customer Reviews: How to Avoid Huge Ships
Customer Reviews
How to Avoid Huge Ships
MUST READ!
Customer Reviews
How to Avoid Huge Ships
MUST READ!
Russia moves to enact anti-gay law nationwide
News From AP | TBO.com:
"But if a bill that comes up for a first vote later this month becomes law, such a public kiss could be defined as illegal "homosexual propaganda" and bring a fine of up to $16,000."
"But if a bill that comes up for a first vote later this month becomes law, such a public kiss could be defined as illegal "homosexual propaganda" and bring a fine of up to $16,000."
Two-thirds of U.S. weapons owners would 'defy' a federal gun ban
Two-thirds of U.S. weapons owners would 'defy' a federal gun ban - Washington Times
"The response: 65 percent reported they would "defy the law."
That incudes 70 percent of Republicans, 68 percent of conservatives, 52 percent of Democrats and 59 percent of liberals."
"The response: 65 percent reported they would "defy the law."
That incudes 70 percent of Republicans, 68 percent of conservatives, 52 percent of Democrats and 59 percent of liberals."
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Community must grab hold of bootstraps in aftermath of Grand Blanc Weld Tool Center closing
Editorial: Community must grab hold of bootstraps in aftermath of Grand Blanc Weld Tool Center closing | MLive.com
"In all, GM paid $365,440 in local property taxes on the plant in 2012.
That money helped fund a lot of local programs and services, including the Genesee District Library, Genesee Parks, the Metropolitan Transit Authority, the Grand Blanc School District and Mott Community College."
"In all, GM paid $365,440 in local property taxes on the plant in 2012.
That money helped fund a lot of local programs and services, including the Genesee District Library, Genesee Parks, the Metropolitan Transit Authority, the Grand Blanc School District and Mott Community College."
Six opinions about the new Coast West Music Fest
Flash Views: Six opinions about the new Coast West Music Fest | MLive.com
"Jim Riley of Norton Shores thinks country fans will be a boost for the festival, but he isn't sure about the festival name:
"Coast West"?
Some folks seem to be put off by the noun "Muskegon."
"Muskegon Summer Celebration" might not have had the alliteration or "branding" so hip today, but millions of satisfied concertgoers knew where it was, what it was and how great our water view was.
Branding your location is essential.
Think, Boston Marathon.
Indy 500.
Milwaukee SummerFest.
Taste of Chicago.
Heck, Woodstock!
I like the name "Muskegon".
Plus I know where it is."
"Jim Riley of Norton Shores thinks country fans will be a boost for the festival, but he isn't sure about the festival name:
"Coast West"?
Some folks seem to be put off by the noun "Muskegon."
"Muskegon Summer Celebration" might not have had the alliteration or "branding" so hip today, but millions of satisfied concertgoers knew where it was, what it was and how great our water view was.
Branding your location is essential.
Think, Boston Marathon.
Indy 500.
Milwaukee SummerFest.
Taste of Chicago.
Heck, Woodstock!
I like the name "Muskegon".
Plus I know where it is."
Republicans declare war on their own
Commentary: Republicans declare war on their own | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com
"That makes sense to those whose sole goal is winning a majority in Congress rather than changing the course of government policy.
Seen from the outside, though, it sounds like the professional politicians are saying that the only way to win is to pick more candidates like the insiders.
Hearing that message, the reaction of many Republican and conservative voters is, "Why bother?"
That's why more than two-thirds of Republican voters believe GOP officials in Washington have lost touch with the party's base.
The Republican establishment can act as mature party leaders of a national political party, or they can protect their own self-interest."
"That makes sense to those whose sole goal is winning a majority in Congress rather than changing the course of government policy.
Seen from the outside, though, it sounds like the professional politicians are saying that the only way to win is to pick more candidates like the insiders.
Hearing that message, the reaction of many Republican and conservative voters is, "Why bother?"
That's why more than two-thirds of Republican voters believe GOP officials in Washington have lost touch with the party's base.
The Republican establishment can act as mature party leaders of a national political party, or they can protect their own self-interest."
A Liberal History of Union Thuggery and Civil Rights Perversion
A Liberal History of Union Thuggery and Civil Rights Perversion
Just as is almost exclusively true with all public union activity, many of the protestors gathered in this assembly spewed insults and foul language and carried out violence against not only their outspoken detractors, but even against reserved individuals who they perceived might be in disagreement with their cause.
Just as is almost exclusively true with all public union activity, many of the protestors gathered in this assembly spewed insults and foul language and carried out violence against not only their outspoken detractors, but even against reserved individuals who they perceived might be in disagreement with their cause.
The End of the University as We Know It
The End of the University as We Know It - Nathan Harden - The American Interest Magazine
"The figures are alarming, the anecdotes downright depressing.
But the real story of the American higher-education bubble has little to do with individual students and their debts or employment problems.
The most important part of the college bubble story—the one we will soon be hearing much more about—concerns the impending financial collapse of numerous private colleges and universities and the likely shrinkage of many public ones.
And when that bubble bursts, it will end a system of higher education that, for all of its history, has been steeped in a culture of exclusivity.
Then we’ll see the birth of something entirely new as we accept one central and unavoidable fact: The college classroom is about to go virtual."
"The figures are alarming, the anecdotes downright depressing.
But the real story of the American higher-education bubble has little to do with individual students and their debts or employment problems.
The most important part of the college bubble story—the one we will soon be hearing much more about—concerns the impending financial collapse of numerous private colleges and universities and the likely shrinkage of many public ones.
And when that bubble bursts, it will end a system of higher education that, for all of its history, has been steeped in a culture of exclusivity.
Then we’ll see the birth of something entirely new as we accept one central and unavoidable fact: The college classroom is about to go virtual."
Muskegon Community College will return to voters this year with bond proposal
Muskegon Community College will return to voters this year with bond proposal | MLive.com
In the next six weeks, the college will convene focus groups of college faculty, staff and students, as well as the community at large, who will be asked what went wrong in November and for ideas on how the proposal can be restructured.
As it did before the last proposal, the college will conduct a phone survey of several hundred to 1,000 voters.
The board of trustees is planning a retreat in late February to consider the feedback and develop a tentative proposal.
That proposal will be presented to tens of thousands of voters in a survey mailed to homes – a survey similar to one sent to 47,000 homes last year.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
In the next six weeks, the college will convene focus groups of college faculty, staff and students, as well as the community at large, who will be asked what went wrong in November and for ideas on how the proposal can be restructured.
As it did before the last proposal, the college will conduct a phone survey of several hundred to 1,000 voters.
The board of trustees is planning a retreat in late February to consider the feedback and develop a tentative proposal.
That proposal will be presented to tens of thousands of voters in a survey mailed to homes – a survey similar to one sent to 47,000 homes last year.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
As Harden puts it:
(T)hose middle-tier universities that have spent the past few decades spending tens or even hundreds of millions to offer students the Disneyland for Geeks experience are going to find themselves in real trouble. Along with luxury dorms and dining halls, vast athletic facilities, state of the art game rooms, theaters and student centers have come layers of staff and non-teaching administrators, all of which drives up the cost of the college degree without enhancing student learning. The biggest mistake a non-ultra-elite university could make today is to spend lavishly to expand its physical space. Buying large swaths of land and erecting vast new buildings is an investment in the past, not the future.(Emphasis added)
http://the-american-interest.com/article.cfm?piece=1352
Michigan Supreme Court justice Diane Hathaway charged with fraud
Michigan Supreme Court justice Diane Hathaway charged with fraud | MLive.com
Federal prosecutors have filed a fraud charge against Michigan Supreme Court Justice Diane Hathaway, just a few days before she leaves the state's highest court in a scandal involving the sale of a Detroit-area home and suspicious steps taken to conceal property in Florida.
The charge was filed Friday as a criminal "information," which means it was negotiated and that a guilty plea is expected in federal court.
Federal prosecutors have filed a fraud charge against Michigan Supreme Court Justice Diane Hathaway, just a few days before she leaves the state's highest court in a scandal involving the sale of a Detroit-area home and suspicious steps taken to conceal property in Florida.
The charge was filed Friday as a criminal "information," which means it was negotiated and that a guilty plea is expected in federal court.
Putting college in reach for Michigan foster children
Putting college in reach for Michigan foster children | Bridge Michigan
But she’s succeeding at Western, thanks to perhaps the most comprehensive program to support foster children in college in the nation.
She expects to earn a bachelor’s degree in social work and ultimately get a PhD.
The Seita program has helped Jenks adjust to college, and after a slow start, shift her focus from social to academic and boost her grades and develop relationships with her professors.
“My campus coach is super supportive and helpful,” Jenks said during her winter break.
“I can’t even imagine going to college without her or somebody to talk to.”
Jenks is one of Western’s Seita Scholars, students removed from their family homes because of abuse or neglect and now getting financial, academic and social support to give them the opportunity to succeed in college and launch successful careers.
In five years, the program grew the germ of an idea during a ride home from a conference to one of Western’s crown jewels, a signature program serving 160 students from 35 counties across the state.
But she’s succeeding at Western, thanks to perhaps the most comprehensive program to support foster children in college in the nation.
She expects to earn a bachelor’s degree in social work and ultimately get a PhD.
The Seita program has helped Jenks adjust to college, and after a slow start, shift her focus from social to academic and boost her grades and develop relationships with her professors.
“My campus coach is super supportive and helpful,” Jenks said during her winter break.
“I can’t even imagine going to college without her or somebody to talk to.”
Jenks is one of Western’s Seita Scholars, students removed from their family homes because of abuse or neglect and now getting financial, academic and social support to give them the opportunity to succeed in college and launch successful careers.
In five years, the program grew the germ of an idea during a ride home from a conference to one of Western’s crown jewels, a signature program serving 160 students from 35 counties across the state.
Holton school contract aims to end months-long sick leaves
Holton school contract aims to end months-long sick leaves | MLive.com
“(A) maximum cap limitation of 120 sick leave days has been added to prevent the over accumulation of sick days so that employees are not able to take multiple months of work in a row off beyond the 120 days,” he wrote.
The contract removed a “floating holiday” – essentially an extra day off that employees could choose when to take.
It also changed evaluations so they can be provided employees in a “meaningful way with delineated performance goals,” Kennedy said.
Employee co-pays for family health insurance coverage through Priority Health increased from $83 per month to $204.
“(A) maximum cap limitation of 120 sick leave days has been added to prevent the over accumulation of sick days so that employees are not able to take multiple months of work in a row off beyond the 120 days,” he wrote.
The contract removed a “floating holiday” – essentially an extra day off that employees could choose when to take.
It also changed evaluations so they can be provided employees in a “meaningful way with delineated performance goals,” Kennedy said.
Employee co-pays for family health insurance coverage through Priority Health increased from $83 per month to $204.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Great moments in failed predictions of resource depletion
Great moments in failed predictions of resource depletion | AEIdeas
"1. In 1885, the US Geological Survey announced that there was “little or no chance” of oil being discovered in California. In 1891, it said the same thing about Kansas and Texas.
2. In 1939 the US Department of the Interior said that American oil supplies would last only another 13 years.
3. 1944 federal government review predicted that by now the US would have exhausted its reserves of 21 of 41 commodities it examined. Among them were tin, nickel, zinc, lead and manganese.
4. In 1949 the Secretary of the Interior announced that the end of US oil was in sight.
5. In 1974, the US Geological Survey announced “at 1974 technology and 1974 price” the US had only a 10-year supply of natural gas.
For the full list of failed predictions, go here.
HT: Joe Lais"
"1. In 1885, the US Geological Survey announced that there was “little or no chance” of oil being discovered in California. In 1891, it said the same thing about Kansas and Texas.
2. In 1939 the US Department of the Interior said that American oil supplies would last only another 13 years.
3. 1944 federal government review predicted that by now the US would have exhausted its reserves of 21 of 41 commodities it examined. Among them were tin, nickel, zinc, lead and manganese.
4. In 1949 the Secretary of the Interior announced that the end of US oil was in sight.
5. In 1974, the US Geological Survey announced “at 1974 technology and 1974 price” the US had only a 10-year supply of natural gas.
For the full list of failed predictions, go here.
HT: Joe Lais"
IT LOOKS DELICIOUS: McDonald’s Offers France a High-Calorie McBaguette. “Sorry, Gallic purists, bu…
Instapundit » Blog Archive » IT LOOKS DELICIOUS
McDonald’s Offers France a High-Calorie McBaguette.
“Sorry, Gallic purists, but after sampling it, I can tell you that the McDonald’s (MCD) bread is pretty good.
OK, not as good as the premium-priced ‘traditional’ baguettes sold in bakeries and served in upscale restaurants, but certainly no worse than the standard loaves consumed daily by millions of French.”
McDonald’s Offers France a High-Calorie McBaguette.
“Sorry, Gallic purists, but after sampling it, I can tell you that the McDonald’s (MCD) bread is pretty good.
OK, not as good as the premium-priced ‘traditional’ baguettes sold in bakeries and served in upscale restaurants, but certainly no worse than the standard loaves consumed daily by millions of French.”
A Drying Lake
Daily Kos: A Drying Lake
"Jon McEwen makes an interesting point: as the water levels decline, the amount of weight on the terrain around and under the lakes is significantly lower and the land will rise, or re-emerge.
We're entering unknown territory with record low Lake Michigan levels.
What type of real world effects will the rise of bottom lands and surrounding lake lands lead to?
We don't know.
We've never seen this before."
"Jon McEwen makes an interesting point: as the water levels decline, the amount of weight on the terrain around and under the lakes is significantly lower and the land will rise, or re-emerge.
We're entering unknown territory with record low Lake Michigan levels.
What type of real world effects will the rise of bottom lands and surrounding lake lands lead to?
We don't know.
We've never seen this before."
WHY AL FRANKEN IS LOOKING IFFY ON GUN CONTROL
Instapundit » Blog Archive »
"WHY AL FRANKEN IS LOOKING IFFY ON GUN CONTROL: Minnesotans Buying Guns In Record Numbers.
“Across the country, firearms industry analysts point to soaring numbers — including first-time gun buyers now making up a quarter of all sales and nearly 75 percent of gun retailers reporting sales boosts over last year. Minnesotans are riding that same wave, prompting more than 25,000 law enforcement queries tied to permit applications since Dec. 18.
That’s more than double the 10,681 checks run for permits during the same period a year ago. . . . Those burgeoning numbers worry gun control advocates, who are puzzled that the reaction to the Newtown tragedy has been this massive firearms buildup.”
They don’t understand things very well, do they?
But then, the gun-control movement is a bunch of old, out-of-touch white people, clinging to the politics of the last century."
"WHY AL FRANKEN IS LOOKING IFFY ON GUN CONTROL: Minnesotans Buying Guns In Record Numbers.
“Across the country, firearms industry analysts point to soaring numbers — including first-time gun buyers now making up a quarter of all sales and nearly 75 percent of gun retailers reporting sales boosts over last year. Minnesotans are riding that same wave, prompting more than 25,000 law enforcement queries tied to permit applications since Dec. 18.
That’s more than double the 10,681 checks run for permits during the same period a year ago. . . . Those burgeoning numbers worry gun control advocates, who are puzzled that the reaction to the Newtown tragedy has been this massive firearms buildup.”
They don’t understand things very well, do they?
But then, the gun-control movement is a bunch of old, out-of-touch white people, clinging to the politics of the last century."
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