Editorial: CalPERS made a bet – and lost - Sacramento Opinion
"CalPERS made aggressive investments in real estate at the worst possible time, when inflated property values had peaked and were already beginning to decline.
As The Sacramento Bee's Dale Kasler detailed in a recent article, one CalPERS real estate misstep stands out in particular. In February 2007, CalPERS invested $922 million in a deal with LandSource Communities Development LLC that involved thousands of homes and lots in seven states including Florida, Arizona and California.
A month before the investment was finalized, Lennar Homes, a principal partner in the LandSource deal, announced it was writing off $500 million in real estate assets because of deteriorating market conditions. That should have served as a clear warning to CalPERS, but it did not.
Sixteen months later, LandSource filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Depending on what assets the partnership sells to pay off creditors, CalPERS could lose its entire investment, nearly $1 billion."
Friday, January 09, 2009
Can we Save Our Secret Ballot from political and union stealth?
Can we Save Our Secret Ballot from political and union stealth?: "One of the more odious efforts of American business affairs is about to take center stage in the very early days of our new Congress. And as when the word ‘odious’ is associated with business affairs, it can almost always signal that labor unions are involved. Be prepared America for one of the biggest farcical rip-offs ever attempted, even by shoddy union standards."
More people leaving Michigan than any other state
More people leaving Michigan than any other state
"Michigan saw the nation’s most outbound migration in 2008, with 67.1% of interstate moves heading out, according to a migration study released Wednesday.
It marked the third straight year that Michigan, hard hit by the economy and layoffs in the auto industry, has seen the highest percentage of outbound migration."
"Michigan saw the nation’s most outbound migration in 2008, with 67.1% of interstate moves heading out, according to a migration study released Wednesday.
It marked the third straight year that Michigan, hard hit by the economy and layoffs in the auto industry, has seen the highest percentage of outbound migration."
State economists predict $1.6-billion deficit in 2010
State economists predict $1.6-billion deficit in 2010
"The state budget is almost $200 million out of whack now and faces an estimated $1.6 billion deficit in 2010 unless spending is cut, according to state economists today."
"The state budget is almost $200 million out of whack now and faces an estimated $1.6 billion deficit in 2010 unless spending is cut, according to state economists today."
Why a Tiny Alabama Town Wants a $375 Million Chunk of the Stimulus
Why a Tiny Alabama Town Wants a $375 Million Chunk of the Stimulus
"The tiny town, located near the Georgia border and 26 miles from the nearest 'big city' of Anniston (population: 24,276), added 33 proposals—about two thirds of them related to 'green' energy—to the list of 'ready- to- go' projects assembled by the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Total sum: $375,076,200.
That comes out to nearly $2 million per Edwardsville resident,"
"The tiny town, located near the Georgia border and 26 miles from the nearest 'big city' of Anniston (population: 24,276), added 33 proposals—about two thirds of them related to 'green' energy—to the list of 'ready- to- go' projects assembled by the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Total sum: $375,076,200.
That comes out to nearly $2 million per Edwardsville resident,"
Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon indicted on perjury, theft charges
Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon indicted on perjury, theft charges
"Baltimore Mayor Sheila A. Dixon was charged today with 12 counts of felony theft, perjury, fraud and misconduct in office, becoming the city's first sitting mayor to be criminally indicted."
Another democrat bites the dust!
"Baltimore Mayor Sheila A. Dixon was charged today with 12 counts of felony theft, perjury, fraud and misconduct in office, becoming the city's first sitting mayor to be criminally indicted."
Another democrat bites the dust!
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Need snow shoveling help?
Tonight at about 9:00PM two 40ish women knocked on my door.....AGAIN!
I'm at the age where that normally would "make my day" ..... but sadly, they only wanted to blow my driveway...... well you get my drift.......
These last 2 years two super quality gals have been knocking on my door to see if i needed my driveway cleared.
Snow-blowed!
These hard working entrepreneurs are what America is all about!
If you need someone who will do the job, call Amy 670-3397 or Denise 798-1327.
They do a GREAT job and are dependable!
I'm at the age where that normally would "make my day" ..... but sadly, they only wanted to blow my driveway...... well you get my drift.......
These last 2 years two super quality gals have been knocking on my door to see if i needed my driveway cleared.
Snow-blowed!
These hard working entrepreneurs are what America is all about!
If you need someone who will do the job, call Amy 670-3397 or Denise 798-1327.
They do a GREAT job and are dependable!
Muskegon County Board of Commissioners
Muskegon County Board of Commissioners
"Click here if you have a high speed internet connection
and would like to view/search all 2008 meeting minutes in one PDF document."
This link has ALL of the Muskegon County Commissioners meeting minutes in a searchable format.
Try searching for "floor scrubber".
Have fun!
"Click here if you have a high speed internet connection
and would like to view/search all 2008 meeting minutes in one PDF document."
This link has ALL of the Muskegon County Commissioners meeting minutes in a searchable format.
Try searching for "floor scrubber".
Have fun!
New Muskegon bus depot "riding floor scrubber"!
No sweat. The County has oodles of extra money for a RIDING floor scrubber!
click here:
http://co.muskegon.mi.us/clerk/11252008_board_minutes.pdf
and scroll down to the bottom of page 270-271
2008-580 AWARD THE BID FOR MUSKEGON AREA TRANSIT SYSTEM
CYLINDRICAL RIDING FLOOR SCRUBBER
TR08/11-43
The Transportation Committee recommends, moved by Gill, seconded by Engle, to award
the bid for Muskegon Area Transit System cylindrical riding floor scrubber to Hull Lift Truck,
Inc. for a price of $19,995.00.
Muskegon County Board of Commissioners November 25, 2008
Regular Meeting 3:30 p.m.
271
(Continued)
2008-580 AWARD THE BID FOR MUSKEGON AREA TRANSIT SYSTEM
CYLINDRICAL RIDING FLOOR SCRUBBER
Roll Call
Ayes: Wade, Snider, Scolnik, McMurray, Mahoney, Gill, Engle, Derezinski, Collins,
Buzzell
Nays: Aley
click here:
http://co.muskegon.mi.us/clerk/11252008_board_minutes.pdf
and scroll down to the bottom of page 270-271
2008-580 AWARD THE BID FOR MUSKEGON AREA TRANSIT SYSTEM
CYLINDRICAL RIDING FLOOR SCRUBBER
TR08/11-43
The Transportation Committee recommends, moved by Gill, seconded by Engle, to award
the bid for Muskegon Area Transit System cylindrical riding floor scrubber to Hull Lift Truck,
Inc. for a price of $19,995.00.
Muskegon County Board of Commissioners November 25, 2008
Regular Meeting 3:30 p.m.
271
(Continued)
2008-580 AWARD THE BID FOR MUSKEGON AREA TRANSIT SYSTEM
CYLINDRICAL RIDING FLOOR SCRUBBER
Roll Call
Ayes: Wade, Snider, Scolnik, McMurray, Mahoney, Gill, Engle, Derezinski, Collins,
Buzzell
Nays: Aley
Take a drive by our bus station and imagine a riding floor scrubber just chuggin' along.......how did we EVER live without it?
Coach accused of having sex with 8th grade girl
Coach accused of having sex with 8th grade girl
"WHITEHALL, Mich. (WZZM)- Whitehall High School Girls Basketball coach Jared Bays is accused of having sex with an 8th grade girl.
'She recently divulged the information to her mother and her mother contacted police,' says Muskegon county Prosecutor Tony Tague.
Bays faces 3rd Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct charges.
He is suspended from his job as a coach and teacher at the Whitehall Alternative School."
Nice "alternative".
"WHITEHALL, Mich. (WZZM)- Whitehall High School Girls Basketball coach Jared Bays is accused of having sex with an 8th grade girl.
'She recently divulged the information to her mother and her mother contacted police,' says Muskegon county Prosecutor Tony Tague.
Bays faces 3rd Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct charges.
He is suspended from his job as a coach and teacher at the Whitehall Alternative School."
Nice "alternative".
U.S. companies face $409 billion pension deficit
U.S. companies face $409 billion pension deficit
"Volatile markets have saddled U.S. companies with a $409 billion deficit on pension plans, reversing a $60 billion surplus a year earlier, and will cut into earnings in 2009,"
"Volatile markets have saddled U.S. companies with a $409 billion deficit on pension plans, reversing a $60 billion surplus a year earlier, and will cut into earnings in 2009,"
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Café Scientifique in Muskegon
Café Scientifique in Muskegon
"A fun, interesting, and FREE discussion!January 20, 2009
A discussion on anaerobicdigesters as a means to makeAmerica energy independent
Presenter: Sarah JenanDirector, Renewable Energy Group, Reynolds, Inc."
'The truth is that promoting science isn't just about providing resources-it's about protecting free and open inquiry. It's about ensuring that facts and evidence are never twisted or obscured by politics or ideology. It's about listening to what our scientists have to say, even when it's inconvenient-especially when it's inconvenient. Because the highest purpose of science is the search for knowledge, truth and a greater understanding of the world around us.'
-Barack Obama"
If you are interested in Obama's view of science, here is Muskegon's forum of believers on stage.
I'll be there.
Location: Carmen's878 Jefferson St.Muskegon, MI 49440January 20, 20096:00 to 7:30 pm
click here for directions
"A fun, interesting, and FREE discussion!January 20, 2009
A discussion on anaerobicdigesters as a means to makeAmerica energy independent
Presenter: Sarah JenanDirector, Renewable Energy Group, Reynolds, Inc."
'The truth is that promoting science isn't just about providing resources-it's about protecting free and open inquiry. It's about ensuring that facts and evidence are never twisted or obscured by politics or ideology. It's about listening to what our scientists have to say, even when it's inconvenient-especially when it's inconvenient. Because the highest purpose of science is the search for knowledge, truth and a greater understanding of the world around us.'
-Barack Obama"
If you are interested in Obama's view of science, here is Muskegon's forum of believers on stage.
I'll be there.
Location: Carmen's878 Jefferson St.Muskegon, MI 49440January 20, 20096:00 to 7:30 pm
click here for directions
Madoff is a Piker
Madoff is a Piker
"Politicians go on and on about Wall Street 'greed' and 'irresponsibility.'
But Madoff's scam was small compared to Ponzi schemes the government itself runs: Social Security and Medicare."
Mucho MSM and politician anger at profit making, job creating, product & services creating corporations. Oh yeah. They pay taxes too!
But not much interest or anger at the political ponzis who use the power of government (at EVERY level) to steal from us who have legally earned our money. And are spending our country (at EVERY level) into bankruptcy.
"Politicians go on and on about Wall Street 'greed' and 'irresponsibility.'
But Madoff's scam was small compared to Ponzi schemes the government itself runs: Social Security and Medicare."
Mucho MSM and politician anger at profit making, job creating, product & services creating corporations. Oh yeah. They pay taxes too!
But not much interest or anger at the political ponzis who use the power of government (at EVERY level) to steal from us who have legally earned our money. And are spending our country (at EVERY level) into bankruptcy.
Governor Granholm's trip to Washington
Fact Finder: Governor Granholm's trip to Washington
"How exactly did Governor Granholm get to Washington for her appearance on Meet the Press last weekend? And more importantly, who paid for it? A viewer emailed me wondering exactly that, and the answers I found are the subject of this Fact Finder Report."
The liberal press simply hates business leaders who are crook/hypocrites. They love government leaders who are crook/hypocrites.
Same old, same old.
"How exactly did Governor Granholm get to Washington for her appearance on Meet the Press last weekend? And more importantly, who paid for it? A viewer emailed me wondering exactly that, and the answers I found are the subject of this Fact Finder Report."
The liberal press simply hates business leaders who are crook/hypocrites. They love government leaders who are crook/hypocrites.
Same old, same old.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
JetBlue, TSA Officials Pay $240G in Damages Over Arab T-Shirt Flap ews | US News
JetBlue, TSA Officials Pay $240G in Damages Over Arab T-Shirt Flap
"Jarrar was approached by security officials who told him to remove his T-shirt with the words 'We will not be silent' as he waited near the front of a JetBlue flight at JFK Airport because it apparently made other passengers feel uncomfortable."
Seriously, where can I get one of those T-shirts?
4 JetBlue flights in an offensive T-shirt and $960,000 bucks for your effort?
Sure beats frequent flier miles.....
"Jarrar was approached by security officials who told him to remove his T-shirt with the words 'We will not be silent' as he waited near the front of a JetBlue flight at JFK Airport because it apparently made other passengers feel uncomfortable."
Seriously, where can I get one of those T-shirts?
4 JetBlue flights in an offensive T-shirt and $960,000 bucks for your effort?
Sure beats frequent flier miles.....
Skier Suffers Exposure - January 6, 2009
Serious "Doh!"
Skier Suffers Exposure - January 6, 2009: "JANUARY 6--In a bizarre incident that will surely lead to litigation (or an out-of-court settlement), a skier at Colorado's ritzy Vail resort was left dangling upside down and pantsless from a chairlift"
Monday, January 05, 2009
Skeptics Global Warming
Skeptics Global Warming: "Some scientists have recently remarked that 2008 could be the coolest of this century. While this does appear so, sans December data, it’s also one of the coolest of the last 25 years. In fact, year-to-date, the University of Alabama at Huntsville temperature data set suggests that 2008 will be only very slightly ..."
Obama's Science Team: A Change Of Climate? : NPR
Obama's Science Team: A Change Of Climate? : NPR: "President-elect Barack Obama filled two top science jobs Saturday. In the process, he signaled a new White House emphasis on climate change.
Harvard professor John Holdren will be the chief White House science adviser and marine biologist Jane Lubchenco will run the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Obama said his White House is determined to turn back toward science."
Be afraid..... very afraid....
Harvard professor John Holdren will be the chief White House science adviser and marine biologist Jane Lubchenco will run the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Obama said his White House is determined to turn back toward science."
Be afraid..... very afraid....
Climate Change Fraud - Because the debate is not over - Wind-Farm Problems Blowin' In The Wind
Climate Change Fraud - Because the debate is not over - Wind-Farm Problems Blowin' In The Wind: "As an over-the-road truck driver, I often pass wind farms all over the country,
and usually try to make an estimate, especially on windy days, of what
percentage of the wind turbines are actually working. Typically, between 20%
and 50% of the wind turbines are NOT working, and on one wind farm in Kansas
containing at least 100 windmills, NONE of them have been working for several
months. I'll bet this knocks the hell out of the payback estimates used to
justify the massive expenditure of taxpayer dollars to build these things."
and usually try to make an estimate, especially on windy days, of what
percentage of the wind turbines are actually working. Typically, between 20%
and 50% of the wind turbines are NOT working, and on one wind farm in Kansas
containing at least 100 windmills, NONE of them have been working for several
months. I'll bet this knocks the hell out of the payback estimates used to
justify the massive expenditure of taxpayer dollars to build these things."
Muskegon Heights council, residents, business owners lock horns over budget
Muskegon Heights council, residents, business owners lock horns over budget
"Despite the pleas and concerns expressed by the crime victim and other residents, the city council on Monday reiterated that the city doesn't have the money to continue employing that many officers. Other budget-cutting options just don't exist, frustrated city officials said repeatedly.
Think about that.
The city leaders of Muskegon Heights are telling their citizens and businesses that every other city spending area is MORE IMPORTANT than adequate police protection.
The city is doomed.
Why is the city of Muskegon following the same plan?
"Despite the pleas and concerns expressed by the crime victim and other residents, the city council on Monday reiterated that the city doesn't have the money to continue employing that many officers. Other budget-cutting options just don't exist, frustrated city officials said repeatedly.
Think about that.
The city leaders of Muskegon Heights are telling their citizens and businesses that every other city spending area is MORE IMPORTANT than adequate police protection.
The city is doomed.
Why is the city of Muskegon following the same plan?
Term limits law churns Michigan Legislature
Term limits law churns Michigan Legislature
"The 110-member Michigan House will have 46 new lawmakers when it reconvenes for a new session this month. Forty-four of the seats were open in last year's election because the incumbents were term-limited.
Michigan's term limits law restricts House members to three terms of two years, or six years total.
The 38 members of the Michigan Senate are limited to two terms of four years, or eight years total. Senate seats were not up for election last year. Both the House and Senate will be up for election in 2010."
And our "progressive" Chronicle tells us that those 38 term limiteds are too important and have been too successful to look for new employment.
Yeah, right....
"The 110-member Michigan House will have 46 new lawmakers when it reconvenes for a new session this month. Forty-four of the seats were open in last year's election because the incumbents were term-limited.
Michigan's term limits law restricts House members to three terms of two years, or six years total.
The 38 members of the Michigan Senate are limited to two terms of four years, or eight years total. Senate seats were not up for election last year. Both the House and Senate will be up for election in 2010."
And our "progressive" Chronicle tells us that those 38 term limiteds are too important and have been too successful to look for new employment.
Yeah, right....
Huge success declared in effort to stamp out hunger
Huge success declared in effort to stamp out hunger
"All any sponsoring group had to do was put up 25 percent of the $780 it takes to buy and distribute 10,000 pounds of food from the Gleaners. The foundation promised to pay the rest.
'I was just astounded at how much could be done with so little funding,' Cherin said. 'This was something we could readily wrap our arms around.'
Since their decision, the foundation has 'statistically' rid Newaygo County of hunger, said John Arnold, executive director of the Gleaners"
According to a formula he's devised that uses, as factors, the number of people in poverty in a county, the pounds of food needed to feed them, and the amount actually distributed, Arnold has declared the Newaygo County Hunger Initiative's initial goal met.
"All any sponsoring group had to do was put up 25 percent of the $780 it takes to buy and distribute 10,000 pounds of food from the Gleaners. The foundation promised to pay the rest.
'I was just astounded at how much could be done with so little funding,' Cherin said. 'This was something we could readily wrap our arms around.'
Since their decision, the foundation has 'statistically' rid Newaygo County of hunger, said John Arnold, executive director of the Gleaners"
According to a formula he's devised that uses, as factors, the number of people in poverty in a county, the pounds of food needed to feed them, and the amount actually distributed, Arnold has declared the Newaygo County Hunger Initiative's initial goal met.
Michigan approves online, off-campus courses for 12 school districts
Michigan approves online, off-campus courses for 12 school districts
"State education officials have given 11 school districts and one charter school permission to let some students take part or all of their required classes on line and off campus......
The Avondale district in Auburn Hills received its waiver last month.
Avondale Superintendent George Heitsch tells the Detroit Free Press the online classes offers struggling students 'a shot at catching up.'"
I sure hope there is more to this story.... or less.
I do have a few observations:
1. Do our school districts already have an on line class program set up? When did that happen?
2. Or is this going to be another new bureaucracy that must be funded, and staffed and started from scratch? At enormous cost?
3. As Avondale Superintendent Heitsch so eloquently stated "the online classes offers struggling students "a shot at catching up."
What! Moving "STRUGGLING" kids from the teacher assisted classroom to their own home computer gives them " a shot at catching up"? !!!!!!!!!!
4. If computers are the answer for struggling students, will there be reductions in teaching positions? (little joke there...)
5. What if the little strugglers don't have a computer? A nifty high-speed internet connection.... any freakin' self control to keep them on their algebra lesson instead of all-day porn!!!!!!
6. Who authorized this idiocy? Seriously, what are their names!
Our state is broke.
Our school systems are broke.
And total loons are running the asylums.
"State education officials have given 11 school districts and one charter school permission to let some students take part or all of their required classes on line and off campus......
The Avondale district in Auburn Hills received its waiver last month.
Avondale Superintendent George Heitsch tells the Detroit Free Press the online classes offers struggling students 'a shot at catching up.'"
I sure hope there is more to this story.... or less.
I do have a few observations:
1. Do our school districts already have an on line class program set up? When did that happen?
2. Or is this going to be another new bureaucracy that must be funded, and staffed and started from scratch? At enormous cost?
3. As Avondale Superintendent Heitsch so eloquently stated "the online classes offers struggling students "a shot at catching up."
What! Moving "STRUGGLING" kids from the teacher assisted classroom to their own home computer gives them " a shot at catching up"? !!!!!!!!!!
4. If computers are the answer for struggling students, will there be reductions in teaching positions? (little joke there...)
5. What if the little strugglers don't have a computer? A nifty high-speed internet connection.... any freakin' self control to keep them on their algebra lesson instead of all-day porn!!!!!!
6. Who authorized this idiocy? Seriously, what are their names!
Our state is broke.
Our school systems are broke.
And total loons are running the asylums.
EPA 'Cow Tax' Could Charge $175 per Dairy Cow to Curb Greenhouse Gases
EPA 'Cow Tax' Could Charge $175 per Dairy Cow to Curb Greenhouse Gases
"Farm Bureau warns just this one rule may increase milk production costs up to 8 cents a gallon."
"Farm Bureau warns just this one rule may increase milk production costs up to 8 cents a gallon."
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