Only Wall Street Wins in Detroit Crisis Reaping $474 Million Fee - Bloomberg:
"The city started borrowing to plug budget holes in 2005 under former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, who was convicted this week on corruption charges. That year, it issued $1.4 billion in securities to fund pension payments.
Last year, it added $129.5 million in debt, 9.3 percent of its general-fund budget, in part to repay loans taken to service other bonds."
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Burning fossil fuels is greening the planet
Matt Ridley: Burning fossil fuels is greening the planet | AEIdeas:
"In the Reason.tv video above, Matt Ridley, author of the The Rational Optimist, talks about a curious global trend that is just starting to receive attention.
Over the past three decades, our planet has actually gotten greener.
Reason?
Matt Ridley explains that it’s because of the burning of fossil fuels!
It’s an amazing, astonishing discovery, but one that’s incredibly unwelcome for the environmentalists."
"In the Reason.tv video above, Matt Ridley, author of the The Rational Optimist, talks about a curious global trend that is just starting to receive attention.
Over the past three decades, our planet has actually gotten greener.
Reason?
Matt Ridley explains that it’s because of the burning of fossil fuels!
It’s an amazing, astonishing discovery, but one that’s incredibly unwelcome for the environmentalists."
Peg West: Join us at Muskegon Middle School to hear how we can help students affected by violence
Peg West: Join us at Muskegon Middle School to hear how we can help students affected by violence | MLive.com:
"Please join us at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, at Muskegon Middle School, 1150 Amity Ave., to hear about the benefits of mentoring and what it entails.
You will meet a group of educators who desperately want to find help for their students. "
"Please join us at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, at Muskegon Middle School, 1150 Amity Ave., to hear about the benefits of mentoring and what it entails.
You will meet a group of educators who desperately want to find help for their students. "
The Subway Lawsuits and What it Means to Understand Small Business
The Subway Lawsuits and What it Means to Understand Small Business | Job Creators NetworkJob Creators Network:
"So while the notion of a class action lawsuit forcing each of Subway’s 38,000 franchisees to measure every single “footlong” loaf of bread they bake may seem far-fetched to some, it’s really no more silly than many of the state and federal regulations that rain down upon America’s job creators every day. "
"So while the notion of a class action lawsuit forcing each of Subway’s 38,000 franchisees to measure every single “footlong” loaf of bread they bake may seem far-fetched to some, it’s really no more silly than many of the state and federal regulations that rain down upon America’s job creators every day. "
Jobless will see smaller emergency unemployment benefits thanks to federal government's sequester cuts
Jobless will see smaller emergency unemployment benefits thanks to federal government's sequester cuts | MLive.com:
"Starting March 31, claimants’ weekly check amounts will be reduced by 10.7 percent.
The reduction is due to the sequester — about $85 billion in automatic, immediate federal budget cuts that kicked in on March 1."
"Starting March 31, claimants’ weekly check amounts will be reduced by 10.7 percent.
The reduction is due to the sequester — about $85 billion in automatic, immediate federal budget cuts that kicked in on March 1."
Timeline shows Muskegon County Jail, juvenile center construction could begin in 2013
Timeline shows Muskegon County Jail, juvenile center construction could begin in 2013 | MLive.com:
"The county could hire an architecture firm and enter the design phase of the project by the end of April, according to the timeline.
If the design is approved by county commissioners, construction work could begin before the end of 2013."
"The county could hire an architecture firm and enter the design phase of the project by the end of April, according to the timeline.
If the design is approved by county commissioners, construction work could begin before the end of 2013."
Same-sex marriage gets backing from Michigan Democrats, as issue goes before Supreme Court
Same-sex marriage gets backing from Michigan Democrats, as issue goes before Supreme Court (Updated: with Photo Gallery) | MLive.com:
"Michigan Democrats frustrated by last week's delay in a federal challenge to the state's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage say they will continue to fight for equality as the U.S. Supreme Court considers two related cases.
U.S. Judge Bernard Friedman last week heard arguments in a case seeking to overturn the state's 2004 voter-approved amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman.
"Michigan Democrats frustrated by last week's delay in a federal challenge to the state's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage say they will continue to fight for equality as the U.S. Supreme Court considers two related cases.
U.S. Judge Bernard Friedman last week heard arguments in a case seeking to overturn the state's 2004 voter-approved amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman.
Congressman Bill Huizenga: S.S. Badger to start sailing season May 6 as coal ash issue could end up in court
Congressman Bill Huizenga: S.S. Badger to start sailing season May 6 as coal ash issue could end up in court | MLive.com:
"Huizenga raised the specter of either the company or environmental forces actively opposing the EPA permit application ending up in court to continue the controversy over the coal-powered ferry -- the last steamship of its kind continuing operations in the United States."
"Huizenga raised the specter of either the company or environmental forces actively opposing the EPA permit application ending up in court to continue the controversy over the coal-powered ferry -- the last steamship of its kind continuing operations in the United States."
Senate Democrats block effort to end USDA/Mexico food stamp promotion partnership
Senate Democrats block effort to end USDA/Mexico food stamp promotion partnership | The Daily Caller: "During the Senate Budget Committee’s Thursday markup of the Senate budget resolution, Democrats prevented an effort to block funds for the Agriculture Department’s “partnership” with the Mexican government, which is aimed at promoting nutrition assistance programs among Mexican Americans, Mexican nationals and migrant communities in America."
Germany's Green Energy Disaster: A Cautionary Tale For World Leaders
Germany's Green Energy Disaster: A Cautionary Tale For World Leaders - Forbes:
"That sum could rise even higher, as last month a Harvard University study revealed the extent to which the power generating potential of wind farms has been “overestimated.”
“The generating capacity of very large wind power installations may peak at between 0.5 and 1 watts per square meter,” the study concluded.
“Previous estimates, which ignored the turbines’ slowing effect on the wind, had put that figure at between 2 and 7 watts per square meter.”
"That sum could rise even higher, as last month a Harvard University study revealed the extent to which the power generating potential of wind farms has been “overestimated.”
“The generating capacity of very large wind power installations may peak at between 0.5 and 1 watts per square meter,” the study concluded.
“Previous estimates, which ignored the turbines’ slowing effect on the wind, had put that figure at between 2 and 7 watts per square meter.”
More than 300 Michigan cities have $12.7 billion in retiree health costs
Study: More than 300 Michigan cities have $12.7 billion in retiree health costs | Crain's Detroit Business:
"Eric Scorsone, an economist at MSU and expert on government finances, warned a legislative committee Thursday that retiree health costs will threaten the ability of local governments to provide basic services."
"Eric Scorsone, an economist at MSU and expert on government finances, warned a legislative committee Thursday that retiree health costs will threaten the ability of local governments to provide basic services."
Ryan warns of financial collapse over debt, urges Congress to avert ‘moral failure’
Ryan warns of financial collapse over debt, urges Congress to avert ‘moral failure’ | Fox News:
"Rep. Paul Ryan issued an urgent call to conservatives Friday to bridle the debt and head off a crisis he described as a looming "moral failure," defending the budget he introduced earlier this week from a barrage of Democratic attacks.
"We have to tackle this problem before it tackles us," Ryan said, speaking on the second day of the Conservative Political Action Conference. "
"Rep. Paul Ryan issued an urgent call to conservatives Friday to bridle the debt and head off a crisis he described as a looming "moral failure," defending the budget he introduced earlier this week from a barrage of Democratic attacks.
"We have to tackle this problem before it tackles us," Ryan said, speaking on the second day of the Conservative Political Action Conference. "
Friday, March 15, 2013
Muskegon City Commission listened, now you need to act
Editorial: Muskegon City Commission listened, now you need to act | MLive.com:
"Just this week the commission responded to the debate concerning commercial development at Pere Marquette beach and proposed a public-private partnership to continue the senior transit program. Both of these issues have generated plenty of community discussion and debate."
"Just this week the commission responded to the debate concerning commercial development at Pere Marquette beach and proposed a public-private partnership to continue the senior transit program. Both of these issues have generated plenty of community discussion and debate."
Pathology of race on full-blown display during Detroit emergency manager announcement
Matthew Davis: Pathology of race on full-blown display during Detroit emergency manager announcement | MLive.com:
Mostly, though, and especially in terms of public policy, racial pathology appeals only to the most vile in humanity.
That pathology was on full-blown display Thursday when Gov. Rick Snyder named Kevyn Orr -- a highly respected bankruptcy attorney -- as the city's emergency financial manager.
Outside the press conference, deeply pathological racists like Rev. Charles Williams II (of Rev. Al Sharpton's National Action Network) called Orr, who is black, an "Uncle Tom."
Tom Barrow, another protester, said the state's financial manager law is "Jim Crowesque."
Said the Rev. Horrace Sheffield: "This is colonialism in its neo-negro form."
Said the Rev. Horrace Sheffield: "This is colonialism in its neo-negro form."
There are only two possible explanations for such despicable behavior, the likes of which is every bit as contemptible as their contemporaries in the Ku Klux Klan.
First, that Sharpton's organization is using race to gain some pecuniary advantage from Detroit's misery.
This practice is also known as "race hustling," and Sharpton is an expert at raising some claim of racism to force the alleged racist to hire him or some crony to provide racial sensitivity training or some other meaningless drivel.
Thus, the pathology takes on a form of venality.
It may never be prosecuted as extortion, but it's a practice that -- if this county were ever serious about improving race relations -- should be condemned, or at least shunned, by mainstream opinion leaders who allow Sharpton to appear on their shows.
Resolve issue over docks
Resolve issue over docks | Grand Haven Tribune: "Standing in the way of floating docks is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Styburski said they've been working for seven years to get the permit from the corps."
Wisconsin Education Officials Want Students to Wear ‘White Privilege’ Wristbands
Wisconsin Education Officials Want Students to Wear ‘White Privilege’ Wristbands - Kyle Olson - [page]: "The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction runs several programs that heavily emphasize racial issues in public schools, EAGnews.org has been finding.
Some feel that one of those programs – an Americorps operation called VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) – may go a bit overboard by encouraging white students to wear a white wristband "as a reminder about your (white) privilege.”
Some feel that one of those programs – an Americorps operation called VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) – may go a bit overboard by encouraging white students to wear a white wristband "as a reminder about your (white) privilege.”
MSU report: Michigan municipalities face $13B bill for retiree benefits (and crisis is going to get worse)
MSU report: Michigan municipalities face $13B bill for retiree benefits (and crisis is going to get worse) | MLive.com:
"I think as a state, for our local governments, this is the biggest long-term financial challenge we have right now," lead author Eric Scorsone said this morning after testifying before the House Financial Liability Committee, suggesting that the unfunded liabilities are already causing financial stress in communities across the state."
"I think as a state, for our local governments, this is the biggest long-term financial challenge we have right now," lead author Eric Scorsone said this morning after testifying before the House Financial Liability Committee, suggesting that the unfunded liabilities are already causing financial stress in communities across the state."
University of Tennessee uses Student Fees to pay for Lesbian Bondage Expert
University of Tennessee uses Student Fees to pay for Lesbian Bondage Expert - Todd Starnes - Page 1
"There are 30 events planned including “Getting Laid,” “Sex Positivity; Queer as a Verb,” “Bow Chicka Bow Woah,” “How to Talk to Your Parents About Sex,” “Loud and Queer,” and “How Many Licks Does It Take…” – a workshop about oral sex.
“It’s tackling important topics related to sexual health, sexual identity, preventing sexual assault, gender roles (and) religion,” she added.
“The students have done a good job making sure there are things to appeal to all.”"
"There are 30 events planned including “Getting Laid,” “Sex Positivity; Queer as a Verb,” “Bow Chicka Bow Woah,” “How to Talk to Your Parents About Sex,” “Loud and Queer,” and “How Many Licks Does It Take…” – a workshop about oral sex.
“It’s tackling important topics related to sexual health, sexual identity, preventing sexual assault, gender roles (and) religion,” she added.
“The students have done a good job making sure there are things to appeal to all.”"
Proposal to drug test some Michigan welfare recipients pending in state House
Proposal to drug test some Michigan welfare recipients pending in state House | MLive.com:
The program would start as a pilot in a handful of counties. It would expand from there, potentially covering half the state by 2015 and all of the state by 2016."
The program would start as a pilot in a handful of counties. It would expand from there, potentially covering half the state by 2015 and all of the state by 2016."
House committee approves $21 million for emergency dredging, including facilities on Muskegon, White lakes
House committee approves $21 million for emergency dredging, including facilities on Muskegon, White lakes | MLive.com:
"The committee approved a total of nearly $21 million to be spent dredging 49 public recreational boating harbors in Michigan.
Among those on the list are Hartshorn Municipal Marina on Muskegon Lake, which would receive $175,000, and Whitehall's White Lake Municipal Marina, which would receive $182,000."
"The committee approved a total of nearly $21 million to be spent dredging 49 public recreational boating harbors in Michigan.
Among those on the list are Hartshorn Municipal Marina on Muskegon Lake, which would receive $175,000, and Whitehall's White Lake Municipal Marina, which would receive $182,000."
See which Muskegon businesses might lose their liquor licenses
See which Muskegon businesses might lose their liquor licenses | MLive.com
"The licenses in jeopardy of not being renewed are:
• Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, 1825 E. Sherman Blvd., missing renewal application
• Charity Lodge No. 1397, 149 Ottawa St., delinquent taxes
• Dollar General, 1367 E. Apple Ave., missing renewal application
• Dreamer’s, 978 Pine St., delinquent taxes and missing renewal application
• Encore America Sports Bar & Grill, 2536 Henry St., no business registration with the city
• Ghezzi’s Market, 2017 Lakeshore Dr., missing renewal application
• Lakeshore Tavern, 1963 Lakeshore Dr., delinquent taxes and missing renewal application
• Los Amigos Inc., 1848 E. Sherman Blvd., delinquent taxes and missing renewal application
• Racquets, 446 W. Western Ave., delinquent taxes"
"The licenses in jeopardy of not being renewed are:
• Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, 1825 E. Sherman Blvd., missing renewal application
• Charity Lodge No. 1397, 149 Ottawa St., delinquent taxes
• Dollar General, 1367 E. Apple Ave., missing renewal application
• Dreamer’s, 978 Pine St., delinquent taxes and missing renewal application
• Encore America Sports Bar & Grill, 2536 Henry St., no business registration with the city
• Ghezzi’s Market, 2017 Lakeshore Dr., missing renewal application
• Lakeshore Tavern, 1963 Lakeshore Dr., delinquent taxes and missing renewal application
• Los Amigos Inc., 1848 E. Sherman Blvd., delinquent taxes and missing renewal application
• Racquets, 446 W. Western Ave., delinquent taxes"
See which downtown Muskegon intersections will lose traffic lights due to low traffic volumes
See which downtown Muskegon intersections will lose traffic lights due to low traffic volumes | MLive.com
"There are 15 traffic lights along Muskegon and Webster avenues. Here are the five intersections expected to have traffic signals removed:
• Muskegon Avenue and Seventh Street
• Muskegon Avenue and Jefferson Street
• Muskegon Avenue and Pine Street
• Muskegon Avenue and Spring Street
• Webster Avenue and Seventh Street"
"There are 15 traffic lights along Muskegon and Webster avenues. Here are the five intersections expected to have traffic signals removed:
• Muskegon Avenue and Seventh Street
• Muskegon Avenue and Jefferson Street
• Muskegon Avenue and Pine Street
• Muskegon Avenue and Spring Street
• Webster Avenue and Seventh Street"
Thursday, March 14, 2013
An Important Day for Detroit
An Important Day for Detroit | Via Meadia
"The report follows Detroit’s descent from one of America’s greatest cities into a Third World-style wasteland of incompetence and corruption where streetlights are dark, police don’t respond to calls, and the poor are left to fend for themselves.
The process of ruin took decades and is the work of more than one generation of a degenerate political class. But Kwame Kilpatrick’s story is a reminder that the hyenas are still picking at what little is left of the city’s corpse."
"The report follows Detroit’s descent from one of America’s greatest cities into a Third World-style wasteland of incompetence and corruption where streetlights are dark, police don’t respond to calls, and the poor are left to fend for themselves.
The process of ruin took decades and is the work of more than one generation of a degenerate political class. But Kwame Kilpatrick’s story is a reminder that the hyenas are still picking at what little is left of the city’s corpse."
Mona Shores board member Dan Potts resigns to seek job with district
Mona Shores board member Dan Potts resigns to seek job with district | MLive.com
"Those interested in serving as a school board member in Mona Shores should send letters of interest to Superintendent Dave Peden, 121 Randall Road, Muskegon 49441."
"Those interested in serving as a school board member in Mona Shores should send letters of interest to Superintendent Dave Peden, 121 Randall Road, Muskegon 49441."
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