Harry Reid Shuts Down Reporter: ‘That’s A Clown Question Bro’ | Politicker
According to USA Today, Mr. Reid’s unusual response was a provoked by a reporter asking him to respond to “Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s comments on the DREAM Act.”
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Study: State pension shortfall ballooned in 2010
Study: State pension shortfall ballooned in 2010 - Yahoo! News
Recession-plagued states diverted scarce money away from pensions to pay for more immediate concerns, leaving a $757 billion hole in the retirement funds covering millions of public employees, according to a study released Monday.
The Pew Center on the States found 34 states failed to maintain safe levels of money in the pension funds, which most experts agree is about 80 percent of long-term obligations. Four states — Connecticut, Illinois, Kentucky and Rhode Island — didn't even have 55 percent of the money they'll need in the long run.
Recession-plagued states diverted scarce money away from pensions to pay for more immediate concerns, leaving a $757 billion hole in the retirement funds covering millions of public employees, according to a study released Monday.
The Pew Center on the States found 34 states failed to maintain safe levels of money in the pension funds, which most experts agree is about 80 percent of long-term obligations. Four states — Connecticut, Illinois, Kentucky and Rhode Island — didn't even have 55 percent of the money they'll need in the long run.
Economic bummer: 6.9 million homes ditch cable TV
Economic bummer: 6.9 million homes ditch cable TV | WashingtonExaminer.com
An ownership survey conducted by GfK Media found that about 6.9 million homes abandoned pay TV last year, a shocking number that industry sources chalk up to the sagging economy
An ownership survey conducted by GfK Media found that about 6.9 million homes abandoned pay TV last year, a shocking number that industry sources chalk up to the sagging economy
Kan. company suspected of Medicare fraud for penis pumps
Kan. company suspected of Medicare fraud for penis pumps - Washington Times
The Health and Human Services inspector general said it sampled 100 claims made with Pos-T-Vac, the Dodge City-based penis-pump manufacturer, and found improprieties in more than half of payments for what are known as “male vacuum erection systems.”
The Health and Human Services inspector general said it sampled 100 claims made with Pos-T-Vac, the Dodge City-based penis-pump manufacturer, and found improprieties in more than half of payments for what are known as “male vacuum erection systems.”
Obama's Post-Constitutional Wingmen
The American Spectator : Obama's Post-Constitutional Wingmen
You don't interrupt the president.
So goes the media narrative in the wake of the media hysteria surrounding theDaily Caller's Neil Munro and his so-called "heckling" of President Obama.
Yeah, right. This is bunk.
You don't interrupt the president.
So goes the media narrative in the wake of the media hysteria surrounding theDaily Caller's Neil Munro and his so-called "heckling" of President Obama.
Yeah, right. This is bunk.
Monday, June 18, 2012
JP Morgan report on pension bomb
JP Morgan report on pension bomb—Charles Gasparino - NYPOST.com
The scandal isn’t simply that most public officials are misleading the public about the enormity of the problem and what steps must be taken to address the matter.
As the Morgan report notes, many of the real liabilities are located “off balance sheet,” hidden from the public’s eye, and lax accounting standards let cities and states minimize their enormity.
The scandal isn’t simply that most public officials are misleading the public about the enormity of the problem and what steps must be taken to address the matter.
As the Morgan report notes, many of the real liabilities are located “off balance sheet,” hidden from the public’s eye, and lax accounting standards let cities and states minimize their enormity.
IS MERITOCRACY failing America?
Instapundit » Blog Archive » IS MERITOCRACY failing America?
I’m not sure that what we’ve got is a meritocracy.
Our people seem to be credentialed, more than educated.
But I don’t think that affirmative action and higher taxes are likely to make things better.
I’d say shrink the playground of the “elites” — government — so that they can do less harm.
Notice that that’s never the answer to any of their failings, though?
Posted by Glenn Reynolds at 10:00 am
I’m not sure that what we’ve got is a meritocracy.
Our people seem to be credentialed, more than educated.
But I don’t think that affirmative action and higher taxes are likely to make things better.
I’d say shrink the playground of the “elites” — government — so that they can do less harm.
Notice that that’s never the answer to any of their failings, though?
Posted by Glenn Reynolds at 10:00 am
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Muskegon health care reformers want patients to weigh costs, benefits of care
Muskegon health care reformers want patients to weigh costs, benefits of care | MLive.com
“We don’t penalize you for being unhealthy, we incentivize you to be healthy,” he said.
If most people go over budget, taxes would go up, Rice said. If most people control their expenses, taxes would go down.
The idea is that patients would make the best decisions about their care when they could weigh the benefit of a test or treatment against its price, Rice said.
“We don’t penalize you for being unhealthy, we incentivize you to be healthy,” he said.
If most people go over budget, taxes would go up, Rice said. If most people control their expenses, taxes would go down.
The idea is that patients would make the best decisions about their care when they could weigh the benefit of a test or treatment against its price, Rice said.
Summer Evening Recreation Program at Muskegon High School gets young people off the streets
Summer Evening Recreation Program at Muskegon High School gets young people off the streets | MLive.com
Nothing might stem incidents of urban violence more than giving young people something positive to do with their time.
That is the goal behind the third year of the Summer Evening Recreation Program at Muskegon High School.
Young people from age 8 to 25 from all over the community are invited to participate in a variety of activities three nights a week all summer long.
Nothing might stem incidents of urban violence more than giving young people something positive to do with their time.
That is the goal behind the third year of the Summer Evening Recreation Program at Muskegon High School.
Young people from age 8 to 25 from all over the community are invited to participate in a variety of activities three nights a week all summer long.
Rally held in support of Muskegon middle school employee charged with criminal sexual conduct involving student
Rally held in support of Muskegon middle school employee charged with criminal sexual conduct involving student | MLive.com
MUSKEGON, MI -- A rally took place Thursday in downtown Muskegon to show support for a Steele Middle School employee charged with criminal sexual conduct involving a student.
A group of about 30 family members, friends, co-workers and former students gathered to support Thomas Edward Lopez, who was arraigned May 10 on charges of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a victim at least 13 but younger than 16, a potential life felony, and second-degree criminal sexual conduct, a 15-year felony.
MUSKEGON, MI -- A rally took place Thursday in downtown Muskegon to show support for a Steele Middle School employee charged with criminal sexual conduct involving a student.
A group of about 30 family members, friends, co-workers and former students gathered to support Thomas Edward Lopez, who was arraigned May 10 on charges of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a victim at least 13 but younger than 16, a potential life felony, and second-degree criminal sexual conduct, a 15-year felony.
Muskegon County's Brookhaven nursing home: Community need vs. money pit
Muskegon County's Brookhaven nursing home: Community need vs. money pit | MLive.com
The county’s financial data show that more than $2.5 million has been appropriated to Brookhaven over the last five years to balance the nursing home’s budget.
The county’s financial contribution over that period approaches $5 million when the recent $2.325 million loan is added.
The county’s financial data show that more than $2.5 million has been appropriated to Brookhaven over the last five years to balance the nursing home’s budget.
The county’s financial contribution over that period approaches $5 million when the recent $2.325 million loan is added.
What do Muskegon County commissioners think about Brookhaven?
What do Muskegon County commissioners think about Brookhaven? | MLive.com
District 11 from Norton Shores
Bob Scolnik
“I think there is a need for a county-run nursing home,” he said, pointing out that he is convinced that there are not enough beds in the community if Brookhaven closed.
“I have some concerns about Brookhaven long term,” he said, mentioning that hospital referrals are down with Mercy Health Partners having its own nursing homes to recommend. “Just my opinion, I think they are going to have to have some specialized services for the census.”
One of the options he said he thinks is worth looking into is a specialized wing for a specific service, similar to Brookhaven’s dementia unit.
District 5 commissioner from Fruitport Township
“I haven’t found an actual tipping point,” he said of the amount when the financial contribution from the general fund may be too much. “It’s going to have to be looked at from time to time.”
He said he is hopeful that the new director’s ideas will help the financial situation and that ultimately the voters may have to make the final decision on whether to support the facility with a millage.
District 11 from Norton Shores
Bob Scolnik
“I think there is a need for a county-run nursing home,” he said, pointing out that he is convinced that there are not enough beds in the community if Brookhaven closed.
“I have some concerns about Brookhaven long term,” he said, mentioning that hospital referrals are down with Mercy Health Partners having its own nursing homes to recommend. “Just my opinion, I think they are going to have to have some specialized services for the census.”
One of the options he said he thinks is worth looking into is a specialized wing for a specific service, similar to Brookhaven’s dementia unit.
District 5 commissioner from Fruitport Township
“I haven’t found an actual tipping point,” he said of the amount when the financial contribution from the general fund may be too much. “It’s going to have to be looked at from time to time.”
He said he is hopeful that the new director’s ideas will help the financial situation and that ultimately the voters may have to make the final decision on whether to support the facility with a millage.
Containers are cool for those supporting the Shoreline Market development proposed for downtown Muskegon
Containers are cool for those supporting the Shoreline Market development proposed for downtown Muskegon | MLive.com
Planning commissioners unanimously recommended approval of the $12 million development at 372 Morris that also includes traditional construction of apartments, townhouses, offices and retail shops.
The proposal by Urban Renaissance Group LLC of Grand Rapids will now go to the Muskegon City Commission’s June 26 meeting for final approval....
...The first-phase marketplace would be constructed through a combination of bank financing and private investors, Dykstra said.
The market already has attracted a number of local and regional artists, food vendors and retailers, Mika said.
Planning commissioners unanimously recommended approval of the $12 million development at 372 Morris that also includes traditional construction of apartments, townhouses, offices and retail shops.
The proposal by Urban Renaissance Group LLC of Grand Rapids will now go to the Muskegon City Commission’s June 26 meeting for final approval....
...The first-phase marketplace would be constructed through a combination of bank financing and private investors, Dykstra said.
The market already has attracted a number of local and regional artists, food vendors and retailers, Mika said.
Athletics to remain part of Muskegon Heights school tradition under charter system
Athletics to remain part of Muskegon Heights school tradition under charter system | MLive.com
“The community said they want athletics,” Weatherspoon said.
“The new direction is academics. So we’re moving forward with both.”
“The community said they want athletics,” Weatherspoon said.
“The new direction is academics. So we’re moving forward with both.”
Governor's staff in Muskegon Monday to gather community input
Governor's staff in Muskegon Monday to gather community input | MLive.com
MUSKEGON, MI – Ryke’s Bakery is the place to be Monday morning if you have a state government question or concern for Gov. Rick Snyder.
You can also grab a doughnut or two.
Representatives from the Governor’s Office are scheduled to meet face-to-face with Muskegon community members from 10 a.m. to noon Monday at Ryke’s Bakery, Catering and Café, 1788 Terrace in Muskegon.
The local visit is part of a tour of more than 60 sites in Michigan by the Governor’s Office of Constituent Services.
MUSKEGON, MI – Ryke’s Bakery is the place to be Monday morning if you have a state government question or concern for Gov. Rick Snyder.
You can also grab a doughnut or two.
Representatives from the Governor’s Office are scheduled to meet face-to-face with Muskegon community members from 10 a.m. to noon Monday at Ryke’s Bakery, Catering and Café, 1788 Terrace in Muskegon.
The local visit is part of a tour of more than 60 sites in Michigan by the Governor’s Office of Constituent Services.
Keith Guy's move from Muskegon Heights to Muskegon almost a done deal
Keith Guy's move from Muskegon Heights to Muskegon almost a done deal | MLive.com
Guy led the Muskegon Heights Tigers to the boys basketball state semifinals last year and to the state finals the previous year.
Guy led the Muskegon Heights Tigers to the boys basketball state semifinals last year and to the state finals the previous year.
Charter school company withdraws interest in Muskegon Heights
Charter school company withdraws interest in Muskegon Heights | MLive.com
New Paradigm, a nonprofit company, operates the Detroit Edison Public School Academy, which has 1,100 students and a staff of 110, as well as the Glazer Academy and Loving Academy, both of which are authorized by Detroit Public Schools.
New Paradigm, a nonprofit company, operates the Detroit Edison Public School Academy, which has 1,100 students and a staff of 110, as well as the Glazer Academy and Loving Academy, both of which are authorized by Detroit Public Schools.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Four Muskegon County sites to offer free HIV tests June 27
Four Muskegon County sites to offer free HIV tests June 27 | MLive.com
Tests will be offered from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Public Health Muskegon County, 209 E. Apple; 9 a.m. to noon at Benson Drug, 961 Spring; 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at McClee’s Clinic, 1700 Clinton; and 1 to 3:30 p.m. at Hackley Community Care Center, 2700 Baker, Muskegon Heights.
Tests will be offered from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Public Health Muskegon County, 209 E. Apple; 9 a.m. to noon at Benson Drug, 961 Spring; 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at McClee’s Clinic, 1700 Clinton; and 1 to 3:30 p.m. at Hackley Community Care Center, 2700 Baker, Muskegon Heights.
Who will be Muskegon's next mayor? The city commission will begin to decide
Who will be Muskegon's next mayor? The city commission will begin to decide | MLive.com
Even though Warmington announced his intentions at the commission’s May 22 meeting, commissioners said they would not discuss his replacement until the resignation became officiall out of respect for the mayor.
Even though Warmington announced his intentions at the commission’s May 22 meeting, commissioners said they would not discuss his replacement until the resignation became officiall out of respect for the mayor.
Special education overhaul, closure of schools help Muskegon schools balance budget
Special education overhaul, closure of schools help Muskegon schools balance budget | MLive.com
Special education is a category with one of the biggest spending reductions.
The reductions are expected to come as a result of an overhaul in qualifying students for special education services, said Muskegon Public Schools Superintendent Jon Felske.
“We believe there are students who have received services who no longer qualify,” Felske said.
Special education is a category with one of the biggest spending reductions.
The reductions are expected to come as a result of an overhaul in qualifying students for special education services, said Muskegon Public Schools Superintendent Jon Felske.
“We believe there are students who have received services who no longer qualify,” Felske said.
Mark Steyn: Earthly woes mount as Obama's rhetoric soars
Mark Steyn: Earthly woes mount as Obama's rhetoric soars | obama, moon, together - Opinion - The Orange County Register
Round about this time in the election cycle, a presidential challenger finds himself on the stump and posing a simple test to voters: "Ask yourself – are you better off now than you were four years ago?"
Round about this time in the election cycle, a presidential challenger finds himself on the stump and posing a simple test to voters: "Ask yourself – are you better off now than you were four years ago?"
International - Robert Wright - Obama's Drift Toward War With Iran
International - Robert Wright - Obama's Drift Toward War With Iran - The Atlantic
The most undercovered story in Washington is how President Obama, under the influence of election-year politics, is letting America drift toward war with Iran.
The most undercovered story in Washington is how President Obama, under the influence of election-year politics, is letting America drift toward war with Iran.
Five Reasons Why Romney is the Favorite
Five Reasons Why Romney is the Favorite « Commentary Magazine
3. Intellectual exhaustion.
The Obama campaign is out of ideas.
On the economy, Obama has used virtually everything in his progressive toolkit.
Nothing has worked.
3. Intellectual exhaustion.
The Obama campaign is out of ideas.
On the economy, Obama has used virtually everything in his progressive toolkit.
Nothing has worked.
Unfunded and Unreported: $900 Billion in States’ Liabilities
Unfunded and Unreported: $900 Billion in States’ Liabilities | Heartlander Magazine
The five “sinkhole states,” along with the amount taxpayers would need to pay are: Connecticut ($49,000), New Jersey ($35,800), Hawaii ($32,700), Illinois ($31,600), and Kentucky ($23,500).
Weinberg says “politicians for years have been saying their budgets are balanced, but that’s because they’re not including these liabilities.”
The five “sinkhole states,” along with the amount taxpayers would need to pay are: Connecticut ($49,000), New Jersey ($35,800), Hawaii ($32,700), Illinois ($31,600), and Kentucky ($23,500).
Weinberg says “politicians for years have been saying their budgets are balanced, but that’s because they’re not including these liabilities.”
Thursday, June 14, 2012
State Spent $2.3 Million to Train 200 in Renewable Energy — Only a Few Got Jobs
State Spent $2.3 Million to Train 200 in Renewable Energy — Only a Few Got Jobs [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
Almost three years later, the Energy Conservation Apprenticeship Readiness Program (ECAR) had just 200 people apply statewide, cost $2.3 million in federal stimulus money and yielded few jobs for the enrollees who were trained.
Almost three years later, the Energy Conservation Apprenticeship Readiness Program (ECAR) had just 200 people apply statewide, cost $2.3 million in federal stimulus money and yielded few jobs for the enrollees who were trained.
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