Monday, April 16, 2012

Michigan government unleashes armed raids on small pig farmers, forces farmer to shoot all his own pigs

NaturalNews exclusive: Michigan government unleashes armed raids on small pig farmers, forces farmer to shoot all his own pigs
Michigan Department of Natural Resources has, in total violation of the Fourth Amendment, conducted two armed raids on pig farmers in that state, one in Kalkaska County at Fife Lake and another in Cheboygan County.
Staging raids involving six vehicles and ten armed men, DNA conducted unconstitutional, illegal and arguably criminal armed raids on these two farms with the intent of shooting all the farmers' pigs under a bizarre new "Invasive Species Order" (ISO) that has suddenly declared traditional livestock to be an invasive species.

Traffic to be rerouted near Frauenthal during symphony program

Traffic to be rerouted near Frauenthal during symphony program | MLive.com
MUSKEGON, MI -- Motorists are asked to avoid a central part of downtown Muskegon on Wednesday while a group of school children participate in a symphony program.
Muskegon Police officials are asking drivers to avoid the area of Third Street from Clay to Morris streets, and Western Avenue from Second to Fourth streets from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Over 4,000 area school children are expected to attend the symphony program that day.
The traffic circle will be closed as well.

Radio promo for this Sunday's show

Hi, This is Jim Riley, your host of Eye On Muskegon every Sunday morning from 8:30 to 10:00 and on the internet at eyeonmuskegon.com

Next Sunday is Earth Day.

We all love Mother Earth but some of us want others of us to love Mother Earth with more than just a big hug.

They want our money.

And they want government to collect it.

And spend it.

How's that working out?

This Sunday, Earth Day, EyeOnMuskegon will look at how your enviro dollars are being spent right here in Muskegon on NewsTalk 1090 WKBZ, the Talk of Muskegon.

Lake Express and GVSU water institute team up May 5 to celebrate Lake Michigan

Lake Express and GVSU water institute team up May 5 to celebrate Lake Michigan | MLive.com
The cost of the two special Lake Michigan excursions is $12 per person with those ages 4-11 $8 and those under 3 free.
All ticket proceeds go to the Annis Water Resources Institute.

EyeOnMuskegon 4-15-2012

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Snarl of tax code complicates fees preparers charge

Susan Tompor: Snarl of tax code complicates fees preparers charge | Detroit Free Press | freep.com
On average, Michigan taxpayers paid $215 last year for the preparation of a federal 1040 with itemized deductions on a Schedule A and a state return, according to the National Society of Accountants.

YOU HAVEN'T LIVED HERE UNTIL ... YOU PAY MICHIGAN INCOME TAXES

YOU HAVEN'T LIVED HERE UNTIL ... YOU PAY MICHIGAN INCOME TAXES | Detroit Free Press | freep.com
DON'T SOME MUNICIPALITIES LEVY INCOME TAXES, TOO?
Yes, 22 of them:
Detroit, Hamtramck, Highland Park, Pontiac, Port Huron, Flint, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Saginaw, Battle Creek, Albion, Jackson, Muskegon, Muskegon Heights, Grayling, Big Rapids, Ionia, Lapeer, Springfield (Calhoun County), Portland,(Ionia County), Walker (Kent County) and Hudson (Lenawee County). Living or working in one of these communities doesn't affect your state income tax rate.

Statement on Tax Freedom Day

Wilson County News - Commentaries - Statement on Tax Freedom Day
Americans should also realize that federal government taxes aren’t enough to cover the federal budget. An additional $1.014 trillion is needed to pay for all of the obligations and that would put the real Tax Freedom Day at May 14.
That represents an additional 27 days of federal spending financed by borrowing.

Hidden debt extends true Tax Freedom Day through 2112

COMMENTARY: Hidden debt extends true Tax Freedom Day through 2112
This year Tax Freedom Day ironically is April 17, but the numbers crunchers at the foundation should be honest about which century.

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Teachers union leaders call for corporations to pay more taxes, sending money to schools

Teachers union leaders call for corporations to pay more taxes, sending money to schools | MLive.com
Businesses should pay $1.5 trillion more in taxes over the next 10 years, with a chunk of the money added to school budgets, national teachers union leaders say.

Tax refunds being used to pay for bankruptcy filings

Tax refunds being used to pay for bankruptcy filings – USATODAY.com
More than 200,000 money-strapped households will use their tax refunds this year to pay for bankruptcy filing and legal fees, says a new study by the National Bureau of Economic Research.

Bidens Donate 1.5 Percent of Income to Charity in 2011

Bidens Donate 1.5 Percent of Income to Charity in 2011 | The Weekly Standard
"Together, [the Bidens] reported adjusted gross income of $379,035.
The Bidens paid $87,900 in total federal tax for 2011.
They paid $13,843 in Delaware income tax and $3,614 in Virginia income tax.
 The Bidens contributed $5,540 to charity in 2011."

Obama Family Tax Shelter

Obama Family Tax Shelter | Washington Free Beacon
The Obamas paid a total federal tax rate of 20.5 percent on a gross adjusted income $789,674, which would typically fall within the top federal rate of 35 percent.
 According to an analysis of the president’s tax return, he may have paid a lower rate than his secretary despite making more than eight times as much money as she did.

Norton Avenue road work starts Monday between Henry Street, Davis Road

Norton Avenue road work starts Monday between Henry Street, Davis Road | MLive.com
The work is scheduled for completion by mid-July.

Ponzi update: Lapeer County among investors returning funds in case that cost Mona Shores

Ponzi update: Lapeer County among investors returning funds in case that cost Mona Shores | MLive.com
Mona Shores is by far the largest victim in the case, losing $3.7 million in voter-approved bond funds.

Secret Service dismissals "biggest scandal" for agency

Secret Service dismissals "biggest scandal" for agency - CBS News
"They don't have enough agents, they don't even put people through metal detectors sometimes because there's pressure to let everybody in," Kessler said.
 "It's like letting passengers in an airplane without putting them through metal detectors.
They don't keep up-to-date with the latest firearms.
They don't even do physical tests.
So, it's a culture that leads to this kind of problem."

Environmental Protection Agency fines school bus contractor almost $500,000 for ‘excessive idling’

Michelle Malkin » Environmental Protection Agency fines school bus contractor almost $500,000 for ‘excessive idling’
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforced nearly $500,000 in fines and mandatory “environmental projects” on a school bus contractor for “excessive idling,” and as part of its anti-idling campaign to reduce the carbon footprint of school buses waiting to pick up children for their routes.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Putting Nix to bed

Putting Nix to bed - LSJ Blogs: Hey, Joe
"My old, old, old football coach, Buck Nystrom, once made a statement at a spring practice to me, ‘Son you don’t understand, discipline is the greatest form of love you can show someone.’
So today, I’m gonna tell him I love him.
And I’m gonna tell him that these guys are gonna help, the staff … and I’m gonna teach him that the world can be cruel.
A lot of people throw stones that if the tables were turned, I’d just ask you to remember this before you ask me questions:
Do you want me to treat him like a 6-9, 275-pound human being that just kind of walks and goes by himself or do you want me to treat him like I treat your son?
"You better think before you answer that.
Because I know how I’d want my son treated.
And he’s gonna make mistakes.
And I’m gonna have to deal with him. I don’t think there is one person in this room that hits the road on their son.
And when we make a commitment to a kid, we tell mom, we tell dad, you know give us the baton for four years and see if we can continue the process or make it even better.

I'm thinking every parent can relate to this wonderful man's comments.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Pension Reform Bigger School Fiscal Issue Than Education Budget

Commentary: Pension Reform Bigger School Fiscal Issue Than Education Budget [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
Take Rockford Public Schools, for instance. Its annual financial report indicates that the projected increase in pension rates will have a larger impact on district finances than the proposed change in state revenue.
Based on salaries for 2011, the upcoming increase in pension contributions will cost the district $1.1 million, and pensions already cost roughly one out of every eight dollars the district spends

Potential Muskegon County Jail sites identified by real estate agency

Potential Muskegon County Jail sites identified by real estate agency | MLive.com
The committee, consisting of county officials, is charged with making recommendations to the County Board of Commissioners by July 30 as to the site, financing options and design for jail replacement.

Teachers decry changes to pension, retirement health care plans

Teachers decry changes to pension, retirement health care plans | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com: To make up for those lost years in his teaching career, Goff bought 10 years of credit in the public school employee pension system with plans of retiring in summer 2014 at age 54.
But Goff said he might have to work another six years at the Meridian School District if state lawmakers approve legislation overhauling the retirement system and requiring school and community college employees to be 60 to qualify for retiree health care.
The father of five said the legislation disrupts his and his wife's retirement plans.
"It fundamentally alters our plans, our hopes and our dreams," Goff said

Judge: DTE rate increase improper

Judge: DTE rate increase improper | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com
DTE Energy customers won't see refunds anytime soon despite a ruling Wednesday that the utility never should have been allowed to hike rates by $37 million for its controversial smart meter program.

The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled Wednesday that the Michigan Public Service Commission should not have permitted DTE Energy to raise rates to fund the program and that the utility failed to show the program provided any benefit to customers.

....The smart meters, already installed in more than 700,000 homes in more than 30 municipalities, allow the utility to remotely monitor and shut off electricity to customers.

City workers suspended without pay in Warren

Fouts: City workers suspended without pay in Warren | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com
Warren— Three city workers accused of stealing thousands of dollars in city property, including a heavy-duty toilet seat, a dog run and a vinyl picket fence, have been suspended without pay

Mom walking baby shot as she fled sex assault attempt in Detroit

Mom walking baby shot as she fled sex assault attempt in Detroit | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com: Detroit — A woman is in critical condition after she was shot trying to escape with her 6-month-old baby from a man who tried to sexually assault her.

Still waiting for a call from president barry.....

Aspargus picking jobs available

Aspargus picking jobs available | wzzm13.com
Migrant workers that usually do the work are still picking crops in Florida and Texas. They're not expected to return to Michigan until May.
The goal of the first ever asparagus job fair in Hart was to fill more than 200 positions.
Depending on the farm the jobs will start in the next week or two.
Pay starts at $7.40 per hour.
But employers also pay hourly bonuses based on the amount of asparagus a worker picks

Girl blown by a plane

Meijer Gardens Announces Full Summer Concert Lineup

Meijer Gardens Announces Full Summer Concert Lineup - FOX 17
The popular venue has announced an ecletic 25 show lineup, Meijer's largest to date.
Presale tickets are available to members, starting April 28, 2012 at 5 p.m.
Members get the chance to save $5 a ticket.
Sales to the public begin at 9 a.m., May 12, 2012.
Members save $2 per ticket purchased

WOW!

GSA employees spent 5 days in Hawaii for 1-hour groundbreaking event

GSA employees spent 5 days in Hawaii for 1-hour groundbreaking event | Fox News

Study Says "Pure Michigan" Campaign Brought in $1 Billion

Study Says "Pure Michigan" Campaign Brought in $1 Billion - FOX 17
2011's summer campaign is said to have cost $14.3 million and generated nearly $5 million in taxes for each dollar spent on the campaign.

Mona Shores saves taxpayers nearly $700,000 with refinance plan

Mona Shores saves taxpayers nearly $700,000 with refinance plan | MLive.com
Mona Shores will save taxpayers nearly $683,000 with the refunding of bonds originally sold in 2002.

Gov. Rick Snyder signs laws restricting food stamps for Michigan lottery winners

Gov. Rick Snyder signs laws restricting food stamps for Michigan lottery winners | MLive.com
The Michigan League for Human Services contends the asset test hurts Michigan families and that it's unnecessary since the federal government does not require an asset test for food assistance.
The state operates the federally funded program and shares administrative costs with the federal government.
A Senate Fiscal Agency analysis estimates the regulations could save up to $1.4 million in food assistance and another $200,000 in family independence assistance this fiscal year.

Muskegon County jail committee to learn about potential sites

Muskegon County jail committee to learn about potential sites | MLive.com
A Citizens Review Committee also is being formed to assist in the process and help with public outreach about the county’s contention about the need for a new jail facility.
The committee members are expected to be appointed this month by the County Board of Commissioners.

Wednesday's top headlines: Drunk man threatens woman with butcher knife, Muskegon considers closing another school

Wednesday's top headlines: Drunk man threatens woman with butcher knife, Muskegon considers closing another school | MLive.com

Wonderland on the lake!

Muskegon County still has second-highest percentage receiving cash assistance, despite 3,000-person decline

Muskegon County still has second-highest percentage receiving cash assistance, despite 3,000-person decline | MLive.com
Muskegon County had the third-highest number of cases to hit the 60-month time limit when it was instituted in October, with 599 families removed then.
That number projected to reach 733 by May, DHS spokesman Dave Akerly said.

Muskegon County jail committee to learn about potential sites

Muskegon County jail committee to learn about potential sites | MLive.com
The tentative project schedule, submitted last month by County Administrator Bonnie Hammersley, calls for a new Muskegon County Jail and Juvenile Transition Center to open Jan. 2, 2015. Hammersley cautioned the planning committee overseeing the jail proposal that the project schedule is preliminary and some changes are expected.
Muskegon County Sheriff Dean Roesler, who is chairman of the committee, has said his indications are that a new jail, whether a retrofit into an existing building or a newly constructed facility, would require 500-600 beds in planning for the county’s future. The current jail is rated for 370 beds, although the sheriff has said the average daily population exceeds 400.
A Citizens Review Committee also is being formed to assist in the process and help with public outreach about the county’s contention about the need for a new jail facility.

EyeOnMuskegon 4-11-2012-Video!

EyeOnMuskegon: EyeOnMuskegon 4-11-2012-Video!

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Sukhoi T-50 Competes With The F-35

Sukhoi T-50 Competes With The F-35 - Business Insider
With its twin-engine design, the T-50 closely resembles the 20-year-old F-22 Raptor prototype

Editgate: a one-time thing that NBC News did over and over

Editgate: a one-time thing that NBC News did over and over | The Daily Caller
NBC News made that dishonest edit, then claimed it was an innocent mistake and the perpetrator had been fired, but wouldn’t say who and wouldn’t say how everybody else at NBC News somehow missed it.
They’re hoping that will suffice, which is kind of funny. Tom Maguire has been doing the yeoman’s work on this, and here’s his latest:

Michelle Williams responds to controversial audio recording concerning Trayvon Martin case

Michelle Williams responds to controversial audio recording concerning Trayvon Martin case
Williams can be heard saying,
"Let me tell you something, the things that is about to happen to these honkeys, these crackers, these pigs, these pink people, these (beep) people, it has been long over due."
Michelle Williams is the Chief of Staff with the local chapter of the New Black Panther Party.

Strong men more likely to vote Conservative

Strong men more likely to vote Conservative - Telegraph
Physically strong men are more likely to hold right wing political views because they believe society should be geared to personal struggle and self-preservation, an academic study claims.

2012-4-10 Muskegon county commission board-Full board.MP4

X-Rite Inc. to be sold in a $625 million takeover

X-Rite Inc. to be sold in a $625 million takeover | MLive.com
Color products maker X-Rite Inc. announced today it will be acquired by Danaher Corp., an industrial and healthcare conglomerate based in Washington, D.C. for $625 million.

Experts: Ousting Gov. Snyder might not be true goal of recall effort

Experts: Ousting Gov. Snyder might not be true goal of recall effort | MLive.com
Politicos said Michigan Rising and its backers instead are likely using petitions to collect names and addresses of potential voters – and donors – as it targets state House races and even boosting President Obama’s re-election bid.

America's Debt Is Greater than Entire Eurozone's (and U.K.'s) Combined Debt

America's Debt Is Greater than Entire Eurozone's (and U.K.'s) Combined Debt 
As the chart shows, America's debt is currently $15.1 trillion, while the Eurozone (which includes France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, the U.K., and others) has a combined debt of $12.7 trillion. (All dollar amounts are in U.S. dollars, and the data refers to closing 2011 numbers.)
The Eurozone is larger than the United States, so America's debt per capita also exceeds the Eurozone's.

Illinois Is Pension Basket Case You Forgot About

Illinois Is Pension Basket Case You Forgot About - Bloomberg
“If the General Assembly does not continue to provide allof the funding called for in state law, calculations done by TRSactuaries show that the System could become insolvent as soon as 2030....

Will state pension crisis be the tipping point?

Will state pension crisis be the tipping point? - The Hill's Congress Blog
This crisis that has been a long time coming and we are just beginning to grasp the magnitude of the state pension debt tsunami that’s going to hit us within the next decade.
Because virtually all states have some type of balanced budget requirement, it has been relatively easy to ignore the fact that unfunded pension obligations have been purposefully left off state balance sheets.
In truth, those obligations in most states far exceed the total of outstanding state debt, spending, and tax revenues combined.

Swedish Study Finds Laws Banning Texting, Talking On Phones While Driving Are Ineffective

Swedish Study Finds Laws Banning Texting, Talking On Phones While Driving Are Ineffective | Fox News:
...a VTI study found that there was no long-term traffic safety impact for countries that allowed cell phone use with hands-free equipment.

Study: Road deaths up on Tax Day

Study: Road deaths up on Tax Day | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com
Drivers recklessly racing to the post office to meet the deadline might be one reason.
Or it could be that stressing over taxes distracts motorists and contributes to human error, researchers said.

"Researchers"?

$28M Dearborn rail project moves ahead

$28M Dearborn rail project moves ahead | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com
The project is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Hope.....and change........

Maybe this Dearborn gal COULD use a choo choo train: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120410/METRO/204100427/1409/metro/Dearborn-s-former-Miss-USA-faces-drunken-driving-trial

Amendment to postal service law could guarantee the public a chance for appeal building closures

Amendment to postal service law could guarantee the public a chance for appeal building closures | MLive.com
The amendment “would prevent the closing of any postal facility unless there is an opportunity for the public to appeal the closing to the Postal Regulatory Commission and for that appeal to be considered,” Sen. Levin said in an email message today.