Lansing to reimburse $550K in parking overcharges
"Lansing plans to reimburse drivers up to $550,000 for overcharged parking fines and monthly parking permits, dating back to 2006 in some cases.
The city said it has identified more than 112,000 cases where parking fines were overcharged since July 1, 2006. Three quarters of the fines were issued for a single parking violation. Drivers were overcharged by $2 or $5. It was not immediately clear how or why drivers were overcharged.
Great news reporting!
No one knows what happened!
No one asked!
No worries cuz Jenny is gonna send us $550,000!
It don't get better than this!
I can't wait til they take over Toyota of America......
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Longtime county official retires
Longtime county official retires
"But he doesn't plan on staying that way long. He's searching for his next opportunity to serve the community.
Elwell, 60, has completed a stint as Muskegon County's interim administrator. He will remain at the county building this week to help his replacement get acquainted with employees and the issues.
Wisconsin's Bonnie Hammersley becomes the county's first female top administrator on Monday.
Elwell, the county's former director of mental health, retired in 2007. A year later, county commissioners tapped him to serve as interim administrator.
Is there a possible triple-dip on our state pension system about to happen?
"But he doesn't plan on staying that way long. He's searching for his next opportunity to serve the community.
Elwell, 60, has completed a stint as Muskegon County's interim administrator. He will remain at the county building this week to help his replacement get acquainted with employees and the issues.
Wisconsin's Bonnie Hammersley becomes the county's first female top administrator on Monday.
Elwell, the county's former director of mental health, retired in 2007. A year later, county commissioners tapped him to serve as interim administrator.
Is there a possible triple-dip on our state pension system about to happen?
Longtime Montague Principal Gary Beaudoin retiring
Longtime Montague Principal Gary Beaudoin retiring
"After retiring last summer but continuing to serve as Montague's middle school principal this year, Gary Beaudoin will end his 22-year tenure with the district in late June.
The Montague school board approved his retirement last July and reaccepted it at a meeting this week. Beaudoin, an educator for 37 years, started in June 1987 as principal of Nellie B. Chisholm Middle School.
Beaudoin worked this year on a one-year contract through a private educational consulting business owned by Beaudoin and his wife, Jane. The couple is now ready to 'change the pace of life a little' and are moving to East Lansing to be closer to family, he said.
'It's been a wonderful ride,' he said. 'It's been a wonderful place to work, and I will miss the kids, but I'm looking forward to the change.'
The contract with Key Points Consulting paid Beaudoin $79,050, similar to his annual salary, this year. The arrangement was designed to provide a financial savings to the district and allow Beaudoin to reduce his workload and draw from his retirement while continuing to work.
Superintendent Dave Sipka has said the change would save the district about $36,000 in money it would have spent on health insurance benefits, FICA and annual retirement contributions."
This is disgusting!
The Montague fools paid him full time wages for part-time work!
So, if they need a part timer, why EVER pay $115,050 for a middle school principal, plus our state funded mega retirement?
"After retiring last summer but continuing to serve as Montague's middle school principal this year, Gary Beaudoin will end his 22-year tenure with the district in late June.
The Montague school board approved his retirement last July and reaccepted it at a meeting this week. Beaudoin, an educator for 37 years, started in June 1987 as principal of Nellie B. Chisholm Middle School.
Beaudoin worked this year on a one-year contract through a private educational consulting business owned by Beaudoin and his wife, Jane. The couple is now ready to 'change the pace of life a little' and are moving to East Lansing to be closer to family, he said.
'It's been a wonderful ride,' he said. 'It's been a wonderful place to work, and I will miss the kids, but I'm looking forward to the change.'
The contract with Key Points Consulting paid Beaudoin $79,050, similar to his annual salary, this year. The arrangement was designed to provide a financial savings to the district and allow Beaudoin to reduce his workload and draw from his retirement while continuing to work.
Superintendent Dave Sipka has said the change would save the district about $36,000 in money it would have spent on health insurance benefits, FICA and annual retirement contributions."
This is disgusting!
The Montague fools paid him full time wages for part-time work!
So, if they need a part timer, why EVER pay $115,050 for a middle school principal, plus our state funded mega retirement?
Michigan auto insurance rates going up
Michigan auto insurance rates going up
"Michigan motorists will pay $20 more per vehicle for unlimited medical coverage in their auto policies, $104.58 to $124.89 effective July 1, the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association decided Monday."
I thought Obambi promised tax cuts for ALL Americans!
"Michigan motorists will pay $20 more per vehicle for unlimited medical coverage in their auto policies, $104.58 to $124.89 effective July 1, the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association decided Monday."
I thought Obambi promised tax cuts for ALL Americans!
Michigan smoking ban backed by public
Michigan smoking ban backed by public
"Posted by generalsn on 03/30/09 at 7:10PM
After over a year of experience here in Chicago, now that the fanfare has worn off and the lobbyists have moved on to other states, it's clearly obvious that trying to ban smoking in small neighborhood 'shot and beer' bars is pretty useless. Many small bars in my area ignore the ban to keep their customers, neighbors, and local police (many are patrons when off duty) satisfied. In areas where real crime is an issue, the problem of undesirables being attracted by groups of people outside the bars and causing disturbances on the PUBLIC street, property that the owner has no control over, far outweighs the issue of people peacefully smoking inside a bar, bothering absolutly no one, All of the complaints are from neighbors of bars that comply. It's fading into history in many small neighborhood bars. The only places it becomes an issue seems to be in rural areas where local police have little to do except visit local bars and monitor their parking lots."
Interesting!
Another law that will be used to selectively exert power over the opposition.
"Posted by generalsn on 03/30/09 at 7:10PM
After over a year of experience here in Chicago, now that the fanfare has worn off and the lobbyists have moved on to other states, it's clearly obvious that trying to ban smoking in small neighborhood 'shot and beer' bars is pretty useless. Many small bars in my area ignore the ban to keep their customers, neighbors, and local police (many are patrons when off duty) satisfied. In areas where real crime is an issue, the problem of undesirables being attracted by groups of people outside the bars and causing disturbances on the PUBLIC street, property that the owner has no control over, far outweighs the issue of people peacefully smoking inside a bar, bothering absolutly no one, All of the complaints are from neighbors of bars that comply. It's fading into history in many small neighborhood bars. The only places it becomes an issue seems to be in rural areas where local police have little to do except visit local bars and monitor their parking lots."
Interesting!
Another law that will be used to selectively exert power over the opposition.
Tonight 7:00 PM!
View a Live Simulcast at 7 p.m. of Economist David Littmann at MSU
“Littmannomics: Crisis and the Road to Recovery”
To view and listen, click:http://www.michiganliveevents.com/MPPI-3.html
DATE: Tuesday, March 31, 2009
TIME: 7 p.m.
LOCATION: Wonders Hall, Room C100Michigan State University
Live Webcast Q&A Session to Follow
Mackinac Center Senior Economist David Littmann will explain how the economy reached such a low point and will highlight what Michigan and the nation must do to regain a stable footing. He will also discuss how the natural forces of recovery are working overtime and will right the economy if permitted. The interference of policymakers in the market is delaying the recovery, which Littmann fears may lead to a depression. He points to Michigan’s economy as proof of what happens when government intervention is unchecked.
The event is sponsored by the Mackinac Center’s Students for a Free Economy and the MSU chapter of Young Americans for Liberty. It is open to the public and free of charge.
“Littmannomics: Crisis and the Road to Recovery”
To view and listen, click:http://www.michiganliveevents.com/MPPI-3.html
DATE: Tuesday, March 31, 2009
TIME: 7 p.m.
LOCATION: Wonders Hall, Room C100Michigan State University
Live Webcast Q&A Session to Follow
Mackinac Center Senior Economist David Littmann will explain how the economy reached such a low point and will highlight what Michigan and the nation must do to regain a stable footing. He will also discuss how the natural forces of recovery are working overtime and will right the economy if permitted. The interference of policymakers in the market is delaying the recovery, which Littmann fears may lead to a depression. He points to Michigan’s economy as proof of what happens when government intervention is unchecked.
The event is sponsored by the Mackinac Center’s Students for a Free Economy and the MSU chapter of Young Americans for Liberty. It is open to the public and free of charge.
Two Wheels on my Wagoner - Mark Steyn - The Corner on National Review Online
Two Wheels on my Wagoner - Mark Steyn - The Corner on National Review Online: "Two Wheels on my Wagoner [Mark Steyn]
Incidentally, the government 'overhaul' of GM is a useful shorthand for where we're heading:
The first quid pro quo for the government giving you money (or 'investing', as President Obama and David Brooks say) is that it gets to regulate your behavior. Not just who sits on your board or (see Sarkozy last week) where your factory has to be. When the government 'pays' for your health care, it reserves the right to deny (as in parts of Britain) heart disease treatment for smokers or hip replacement for the obese. Why be surprised? When the state's 'paying' for your health, your lifestyle directly impacts its 'investment.'
The next stage is that, having gotten you used to having your behavior regulated, the state advances to approving not just what you do but what you're allowed to read, see, hear, think: See the 'Canadian Content' regulations up north, and the enforcers of the 'human rights' commissions. Or Britain's recent criminalization of 'homophobic jokes.'
You'd be surprised how painlessly and smoothly once-free peoples slip from government 'investing' to government control.
03/30 09:41 AMShare"
Incidentally, the government 'overhaul' of GM is a useful shorthand for where we're heading:
The first quid pro quo for the government giving you money (or 'investing', as President Obama and David Brooks say) is that it gets to regulate your behavior. Not just who sits on your board or (see Sarkozy last week) where your factory has to be. When the government 'pays' for your health care, it reserves the right to deny (as in parts of Britain) heart disease treatment for smokers or hip replacement for the obese. Why be surprised? When the state's 'paying' for your health, your lifestyle directly impacts its 'investment.'
The next stage is that, having gotten you used to having your behavior regulated, the state advances to approving not just what you do but what you're allowed to read, see, hear, think: See the 'Canadian Content' regulations up north, and the enforcers of the 'human rights' commissions. Or Britain's recent criminalization of 'homophobic jokes.'
You'd be surprised how painlessly and smoothly once-free peoples slip from government 'investing' to government control.
03/30 09:41 AMShare"
Officer, dog square off against Modesto mob of 60
Officer, dog square off against Modesto mob of 60
"Some members of the crowd told the officer that 'he was not going to leave the scene alive,' according to police.
The crowd of as many as 60 people included some known gang members, Findlen said. Police believe the group was gathered for a party in the 1700 block of Pelton Avenue. The officer happened upon the group when he was responding to another call in the area."
Is our entire country going to descend back to the days of Mayor Dinkins' NYC?
"Some members of the crowd told the officer that 'he was not going to leave the scene alive,' according to police.
The crowd of as many as 60 people included some known gang members, Findlen said. Police believe the group was gathered for a party in the 1700 block of Pelton Avenue. The officer happened upon the group when he was responding to another call in the area."
Is our entire country going to descend back to the days of Mayor Dinkins' NYC?
U.S. Postal Service seeks $25 billion federal bailout
U.S. Postal Service seeks $25 billion federal bailout
"The U.S. Postal Service — known in the tech world as “snail mail” — is in the midst of a financial meltdown of its own."
Wow! I can't wait for these wizards to work their magic on our financial and auto industries!
"The U.S. Postal Service — known in the tech world as “snail mail” — is in the midst of a financial meltdown of its own."
Wow! I can't wait for these wizards to work their magic on our financial and auto industries!
Whither GM?
Whither GM?
"The more I read about these plans, the more I wonder what the end game is supposed to be. The administration is acting serious: firing Wagoner, and threatening to cut off funds if Chrysler doesn't make a deal with Fiat. Then you read the report, and the government's statements seem . . . kinda silly."
"The more I read about these plans, the more I wonder what the end game is supposed to be. The administration is acting serious: firing Wagoner, and threatening to cut off funds if Chrysler doesn't make a deal with Fiat. Then you read the report, and the government's statements seem . . . kinda silly."
Friday, March 27, 2009
Editorial: Pensions add to Detroit budget problems
Editorial: Pensions add to Detroit budget problems
"City and pension fund officials aren't saying with any precision the amount of the damage the market's current decline has wrought on the investment assets of the city's pension funds.
But they acknowledge it is serious. And it will put added pressure on the next few city budgets."
"City and pension fund officials aren't saying with any precision the amount of the damage the market's current decline has wrought on the investment assets of the city's pension funds.
But they acknowledge it is serious. And it will put added pressure on the next few city budgets."
Why should teachers be a protected class?
Why should teachers be a protected class?
"Their unions are whipping up hysteria about possible layoffs, but they don't seem to care about getting rid of bad educators."
"Their unions are whipping up hysteria about possible layoffs, but they don't seem to care about getting rid of bad educators."
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Reading Eagle Newspaper
Reading Eagle Newspaper: "Birdnapper snatches Gordon the skateboarding parrot from his front-porch cage in California"
Senate reviewing how college football picks No. 1
Senate reviewing how college football picks No. 1
"Behind the push for the hearings is the subcommittee's top Republican, Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah. People there were furious that Utah was bypassed for the national championship despite going undefeated in the regular season.
The title game pitted No. 1 Florida (12-1) against No. 2 Oklahoma (12-1); Florida won 24-14 and claimed the title.
The subcommittee's statement said Hatch would introduce legislation 'to rectify this situation.' No details were offered and Hatch's office declined to provide any.
Hatch said in a statement that the BCS system 'has proven itself to be inadequate, not only for those of us who are fans of college football, but for anyone who believes that competition and fair play should have a role in collegiate sports.'
In the House, Rep. Joe Barton of Texas, the top Republican on the Energy and Commerce Committee, has sponsored legislation that would prevent the NCAA from calling a football game a 'national championship' unless the game culminates from a playoff system."
"Behind the push for the hearings is the subcommittee's top Republican, Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah. People there were furious that Utah was bypassed for the national championship despite going undefeated in the regular season.
The title game pitted No. 1 Florida (12-1) against No. 2 Oklahoma (12-1); Florida won 24-14 and claimed the title.
The subcommittee's statement said Hatch would introduce legislation 'to rectify this situation.' No details were offered and Hatch's office declined to provide any.
Hatch said in a statement that the BCS system 'has proven itself to be inadequate, not only for those of us who are fans of college football, but for anyone who believes that competition and fair play should have a role in collegiate sports.'
In the House, Rep. Joe Barton of Texas, the top Republican on the Energy and Commerce Committee, has sponsored legislation that would prevent the NCAA from calling a football game a 'national championship' unless the game culminates from a playoff system."
Hoekstra to announce Monday!
West Michigan News
"U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra is expected to make an announcement Monday in three locations across Michigan concerning his possible candidacy for governor"
This early announcement and apparent organization bodes well for Pete's campaign.
Let's see how the campaign communicates with the SE counties of Michigan.
"U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra is expected to make an announcement Monday in three locations across Michigan concerning his possible candidacy for governor"
This early announcement and apparent organization bodes well for Pete's campaign.
Let's see how the campaign communicates with the SE counties of Michigan.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Angry workers take boss hostage
Angry workers take boss hostage
"Angry French workers were on Wednesday holding the boss of their factory hostage to try to make their US employers improve their redundancy package,"
The French version of "card check"?
"Angry French workers were on Wednesday holding the boss of their factory hostage to try to make their US employers improve their redundancy package,"
The French version of "card check"?
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Dodd's Wife a Former Director of Bermuda-Based IPC Holdings, an AIG Controlled Company
Dodd's Wife a Former Director of Bermuda-Based IPC Holdings, an AIG Controlled Company
"But it turns out that Senator Dodd's wife has also benefited from past connections to AIG as well.
From 2001-2004, Jackie Clegg Dodd served as an 'outside' director of IPC Holdings, Ltd., a Bermuda-based company controlled by AIG."
"But it turns out that Senator Dodd's wife has also benefited from past connections to AIG as well.
From 2001-2004, Jackie Clegg Dodd served as an 'outside' director of IPC Holdings, Ltd., a Bermuda-based company controlled by AIG."
1 dead, one injured in Miami Burger King shooting
1 dead, one injured in Miami Burger King shooting
"Police said a man wearing a ski mask walked into the store at Biscayne Boulevard and 54th Street and demanded money from a clerk.
A customer, who has a concealed weapons permit, pulled a gun, said Officer Jeff Giordano, a Miami police spokesman.
The customer and robber exchanged fire.
The robber was shot dead at the scene."
YES!
"Police said a man wearing a ski mask walked into the store at Biscayne Boulevard and 54th Street and demanded money from a clerk.
A customer, who has a concealed weapons permit, pulled a gun, said Officer Jeff Giordano, a Miami police spokesman.
The customer and robber exchanged fire.
The robber was shot dead at the scene."
YES!
Romania Weighs Decriminalizing Incest - CBS News
Romania Weighs Decriminalizing Incest
"incest is not always a crime in Europe.
Three European Union nations - France, Spain and Portugal - do not prosecute consenting adults for incest, and Romania is considering following suit."
Those sophisticated Euros!
"incest is not always a crime in Europe.
Three European Union nations - France, Spain and Portugal - do not prosecute consenting adults for incest, and Romania is considering following suit."
Those sophisticated Euros!
Granholm not apologizing for Palin joke
Granholm not apologizing for Palin joke
"Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm said she won't apologize to Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin for her crack at last weekend's Gridiron Dinner that the former Republican vice presidential candidate 'really set back the cause of hot governors.'"
What a classless fool Gov. Lumpy (Clinton-Obama) Granholm is!
"Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm said she won't apologize to Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin for her crack at last weekend's Gridiron Dinner that the former Republican vice presidential candidate 'really set back the cause of hot governors.'"
What a classless fool Gov. Lumpy (Clinton-Obama) Granholm is!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Ann Arbor News to close in July
Ann Arbor News to close in July
"The Ann Arbor News will close in July and be replaced by a new online-only news organization, according the newspaper’s Web site.
Laurel Champion, publisher of the News told employees this morning at a 9 a.m. meeting the newspaper had “steep losses” in 2008.
Also today, three more Michigan newspapers announced they will cut production to three days a week.
The Bay City Times, Saginaw News and Flint Journal will soon only publish print editions on Thursday, Friday and Sunday.
All the newspapers are part of the Booth newspaper chain in Michigan that also comprises the Grand Rapids Press, Muskegon Chronicle, Kalamazoo Gazette and Jackson Citizen Patriot. "
It seems the people have spoken.
"Ye cannot live on liberals alone"
"The Ann Arbor News will close in July and be replaced by a new online-only news organization, according the newspaper’s Web site.
Laurel Champion, publisher of the News told employees this morning at a 9 a.m. meeting the newspaper had “steep losses” in 2008.
Also today, three more Michigan newspapers announced they will cut production to three days a week.
The Bay City Times, Saginaw News and Flint Journal will soon only publish print editions on Thursday, Friday and Sunday.
All the newspapers are part of the Booth newspaper chain in Michigan that also comprises the Grand Rapids Press, Muskegon Chronicle, Kalamazoo Gazette and Jackson Citizen Patriot. "
It seems the people have spoken.
"Ye cannot live on liberals alone"
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Dan Dakich's two hours of fame have lasted 25 years
Dan Dakich's two hours of fame have lasted 25 years
"'I remember it like it was yesterday, and I'm standing there and I can't figure out why I'm there,' Dakich said.
'I know why Alford is there because he scored 27.
I know why coach Knight is there.
Then all of a sudden Billy Packer says, 'So Dan, how did you stop Michael Jordan?'"
Nice bit of history for this super weekend.
"'I remember it like it was yesterday, and I'm standing there and I can't figure out why I'm there,' Dakich said.
'I know why Alford is there because he scored 27.
I know why coach Knight is there.
Then all of a sudden Billy Packer says, 'So Dan, how did you stop Michael Jordan?'"
Nice bit of history for this super weekend.
Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag - Watch the full feature film now.
Hulu - Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag - Watch the full feature film now.
This is fabulous!
Grab the family.
Watch the entire movie. (it's 48 minutes long)
You'll feel prouder to be an American!
This is fabulous!
Grab the family.
Watch the entire movie. (it's 48 minutes long)
You'll feel prouder to be an American!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Educating Michelle
Educating Michelle
"Thousands of crosses sprout from the rolling green hills above the beaches and disappear into the horizon. Beneath the sea of white markers lay the thousands of American men who charged head on that day into a nightmare of flying German lead. It's hard to describe the effect all of this has on an American tourist: a quickening breath, a weak and unsteady stride, a certain flush of grief, and then the tears."
"Thousands of crosses sprout from the rolling green hills above the beaches and disappear into the horizon. Beneath the sea of white markers lay the thousands of American men who charged head on that day into a nightmare of flying German lead. It's hard to describe the effect all of this has on an American tourist: a quickening breath, a weak and unsteady stride, a certain flush of grief, and then the tears."
Doctor: Lack of medical helicopter cost actress
Doctor: Lack of medical helicopter cost actress
"As a steady stream of celebrities pay their last respects to Natasha Richardson, questions are arising over whether a medical helicopter might have been able to save the ailing actress.
The province of Quebec lacks a medical helicopter system, common in the United States and other parts of Canada, to airlift stricken patients to major trauma centers. Montreal's top head trauma doctor said Friday that may have played a role in Richardson's death."
"As a steady stream of celebrities pay their last respects to Natasha Richardson, questions are arising over whether a medical helicopter might have been able to save the ailing actress.
The province of Quebec lacks a medical helicopter system, common in the United States and other parts of Canada, to airlift stricken patients to major trauma centers. Montreal's top head trauma doctor said Friday that may have played a role in Richardson's death."
Friday, March 20, 2009
CARPE DIEM: CEOs: Best and Worst States to Do Business
CARPE DIEM: CEOs: Best and Worst States to Do Business
"Texas, North Carolina, Florida Top List as Best States;
California, New York, Michigan Are the Worst"
And our union-owned democrooks in Michigan are gonna keep it that way!
One CEO said, “Michigan and California literally need to do a 180 if they are ever to become competitive again. California has huge advantages with its size, quality of work force, particularly in high tech, as well as the quality of life and climate advantages of the state. However, it is an absolute regulatory and tax disaster, as is Michigan.”
MP: What do the top 9 states (TX, NC, FL, GA, TN, NV, VA, AZ and SC) have in common? What do the bottom 7 states (CA, NY, MI, NJ, MA, IL, and OH) have in common?
Check map here to find out.
http://www.nrtw.org/rtws.htm"
"Texas, North Carolina, Florida Top List as Best States;
California, New York, Michigan Are the Worst"
And our union-owned democrooks in Michigan are gonna keep it that way!
One CEO said, “Michigan and California literally need to do a 180 if they are ever to become competitive again. California has huge advantages with its size, quality of work force, particularly in high tech, as well as the quality of life and climate advantages of the state. However, it is an absolute regulatory and tax disaster, as is Michigan.”
MP: What do the top 9 states (TX, NC, FL, GA, TN, NV, VA, AZ and SC) have in common? What do the bottom 7 states (CA, NY, MI, NJ, MA, IL, and OH) have in common?
Check map here to find out.
http://www.nrtw.org/rtws.htm"
CARPE DIEM: Wal-Mart's $400m Eyewear/Contact Lense Stimulus
CARPE DIEM: Wal-Mart's $400m Eyewear/Contact Lense Stimulus: "Additionally, Walmart has lowered its prices on glasses and frames for children and teenagers to make quality eyewear more affordable for families across the nation."
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