Sunday, September 08, 2013
Michigan State University has abysmal transparency record
Steve Miller: Michigan State University has abysmal transparency record | MLive.com
But that “erosion” hasn’t halted the school from spending freely when it comes to attempting to prevent taxpayers from seeing public records.
The Lansing State Journal wondered earlier this year just how much the university was
getting for those luxury suites at Spartan Stadium. The newspaper reported in 2005 that a $64 million stadium upgrade included 24 suites that were to go for $80,000 a crack.
The paper wanted to see just what the return on that investment was, so it filed an open records request to find out who was paying what for the suites.
getting for those luxury suites at Spartan Stadium. The newspaper reported in 2005 that a $64 million stadium upgrade included 24 suites that were to go for $80,000 a crack.
The paper wanted to see just what the return on that investment was, so it filed an open records request to find out who was paying what for the suites.
But rather than deliver the records in accordance with the law, the school took six months to deliver the information, said attorney Herschel Fink, who represented the State Journal in a series of communications with the university over the matter.
Fink, considered widely as one of the state's premier First Amendment lawyers, told me
that “It seems I am always dealing with Michigan State over something.”
that “It seems I am always dealing with Michigan State over something.”
For the university, such a needless ordeal carries a price tag, money that could be passed
along in the name of education rather than obfuscation.
along in the name of education rather than obfuscation.
Michigan State, like so many other governmental units in the state, spends tens of thousands of dollars of taxpayer money attempting to hold onto information it is legally obligated to provide to the public.
This Day in History
My Way - My Way Today - This Day in History:
"1997 America Online acquired CompuServe."
Time does move quickly.....
"1997 America Online acquired CompuServe."
Time does move quickly.....
SHARIA IN THE MARKETPLACE: WAL-MART MANAGER FIRED FOR BURKA JOKE ON FACEBOOK
SHARIA IN THE MARKETPLACE: WAL-MART MANAGER FIRED FOR BURKA JOKE ON FACEBOOK (Geller, Atlas Shrugs) |:
"Wal-Mart, a company I have long defended against attacks from leftists and statists, has lost its way.
There is no other explanation for the firing of an employee at the behest of a Muslim Brotherhood group, an unindicted co-conspirator in the nation’s largest terror finding trial, CAIR.
Once of Wal-Mart’s employees published a silly and crass Facebook joke about the burka.
So what?
He made a remark on Facebook, not to them, not at them.
Hamas-CAIR bullied Wal-Mart into firing him.
No warning, no policy citations — just surrender to the sharia and the Islamic supremacists who enforce it in this country."
"Wal-Mart, a company I have long defended against attacks from leftists and statists, has lost its way.
There is no other explanation for the firing of an employee at the behest of a Muslim Brotherhood group, an unindicted co-conspirator in the nation’s largest terror finding trial, CAIR.
Once of Wal-Mart’s employees published a silly and crass Facebook joke about the burka.
So what?
He made a remark on Facebook, not to them, not at them.
Hamas-CAIR bullied Wal-Mart into firing him.
No warning, no policy citations — just surrender to the sharia and the Islamic supremacists who enforce it in this country."
Global cooling: Arctic ice caps grows by 60% against global warming predictions
Global cooling: Arctic ice caps grows by 60% against global warming predictions | Mail Online:
"A chilly Arctic summer has left nearly a million more square miles of ocean covered with ice than at the same time last year – an increase of 60 per cent.
The rebound from 2012’s record low comes six years after the BBC reported that global warming would leave the Arctic ice-free in summer by 2013.
Instead, days before the annual autumn re-freeze is due to begin, an unbroken ice sheet more than half the size of Europe already stretches from the Canadian islands to Russia’s northern shores."
"A chilly Arctic summer has left nearly a million more square miles of ocean covered with ice than at the same time last year – an increase of 60 per cent.
The rebound from 2012’s record low comes six years after the BBC reported that global warming would leave the Arctic ice-free in summer by 2013.
Instead, days before the annual autumn re-freeze is due to begin, an unbroken ice sheet more than half the size of Europe already stretches from the Canadian islands to Russia’s northern shores."
Worse than Jimmy Carter
Worse than Jimmy Carter | New York Post:
"The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Friday job numbers show the nation’s “labor force participation rate” — i.e., the percentage of Americans over 16 who have jobs, or are looking for one — dipped to 63.2 percent.
That beats the sad record of 63.4 percent set in 1978, a harbinger of the Carter-era stagflation and malaise to come.
.......The BLS reports that a record 90 million Americans eligible for work are sitting on the sidelines.
These workers don’t count as “unemployed,” hence the lower unemployment rate."
"The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Friday job numbers show the nation’s “labor force participation rate” — i.e., the percentage of Americans over 16 who have jobs, or are looking for one — dipped to 63.2 percent.
That beats the sad record of 63.4 percent set in 1978, a harbinger of the Carter-era stagflation and malaise to come.
.......The BLS reports that a record 90 million Americans eligible for work are sitting on the sidelines.
These workers don’t count as “unemployed,” hence the lower unemployment rate."
Numbers continue to be Stunning. 96 percent of net jobs added this year have been part-time jobs
John Lott's Website: Numbers continue to be Stunning. 96 percent of net jobs added this year have been part-time jobs:
"So far this year there have been 848,000 new jobs.
Of those, 813,000 are part time jobs (for both economic reasons and noneconomic reasons).
As can be seen in the above screen shots the BLS.gov, the total part-time jobs changed from 26.437 million in January to 27.250 million in August.
To put it differently, an incredible 96% of the jobs added this year were part-time jobs. "
"So far this year there have been 848,000 new jobs.
Of those, 813,000 are part time jobs (for both economic reasons and noneconomic reasons).
As can be seen in the above screen shots the BLS.gov, the total part-time jobs changed from 26.437 million in January to 27.250 million in August.
To put it differently, an incredible 96% of the jobs added this year were part-time jobs. "
When Tom Izzo speaks, Michigan State students listen
During a lightning delay at the Spartans football game, the students section refused to leave. Tom Izzo convinced them to. Because Tom Izzo is a legend.
Nearly $1 billion in bonuses paid from ailing Detroit pension fund
Nearly $1 billion in bonuses paid from ailing Detroit pension fund | Detroit Free Press | freep.com:
"One of Detroit’s two pension funds handed out nearly $1 billion in bonus cash payments over two decades to retirees and active employees’ retirement accounts instead of reinvesting the extra earnings for the future, according to a Free Press review of city records."
"One of Detroit’s two pension funds handed out nearly $1 billion in bonus cash payments over two decades to retirees and active employees’ retirement accounts instead of reinvesting the extra earnings for the future, according to a Free Press review of city records."
Saturday, September 07, 2013
Anti-War Celebs M.I.A. on Obama's Syria War Threat
Anti-War Celebs M.I.A. on Obama's Syria War Threat:
"Differences certainly exist between the drumbeat to war against Syria and the military action in Iraq. What's notable, however, is the lack of support Obama brings to the current potential conflict.
While Bush rallied dozens of nations for his war moves, this president has only France at his side."
"Differences certainly exist between the drumbeat to war against Syria and the military action in Iraq. What's notable, however, is the lack of support Obama brings to the current potential conflict.
While Bush rallied dozens of nations for his war moves, this president has only France at his side."
Prescription drugs found in Lake Michigan in high levels, new study shows
Prescription drugs found in Lake Michigan in high levels, new study shows | MLive.com: "The compounds were detected as far as two miles away from the treatment plant's discharge point, the study states."
Hey, if we give these guys more money, they'll fix it ......right?
Hey, if we give these guys more money, they'll fix it ......right?
Appeals court lifts injunction on Michigan law blocking union agreements on public construction projects
Appeals court lifts injunction on Michigan law blocking union agreements on public construction projects | MLive.com:
"LANSING -- Building and construction unions lost a key court decision Friday when a federal appeals panel upheld a Michigan law prohibiting public agencies from entering labor agreements for public construction projects."
BIG!
"LANSING -- Building and construction unions lost a key court decision Friday when a federal appeals panel upheld a Michigan law prohibiting public agencies from entering labor agreements for public construction projects."
BIG!
Post Proposal 2: Cities drop affirmative action tracking, with exception of Grand Rapids
Post Proposal 2: Cities drop affirmative action tracking, with exception of Grand Rapids | MLive.com:
"The Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion released the report Friday.
The study examines the effect of the 2006 amendment to the Michigan constitution which eliminated affirmative action programs in education, state contracts and government employment.
One of the chief conclusions is that state and local governments are not tracking diversity statistics, particularly for law enforcement agencies outside the Michigan State Police."
The QuotaCowboyz are at it again!
"The Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion released the report Friday.
The study examines the effect of the 2006 amendment to the Michigan constitution which eliminated affirmative action programs in education, state contracts and government employment.
One of the chief conclusions is that state and local governments are not tracking diversity statistics, particularly for law enforcement agencies outside the Michigan State Police."
The QuotaCowboyz are at it again!
Rep. Levin blasts Upton letter to Obamacare 'navigators'
Rep. Levin blasts Upton letter to Obamacare 'navigators' | Crain's Detroit Business:
"The four-page letter was sent to organizations that received federal grant money this summer to educate the public about the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
The letter asked the organizations for detailed accounting on how they will spend the federal grant money, how they will protect personal information during enrollment and for descriptions on training, supervision of employees and full documentation on how the organization received the grant.
"If you read this letter … its purpose is clear to make it more difficult for navigators to do this work," said Levin, who was chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee when Obamacare was approved in 2010."
"The four-page letter was sent to organizations that received federal grant money this summer to educate the public about the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
The letter asked the organizations for detailed accounting on how they will spend the federal grant money, how they will protect personal information during enrollment and for descriptions on training, supervision of employees and full documentation on how the organization received the grant.
"If you read this letter … its purpose is clear to make it more difficult for navigators to do this work," said Levin, who was chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee when Obamacare was approved in 2010."
Michigan road funding: Medicaid deal offers one-time fix but may hurt odds of long-term solution
Michigan road funding: Medicaid deal offers one-time fix but may hurt odds of long-term solution | MLive.com:
"Those savings -- likely to be smaller than initial projections because the Senate delayed implementation for three months -- may end up going to roads."
What a crock of lies dressed up as promises!
"Those savings -- likely to be smaller than initial projections because the Senate delayed implementation for three months -- may end up going to roads."
What a crock of lies dressed up as promises!
Kansas Changes Welfare Law, Will Cut An Estimated 20,000 People Off Welfare
Kansas Changes Welfare Law, Will Cut An Estimated 20,000 People Off Welfare:
"Kansas Governor Sam Brownback announced today that an estimated 20,000 Kansas residents will soon have to work at least 20 hours per-week in order to continue receiving food stamps."
"Kansas Governor Sam Brownback announced today that an estimated 20,000 Kansas residents will soon have to work at least 20 hours per-week in order to continue receiving food stamps."
Energy Department loses $42 million on loan to Michigan company VPG
Energy Department loses $42 million on loan to Michigan company VPG - Washington Times:
"The Energy Department conceded Friday that the federal government will lose $42 million on a loan to a shuttered Michigan van manufacturer — part of the same program that provided a $529 million loan to an electric car maker that also has gone under.
Vehicle Production Group (VPG), which made vans for the disabled, ceased operations in February and laid off 100 workers, two years after receiving a $50 million federal loan under the same clean-energy program that provided a $529 million loan to electric car maker Fisker Automotive Inc."
"The Energy Department conceded Friday that the federal government will lose $42 million on a loan to a shuttered Michigan van manufacturer — part of the same program that provided a $529 million loan to an electric car maker that also has gone under.
Vehicle Production Group (VPG), which made vans for the disabled, ceased operations in February and laid off 100 workers, two years after receiving a $50 million federal loan under the same clean-energy program that provided a $529 million loan to electric car maker Fisker Automotive Inc."
IRS spent $10,000 to make parody of Trump's 'Apprentice'
IRS spent $10,000 to make parody of Trump's 'Apprentice' - Washington Times:
"In 2012, the agency spent $2.2 million on videos, but will spend an estimated $139,000 this year."
"In 2012, the agency spent $2.2 million on videos, but will spend an estimated $139,000 this year."
U.S. Failed to Reduce ‘Food Insecurity’ Despite Spending Billions More
U.S. Failed to Reduce ‘Food Insecurity’ Despite Spending Billions More | Washington Free Beacon:
"The USDA says its food programs “increase food security.” However, the agency’s spending through the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) increased by $6.4 billion from 2011 to 2012 with no statistically significant change in the level of food insecurity.
“Food and nutrition assistance programs of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) increase food security by providing low-income households access to food, a healthful diet, and nutrition education,” the USDA said in a report released this week.
By the agency’s own measure the change in food insecurity from 2011 to 2012 was near zero."
"The USDA says its food programs “increase food security.” However, the agency’s spending through the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) increased by $6.4 billion from 2011 to 2012 with no statistically significant change in the level of food insecurity.
“Food and nutrition assistance programs of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) increase food security by providing low-income households access to food, a healthful diet, and nutrition education,” the USDA said in a report released this week.
By the agency’s own measure the change in food insecurity from 2011 to 2012 was near zero."
Detroit Meijer store stalled
Detroit Meijer store stalled | The Detroit News
Grand Rapids-based grocer Meijer Inc.’s plans for a second Detroit store have been stalled by the city’s bankruptcy case.
...... The company cannot move forward on developing a lot in northwest Detroit for a superstore because of “private use restrictions” that limit the site’s use to residential purposes
Production halted at Holland LG Chem plant
Production halted at Holland LG Chem plant | wzzm13.com:
"HOLLAND, Mich. (WZZM) -- Battery production at LG Chem's Holland plant is at a standstill again.
In a statement sent to WZZM 13 News, company spokesman Jeremy Hagemeyer says LG Chem Michigan Inc. is temporarily suspending production of lithium ion batteries, after finding out an ingredient used in the batteries may not be properly registered with the Environmental Protection Agency.
The production delay is expected to last about six weeks while the EPA reviews the registration status.
Hagemeyer says during the delay, LG Chem workers will take part in improvement projects and specialized training. "
"HOLLAND, Mich. (WZZM) -- Battery production at LG Chem's Holland plant is at a standstill again.
In a statement sent to WZZM 13 News, company spokesman Jeremy Hagemeyer says LG Chem Michigan Inc. is temporarily suspending production of lithium ion batteries, after finding out an ingredient used in the batteries may not be properly registered with the Environmental Protection Agency.
The production delay is expected to last about six weeks while the EPA reviews the registration status.
Hagemeyer says during the delay, LG Chem workers will take part in improvement projects and specialized training. "
Bill would exempt Mich. seniors from buying unlimited no-fault medical coverage
Bill would exempt Mich. seniors from buying unlimited no-fault medical coverage | Detroit Free Press | freep.com:
"Michigan lawmakers are working to exempt senior citizens from a state requirement that all drivers purchase unlimited medical coverage through their auto insurers.
Rep. Jeff Farrington, R-Utica, introduced a bill this week to change Michigan’s controversial no-fault law and make personal injury protection — the mandatory medical coverage — optional for Michigan drivers who are 65 or older and on Medicare."
"Michigan lawmakers are working to exempt senior citizens from a state requirement that all drivers purchase unlimited medical coverage through their auto insurers.
Rep. Jeff Farrington, R-Utica, introduced a bill this week to change Michigan’s controversial no-fault law and make personal injury protection — the mandatory medical coverage — optional for Michigan drivers who are 65 or older and on Medicare."
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