Ann Coulter - April 24, 2013 - THE PROBLEM ISN'T JUST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION, IT'S LEGAL IMMIGRATION, TOO:
"My thought is, maybe we should consider admitting immigrants who can succeed in America, rather than deadbeats.
But we're not allowed to "discriminate" in favor of immigrants who would be good for America.
Instead of helping America, our immigration policies are designed to help other countries solve their internal problems by shipping their losers to us. "
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
CNBC Viewership Plunges To Eight Year Lows
CNBC Viewership Plunges To Eight Year Lows | Zero Hedge:
"CNBC, which lately has become a sad, one-sided caricature of its once informative self, whose only agenda is to get the most marginal Joe Sixpack to dump his hard-earned cash into 100x P/E stocks, and where according to data from Nielsen Media Research, the total and demographic (25-54) viewership during the prime time segment (9:30am - 5:00 pm) just tumbled to 216K and 40K - the lowest recorded viewership since mid 2005 and sliding."
"CNBC, which lately has become a sad, one-sided caricature of its once informative self, whose only agenda is to get the most marginal Joe Sixpack to dump his hard-earned cash into 100x P/E stocks, and where according to data from Nielsen Media Research, the total and demographic (25-54) viewership during the prime time segment (9:30am - 5:00 pm) just tumbled to 216K and 40K - the lowest recorded viewership since mid 2005 and sliding."
Earth Day's good news: Column
Earth Day's good news: Column
Year after year, we are treated to a message of environmental doom and gloom and admonitions on Earth Day. On the back of this sentiment in wealthy countries, governments have invested billions of dollars in inefficient, feel-good policies such assubsidizing solar panels and electric cars.
But there are far better ways to improve environmental prospects for humanity and our planet. On Earth Day, we need more fracking, more wealth, smarter investments and fewer inefficient subsidies.
German taxpayers have poured $130 billion into subsidizing solar panels, but ultimately by the end of the century, this will postpone global warming by a trivial 37 hours. The electric car is even less efficient. Its production consumes a vast amount of fossil fuels, and mostly it utilizes fossil fuel electricityto be recharged. Even if the U.S. did reach the lofty goal of 1 million electric cars by 2015 — costing taxpayers more than $7.5 billion — global warming would be postponed by only 60 minutes.
These beguiling policies cost a fortune but make little difference to the environment because the technologies are still not ready. That's why we need to invest more in long-term research and development for green innovation. This would be much cheaper than current environmental policies and would end up doing more good for the climate.
If we could make solar panels 2.0 or 3.0 cheaper than fossil fuels, we could get everyone, including the Chinese and Indians, on board for a greener future.
Moreover, our focus on solar and electric cars diverts us from the world's most deadly environmental problems. In wealthy countries, most environmental indicators are getting better. We have cleaner air and cleaner water, and we suffer fewer environmental risks. But air and water pollution kill 6 million people each year and harm billions worldwide.
Wealthy countries largely solved these problems through economic development.
Poor countries should have the same opportunity to develop — so they, too, can have clean drinking water and switch to cleaner energy sources, instead of usingdung and twigs for fuel.
We can also directly intervene in poor countries. Many charitable organizations are involved in solving these problems by improving access to clean water and sanitation. By addressing these challenges, we do far more good for our planet.
Earth Day also presents an opportunity to recognize our own environmental achievements. In spite of decades of political wrangling, which failed to produce a meaningful global climate policy, it was ultimately the shale gas revolution thatcurtailed U.S. carbon dioxide emissions.
Fracking has caused a dramatic transition to natural gas, a fuel that emits 45% less carbon dioxide than burning coal. Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration showed that in 2012, carbon dioxide emissions was 12% lower than the peak in 2007. The shift from coal to natural gas is alone responsible for a reduction of between 8%-9% of the entire U.S. CO2 emissions. In fact, it amounts to twice the reduction that the rest of the world has achieved over the past 20 years.
All energy projects have risks, and though the dangers of well contamination from fracking have probably been exaggerated, tighter regulation would reduce risks further. Also, natural gas is not the ultimate energy breakthrough because it is still a fossil fuel. Even so, fracking is likely the best green option of this decade. And if fracking happened worldwide, emissions would likely decline substantially by 2020. Over the coming decades, we need to drive down the cost of green energy through smart investments in green innovation.
This Earth Day, we need a dose of realism about real environmental challenges — such as the air and water pollution that make life so miserable for billions — and the real opportunities that exist for environmental innovation, to make our planet a better place.
Bjørn Lomborg, author of The Skeptical Environmentalist and Cool It, is president of the Copenhagen Consensus Center.
$3 Million Retirement Cap in Obama's Budget Would Not Apply to Him
$3 Million Retirement Cap in Obama's Budget Would Not Apply to Him:
"President Barack Obama’s 2014 budget puts a $3 million cap on tax-advantaged retirement accounts to crack down on “wealthy individuals” using these investment vehicles to earn “substantially more than is needed to fund reasonable levels of retirement savings.”
But an analysis by Forbes finds that a 20-year old saving for retirement would need to amass a $9.97 million portfolio to fund just a $60,000 lifestyle by age 65.
What’s more, writes David John Marotta of Forbes, $3 million today represents just $500,000 in 1970s dollars.
Kathleen Pender of the San Francisco Chronicle also notes that Obama’s plan would not apply to himself:
The limit would not apply to Obama’s own pension, which is worth at least $5 million, because it is not in a tax-advantaged account, according to Brian Graff, executive director of the American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries. Obama’s pension, which guarantees him a Cabinet-level salary for life indexed to inflation, is a “non-qualified deferred compensation plan, similar to what corporate executives get,” he says."
"President Barack Obama’s 2014 budget puts a $3 million cap on tax-advantaged retirement accounts to crack down on “wealthy individuals” using these investment vehicles to earn “substantially more than is needed to fund reasonable levels of retirement savings.”
But an analysis by Forbes finds that a 20-year old saving for retirement would need to amass a $9.97 million portfolio to fund just a $60,000 lifestyle by age 65.
What’s more, writes David John Marotta of Forbes, $3 million today represents just $500,000 in 1970s dollars.
Kathleen Pender of the San Francisco Chronicle also notes that Obama’s plan would not apply to himself:
The limit would not apply to Obama’s own pension, which is worth at least $5 million, because it is not in a tax-advantaged account, according to Brian Graff, executive director of the American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries. Obama’s pension, which guarantees him a Cabinet-level salary for life indexed to inflation, is a “non-qualified deferred compensation plan, similar to what corporate executives get,” he says."
Immigration proposals: Provide in-state college tuition for young arrivals, establish Michigan office | MLive.com
Immigration proposals: Provide in-state college tuition for young arrivals, establish Michigan office | MLive.com
Michigan House Democrats, acknowledging the ongoing national debate on immigration reform, today announced a series of bills designed to make the state more welcoming for new arrivals and provide new opportunities for those already here.
The package, described collectively as the "New American Opportunity and Fairness Act," includes legislation to create an Office of Immigration Integration, which according to sponsoring Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Detroit, would allow the state to coordinate resources and services for "aspiring citizens."
A separate bill introduced by Rep. Jeff Irwin of Ann Arbor would require Michigan universities to offer in-state tuition rates to immigrants who entered the country illegally at a young age but qualify for the federal government's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which allows them to live and work in the United States without fear of deportation.
Crash in front of Mona Shores High School results in a student being taken to the hospital
Crash in front of Mona Shores High School results in a student being taken to the hospital | MLive.com: "birchtree11
the school or the city should station an individual or two at the parking lot exit as school lets out. There is always a "mad dash" of kids driving too fast with too little experience and being more concerned with their cell phone than watching for area traffic. This is not the first nor certainly the last accident of this type that will occur.
12 Hours Ago · Reply
federal12
and with norton closed more folks are driving by the high school.
i hope she is alright.
9 Hours Ago · Reply
"
'via Blog this'
the school or the city should station an individual or two at the parking lot exit as school lets out. There is always a "mad dash" of kids driving too fast with too little experience and being more concerned with their cell phone than watching for area traffic. This is not the first nor certainly the last accident of this type that will occur.
12 Hours Ago · Reply
federal12
and with norton closed more folks are driving by the high school.
i hope she is alright.
9 Hours Ago · Reply
"
'via Blog this'
Obama “Indiana Voter Fraud” Trial is Underway
Obama “Indiana Voter Fraud” Trial is Underway | The D.C. Clothesline:
"Questions will soon be answered as to whether or not Barack Hussein Obama actually qualified to be on the 2008 Presidential ballot as the trial gets underway for a former Democrat Party official and a Board of Elections worker who are accused of submitting illegitimate signatures on petitions that enabled both Obama and Hillary Clinton to qualify for the race in Indiana.
"Questions will soon be answered as to whether or not Barack Hussein Obama actually qualified to be on the 2008 Presidential ballot as the trial gets underway for a former Democrat Party official and a Board of Elections worker who are accused of submitting illegitimate signatures on petitions that enabled both Obama and Hillary Clinton to qualify for the race in Indiana.
Academic Cesspools
Academic Cesspools | CNS News:
"Recent evidence has emerged that some colleges have become bold enough to hire former terrorists to teach and possibly indoctrinate our young people. That's the case with Columbia University in the hiring of convicted Weather Underground terrorist Kathy Boudin, who spent 22 years in prison for the murder of two policemen and a Brink's guard. She now holds a professorship at Columbia's School of Social Work. Her Weather Underground comrade William Ayers is a professor of education on the faculty of the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Unrepentant, in the wake of 9/11, Ayers told us: ''I don't regret setting bombs. I feel we didn't do enough.'' Bernardine Dohrn, his wife, is a professor at Northwestern University School of Law. Her stated mission is to overthrow capitalism. "
"Recent evidence has emerged that some colleges have become bold enough to hire former terrorists to teach and possibly indoctrinate our young people. That's the case with Columbia University in the hiring of convicted Weather Underground terrorist Kathy Boudin, who spent 22 years in prison for the murder of two policemen and a Brink's guard. She now holds a professorship at Columbia's School of Social Work. Her Weather Underground comrade William Ayers is a professor of education on the faculty of the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Unrepentant, in the wake of 9/11, Ayers told us: ''I don't regret setting bombs. I feel we didn't do enough.'' Bernardine Dohrn, his wife, is a professor at Northwestern University School of Law. Her stated mission is to overthrow capitalism. "
State Has Weak History of Punishing School Campaign Finance Law Violators
State Has Weak History of Punishing School Campaign Finance Law Violators [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
"In 2011, Michigan Capitol Confidential looked at the Secretary of State's enforcement of school districts it found to have violated the campaign finance law from 2006 to 2010.
The state fined two districts that broke the law $100 each."
"In 2011, Michigan Capitol Confidential looked at the Secretary of State's enforcement of school districts it found to have violated the campaign finance law from 2006 to 2010.
The state fined two districts that broke the law $100 each."
HSBC: The Bank That Likes to Say 'Demising'
HSBC: The Bank That Likes to Say 'Demising':
"HSBC said the integration would mean the role of commercial financial advisers would be "demised".
Likewise, there would be a "demising" of 942 relationship manager roles, staffed by employees who do not give financial advice.
"I've heard a lot of HR guff in my time," said one top London headhunter.
"But this is something else.
It makes them look not only foolish, but callous and thoughtless, too."
"HSBC said the integration would mean the role of commercial financial advisers would be "demised".
Likewise, there would be a "demising" of 942 relationship manager roles, staffed by employees who do not give financial advice.
"I've heard a lot of HR guff in my time," said one top London headhunter.
"But this is something else.
It makes them look not only foolish, but callous and thoughtless, too."
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
99.5% of illegal immigrants get approval for legal status; high number raises concerns about fraud
99.5% of illegal immigrants get approval for legal status; high number raises concerns about fraud - Washington Times
But the high rate leaves others wondering whether the administration is doing all it can to weed out fraud or potentially dangerous illegal immigrants in DACA, or the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, as it’s formally known.
“You really have to wonder who they’re giving deferred action to, and what kind of risk they represent to us,” said Jessica Vaughan, director of policy studies at the Center for Immigration Studies.
“The screening process is much less for DACA than it would be for a green card, and so it’s all that much more susceptible to fraud.”
DACA is seen by many as a test-run should Congress pass a broad legalization for most of the 11 million illegal immigrants in the U.S.
Partnership with 'Pure Michigan' paid dividends last year, Experience Grand Rapids officials say
Partnership with 'Pure Michigan' paid dividends last year, Experience Grand Rapids officials say | MLive.com
"Last year’s local partnership with the “Pure Michigan” marketing campaign attracted an incremental 381,100 visits to the area, yielding a local impact on the economy of $101.5 million, officials of Experience Grand Rapids said.
Experience Grand Rapids, the official destination marketing organization for Kent County, said the figures were calculated by Longwoods International, a leader in tourism research.
Experience Grand Rapids invested $250,000 in a $500,000 "Pure Michigan" marketing campaign that showcased Grand Rapids, according to a news release issued Monday, April 22."
"Last year’s local partnership with the “Pure Michigan” marketing campaign attracted an incremental 381,100 visits to the area, yielding a local impact on the economy of $101.5 million, officials of Experience Grand Rapids said.
Experience Grand Rapids, the official destination marketing organization for Kent County, said the figures were calculated by Longwoods International, a leader in tourism research.
Experience Grand Rapids invested $250,000 in a $500,000 "Pure Michigan" marketing campaign that showcased Grand Rapids, according to a news release issued Monday, April 22."
Existing Home Sales Fall as Prices Rise Most Since 2005
Existing Home Sales Fall as Prices Rise Most Since 2005:
"The National Association of Realtors said on Monday that existing home sales edged down 0.6 percent last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.92 million units.
Economist polled by Reuters had expected home resales to rise to a 5.01 million-unit rate."
"The National Association of Realtors said on Monday that existing home sales edged down 0.6 percent last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.92 million units.
Economist polled by Reuters had expected home resales to rise to a 5.01 million-unit rate."
RACING AHEAD
RACING AHEAD | Daily Telegraph Tim Blair Blog:
How confident was the Sydney Morning Herald that the Boston bombers were associated with the Tea Party? So confident that last Friday it ran this teapot terror image:
The associated article, which has one or two problems of its own, actually applauds thoughtful media reaction:
The associated article, which has one or two problems of its own, actually applauds thoughtful media reaction:
We’re witnessing something truly remarkable: media outlets almost sticking to reporting what they know, and not racing ahead of a terrorism story.
Meanwhile, the hunt for the elusive Tea Party murderer continues.
The Internet Sales Tax Rush
Review & Outlook: The Internet Sales Tax Rush - WSJ.com:
"The Enzi plan would require a centralized tax collector for each state or for a group of states that would gather both state and local levies from the online merchants.
His office concedes that could still mean 27 or more different auditors of a Web-based business—which is better than 9,600 but hardly qualifies as simplicity.
The drivers of this rush to tax are Wal-Mart WMT -0.41% and other big retailers that can more easily absorb the costs of collection than can smaller competitors.
Also supporting the bill is Internet giant Amazon, which coincidentally now sells its own tax compliance service to other merchants.
Adding to the lobbying muscle are state and local governments.
The politicians believe they'll collect tens of billions of dollars in taxes that are already owed by shoppers on remote sales but rarely paid."
"The Enzi plan would require a centralized tax collector for each state or for a group of states that would gather both state and local levies from the online merchants.
His office concedes that could still mean 27 or more different auditors of a Web-based business—which is better than 9,600 but hardly qualifies as simplicity.
The drivers of this rush to tax are Wal-Mart WMT -0.41% and other big retailers that can more easily absorb the costs of collection than can smaller competitors.
Also supporting the bill is Internet giant Amazon, which coincidentally now sells its own tax compliance service to other merchants.
Adding to the lobbying muscle are state and local governments.
The politicians believe they'll collect tens of billions of dollars in taxes that are already owed by shoppers on remote sales but rarely paid."
Americans Run Towards the Fire
Americans Run Towards the Fire - Kurt Schlichter - Page 1
We’ve seen the footage of 9/11 where injured people are clearing the area while long lines of rescuers head into the carnage. But those folks departing are often helping the injured or the fearful, even as the grim firefighters trudge toward their fate, utterly unwilling to allow those trapped in the towers to be lost without a fight.
The Americans on Flight 93 didn’t wait for rescue. They knew what lay ahead and chose death on their feet fighting to save others on the ground over cowering in their seats.
The Americans who ran toward the wounded on Patriot’s Day in Boston showed courage not just because they willingly faced the bloody slaughter of an anti-personnel IED but because, as everyone knows, terrorists delight in planting follow-on devices to kill those coming to the aid of the original victims. Watching video of the Massachusetts Army National Guardsmen ripping through the metal barrier to use their combat lifesaver skills on the wounded, you could see the right shoulder insignia one wore. It was a “Screaming Eagle” 101st Airborne “combat patch,” earned in action in Iraq or Afghanistan – maybe both. That American warrior knew exactly what the risks were, and he didn’t hesitate.
MAYBE BLOOMBERG SHOULD FOCUS ON THIS INSTEAD OF BIG GULPS: Jew-Hatred On The NYC Subway.
Instapundit » Blog Archive » MAYBE BLOOMBERG SHOULD FOCUS ON THIS INSTEAD OF BIG GULPS
MAYBE BLOOMBERG SHOULD FOCUS ON THIS INSTEAD OF BIG GULPS: Jew-Hatred On The NYC Subway.
A harrowing scene occurred recently on the New York City subway when a group of teens approached and harassed a Jewish man wearing a yarmulke. The ringleader, a self-identified Muslim teen, threatened to kill the man and added, “They should have killed all of you.” When police confronted the belligerent 17-year-old at a stop in Brooklyn, a mob formed. As the crowd filmed the scene and yelled at the policemen, one young woman began beating a cop before being arrested.It is, indeed appalling.
It’s unclear from the Daily News report whether the mob knew exactly who or what they were defending. It’s conceivable they thought they were protesting the needless arrest of a black teenager, not endorsing the anti-Semitic conduct that led to the young man’s arrest. There’s also no evidence from this report that the 17-year-old insulted and threatened the Jewish passenger out of any religious motivation. We wouldn’t be surprised if he is simply a jerk.
Whatever the motives for the attack and for the mob’s reaction, one can’t help but be appalled. Since its founding, America has been one of the safest and most welcoming countries for Jews, judged against any time period, and New York has played a particularly important role in this regard.
PUNCHING BACK TWICE AS HARD: West Virginia teen returns to school with NRA shirt, classmates’ sup…
Instapundit » Blog Archive » PUNCHING BACK TWICE AS HARD
West Virginia teen returns to school with NRA shirt, classmates’ support.
A West Virginia teen who was arrested and suspended for wearing a National Rifle Association T-shirt to school returned to class Monday wearing the same shirt that got him into trouble.
Jared Marcum, 14, was joined by about 100 other students across Logan County who wore shirts with a similar gun rights theme in a show of support for free speech.
"That’s how you respond to this sort of thing."
West Virginia teen returns to school with NRA shirt, classmates’ support.
A West Virginia teen who was arrested and suspended for wearing a National Rifle Association T-shirt to school returned to class Monday wearing the same shirt that got him into trouble.
Jared Marcum, 14, was joined by about 100 other students across Logan County who wore shirts with a similar gun rights theme in a show of support for free speech.
"That’s how you respond to this sort of thing."
For The First Time, Average Michigan Government Employee Compensation Exceeds $100K
For The First Time, Average Michigan Government Employee Compensation Exceeds $100K [Michigan Capitol Confidential]:
"The average combined cost of salary and benefits for a state worker jumped to $104,067 in 2011-12, increasing from $97,883 in 2010-11."
"The average combined cost of salary and benefits for a state worker jumped to $104,067 in 2011-12, increasing from $97,883 in 2010-11."
No change: Consumers Energy president reiterates utility's plans to close Muskegon's B.C. Cobb plant
No change: Consumers Energy president reiterates utility's plans to close Muskegon's B.C. Cobb plant | MLive.com:
"Federal Clean Air Act regulations on the amount of particulates, nitrogen dioxide and mercury stiffen for coal-power plants in 2015.
Consumers Energy’s expected move to close B.C. Cobb, which employs 116 people, is a significant blow to the Muskegon community.
The plant is Muskegon County’s largest taxpayer, although its value diminished to $134.5 million in 2012 for taxing purposes under an agreement with the city of Muskegon and the company."
"Federal Clean Air Act regulations on the amount of particulates, nitrogen dioxide and mercury stiffen for coal-power plants in 2015.
Consumers Energy’s expected move to close B.C. Cobb, which employs 116 people, is a significant blow to the Muskegon community.
The plant is Muskegon County’s largest taxpayer, although its value diminished to $134.5 million in 2012 for taxing purposes under an agreement with the city of Muskegon and the company."
Economists: Business Tax Reform Helping, Not Hurting, Michigan
Economists: Business Tax Reform Helping, Not Hurting, Michigan [Michigan Capitol Confidential]:
"Swift's statements are inaccurate, says James Hohman, a fiscal policy analyst for the Mackinac Center for Public Policy.
The state didn't give $1.4 billion to "corporate special interests."
Instead, it eliminated the Michigan Business Tax and replaced it with a corporate income tax.
Hohman said Swift's comment about "corporate special interests" makes it appear big business, industries and companies favored by politicians received some of that $1.4 billion in special deals, something similar to the state's film incentives in which the state gives money to out-of-state movie producers.
In reality, it was mostly small businesses that ended up with the tax cut because they are not corporations and hence don't pay the corporate income tax."
"Swift's statements are inaccurate, says James Hohman, a fiscal policy analyst for the Mackinac Center for Public Policy.
The state didn't give $1.4 billion to "corporate special interests."
Instead, it eliminated the Michigan Business Tax and replaced it with a corporate income tax.
Hohman said Swift's comment about "corporate special interests" makes it appear big business, industries and companies favored by politicians received some of that $1.4 billion in special deals, something similar to the state's film incentives in which the state gives money to out-of-state movie producers.
In reality, it was mostly small businesses that ended up with the tax cut because they are not corporations and hence don't pay the corporate income tax."
Legislators eye changes to high school graduation requirements
Legislators eye changes to high school graduation requirements | Bridge Michigan:
"So came into being the Michigan Merit Curriculum – a detailed set of state requirements for high school grads.
In June, the third set of graduates taught under the curriculum will graduate.
It could be the last.
Nearly 10 bills have been filed in the Legislature to modify the state standards, most of which target foreign language and algebra II requirements.
On Wednesday, the House Education Committee took testimony on two of those bills, HB 4465 and 4466.
Mike Foster, a former superintendent at Laingsburg and supporter of the bills, said more options were needed in the requirements to allow for vocational courses – and that the existing option for a “personal curriculum” under the MMC was too restrictive.
By contrast, Justin Jennings, principal at Holland High School, speaking in opposition to the bills, said his school already was working in partnership with furniture maker Herman Miller on career training under the existing curriculum rules."
"So came into being the Michigan Merit Curriculum – a detailed set of state requirements for high school grads.
In June, the third set of graduates taught under the curriculum will graduate.
It could be the last.
Nearly 10 bills have been filed in the Legislature to modify the state standards, most of which target foreign language and algebra II requirements.
On Wednesday, the House Education Committee took testimony on two of those bills, HB 4465 and 4466.
Mike Foster, a former superintendent at Laingsburg and supporter of the bills, said more options were needed in the requirements to allow for vocational courses – and that the existing option for a “personal curriculum” under the MMC was too restrictive.
By contrast, Justin Jennings, principal at Holland High School, speaking in opposition to the bills, said his school already was working in partnership with furniture maker Herman Miller on career training under the existing curriculum rules."
Surprise runoff fees roil Detroit biz
Surprise runoff fees roil Detroit biz | Crain's Detroit Business
A DWSD internal review found the department had not been billing about 1,200 commercial businesses in the city for stormwater drainage, said Bill Johnson, a spokesman for the DWSD.
....The charges affect only Detroit businesses because the DWSD is not responsible for stormwater drainage services in suburban communities.
...."These are people that never received any sort of invoice ever for stormwater runoff," Gold said.
....While the exact amount the DWSD is owed for the unbilled drainage charges is unknown, it "could ultimately be in the millions," Johnson said.
....One city business owner, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the stormwater drainage portion of the monthly bill he recently received was for $4,500, which will amount to $54,000 annually on his 8-acre property.
"It's going to run people away," he said. "It's a rain tax -- that's really what it is."
...Susan Harvey, senior vice president of the Canton Township office of New York-based Ashley Capital LLC, an industrial and office real estate acquisition firm, said she believes the stormwater runoff charges "are excessive and they influenced our decision not to buy any more industrial property in the city of Detroit."
A DWSD internal review found the department had not been billing about 1,200 commercial businesses in the city for stormwater drainage, said Bill Johnson, a spokesman for the DWSD.
....The charges affect only Detroit businesses because the DWSD is not responsible for stormwater drainage services in suburban communities.
...."These are people that never received any sort of invoice ever for stormwater runoff," Gold said.
....While the exact amount the DWSD is owed for the unbilled drainage charges is unknown, it "could ultimately be in the millions," Johnson said.
....One city business owner, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the stormwater drainage portion of the monthly bill he recently received was for $4,500, which will amount to $54,000 annually on his 8-acre property.
"It's going to run people away," he said. "It's a rain tax -- that's really what it is."
...Susan Harvey, senior vice president of the Canton Township office of New York-based Ashley Capital LLC, an industrial and office real estate acquisition firm, said she believes the stormwater runoff charges "are excessive and they influenced our decision not to buy any more industrial property in the city of Detroit."
NPR’s Dina Temple Raston Blames Boston on ‘Right-Wing Individuals’
ViralRead » NPR’s Dina Temple Raston Blames Boston on ‘Right-Wing Individuals’:
"On NPR’s ‘All Things Considered’ yesterday, Counterterrorism Correspondent Dina Temple Raston concludes that the Boston Marathon tragedy was more than likely “a domestic extremist attack” citing April as a “big month for anti-government, right-wing individuals.”
In her segment, she notes that Hitler’s birthday and the anniversaries of the Columbine attack, the Oklahoma City bombing and the assault on the Branch-Davidian compound in Waco, TX all fall in April."
"On NPR’s ‘All Things Considered’ yesterday, Counterterrorism Correspondent Dina Temple Raston concludes that the Boston Marathon tragedy was more than likely “a domestic extremist attack” citing April as a “big month for anti-government, right-wing individuals.”
In her segment, she notes that Hitler’s birthday and the anniversaries of the Columbine attack, the Oklahoma City bombing and the assault on the Branch-Davidian compound in Waco, TX all fall in April."
Muskegon County schools pursuing September technology millage
Muskegon County schools pursuing September technology millage | MLive.com:
Eleven school districts have petitioned the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District to seek the 1-mill property tax increase to pay for technology improvements.
The districts, which do not include the Muskegon Heights Public School Academy System, would share proceeds of the millage estimated to raise about $4 million per year.
The first step in getting the 10-year “enhancement millage” on a Sept. 24 ballot is collecting signatures of registered voters. At least 3,000 valid signatures need to be collected by July 2.
The MAISD was obligated to pursue the millage after the boards of education representing at least half of the 29,000 students in the county's traditional public school districts asked it to do so.
Under state law, only intermediate school districts can seek enhancement millages.
The MAISD was obligated to pursue the millage after the boards of education representing at least half of the 29,000 students in the county's traditional public school districts asked it to do so.
Under state law, only intermediate school districts can seek enhancement millages.
A phone survey conducted in February by a research group found that 68 percent of 400 registered voters in the county supported a 1-mill school technology enhancement millage.
......Software and support services cannot be paid with traditional school bonds sought by school districts, including those to pay for technology improvements.
.......Charter schools, including the Muskegon Heights Public School Academy System, would not benefit from the millage.
Monday, April 22, 2013
My favorite Earth Day video
My favorite Earth Day video. | Jen Kuznicki:
"I can’t stop laughing.
I have a few things to point out.
Did you see how they were depriving the grass and sprouts and seedlings of CO2 and sunlight by sitting their fat asses down around the tree stump?"
MUST SEE VIDEO!
"I can’t stop laughing.
I have a few things to point out.
Did you see how they were depriving the grass and sprouts and seedlings of CO2 and sunlight by sitting their fat asses down around the tree stump?"
MUST SEE VIDEO!
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