Muskegon to honor former Congressman Pete Hoekstra at Feb. 10 event MLive.com
"The local delayed farewell celebration for former U.S. Congressman Pete Hoekstra has been scheduled for Feb. 10 at the offices of Revel, 900 Third, Suite 200.
The Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce gathering for the 18-year outgoing congressman from Michigan's 2nd District was postponed in December because of lame duck sessions of the U.S. House of Representatives.
The Feb. 10 event from 4:30-6:30 p.m. hosted by the Muskegon marketing firm is sponsored by L3 Combat Propulsion Systems.
It is a chamber Business After Hours event that is open to the public."
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Gafftastic! Joe Biden stops by battery plant, calls Ener1 plant "Enron One," gets the gender of an Indiana Senator wrong
theblogprof: Gafftastic! Joe Biden stops by battery plant, calls Ener1 plant "Enron One," gets the gender of an Indiana Senator wrong
Major bozo alert...as if we needed any more.....
Major bozo alert...as if we needed any more.....
A SUGGESTION FROM MICKEY KAUS: Shouldn’t Republicans hold hearings on the general threat of Putinlike corporatism?
A SUGGESTION FROM MICKEY KAUS: Shouldn’t Republicans hold hearings on the general threat of Putin…
"Shouldn’t Republicans hold hearings on the general threat of Putin-like corporatism—i.e., an insidious alliance between big government and favored corporate and labor interests?
a) They could call GE CEO Jeffrey Immelt to testify and embarrass him about the myriad ways in which his slightly creepy role as CEO and presidential adviser might allow him to benefit his company and squash competitors;
b) They could grill the various regulators who might be tempted to favor the auto manufacturers that the government bailed out (and which, in GM’s case, it still owns about a third of).
Maybe some GM competitors would even be brave enough to testify.
(Exhibit No. 23: Will GM and Chrysler claim all the remaining billions of “green” retooling loan money from Obama’s Department of Energy? Entrepreneurial startups need not apply?)
c) They could question whether these bureaucrats and others are also doing favors for other Obama constituencies, like labor unions, or Google;
d) They’d appear transpartisan–this is an issue where left and right populists unite.
Do they love corporate-government alliances at Daily Kos?
It’s also one of the legitimate worries at the heart of TeaPartyism.
e) Hearings might help."
"Shouldn’t Republicans hold hearings on the general threat of Putin-like corporatism—i.e., an insidious alliance between big government and favored corporate and labor interests?
a) They could call GE CEO Jeffrey Immelt to testify and embarrass him about the myriad ways in which his slightly creepy role as CEO and presidential adviser might allow him to benefit his company and squash competitors;
b) They could grill the various regulators who might be tempted to favor the auto manufacturers that the government bailed out (and which, in GM’s case, it still owns about a third of).
Maybe some GM competitors would even be brave enough to testify.
(Exhibit No. 23: Will GM and Chrysler claim all the remaining billions of “green” retooling loan money from Obama’s Department of Energy? Entrepreneurial startups need not apply?)
c) They could question whether these bureaucrats and others are also doing favors for other Obama constituencies, like labor unions, or Google;
d) They’d appear transpartisan–this is an issue where left and right populists unite.
Do they love corporate-government alliances at Daily Kos?
It’s also one of the legitimate worries at the heart of TeaPartyism.
e) Hearings might help."
Federal Money Hasn't Bought Better Schools
Federal Money Hasn't Bought Better Schools - Investors.com
"American test scores and graduation rates are stagnant.
One in 10 high schools is a dropout factory.
And our students' performance in one of the most prestigious global math competitions has been so abysmal that the U.S. simply withdrew altogether."
"American test scores and graduation rates are stagnant.
One in 10 high schools is a dropout factory.
And our students' performance in one of the most prestigious global math competitions has been so abysmal that the U.S. simply withdrew altogether."
First Lady Asks Businesses to Allow Employees to Spend Part of Work Week Mentoring Youth
First Lady Asks Businesses to Allow Employees to Spend Part of Work Week Mentoring Youth CNSnews.com
"First lady Michelle Obama on Tuesday said she was “thrilled” to announce a new program that asks U.S. businesses to allow employees to spend part of the work day volunteering with young people.
The program will be run by the federal agency tasked with overseeing volunteerism in the United States."
This is NUTS!
Since when does the government "ask" companies to do anything?
"First lady Michelle Obama on Tuesday said she was “thrilled” to announce a new program that asks U.S. businesses to allow employees to spend part of the work day volunteering with young people.
The program will be run by the federal agency tasked with overseeing volunteerism in the United States."
This is NUTS!
Since when does the government "ask" companies to do anything?
The 12 Worst Colleges For Free Speech
"In 2008, Michigan State University (MSU) was added to FIRE's Red Alert list after it punished student government leader Kara Spencer for e-mailing a carefully chosen list of faculty members to express concern about a proposal to shorten the academic year (without reducing tuition, of course).
Spencer was found guilty of 'spamming,' and following a national outcry--13 civil liberties organizations sent MSU an open letter protesting the decision--MSU dropped the charges.
Unfortunately, the school then enacted an overbroad spam policy even worse than the one used against Spencer.
As a result, every MSU student remains at risk of being punished for 'spamming'--simply for sending more than 10 friends, classmates, or faculty the same unsolicited e-mail within 48 hours."
We're # 7!
Public Employee Unions: Public Enemy No. 1?
Public Employee Unions: Public Enemy No. 1? - Capital Journal - WSJ
"“We have a new privileged class in America,” Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels told Politico.
“We used to think of government workers as underpaid public servants.
Now they are better paid than the people who pay their salaries.”"
"“We have a new privileged class in America,” Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels told Politico.
“We used to think of government workers as underpaid public servants.
Now they are better paid than the people who pay their salaries.”"
Soldiers Seize Drug Slingshot on US-Mexico Border
Soldiers Seize Drug Slingshot on US-Mexico Border
"In what seems like a scene straight out of a Monty Python movie, Mexican soldiers seized a giant catapult believed to have been used to fling drugs across the U.S.-Mexico border."
"In what seems like a scene straight out of a Monty Python movie, Mexican soldiers seized a giant catapult believed to have been used to fling drugs across the U.S.-Mexico border."
Video: Actor Danny Glover Blames Conservatives for Tucson Tragedy
theblogprof: Video: Actor Danny Glover Blames Conservatives for Tucson Tragedy
Keep in mind that this same actor that blamed global warming for Haiti's earthquake last year.
Keep in mind that this same actor that blamed global warming for Haiti's earthquake last year.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
President Barack Granholm |
President Barack Granholm themichiganview.com The Michigan View
"Granholm envisioned a transformation of Michigan from Rust Belt to 'Green Belt' with massive, European-like, public investments in infrastructure and alternative energy.
'In five years, you'll be blown away,' she predicted in what would become her signature line.
Ironically, thousands of state jobs were blown away as Granholm's vision diverted pols' attention from much-needed reforms to the state's budget and business climate.
Since her speech in 2006, the state's unemployment rate has exploded from 7.4 percent to 11.4."
"Granholm envisioned a transformation of Michigan from Rust Belt to 'Green Belt' with massive, European-like, public investments in infrastructure and alternative energy.
'In five years, you'll be blown away,' she predicted in what would become her signature line.
Ironically, thousands of state jobs were blown away as Granholm's vision diverted pols' attention from much-needed reforms to the state's budget and business climate.
Since her speech in 2006, the state's unemployment rate has exploded from 7.4 percent to 11.4."
Selective Thoughts
Selective Thoughts - Bruce Bialosky - Townhall Conservative
"Of the wealthiest zip codes in the U.S., 19 out of 20 vote Democratic.
How much longer can the Dems continue the lie of representing the interests of the common man?
What they represent is the interest of those who can take advantage of government in the most selfish manner."
"Of the wealthiest zip codes in the U.S., 19 out of 20 vote Democratic.
How much longer can the Dems continue the lie of representing the interests of the common man?
What they represent is the interest of those who can take advantage of government in the most selfish manner."
Report Says Rate of Illegal Immigration into US at Lowest Level in Two Decades
Report Says Rate of Illegal Immigration into US at Lowest Level in Two Decades
"The Pew report is based mostly on census data.
The center estimated the number of illegal immigrants by subtracting the number of legal, documented immigrants from the total number of foreign-born people living in the country, it said."
Gotta love "reports" by groups that use census data that specifically precludes asking about an individuals immigration status.
Ain't studies great?
"The Pew report is based mostly on census data.
The center estimated the number of illegal immigrants by subtracting the number of legal, documented immigrants from the total number of foreign-born people living in the country, it said."
Gotta love "reports" by groups that use census data that specifically precludes asking about an individuals immigration status.
Ain't studies great?
City officials float the idea of regional taxation in Michigan
City officials float the idea of regional taxation in Michigan MLive.com
"League officials said Wednesday said cities can’t join together to provide shared services without changes in state law that currently require employees to be paid at the highest rate provided by a unit of government participating in the merger.
Cities also want the authority to eliminate the December billing and consolidate all property tax collections in the summer.
Another measure would amend state binding arbitration law so that in resolving impasses with police and fire unions, an arbitrator would have to consider a city’s ability to pay."
"League officials said Wednesday said cities can’t join together to provide shared services without changes in state law that currently require employees to be paid at the highest rate provided by a unit of government participating in the merger.
Cities also want the authority to eliminate the December billing and consolidate all property tax collections in the summer.
Another measure would amend state binding arbitration law so that in resolving impasses with police and fire unions, an arbitrator would have to consider a city’s ability to pay."
Obama’s Spending “Freeze”
Obama’s Spending “Freeze” NetRight Daily
"But alas, Obama did not propose reining in the nation’s unsustainable entitlement obligations.
Net spending will increase every year on end under his proposals, until one day the public treasury will no longer be able to sustain it."
"But alas, Obama did not propose reining in the nation’s unsustainable entitlement obligations.
Net spending will increase every year on end under his proposals, until one day the public treasury will no longer be able to sustain it."
YOU WANT A “SPUTNIK MOMENT?” HERE’S YOUR FREAKIN’ SPUTNIK MOMENT: US Budget Deficit to Pass $1.5 Trillion!
Instapundit » Blog Archive » YOU WANT A “SPUTNIK MOMENT?” HERE’S YOUR FREAKIN’ SPUTNIK MOMENT: US Budget Deficit to Pass $1.5 Trillion
This is really scary too.
Where’s the serious response?
And no, more of the same doesn’t count.
A 5% across the board spending cut — real year-over-year cutting, not a cut against projected growth — would only barely begin to count as serious.
Freezes and other flimflams don’t count at all.
This is really scary too.
Where’s the serious response?
And no, more of the same doesn’t count.
A 5% across the board spending cut — real year-over-year cutting, not a cut against projected growth — would only barely begin to count as serious.
Freezes and other flimflams don’t count at all.
U.S. Manufacturing: Output vs. Jobs Since 1975
U.S. Manufacturing: Output vs. Jobs Since 1975 Mercatus
"This week, Veronique de Rugy examines changes in employment and productivity in the American manufacturing sector.
Since 1975, manufacturing output has more than doubled, while employment in the sector has decreased by 31%.
While these American job losses are indeed sobering, they are not an indication of declining U.S. competitiveness.
In fact, these statistics reveal that the average American manufacturer is over three times more productive today than they were in 1975 – a sure sign of economic progress."
"This week, Veronique de Rugy examines changes in employment and productivity in the American manufacturing sector.
Since 1975, manufacturing output has more than doubled, while employment in the sector has decreased by 31%.
While these American job losses are indeed sobering, they are not an indication of declining U.S. competitiveness.
In fact, these statistics reveal that the average American manufacturer is over three times more productive today than they were in 1975 – a sure sign of economic progress."
How NAACP concealed George Washington
How NAACP concealed George Washington
"'The NAACP's hypocrisy, and the double standard of the media, reared their ugly heads yet again.
This time, it's South Carolina.
The event is the MLK 'King Day at the Dome' hosted by the South Carolina NAACP.'
'They literally built a (15-foot wooden) box and covered (all but the backside of) the statue of President George Washington for the duration of their event. … Naturally, the media are absolutely silent on this matter' (italics added)."
"'The NAACP's hypocrisy, and the double standard of the media, reared their ugly heads yet again.
This time, it's South Carolina.
The event is the MLK 'King Day at the Dome' hosted by the South Carolina NAACP.'
'They literally built a (15-foot wooden) box and covered (all but the backside of) the statue of President George Washington for the duration of their event. … Naturally, the media are absolutely silent on this matter' (italics added)."
Lucious dismissal latest twist in MSU saga
Lucious dismissal latest twist in MSU saga - College Basketball Nation Blog - ESPN
"Late Tuesday night, as Tom Izzo released a statement revealing his dismissal of his starting guard for 'conduct detrimental to the program,'
Lucious himself reacted to the news on his Twitter account.
His tweet -- bound to enter Michigan State lore, and already generating some rather hilarious 140-character comedy -- was simply this: 'Man did I really mess up this time...off 2 the gym I go!'"
"Late Tuesday night, as Tom Izzo released a statement revealing his dismissal of his starting guard for 'conduct detrimental to the program,'
Lucious himself reacted to the news on his Twitter account.
His tweet -- bound to enter Michigan State lore, and already generating some rather hilarious 140-character comedy -- was simply this: 'Man did I really mess up this time...off 2 the gym I go!'"
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Rick Comley to retire at end of season
Rick Comley to retire at end of season
@LisaByington: #msu announces retirement of Rick Comley at end of season."
BIG!
@LisaByington: #msu announces retirement of Rick Comley at end of season."
BIG!
Champion News
Champion News
"We have an example of an $189,000/yr music teacher who pulls down a $130,000 pension at age 55 after contributing less than a self-employed music teacher would contribute to Social Security for a pension of $21,000 at age 62 here: Teacher Contributes Less for His $130K Pension Than You Do for Your $21K Social Security.
Here's a story of a $75,000/yr kindergarten teacher with a pension of $155,000/yr.
Pension Insanity: $75,000 Salary Turns Into $155,000 Pension for One Kindergarten Teacher.
Or how about a $1 million dollar payout for two high school teachers to retire early?
$1 Million Payout to Two Teachers Proves Schools Should Pay for Pensions, Not the State.
And finally this one explains why pensions cost so much: Teacher's 41% Salary Increase Costs Taxpayers $1.3 Million in Extra Pension Payments."
"We have an example of an $189,000/yr music teacher who pulls down a $130,000 pension at age 55 after contributing less than a self-employed music teacher would contribute to Social Security for a pension of $21,000 at age 62 here: Teacher Contributes Less for His $130K Pension Than You Do for Your $21K Social Security.
Here's a story of a $75,000/yr kindergarten teacher with a pension of $155,000/yr.
Pension Insanity: $75,000 Salary Turns Into $155,000 Pension for One Kindergarten Teacher.
Or how about a $1 million dollar payout for two high school teachers to retire early?
$1 Million Payout to Two Teachers Proves Schools Should Pay for Pensions, Not the State.
And finally this one explains why pensions cost so much: Teacher's 41% Salary Increase Costs Taxpayers $1.3 Million in Extra Pension Payments."
Public Employee Union Benefits Are a Fiscal Disaster
Public Employee Union Benefits Are a Fiscal Disaster - US News and World Report
"state and local workers now earn an average of $14 more per hour in wages and benefits than their private sector counterparts.
In general, the average state government worker reaps retirement benefits several times richer than a counterpart in the private sector, a critical reason why public pension costs have become unsustainable.
For example, state and local governments contributed $3.04 per hour toward each employee's retirement in 2007, according to U.S. Labor Department figures, while private employers paid 92 cents an hour.
.....The most egregious issue is pensions.
Many state workers can retire in their mid-50s on close to full pay and, therefore, can receive pensions for more years than they have worked, even though they are young enough to take another job.
In this sense, public sector pensions have created a new class of millionaires.
Take a pension's present value; that is how much cash you would need to buy an annuity making payments equal to the pension.
In many cases, you would find the cash needed would be well into seven figures.
And these calculations don't even include the value of retiree healthcare benefits, which for many retirees vastly exceed those in the private sector.
In a number of states, these benefits include health insurance approximating $14,000 per year for family coverage, which is exempt from taxation.
"
"state and local workers now earn an average of $14 more per hour in wages and benefits than their private sector counterparts.
In general, the average state government worker reaps retirement benefits several times richer than a counterpart in the private sector, a critical reason why public pension costs have become unsustainable.
For example, state and local governments contributed $3.04 per hour toward each employee's retirement in 2007, according to U.S. Labor Department figures, while private employers paid 92 cents an hour.
.....The most egregious issue is pensions.
Many state workers can retire in their mid-50s on close to full pay and, therefore, can receive pensions for more years than they have worked, even though they are young enough to take another job.
In this sense, public sector pensions have created a new class of millionaires.
Take a pension's present value; that is how much cash you would need to buy an annuity making payments equal to the pension.
In many cases, you would find the cash needed would be well into seven figures.
And these calculations don't even include the value of retiree healthcare benefits, which for many retirees vastly exceed those in the private sector.
In a number of states, these benefits include health insurance approximating $14,000 per year for family coverage, which is exempt from taxation.
"
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