Some lawmakers frown on museum spending
"To New York officials, the $3 million in federal economic stimulus money they received to transform an old canal boat into a 259-foot-long floating museum was money well spent."
Is ANYONE listening?
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
R-P energy-savings program a success
R-P energy-savings program a success
"Reeths-Puffer Schools has saved more than $900,000 in energy costs the last four years by adjusting thermostats and turning off lights and computers........
The district contracted with an energy management firm, Energy Education Inc., four years ago, paying it $70,000 annually to help analyze energy use and implement savings strategies.
The four-year contract is up, so the district won't pay any more fees, but it will continue to pay $19,000 per year for its energy manager,"
OK, $900,000- $356,000 [$280,000($70,000x4)+$76,000($19,000x4)] = $544,000.
That's a great investment....... if there is no more to the story...like other costs......
The Chronicle continues its tradition of unabashed public cheer leading and its utter lack of curiosity.
"Reeths-Puffer Schools has saved more than $900,000 in energy costs the last four years by adjusting thermostats and turning off lights and computers........
The district contracted with an energy management firm, Energy Education Inc., four years ago, paying it $70,000 annually to help analyze energy use and implement savings strategies.
The four-year contract is up, so the district won't pay any more fees, but it will continue to pay $19,000 per year for its energy manager,"
OK, $900,000- $356,000 [$280,000($70,000x4)+$76,000($19,000x4)] = $544,000.
That's a great investment....... if there is no more to the story...like other costs......
The Chronicle continues its tradition of unabashed public cheer leading and its utter lack of curiosity.
Survey: Most economists see recovery beginning
Survey: Most economists see recovery beginning
"Forecasters now expect the economy, as measured by gross domestic product, to advance at a 2.9 percent pace in the second half of the year, after falling for four straight quarters for the first time on records dating to 1947....
The recession, the worst since the 1930s, has eliminated a net total of 7.2 million jobs"
So, how's that hope-thang workin' out for ya?
"Forecasters now expect the economy, as measured by gross domestic product, to advance at a 2.9 percent pace in the second half of the year, after falling for four straight quarters for the first time on records dating to 1947....
The recession, the worst since the 1930s, has eliminated a net total of 7.2 million jobs"
So, how's that hope-thang workin' out for ya?
"Midnight Madness At The Breslin Center on Oct. 16
Midnight Madness At The Breslin Center on Oct. 16
Celebrate the Moment with Spartan basketball.
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State’s annual Midnight Madness event to tip-off the 2009-10 basketball season will be held on Friday, Oct. 16.
This year’s event is called Celebrate the Moment, as the men’s and women’s basketball team will recognize some of the best moments in the programs’ history.
Spartan fans will also have the opportunity to be a part of a banner ceremony as Michigan State will unveil new Final Four banners and raise the 2009 Final Four banner to the rafters for the first time.
Doors to the Breslin Center will open at 9:30 p.m.
Admission is free.
The event begins with autographs for Spartan fans on the Breslin Center concourse.
The formal program will begin at 10:30 p.m. and feature the introduction of the men’s and women’s basketball teams.
The evening will also include promotional giveaways and performances by the Spartan Marching Band, Michigan State cheerleaders, MSU dance team and Sparty.
The evening will conclude with the men’s basketball team playing on the court."
Celebrate the Moment with Spartan basketball.
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State’s annual Midnight Madness event to tip-off the 2009-10 basketball season will be held on Friday, Oct. 16.
This year’s event is called Celebrate the Moment, as the men’s and women’s basketball team will recognize some of the best moments in the programs’ history.
Spartan fans will also have the opportunity to be a part of a banner ceremony as Michigan State will unveil new Final Four banners and raise the 2009 Final Four banner to the rafters for the first time.
Doors to the Breslin Center will open at 9:30 p.m.
Admission is free.
The event begins with autographs for Spartan fans on the Breslin Center concourse.
The formal program will begin at 10:30 p.m. and feature the introduction of the men’s and women’s basketball teams.
The evening will also include promotional giveaways and performances by the Spartan Marching Band, Michigan State cheerleaders, MSU dance team and Sparty.
The evening will conclude with the men’s basketball team playing on the court."
Obama fails to win Nobel prize in economics
Obama fails to win Nobel prize in economics
"In a decision as shocking as Friday's surprise peace prize win, President Obama failed to win the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences Monday."
"In a decision as shocking as Friday's surprise peace prize win, President Obama failed to win the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences Monday."
Sunday, October 11, 2009
"DETROIT - Viagra and pornography are not staples on the government's food stamp list?
"DETROIT
Viagra and pornography are not staples on the government's food stamp list.
But authorities say a Detroit store supplied them during a series of illegal deals.
Federal prosecutors filed fraud charges this week against three people who worked at Jefferson's Liquor Palace.
The alleged scheme worked this way:
Food stamp recipients would get cash from the store in exchange for swiping larger amounts off their electronic cards.
The store would then be reimbursed by the U.S. Agriculture Department.
But in some transactions, confidential informants got more than cash.
The government says the store provided Viagra, painkillers, liquor and porn videos in exchange for swiping about $2,000 off food stamp cards.
The government says overall fraud at the store topped $130,000 over 2-1/2 years"
Nothing new here except for minor media coverage.
Viagra and pornography are not staples on the government's food stamp list.
But authorities say a Detroit store supplied them during a series of illegal deals.
Federal prosecutors filed fraud charges this week against three people who worked at Jefferson's Liquor Palace.
The alleged scheme worked this way:
Food stamp recipients would get cash from the store in exchange for swiping larger amounts off their electronic cards.
The store would then be reimbursed by the U.S. Agriculture Department.
But in some transactions, confidential informants got more than cash.
The government says the store provided Viagra, painkillers, liquor and porn videos in exchange for swiping about $2,000 off food stamp cards.
The government says overall fraud at the store topped $130,000 over 2-1/2 years"
Nothing new here except for minor media coverage.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
What happened to global warming?
What happened to global warming?
"This headline may come as a bit of a surprise, so too might that fact that the warmest year recorded globally was not in 2008 or 2007, but in 1998.
But it is true.
For the last 11 years we have not observed any increase in global temperatures.
And our climate models did not forecast it, even though man-made carbon dioxide, the gas thought to be responsible for warming our planet, has continued to rise."
"This headline may come as a bit of a surprise, so too might that fact that the warmest year recorded globally was not in 2008 or 2007, but in 1998.
But it is true.
For the last 11 years we have not observed any increase in global temperatures.
And our climate models did not forecast it, even though man-made carbon dioxide, the gas thought to be responsible for warming our planet, has continued to rise."
Picking the Most Visible of 205 Names
Picking the Most Visible of 205 Names
"Several prominent Nobel observers in Oslo said the Nobel committee had put the integrity of the award at stake. But Mr. Jagland seemed to savor the risk. He said no one could deny that “the international climate” had suddenly improved, and that Mr. Obama was the main reason."
"suddenly improved"?
Huh!
"Several prominent Nobel observers in Oslo said the Nobel committee had put the integrity of the award at stake. But Mr. Jagland seemed to savor the risk. He said no one could deny that “the international climate” had suddenly improved, and that Mr. Obama was the main reason."
"suddenly improved"?
Huh!
Generational Battle Brews Over Gilded Baby-Boom Pensions
Generational Battle Brews Over Gilded Baby-Boom Pensions
"Generation X and Gen Y are getting fed up and might not take much more.
That's what I'm hearing from a number of younger public employees who responded to my column last month on the incumbent employee conundrum.
The gist of their feedback was this:
They don't appreciate bearing the brunt of pay cuts and benefits reductions — the ones imposed by employers who try to balance the books on their pension and retiree medical plans by slashing compensation for younger employees and new hires.
They'd like to see their elders share in the pain — or at least pay their share."
This will one of the biggest battles in America in the next few years.
"Generation X and Gen Y are getting fed up and might not take much more.
That's what I'm hearing from a number of younger public employees who responded to my column last month on the incumbent employee conundrum.
The gist of their feedback was this:
They don't appreciate bearing the brunt of pay cuts and benefits reductions — the ones imposed by employers who try to balance the books on their pension and retiree medical plans by slashing compensation for younger employees and new hires.
They'd like to see their elders share in the pain — or at least pay their share."
This will one of the biggest battles in America in the next few years.
Friday, October 09, 2009
tOfficial 2009-10 MSU Men's Basketball Preseason Thread
tOfficial 2009-10 MSU Men's Basketball Preseason Thread
MSU in the PRESEASON POLLS and RANKINGS
Athlon - #2 (Lucas #3 floor leader and 3rd team AA, Morgan #9 slasher)
Blue Ribbon - #2
Lindy's - #3 (Lucas #1 PG, Summers #14 SG, Morgan #19 PF)
Sporting News #3 (Lucas #3 PG)
Gary Parrish (CBS) - #3
Jeff Goodman (Fox) - #3"
Midnight Madness in just one week!
MSU in the PRESEASON POLLS and RANKINGS
Athlon - #2 (Lucas #3 floor leader and 3rd team AA, Morgan #9 slasher)
Blue Ribbon - #2
Lindy's - #3 (Lucas #1 PG, Summers #14 SG, Morgan #19 PF)
Sporting News #3 (Lucas #3 PG)
Gary Parrish (CBS) - #3
Jeff Goodman (Fox) - #3"
Midnight Madness in just one week!
Senate 2010: Most endangered seats
Senate 2010: Most endangered seats
"The 2010 Senate landscape is almost evenly split down the middle: Republicans will be defending 18 seats, while the Democrats will be defending 19 seats, including the January special election in Massachusetts. Click here for the full watch list."
"The 2010 Senate landscape is almost evenly split down the middle: Republicans will be defending 18 seats, while the Democrats will be defending 19 seats, including the January special election in Massachusetts. Click here for the full watch list."
Thursday, October 08, 2009
50 Examples of Government Waste
50 Examples of Government Waste
"8. A GAO audit classified nearly half of all purchases on government credit cards as improper, fraudulent, or embezzled.
Examples of taxpayer-funded purchases include gambling, mortgage payments, liquor, lingerie, iPods, Xboxes, jewelry, Internet dating services, and Hawaiian vacations.
In one extraordinary example, the Postal Service spent $13,500 on one dinner at a Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, including “over 200 appetizers and over $3,000 of alcohol, including more than 40 bottles of wine costing more than $50 each and brand-name liquor such as Courvoisier, Belvedere and Johnny Walker Gold.”
The 81 guests consumed an average of $167 worth of food and drink apiece."
"8. A GAO audit classified nearly half of all purchases on government credit cards as improper, fraudulent, or embezzled.
Examples of taxpayer-funded purchases include gambling, mortgage payments, liquor, lingerie, iPods, Xboxes, jewelry, Internet dating services, and Hawaiian vacations.
In one extraordinary example, the Postal Service spent $13,500 on one dinner at a Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, including “over 200 appetizers and over $3,000 of alcohol, including more than 40 bottles of wine costing more than $50 each and brand-name liquor such as Courvoisier, Belvedere and Johnny Walker Gold.”
The 81 guests consumed an average of $167 worth of food and drink apiece."
Decision to Cut Funding to Iran Watchdog Is Misguided, Critics Say - Political News - FOXNews.com
Decision to Cut Funding to Iran Watchdog Is Misguided
FOXNews.com:
"A decision by the Obama administration to deny federal funding to a group that keeps track of human rights abuses in Iran is a misguided attempt by the White House to appear non-confrontational with the Islamic republic, critics say.
....The State Department has not divulged the reason the request was denied."
Is this another example of FOX's "opinion journalism masquerading as news"?
Or is it FOX reporting what the Obamedia won't?
FOXNews.com:
"A decision by the Obama administration to deny federal funding to a group that keeps track of human rights abuses in Iran is a misguided attempt by the White House to appear non-confrontational with the Islamic republic, critics say.
....The State Department has not divulged the reason the request was denied."
Is this another example of FOX's "opinion journalism masquerading as news"?
Or is it FOX reporting what the Obamedia won't?
White House Defends Attacks on Fox News
White House Defends Attacks on Fox News: 'They Will Say Anything'
"The White House is stepping up its attacks against the Fox News Channel, labeling it a bastion of stilted and opinionated journalism.
A top administration communications official has called the Fox 'opinion journalism masquerading as news,' and vowed to wage a war of ideas against the network"
"The White House is stepping up its attacks against the Fox News Channel, labeling it a bastion of stilted and opinionated journalism.
A top administration communications official has called the Fox 'opinion journalism masquerading as news,' and vowed to wage a war of ideas against the network"
Food stamps swapped for booze, porn, Viagra
Food stamps swapped for booze, porn, Viagra
"Viagra and pornography are not staples on the government's food stamp list. But authorities say a Detroit store supplied them during a series of illegal deals."
"Viagra and pornography are not staples on the government's food stamp list. But authorities say a Detroit store supplied them during a series of illegal deals."
If School Kids Sang the Truth About Obama
If School Kids Sang the Truth About Obama
"We recently found out that a bunch of kids in New Jersey and yesterday on CNN were told to sing songs praising President Barack Hussein Obama.
This particular song caused a lot of outcry, probably because it swiped bits from “Jesus Loves Me” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic” while trying to mold them into little Obamaites.
Well, in the spirit of fairness we should provide a counter-song the kids can sing to cleanse their minds of indoctrination and give them a more accurate assessment of our 44th president"
THIS is a great song!
"We recently found out that a bunch of kids in New Jersey and yesterday on CNN were told to sing songs praising President Barack Hussein Obama.
This particular song caused a lot of outcry, probably because it swiped bits from “Jesus Loves Me” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic” while trying to mold them into little Obamaites.
Well, in the spirit of fairness we should provide a counter-song the kids can sing to cleanse their minds of indoctrination and give them a more accurate assessment of our 44th president"
THIS is a great song!
Todd Olin, of Alpine Township, pleads guilty to seventh drunk driving offense
Todd Olin, of Alpine Township, pleads guilty to seventh drunk driving offense
An Alpine Township businessman faces up to five years in prison after he pleaded guilty to his seventh drunk driving offense.
State police troopers busted Todd Olin, 40, when he parked on the lawn of the Paw Paw post and was covered in his own vomit.
Olin will be sentenced Jan. 11 for the July 23 arrest after which he registered a 0.19 on a preliminary breath test.
Olin told police he believed he was near his home."
An Alpine Township businessman faces up to five years in prison after he pleaded guilty to his seventh drunk driving offense.
State police troopers busted Todd Olin, 40, when he parked on the lawn of the Paw Paw post and was covered in his own vomit.
Olin will be sentenced Jan. 11 for the July 23 arrest after which he registered a 0.19 on a preliminary breath test.
Olin told police he believed he was near his home."
Nipped in the bud: CVS quickly pulls Chia Obama
Nipped in the bud: CVS quickly pulls Chia Obama
"Walgreens officials said they received a few complaints.
CVS would not say why it stopped the sales."
"Walgreens officials said they received a few complaints.
CVS would not say why it stopped the sales."
Gov. Jennifer Granholm wants ailing Doug Bennett in Lansing for budget votes
Gov. Jennifer Granholm wants ailing Doug Bennett in Lansing for budget votes
"Bennett supported legislation Tuesday that would place a 3-percent tax on gross incomes of Michigan physicians.
The House also approved tax increases to fund college scholarships, which is expected to face strong resistance in the Senate."
"Bennett supported legislation Tuesday that would place a 3-percent tax on gross incomes of Michigan physicians.
The House also approved tax increases to fund college scholarships, which is expected to face strong resistance in the Senate."
No Kidding: Snow on Sunday!
No Kidding: Snow on Sunday
"Start cursing the weather gods, Chicago.
Snow could be coming to town as early as this weekend.
That’s right, snow. Flurries and flakes.
The forecast says that Saturday night rain will turn into the white stuff early Sunday morning."
"Start cursing the weather gods, Chicago.
Snow could be coming to town as early as this weekend.
That’s right, snow. Flurries and flakes.
The forecast says that Saturday night rain will turn into the white stuff early Sunday morning."
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Residents Get Chance At Stimulus Money
Residents Get Chance At Stimulus Money
"Detroit's homeless and low-income residents have another opportunity for a chance at millions of stimulus dollars.
The money is available to help low-income residents from becoming homeless and homeless residents to find housing.
Thousands of people lined up Tuesday"
We used to call this welfare.
Now dear leader Obama-ummm-ummm-ummm calls it a job stimulus program.
Nothing like giving free money to homeless folks to bring jobs to Detroit....right?
Why bother to fix our state roads when we can just enjoy that big sucking sound of money headin' east to Detroit..... right?
"Detroit's homeless and low-income residents have another opportunity for a chance at millions of stimulus dollars.
The money is available to help low-income residents from becoming homeless and homeless residents to find housing.
Thousands of people lined up Tuesday"
We used to call this welfare.
Now dear leader Obama-ummm-ummm-ummm calls it a job stimulus program.
Nothing like giving free money to homeless folks to bring jobs to Detroit....right?
Why bother to fix our state roads when we can just enjoy that big sucking sound of money headin' east to Detroit..... right?
Criminalizing everyone
Criminalizing everyone
"'You don't need to know. You can't know.'
That's what Kathy Norris, a 60-year-old grandmother of eight, was told when she tried to ask court officials why, the day before, federal agents had subjected her home to a furious search.
The agents who spent half a day ransacking Mrs. Norris' longtime home in Spring, Texas, answered no questions while they emptied file cabinets, pulled books off shelves, rifled through drawers and closets, and threw the contents on the floor.
The six agents, wearing SWAT gear and carrying weapons, were with - get this- the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service."
This is change we must believe in with our brave new Obamanation.
How's the "change" thing working out for you?
"'You don't need to know. You can't know.'
That's what Kathy Norris, a 60-year-old grandmother of eight, was told when she tried to ask court officials why, the day before, federal agents had subjected her home to a furious search.
The agents who spent half a day ransacking Mrs. Norris' longtime home in Spring, Texas, answered no questions while they emptied file cabinets, pulled books off shelves, rifled through drawers and closets, and threw the contents on the floor.
The six agents, wearing SWAT gear and carrying weapons, were with - get this- the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service."
This is change we must believe in with our brave new Obamanation.
How's the "change" thing working out for you?
City illustrates new report on unions' impact
City illustrates new report on unions' impact
"'What you have right now is a very uneven playing field,' he said.
In the Vallejo study, the authors argue that public unions are more costly in government than private business because business management is accountable to stockholders, compared to the often less politically active average citizens.
'...Politically, public-sector unions constitute a permanent activist constituency that works to expand the size and scope of government,' the report authors wrote. '
And bosses beholden to their employees are not likely to be accountable to the taxpayers.'"
This is exactly what has happened in Muskegon.
There is absolutely ZERO representation on behalf of the citizen/taxpayer when county employment contracts are negotiated.
Just the union lawyers and county department heads vs county department heads and 11 county commissioners who suffer not one penny of risk if the union contracts bankrupt our county.
Anyone see a problem here?
"'What you have right now is a very uneven playing field,' he said.
In the Vallejo study, the authors argue that public unions are more costly in government than private business because business management is accountable to stockholders, compared to the often less politically active average citizens.
'...Politically, public-sector unions constitute a permanent activist constituency that works to expand the size and scope of government,' the report authors wrote. '
And bosses beholden to their employees are not likely to be accountable to the taxpayers.'"
This is exactly what has happened in Muskegon.
There is absolutely ZERO representation on behalf of the citizen/taxpayer when county employment contracts are negotiated.
Just the union lawyers and county department heads vs county department heads and 11 county commissioners who suffer not one penny of risk if the union contracts bankrupt our county.
Anyone see a problem here?
Flu Vaccinations in Muskegon
Flu Vaccinations:
Cost:
Seasonal flu shot $27
Seasonal flu mist $35
Pneumonia shot $52
Anyone can receive a seasonal flu vaccination at the health department, however, the health department is unable to bill Medicare or health insurance programs other than Medicaid. If you have Medicare, we recommend either getting a seasonal flu shot at your doctor's office or through Visiting Nurse Services (VNS).
Hours of Service
Monday through Friday
Noon until 4:30 pm
Public Health - Muskegon County
209 East Apple Avenue
Muskegon, Michigan 49442
Plus at many libraries in the county.
Take control of your own health!
Cost:
Seasonal flu shot $27
Seasonal flu mist $35
Pneumonia shot $52
Anyone can receive a seasonal flu vaccination at the health department, however, the health department is unable to bill Medicare or health insurance programs other than Medicaid. If you have Medicare, we recommend either getting a seasonal flu shot at your doctor's office or through Visiting Nurse Services (VNS).
Hours of Service
Monday through Friday
Noon until 4:30 pm
Public Health - Muskegon County
209 East Apple Avenue
Muskegon, Michigan 49442
Plus at many libraries in the county.
Take control of your own health!
Cholesterol, Lipid and Glucose Screening
Cholesterol, Lipid and Glucose Screening
Tuesday, Oct. 14 and Nov. 11,
7 a.m. to noon
Mercy H.E.A.R.T. Center
No appointment needed.
$6 for cholesterol or glucose screenings, $15 for a lipid profile and $21 for both
Save on your own health care!
Tuesday, Oct. 14 and Nov. 11,
7 a.m. to noon
Mercy H.E.A.R.T. Center
No appointment needed.
$6 for cholesterol or glucose screenings, $15 for a lipid profile and $21 for both
Save on your own health care!
Loveland ski opens Wednesday, A-Basin on Friday
Loveland ski opens Wednesday, A-Basin on Friday
"Boasting its earliest opening day in 40 years, Loveland officials today announced the area will open for skiing Wednesday."
More proof of "global warming"!
"Boasting its earliest opening day in 40 years, Loveland officials today announced the area will open for skiing Wednesday."
More proof of "global warming"!
Historic '81 lottery winner Lou Eisenberg now living in mobile home
Historic '81 lottery winner Lou Eisenberg now living in mobile home
"The former multimillionaire now lives in a mobile home in Lake Worth, Fla., on $250 a week from his Social Security and pension checks."
Bummer!
"The former multimillionaire now lives in a mobile home in Lake Worth, Fla., on $250 a week from his Social Security and pension checks."
Bummer!
When war in Afghanistan comes to Whitehall
When war in Afghanistan comes to Whitehall
"It is the Government's cavalier attitude towards our Armed Forces, as well as its failure to provide sufficient quantities of combat troops and equipment, that lies at the root of what is becoming the most rancorous falling-out between the military and political classes in living memory."
Much like the Neville Chamberlain/Roosevelt types in the 30s, these selfish politicians will be the cause of much suffering soon.
"It is the Government's cavalier attitude towards our Armed Forces, as well as its failure to provide sufficient quantities of combat troops and equipment, that lies at the root of what is becoming the most rancorous falling-out between the military and political classes in living memory."
Much like the Neville Chamberlain/Roosevelt types in the 30s, these selfish politicians will be the cause of much suffering soon.
Support Builds for a Tax Credit for Creating Jobs
Support Builds for a Tax Credit for Creating Jobs
"critics of the idea argue that businesses hire based on actual demand for their products, and a minor subsidy for adding an employee will not make up for the collapse in demand across the broader economy.
“Why would a business hire a new worker?” Bill Rys, tax counsel to the National Federation of Independent Business, a small-business industry group, said.
“They’re hiring because they need to do work. Unless you have work to do, it’s still an expense.”
This was a disaster when tried under the Carter regime.
It will be a disaster under Hussein Carter the 2nd.
Except for all the new government employees needed to run this idiocy.
"critics of the idea argue that businesses hire based on actual demand for their products, and a minor subsidy for adding an employee will not make up for the collapse in demand across the broader economy.
“Why would a business hire a new worker?” Bill Rys, tax counsel to the National Federation of Independent Business, a small-business industry group, said.
“They’re hiring because they need to do work. Unless you have work to do, it’s still an expense.”
This was a disaster when tried under the Carter regime.
It will be a disaster under Hussein Carter the 2nd.
Except for all the new government employees needed to run this idiocy.
Chicago Violence Haunts Obama
Chicago Violence Haunts Obama
"At least 47 school-age children in Chicago have been killed in homicides, mostly by guns, since the month President Barack Obama took office."
"At least 47 school-age children in Chicago have been killed in homicides, mostly by guns, since the month President Barack Obama took office."
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