Baker College construction boom continues
"In recent years, Baker has invested millions of dollars to improve its facilities, including a student fitness area and meeting rooms in the school's main campus building"
Your tax dollars at work folks!
Who needs potholes filled when student loans and government grants to Baker get us 20% graduation rates and 10% employment rates?
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Albert -- the Not-So Great -- Gore
Albert -- the Not-So Great -- Gore
"Think what you want about George W. Bush, but he did do this: he saved us from a Gore Presidency. Is there a greater smelly stew of vanity, vacuity, ignorance, arrogance, and hubris in Washington than Albert Gore Jr.?"
"Think what you want about George W. Bush, but he did do this: he saved us from a Gore Presidency. Is there a greater smelly stew of vanity, vacuity, ignorance, arrogance, and hubris in Washington than Albert Gore Jr.?"
Indictment paints portrait of Sam Riddle as middle man for Monica Conyers
Indictment paints portrait of Sam Riddle as middle man for Monica Conyers
"'Defendant Riddle and Monica Conyers,' the Detroit corruption indictment reads. Over and over again.
Conyers resigned from the Detroit City Council last month after pleading guilty to conspiracy commit bribery."
"'Defendant Riddle and Monica Conyers,' the Detroit corruption indictment reads. Over and over again.
Conyers resigned from the Detroit City Council last month after pleading guilty to conspiracy commit bribery."
Michigan unemployment rate jumps again to 15.2 percent in June
Michigan unemployment rate jumps again to 15.2 percent in June
"Michigan's unemployment rate soared to 15.2 percent in June, the state's highest monthly rate since the spring of 1983."
"Michigan's unemployment rate soared to 15.2 percent in June, the state's highest monthly rate since the spring of 1983."
House Speaker Andy Dillon proposes Michigan's 400,000 public employees receive same health insurance coverage
House Speaker Andy Dillon proposes Michigan's 400,000 public employees receive same health insurance coverage
"State employees pay between 5 and 10 percent of the cost of their health care depending on coverage type, according to report compiled by Dillon's office.
Despite a trend toward more cost-sharing at the local school district level, the report said many school employees 'pay no premiums or very small premiums for their health care.'"
"State employees pay between 5 and 10 percent of the cost of their health care depending on coverage type, according to report compiled by Dillon's office.
Despite a trend toward more cost-sharing at the local school district level, the report said many school employees 'pay no premiums or very small premiums for their health care.'"
Train bound for nowhere? Amtrak too costly
Train bound for nowhere? Amtrak too costly
"Our issue here is twofold: Is the $7.3 million now spent on Amtrak the best use of dwindling financial resources for a state mired in a persistent fiscal crisis; and who is using the train to Chicago?"
"Our issue here is twofold: Is the $7.3 million now spent on Amtrak the best use of dwindling financial resources for a state mired in a persistent fiscal crisis; and who is using the train to Chicago?"
Mitch Ryder ready to roar into Bike Time festival
Mitch Ryder ready to roar into Bike Time festival
"The creator of such well-known hits as 'Devil With a Blue Dress On,' 'Jenny Take a Ride,' and ''Sock It To Me Baby,' Ryder plans to deliver his no-frills, high-energy classic-rock grooves to Muskegon's Bike Time festival 8:30 p.m. Saturday."
"The creator of such well-known hits as 'Devil With a Blue Dress On,' 'Jenny Take a Ride,' and ''Sock It To Me Baby,' Ryder plans to deliver his no-frills, high-energy classic-rock grooves to Muskegon's Bike Time festival 8:30 p.m. Saturday."
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Michigan Budget Deficit Swells To Almost $2 Billion - CURRENT YEAR!
Michigan Budget Deficit Swells To Almost $2 Billion - CURRENT YEAR!
"But now, it appears that it will be closer to $2 billion. Boy was I way off.
With the growing deficit, it will be time once again for Granholm to kick the can, backfilling the shortfall with stimulus dollars that will evaporate in a year and a half, leaving a huge chasm for the next Governor."
"But now, it appears that it will be closer to $2 billion. Boy was I way off.
With the growing deficit, it will be time once again for Granholm to kick the can, backfilling the shortfall with stimulus dollars that will evaporate in a year and a half, leaving a huge chasm for the next Governor."
Bride's bouquet brings down plane
Bride's bouquet brings down plane
"However, the flowers were sucked into the plane's engine causing it to catch fire and explode.
The aircraft plunged into a hostel. One passenger on the plane was badly hurt.
But about 50 people who had been in the hostel escaped unscathed, as did the pilot."
Nice wedding planner touch?
"However, the flowers were sucked into the plane's engine causing it to catch fire and explode.
The aircraft plunged into a hostel. One passenger on the plane was badly hurt.
But about 50 people who had been in the hostel escaped unscathed, as did the pilot."
Nice wedding planner touch?
House bill to hit millionaires with 5.4 pct surtax
House bill to hit millionaires with 5.4 pct surtax
"sweeping overhaul of the U.S. healthcare system to be announced on Tuesday in the U.S. House of Representatives will include a surtax on millionaires of 5.4 percent, congressional sources said"
Let's see, take more money from rich folks, give it to Barney Frank and his buddies, and we'll have more jobs?
Just how dumb are they... or is it us?
"sweeping overhaul of the U.S. healthcare system to be announced on Tuesday in the U.S. House of Representatives will include a surtax on millionaires of 5.4 percent, congressional sources said"
Let's see, take more money from rich folks, give it to Barney Frank and his buddies, and we'll have more jobs?
Just how dumb are they... or is it us?
Minority Broadcasters Seek Federal Aid
Minority Broadcasters Seek Federal Aid
A group of minority broadcasters asked Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner Monday for financial assistance akin to the aid that has been extended to the financial and auto industries."
This is GREAT! No one listens to their stations so the rest of us will live with more pot holes to subsidize the millionaire owners cuz their black?
White males gotta be gettin' close to being a minority.... right?
A group of minority broadcasters asked Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner Monday for financial assistance akin to the aid that has been extended to the financial and auto industries."
This is GREAT! No one listens to their stations so the rest of us will live with more pot holes to subsidize the millionaire owners cuz their black?
White males gotta be gettin' close to being a minority.... right?
Meeting to focus on migrants' civil rights
Meeting to focus on migrants' civil rights
"Civil rights officials will be available to take reports on potential civil rights violations and discrimination incidents faced by migrant workers.
Reports can be conducted privately and anonymously.
Spanish-language interpreters will be available.
The civil rights agency is also accepting testimony from representatives of government and social service agencies."
So our government is goin' on a fishin' trip with the big fish being "anonymous" testimony from spanish folks given to "civil right" apparatchiks.
Folks, something is wrong here.
"Civil rights officials will be available to take reports on potential civil rights violations and discrimination incidents faced by migrant workers.
Reports can be conducted privately and anonymously.
Spanish-language interpreters will be available.
The civil rights agency is also accepting testimony from representatives of government and social service agencies."
So our government is goin' on a fishin' trip with the big fish being "anonymous" testimony from spanish folks given to "civil right" apparatchiks.
Folks, something is wrong here.
Port St. Lucie apologizes to Treasure Coast Tea Party
Port St. Lucie apologizes to Treasure Coast Tea Party
"About 75 members of the anti-tax group attended the City Council’s Monday night meeting looking for an apology.
They have said their civil rights were violated when they were singled out at the festival by being put into a special area with a sign nearby stating Port St. Lucie did not back their views or opinions.
Members got the apology they wanted and more Monday night the offer from Cooper to cover the cost of the city sign himself, rather than taxpayers, and the promise of no more signs at city-sponsored events."
Tea Parties in parks are nice.
75 Tea Partyers in politician's offices gets the job done!
Duh!
"About 75 members of the anti-tax group attended the City Council’s Monday night meeting looking for an apology.
They have said their civil rights were violated when they were singled out at the festival by being put into a special area with a sign nearby stating Port St. Lucie did not back their views or opinions.
Members got the apology they wanted and more Monday night the offer from Cooper to cover the cost of the city sign himself, rather than taxpayers, and the promise of no more signs at city-sponsored events."
Tea Parties in parks are nice.
75 Tea Partyers in politician's offices gets the job done!
Duh!
Nearly all my professors are Democrats. Isn't that a problem?
Nearly all my professors are Democrats. Isn't that a problem?
"What I didn't realize is that journalism that examined the dominance of liberal ideas on campus would be addressed with hostility.
A professor who confronted me declared that he was 'personally offended' by my column. He railed that his political viewpoints never affected his teaching and suggested that if I wanted a faculty with Republicans I should have attended a university in the South. 'If you like conservatism you can certainly attend the University of Texas and you can walk past the statue of Jefferson Davis everyday on your way to class,' he wrote in an e-mail."
Ain't no problomo as long as we keep the cons out....right?
"What I didn't realize is that journalism that examined the dominance of liberal ideas on campus would be addressed with hostility.
A professor who confronted me declared that he was 'personally offended' by my column. He railed that his political viewpoints never affected his teaching and suggested that if I wanted a faculty with Republicans I should have attended a university in the South. 'If you like conservatism you can certainly attend the University of Texas and you can walk past the statue of Jefferson Davis everyday on your way to class,' he wrote in an e-mail."
Ain't no problomo as long as we keep the cons out....right?
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
GM Bankruptcy Frees Up Millions for Buick Marketing
GM Bankruptcy Frees Up Millions for Buick Marketing
"Having a bigger budget to promote Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac and GMC was among GM’s goals in shedding Pontiac, Saturn, Hummer and Saab in its 40-day restructuring. The $27,085 LaCrosse was one of about a half-dozen models featured last week when GM left Chapter 11 as a new company.
“They can spend that much now because they have half the brands to cover,” said Aaron Bragman, an analyst at IHS Global Insight Inc. in Troy, Michigan. “That’s the beauty of it.”"
Didn't Obama's car czar cut Chrysler's ad budget in half when he took over the company?
Now GM will double (relatively) its ad budget?
Thank god for CZARS.....
"Having a bigger budget to promote Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac and GMC was among GM’s goals in shedding Pontiac, Saturn, Hummer and Saab in its 40-day restructuring. The $27,085 LaCrosse was one of about a half-dozen models featured last week when GM left Chapter 11 as a new company.
“They can spend that much now because they have half the brands to cover,” said Aaron Bragman, an analyst at IHS Global Insight Inc. in Troy, Michigan. “That’s the beauty of it.”"
Didn't Obama's car czar cut Chrysler's ad budget in half when he took over the company?
Now GM will double (relatively) its ad budget?
Thank god for CZARS.....
You call that a knife? This is a knife!
You call that a knife? This is a knife!
"A Stanley knife wielding bandit had the tables turned on him when he attempted to rob a Brisbane convenience store attendant who was cutting vegetables.
The attendant, who had a much larger kitchen knife, chased the man out of the Cut Price Supermarket store on Aminya Rd, Mansfield, about 2.50pm (AEST) on Monday.
He did not make off with any money or goods."
"A Stanley knife wielding bandit had the tables turned on him when he attempted to rob a Brisbane convenience store attendant who was cutting vegetables.
The attendant, who had a much larger kitchen knife, chased the man out of the Cut Price Supermarket store on Aminya Rd, Mansfield, about 2.50pm (AEST) on Monday.
He did not make off with any money or goods."
Monday, July 13, 2009
Business Week sale may fetch only $1
Business Week sale may fetch only $1: "Business Week sale may fetch only $1
By Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson in New York
Published: July 13 2009 20:09 Last updated: July 13 2009 23:28
McGraw-Hill could reap just $1 from a sale of Business Week, according to people familiar with the 80-year-old financial magazine’s losses"
By Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson in New York
Published: July 13 2009 20:09 Last updated: July 13 2009 23:28
McGraw-Hill could reap just $1 from a sale of Business Week, according to people familiar with the 80-year-old financial magazine’s losses"
7 day cruise $459!!!!
CruCon Cruise 800-493-6609
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(Miami, Samana, St Thomas, Tortola, Great Stirrup Cay, Miami)
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Sailing DateInside Oceanview BalconyMini-Suite
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PALIN-BASHING IS WOMEN-BASHING? Don’t be silly. She’s not a woman, she’s a Republican….
PALIN-BASHING IS WOMEN-BASHING?
"PALIN-BASHING IS WOMEN-BASHING? Don’t be silly. She’s not a woman, she’s a Republican.
Posted at by Glenn Reynolds at 2:56 pm"
"PALIN-BASHING IS WOMEN-BASHING? Don’t be silly. She’s not a woman, she’s a Republican.
Posted at by Glenn Reynolds at 2:56 pm"
Public-employee pensions put cities, states in tight squeeze - Opinion - USATODAY.com
Public-employee pensions put cities, states in tight squeeze - Opinion - USATODAY.com
As Americans slaving away at private-sector jobs have watched their 401(k) retirement accounts pulled down about one-third by the stock market, they might have found some comfort in thinking everyone's in the same boat.
The comfort is not only small; it's false:
More than 80% of state and city government workers are guaranteed a pre-set, generous pension, and most also can retire early.
Such "defined benefit" pensions generally went out of style in private business and the federal government in the 1980s because of their cost.
They're a main reason why cities and counties across the country are in dire financial straits. Vallejo, Calif., filed for bankruptcy protection last year.
El Monte, Calif., narrowly avoided it June 30.
Others are considering it.
In New York City, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said last month that the pension system is "out of control."
Recent stock market declines have left public and private pension plans alike underfunded, but the problem is deeper for public plans because they offer bigger pensions and make them available earlier, particularly to public safety employees. Three-fifths of state-government pension funds owe at least 20% more money than they have. According to the National Association of State Retirement Administrators, the shortfall is $430 billion, or about $3,800 for every U.S. household. Other estimates put the number above $1 trillion
As Americans slaving away at private-sector jobs have watched their 401(k) retirement accounts pulled down about one-third by the stock market, they might have found some comfort in thinking everyone's in the same boat.
The comfort is not only small; it's false:
More than 80% of state and city government workers are guaranteed a pre-set, generous pension, and most also can retire early.
Such "defined benefit" pensions generally went out of style in private business and the federal government in the 1980s because of their cost.
They're a main reason why cities and counties across the country are in dire financial straits. Vallejo, Calif., filed for bankruptcy protection last year.
El Monte, Calif., narrowly avoided it June 30.
Others are considering it.
In New York City, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said last month that the pension system is "out of control."
Recent stock market declines have left public and private pension plans alike underfunded, but the problem is deeper for public plans because they offer bigger pensions and make them available earlier, particularly to public safety employees. Three-fifths of state-government pension funds owe at least 20% more money than they have. According to the National Association of State Retirement Administrators, the shortfall is $430 billion, or about $3,800 for every U.S. household. Other estimates put the number above $1 trillion
Truth In Lending
Truth In Lending
"Behind The Meltdown:
Many Americans are unaware of the causes of the greatest economic calamity of our lifetime. A new congressional report details how government politicized housing, wrecking the economy"
"Behind The Meltdown:
Many Americans are unaware of the causes of the greatest economic calamity of our lifetime. A new congressional report details how government politicized housing, wrecking the economy"
David Gregory Grills Sen. McCain About...Sarah Palin
David Gregory Grills Sen. McCain About...Sarah Palin
"We're in the middle of the worst recession in decades.
Congress is currently debating sweeping changes to healthcare and energy policy that could cost trillions of dollars in new taxes in the foreseeable future.
We've got soldiers risking their lives on two fronts in the Middle East, and despots in North Korea and Iran developing nuclear weapons.
Yet, when one of the most powerful men in Washington visited "Meet the Press" Sunday, host David Gregory spent almost 30 percent of the time allotted grilling him about -- wait for it! -- Sarah Palin. "
And the liberal MSM wonders what it can do to increase viewer/readership....
"We're in the middle of the worst recession in decades.
Congress is currently debating sweeping changes to healthcare and energy policy that could cost trillions of dollars in new taxes in the foreseeable future.
We've got soldiers risking their lives on two fronts in the Middle East, and despots in North Korea and Iran developing nuclear weapons.
Yet, when one of the most powerful men in Washington visited "Meet the Press" Sunday, host David Gregory spent almost 30 percent of the time allotted grilling him about -- wait for it! -- Sarah Palin. "
And the liberal MSM wonders what it can do to increase viewer/readership....
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Congressman: Michigan could hit 20% jobless thanks to Obama
Congressman: Michigan could hit 20% jobless thanks to Obama
Michigan's unemployment rate could hit as high as 20 percent with the Obama administrationto blame, one Michigan congressman warned Friday.
Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-Mich.) said that Michigan's unemployment — already the highest in the country at 14.1 percent — could go even higher as General Motors and Chrysler continue to shed jobs after their government-financed bankruptcies.
'Sadly, we've seen estimates, because of the radical restructuring that the auto task force demanded, that this year, Michigan wind up over 20 percent unemployment,' McCotter said during an appearance on a conservative news radio program.
The Wolverine State hasn't yet exceeded its previous record for unemployment in modern history, when it reached 16.9 percent in November of 1982."
Michigan's unemployment rate could hit as high as 20 percent with the Obama administrationto blame, one Michigan congressman warned Friday.
Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-Mich.) said that Michigan's unemployment — already the highest in the country at 14.1 percent — could go even higher as General Motors and Chrysler continue to shed jobs after their government-financed bankruptcies.
'Sadly, we've seen estimates, because of the radical restructuring that the auto task force demanded, that this year, Michigan wind up over 20 percent unemployment,' McCotter said during an appearance on a conservative news radio program.
The Wolverine State hasn't yet exceeded its previous record for unemployment in modern history, when it reached 16.9 percent in November of 1982."
And the response from our democrat leaders is more automatic raises for state employees, more annual step-ups in pay for state employees, bigger retirement benefits for state employees, MORE state employees.
And more taxing and regulation for those few foolish businesses left in Michigan.
Detroit Public School System Ponders Bankruptcy
Detroit Public School System Ponders Bankruptcy
http://tinyurl.com/l8bmpq
"This looks like a done deal to me.
The employment contracts and pension plans are untenable, wage and benefit reductions of 50% outside of bankruptcy are virtually impossible, and there is no money to be found anywhere unless Obama comes to the rescue.
No large school district nationwide, has ever filed for bankruptcy...
With that, the pension time bomb has finally gone off.
And if the judge dramatically slashes wage contracts and pensions, which is what every taxpayer everywhere should be hoping, it will set a nice precedent for other over-burdened school districts to follow suit."
Mike "Mish" Shedlock
http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com
http://tinyurl.com/l8bmpq
"This looks like a done deal to me.
The employment contracts and pension plans are untenable, wage and benefit reductions of 50% outside of bankruptcy are virtually impossible, and there is no money to be found anywhere unless Obama comes to the rescue.
No large school district nationwide, has ever filed for bankruptcy...
With that, the pension time bomb has finally gone off.
And if the judge dramatically slashes wage contracts and pensions, which is what every taxpayer everywhere should be hoping, it will set a nice precedent for other over-burdened school districts to follow suit."
Mike "Mish" Shedlock
http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com
How this bombshell is handled will set the tone for future fixin' or future destruction of our local schools.
How San Jose workers do in retirement: a comparison
How San Jose workers do in retirement: a comparison
Social Security
Average annual retirement benefit: $13,386
Age to qualify: For full benefit, 66 or 67; 62 for reduced early benefit.
S.J. civilian workers
Federated City Employees' Retirement System
Average annual pension: $37,376
Age to qualify: 55 with at least five years of service; any age after 30 years of service.
S.J. public safety workers
Police and Fire Department Retirement Plan
Average annual pension: $73,818
Age to qualify: 50 with 25 years of service; 55 with 20 years of service; any age after 30 years of service.
Social Security
Average annual retirement benefit: $13,386
Age to qualify: For full benefit, 66 or 67; 62 for reduced early benefit.
S.J. civilian workers
Federated City Employees' Retirement System
Average annual pension: $37,376
Age to qualify: 55 with at least five years of service; any age after 30 years of service.
S.J. public safety workers
Police and Fire Department Retirement Plan
Average annual pension: $73,818
Age to qualify: 50 with 25 years of service; 55 with 20 years of service; any age after 30 years of service.
Backpack giveaways in Muskegon County to start again this month
Backpack giveaways in Muskegon County to start again this month
"Fundraising -- including working with corporate sponsors and seeking grants -- for the effort has turned into a year-round effort"
This may (or maybe not) be a noble idea but it is another taxpayer-money-to-"the poor"-program with little credit given to the evil "rich" and "corporations" who pay most of the taxes (and straight up money!) for programs such as this one.
Just more po folks who expect more and more freebies at the same time they and their leaders demonize those who provide the gifts.
"Fundraising -- including working with corporate sponsors and seeking grants -- for the effort has turned into a year-round effort"
This may (or maybe not) be a noble idea but it is another taxpayer-money-to-"the poor"-program with little credit given to the evil "rich" and "corporations" who pay most of the taxes (and straight up money!) for programs such as this one.
Just more po folks who expect more and more freebies at the same time they and their leaders demonize those who provide the gifts.
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