Today in Investor's Business Daily stock analysis and business news: "As we've noted, 2008 has been a year of records for cold and snowfall and may indeed be the coldest year of the 21st century thus far. In the U.S., the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration registered 63 local snowfall records and 115 lowest-ever temperatures for the month of October.
Global thermometers stopped rising after 1998, and have plummeted in the last two years by more than 0.5 degrees Celsius. The 2007-2008 temperature drop was not predicted by global climate models. But it was predictable by a decline in sunspot activity since 2000.
When the sun is active, it's not uncommon to see sunspot numbers of 100 or more in a single month. Every 11 years, activity slows, and numbers briefly drop near zero. Normally sunspots return very quickly, as a new cycle begins. But this year, the start of a new cycle, the sun has been eerily quiet."
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Las Vegas public pension system broke
Las Vegas Business Press
"'We are the only state with no minimum age,' he said.
Nevada requires 20 years on the job to qualify for the pension.
More alarming, Hill said, were health care benefits offered retired public employees."
"'We are the only state with no minimum age,' he said.
Nevada requires 20 years on the job to qualify for the pension.
More alarming, Hill said, were health care benefits offered retired public employees."
Let There Be Dark?
Let There Be Dark?
"Moving past the term “controlling light wastage,” which seems to be little more than a euphemism for darker city streets, plenty of data link dim urban areas with higher crime rates. A 2004 study in the Journal of British Criminology, for example, studied 13 U.S. and British cities and concluded that improved street lighting, on average, was associated with a 20 percent decrease in crime. In contrast, I could find no data linking the inability to see the Milky Way with any sort of harm to anyone."
"Moving past the term “controlling light wastage,” which seems to be little more than a euphemism for darker city streets, plenty of data link dim urban areas with higher crime rates. A 2004 study in the Journal of British Criminology, for example, studied 13 U.S. and British cities and concluded that improved street lighting, on average, was associated with a 20 percent decrease in crime. In contrast, I could find no data linking the inability to see the Milky Way with any sort of harm to anyone."
Monday, December 29, 2008
Michelle O's a 'Goddess.' Palin is 'Worst Dressed' | NewsBusters.org
Fashion Writer: Michelle O's a 'Goddess.' Palin is 'Worst Dressed' NewsBusters.org: "It appears Obamamania has not only infiltrated British newspapers, but so has Palin Derangement Syndrome...even in the fashion section."
We must face facts!
THEY are always deranged about something/someone...
Bummer dudes!
We must face facts!
THEY are always deranged about something/someone...
Bummer dudes!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Muskegon outsourcing?
I just was told that the address we must use to send in our city of Muskegon property taxes is in Chicago.... yes, THAT Chicago.
The Chicago of Senators-for-sale, Governors making license plates, "The Dailey Machine", "SouthSidePolitical Machine", etc.
And, oh yeah, home of our President-elect.
Anyway, I have a few thoughts about Muskegon outsourcing our tax collection services.
1. WHY!!!!!!
I assume the "official" reason is that it is "cheaper/more efficient" to outsource a city duty to the 2nd most corrupt city in the midwest (imagine if we outsourced to Detroit!).
2. But if it is "cheaper/more efficient" where are the savings right here in Muskegon?
What jobs have been cut?
What net savings accrue to us poor Muskegonites by this fiscal efficiency?
3. Why the silence from the City of Muskegon?
Why are we not proudly told by the city of their brilliant move to save costs to the taxpayers?
4. Why isn't The Muskegon Chronicle front-paging the great news that the city of Muskegon is utilizing the same methods of efficiency that The Chronicle recently imposed, ITSELF, to save moolah, outsourcing?
5. And if not pride at the new efficiency:
Where is the outrage?
The angry, double-dog umbrage!
The "say it ain't so Joe!" in high dudgeon from the editorialistas of our Muskegon Chronicle who have long warned us of the evils of outsourcing?
6. The silence is... not deafening.... simply consistent from our city of Muskegon and its lapdog/newspaper of self-destruction.
7. Or it might just be that someone paid someone to make the deal and we, the taxpayers are screwed again.
Thank God for Indiana!
GordoM-prefers-Muskegon-but-is-comforted-that-Indiana-"self"-outsourcing-is-an-option
The Chicago of Senators-for-sale, Governors making license plates, "The Dailey Machine", "SouthSidePolitical Machine", etc.
And, oh yeah, home of our President-elect.
Anyway, I have a few thoughts about Muskegon outsourcing our tax collection services.
1. WHY!!!!!!
I assume the "official" reason is that it is "cheaper/more efficient" to outsource a city duty to the 2nd most corrupt city in the midwest (imagine if we outsourced to Detroit!).
2. But if it is "cheaper/more efficient" where are the savings right here in Muskegon?
What jobs have been cut?
What net savings accrue to us poor Muskegonites by this fiscal efficiency?
3. Why the silence from the City of Muskegon?
Why are we not proudly told by the city of their brilliant move to save costs to the taxpayers?
4. Why isn't The Muskegon Chronicle front-paging the great news that the city of Muskegon is utilizing the same methods of efficiency that The Chronicle recently imposed, ITSELF, to save moolah, outsourcing?
5. And if not pride at the new efficiency:
Where is the outrage?
The angry, double-dog umbrage!
The "say it ain't so Joe!" in high dudgeon from the editorialistas of our Muskegon Chronicle who have long warned us of the evils of outsourcing?
6. The silence is... not deafening.... simply consistent from our city of Muskegon and its lapdog/newspaper of self-destruction.
7. Or it might just be that someone paid someone to make the deal and we, the taxpayers are screwed again.
Thank God for Indiana!
GordoM-prefers-Muskegon-but-is-comforted-that-Indiana-"self"-outsourcing-is-an-option
SensaAbilities - Muskegon Opinion - The Muskegon Chronicle Online - Michigan Newspaper - MLive.com
SensaAbilities
If you feel overwhelmed by too much stuff, too many responsibilities, and too little time and money, 'Voluntary Simplicity' may be for you. West Michigan Interfaith will sponsor the five-week discussion series 6-8 p.m. Thursdays Jan. 8-Feb. 5 at the Torrent House, across from Hackley Public Library.
Developed by Northwest Earth Institute, this program is for all who want a path away from environmental destruction and toward an increasing awareness of how personal choices impact physical, emotional and spiritual health. The study guide quotes wisdom from a variety of spiritual teachers and philosophers who have found both inner and outer peace in a simple lifestyle.
The series is FREE, but participants are expected to read a chapter each week from a study guide, which can be purchased from Northwest Institute for $25 each; guides may be shared. Call Connie at (616) 846-8465 to register."
"Free" is $25 bucks?
Newspeak it is!
If you feel overwhelmed by too much stuff, too many responsibilities, and too little time and money, 'Voluntary Simplicity' may be for you. West Michigan Interfaith will sponsor the five-week discussion series 6-8 p.m. Thursdays Jan. 8-Feb. 5 at the Torrent House, across from Hackley Public Library.
Developed by Northwest Earth Institute, this program is for all who want a path away from environmental destruction and toward an increasing awareness of how personal choices impact physical, emotional and spiritual health. The study guide quotes wisdom from a variety of spiritual teachers and philosophers who have found both inner and outer peace in a simple lifestyle.
The series is FREE, but participants are expected to read a chapter each week from a study guide, which can be purchased from Northwest Institute for $25 each; guides may be shared. Call Connie at (616) 846-8465 to register."
"Free" is $25 bucks?
Newspeak it is!
Detroit vs. Green Bay - Recap - December 28, 2008
Detroit vs. Green Bay - Recap - December 28, 2008: "The Detroit Lions own a distinction no team wants: worst in NFL history."
A PERFECT SEASON, dude!
A PERFECT SEASON, dude!
Indy tradition dead!
My Way - Sports News
"Earlier this week, the speedway began making changes as it closed its 45-year-old hotel, the Brickyard Crossing Inn, where some drivers used to stay in May and scenes from Paul Newman's movie 'Winning' were shot."
What, no bailout for Indy motels?
"Earlier this week, the speedway began making changes as it closed its 45-year-old hotel, the Brickyard Crossing Inn, where some drivers used to stay in May and scenes from Paul Newman's movie 'Winning' were shot."
What, no bailout for Indy motels?
Anger, sadness over fabricated Holocaust story
Anger, sadness over fabricated Holocaust story
"The damage is broad. Publishing, the most trusting of industries, has again been burned by a memoir that fact-checking might have prevented. Berkley is an imprint of Penguin Group (USA), which in March pulled Margaret B. Jones''Love and Consequences' after the author acknowledged she had invented her story of gang life in Los Angeles. Winfrey fell, as she did with James Frey, for a narrative of suffering and redemption better suited for television than for history."
"most trusting of...."?
Sounds more like laziness and wilful ignorance.
All in a business that thrives on both.
"The damage is broad. Publishing, the most trusting of industries, has again been burned by a memoir that fact-checking might have prevented. Berkley is an imprint of Penguin Group (USA), which in March pulled Margaret B. Jones''Love and Consequences' after the author acknowledged she had invented her story of gang life in Los Angeles. Winfrey fell, as she did with James Frey, for a narrative of suffering and redemption better suited for television than for history."
"most trusting of...."?
Sounds more like laziness and wilful ignorance.
All in a business that thrives on both.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Muskegon County sued by U.S. over sexual harassment - MLive.com
Muskegon County sued by U.S. over sexual harassment - MLive.com: "The federal lawsuit -- one of only 12 such filed this year in the United States -- alleges the county 'failed to respond with adequate remedial measures' to employee Eva Amaya's complaints of multiple instances of sexual harassment, and to similar complaints by other employees."
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Last minute love!
http://www.charitynavigator.org/
http://www.capecodtoday.com/blogs/index.php/2008/01/07/best_and_worst_military_charities?blog=20
http://www.fallenheroesfund.org/Home.aspx
https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/
http://www.specialops.org/
http://www.operationhomefront.net/
http://www.uso.org/
http://www.armedforcesfoundation.org/index1.html
It's the SPENDING Stupid!"The liberties of a people never were, nor ever will be, secure when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them." -Patrick Henry, revolutionary (1736-1799)http://muskegonpundit.blogspot.com/
Make your life easier with all your friends, email, and favorite sites in one place. Try it now.
http://www.capecodtoday.com/blogs/index.php/2008/01/07/best_and_worst_military_charities?blog=20
http://www.fallenheroesfund.org/Home.aspx
https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/
http://www.specialops.org/
http://www.operationhomefront.net/
http://www.uso.org/
http://www.armedforcesfoundation.org/index1.html
It's the SPENDING Stupid!"The liberties of a people never were, nor ever will be, secure when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them." -Patrick Henry, revolutionary (1736-1799)http://muskegonpundit.blogspot.com/
Make your life easier with all your friends, email, and favorite sites in one place. Try it now.
Monday, December 22, 2008
U.S. newspaper shuns Web, and thrives
U.S. newspaper shuns Web, and thrives
"'Why would I put anything on the Web?' asked Dan Jacobson, the publisher and owner of the newspaper. 'I don't understand how putting content on the Web would do anything but help destroy our paper. Why should we give our readers any incentive whatsoever to not look at our content along with our advertisements, a large number of which are beautiful and cheap full-page ads?'"
The "progressives" who run our nation's newspapers thought that joint operating agreements (like the destructive "merging of The Detroit News & FreePress) would allow each newspaper to have a monopoly.
And they were right!
Except monopolies rarely produce high quality...... and progressives were never interested in quality to begin with. So......
The customers took the free stuff (who needs quality when it's free!) and dropped the rest.
It is amazing that newspaper owners are at a total loss as to why their companies are collapsing.
"'Why would I put anything on the Web?' asked Dan Jacobson, the publisher and owner of the newspaper. 'I don't understand how putting content on the Web would do anything but help destroy our paper. Why should we give our readers any incentive whatsoever to not look at our content along with our advertisements, a large number of which are beautiful and cheap full-page ads?'"
The "progressives" who run our nation's newspapers thought that joint operating agreements (like the destructive "merging of The Detroit News & FreePress) would allow each newspaper to have a monopoly.
And they were right!
Except monopolies rarely produce high quality...... and progressives were never interested in quality to begin with. So......
The customers took the free stuff (who needs quality when it's free!) and dropped the rest.
It is amazing that newspaper owners are at a total loss as to why their companies are collapsing.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Solis' Selection for Secretary of Labor | National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation
Solis' Selection for Secretary of Labor National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation: "Right to Work President Mark Mix discusses Obama's upcoming appointment of forced unionism activist Hilda Solis as Secretary of Labor with Neil Cavuto of Fox News:"
Man-Made Global Warming: 10 Questions
Man-Made Global Warming: 10 Questions
"I consider myself to be relatively well-read on the matter, and I’ve still come down on the skeptical side, because there are aspects of the issue that don’t make a lot of sense to me. Though I confess to have written none-too-reverentially on the subject, I want to try to put all that aside and ask ten serious questions to which I have been unable to find definitive answers:"
"I consider myself to be relatively well-read on the matter, and I’ve still come down on the skeptical side, because there are aspects of the issue that don’t make a lot of sense to me. Though I confess to have written none-too-reverentially on the subject, I want to try to put all that aside and ask ten serious questions to which I have been unable to find definitive answers:"
More snow, cold head for Aspen | AspenTimes.com
More snow, cold head for Aspen AspenTimes.com: "The snow in Aspen just keeps on coming, but it may be too cold to enjoy it by Saturday.
A winter storm that dumped up to a foot of snow on local ski slopes over the past two days has moved out, but another system is headed for Aspen Friday night. So are plummeting temperatures and a brutal wind chill."
A winter storm that dumped up to a foot of snow on local ski slopes over the past two days has moved out, but another system is headed for Aspen Friday night. So are plummeting temperatures and a brutal wind chill."
Friday, December 19, 2008
The Real 'Torture' Disgrace
The Real 'Torture' Disgrace
"As Mr. Levin put it in laying on his innuendo this week, a commission 'may or may not lead to indictments or civil action.' It will also encourage some grandstanding foreign prosecutor to arrest Mr. Rumsfeld and other Bush officials like Pinochet if they ever dare to leave the U.S. Why John McCain endorsed this Levin gambit is the kind of mystery that has defined, and damaged, his career. We hope other Republicans push back.
Mr. Levin claims that Bush interrogation programs 'damaged our ability to collect accurate intelligence that could save lives.' The truth is closer to the opposite. The second-guessing of Democrats is likely to lead to a risk-averse mindset at the CIA and elsewhere that compromises the ability of terror fighters to break the next KSM. The political winds always shift, but terrorists are as dangerous as ever."
"As Mr. Levin put it in laying on his innuendo this week, a commission 'may or may not lead to indictments or civil action.' It will also encourage some grandstanding foreign prosecutor to arrest Mr. Rumsfeld and other Bush officials like Pinochet if they ever dare to leave the U.S. Why John McCain endorsed this Levin gambit is the kind of mystery that has defined, and damaged, his career. We hope other Republicans push back.
Mr. Levin claims that Bush interrogation programs 'damaged our ability to collect accurate intelligence that could save lives.' The truth is closer to the opposite. The second-guessing of Democrats is likely to lead to a risk-averse mindset at the CIA and elsewhere that compromises the ability of terror fighters to break the next KSM. The political winds always shift, but terrorists are as dangerous as ever."
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Black named to road commission
Black named to road commission
"Ironically, Black now believes there may be a need for a countywide millage election to properly fund road maintenance and improvements. That's because the road commission gets most of its funding from the state, and that funding has been shrinking with each passing year.
'In this day and age, asking for a millage would be tough, to say the least,' Black said. 'It would have to be done by educating people about the need."
Right.
We po folks don't got da smarts to no we gotta give the man mo of our money.
Edjukation is what we need.....
Right.
"Ironically, Black now believes there may be a need for a countywide millage election to properly fund road maintenance and improvements. That's because the road commission gets most of its funding from the state, and that funding has been shrinking with each passing year.
'In this day and age, asking for a millage would be tough, to say the least,' Black said. 'It would have to be done by educating people about the need."
Right.
We po folks don't got da smarts to no we gotta give the man mo of our money.
Edjukation is what we need.....
Right.
Proposed gas tax hike riles gas station owners
Proposed gas tax hike riles gas station owners
"A proposed gasoline tax hike to fix the state's crumbling roads and bridges is pitting road builders against gasoline station owners, who say it would give Michigan the highest tax in the nation.
With the proposed hike -- which would switch from a fixed 19 cents per gallon to an 18 percent tax on the wholesale price of gas -- being considered by the lame duck state Legislature, Michigan would jump ahead of California, the nation's current No. 1, according to station owners.
Michigan now has the nation's fifth-highest gasoline tax, including state and federal taxes, at 59.4 cents a gallon. California's is 67.1 cents."
"A proposed gasoline tax hike to fix the state's crumbling roads and bridges is pitting road builders against gasoline station owners, who say it would give Michigan the highest tax in the nation.
With the proposed hike -- which would switch from a fixed 19 cents per gallon to an 18 percent tax on the wholesale price of gas -- being considered by the lame duck state Legislature, Michigan would jump ahead of California, the nation's current No. 1, according to station owners.
Michigan now has the nation's fifth-highest gasoline tax, including state and federal taxes, at 59.4 cents a gallon. California's is 67.1 cents."
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
The genesis of the $8.5 million parking ramp?
http://downtownmuskegon.org/recentnews-may09-07.shtml
(thanks to ClassifiedAd on the http://www.mlive.com/forums/muskegon/ Muskegon forum!)
Kind of amazing how $2.2 million morphs into $8.5 million in a real estate deflation..... ain't it?
more to come!
"Commission moves ahead on downtown parking ramp
Wednesday May 09, 2007
(thanks to ClassifiedAd on the http://www.mlive.com/forums/muskegon/ Muskegon forum!)
Kind of amazing how $2.2 million morphs into $8.5 million in a real estate deflation..... ain't it?
more to come!
"Commission moves ahead on downtown parking ramp
Wednesday May 09, 2007
By Steve GunnMuskegon Chronicle Reporter
Muskegon
Muskegon
County Commissioner Bill Gill may never like the idea, but his colleagues on the county board are determined to use $2.2 million in federal funds to build a new parking ramp on Third Street in downtown Muskegon."
Chrysler closing all 30 plants for one month
Chrysler closing all 30 plants for one month
"Chrysler LLC said Wednesday that it is closing all 30 of its manufacturing plants for a month starting Friday as it seeks to counter the most severe downturn in U.S. auto sales in more than two decades."
Understand that this company is owned by a hedge fund!
"Chrysler LLC said Wednesday that it is closing all 30 of its manufacturing plants for a month starting Friday as it seeks to counter the most severe downturn in U.S. auto sales in more than two decades."
Understand that this company is owned by a hedge fund!
Muskegon's $8.5 million boondoggle?
Does anyone know about the plan to demolish the current downtown bus station and replace it with a $8.5 million transit/parking ramp across from the Holiday Inn?
Parking ramps seem to be bulldozed in Muskegon, if you follow our city father's RECENT actions.
Why a new parking ramp 200 yards from the one we just tore down?
Parking ramps seem to be bulldozed in Muskegon, if you follow our city father's RECENT actions.
Why a new parking ramp 200 yards from the one we just tore down?
Granholm says she is not interested in Obama cabinet position
Granholm says she is not interested in Obama cabinet position
"'The governor has made it clear she does not want to be considered for an appointment at this time,' said Liz Boyd, a Granholm spokeswoman. 'Whether she is being vetted or has been vetted is immaterial. What she really is interested in is working on challenges facing our state, namely growing the economy and creating jobs.'"
Yeah right!
Serious "duh"!
She was "vetted" and stinko!!!!!! Worst state in the USA!
I'm thinking Blago has the same vetting.
Gotta love our "unbiased" media.
"'The governor has made it clear she does not want to be considered for an appointment at this time,' said Liz Boyd, a Granholm spokeswoman. 'Whether she is being vetted or has been vetted is immaterial. What she really is interested in is working on challenges facing our state, namely growing the economy and creating jobs.'"
Yeah right!
Serious "duh"!
She was "vetted" and stinko!!!!!! Worst state in the USA!
I'm thinking Blago has the same vetting.
Gotta love our "unbiased" media.
Schools offers buyouts to highest-paid teachers
Schools offers buyouts to highest-paid teachers
"Even if several teachers accept a new buyout option, Coopersville Schools likely will eliminate 4 1/2 staff positions next school year to stabilize a shaky financial forecast.
The school board Monday approved a voluntary separation plan that allows teachers making more than $61,000 in base salary to resign or retire and collect $54,000 afterward. Teachers making at least $75,000 would collect $60,000."
"Even if several teachers accept a new buyout option, Coopersville Schools likely will eliminate 4 1/2 staff positions next school year to stabilize a shaky financial forecast.
The school board Monday approved a voluntary separation plan that allows teachers making more than $61,000 in base salary to resign or retire and collect $54,000 afterward. Teachers making at least $75,000 would collect $60,000."
Scientists Call AP Report on Global Warming 'Hysteria'
Scientists Call AP Report on Global Warming 'Hysteria'
"'The mean global temperature, at least as measured by satellite, is now the same as it was in the year 1980. In the last couple of years sea level has stopped rising. Hurricane and cyclone activity in the northern hemisphere is at a 24-year low and sea ice globally is also the same as it was in 1980.'
Deming said the article is further evidence of the media's decision to talk about global warming as fact, despite what he says is a lack of evidence.
'Reporters, as I understand reporters, are supposed to report facts,'Deming said. 'What he's doing here is he's writing a polemic and reporting it as fact, and that's not right. It's not reporting. It's propaganda."
"'The mean global temperature, at least as measured by satellite, is now the same as it was in the year 1980. In the last couple of years sea level has stopped rising. Hurricane and cyclone activity in the northern hemisphere is at a 24-year low and sea ice globally is also the same as it was in 1980.'
Deming said the article is further evidence of the media's decision to talk about global warming as fact, despite what he says is a lack of evidence.
'Reporters, as I understand reporters, are supposed to report facts,'Deming said. 'What he's doing here is he's writing a polemic and reporting it as fact, and that's not right. It's not reporting. It's propaganda."
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Students' work, design spread holiday cheer
Students' work, design spread holiday cheer
"If you're looking to send out Christmas cards with meaning, consider the Big Red Greeting Card Co.
Not only would you be giving business to a group of hard-working students with disabilities, but you'd also be benefiting the Noah Project animal shelter and supporting recycling to boot.
The greeting card company is housed at Muskegon High School and staffed by about 20 students in two special education classes."
THIS is worth your time!
"If you're looking to send out Christmas cards with meaning, consider the Big Red Greeting Card Co.
Not only would you be giving business to a group of hard-working students with disabilities, but you'd also be benefiting the Noah Project animal shelter and supporting recycling to boot.
The greeting card company is housed at Muskegon High School and staffed by about 20 students in two special education classes."
THIS is worth your time!
YouTube - Obama on Governor Blagojevich/Rom Emanuel
YouTube - Obama on Governor Blagojevich/Rom Emanuel
Wow!
Openess?
Gonna be a long 1000 year reich......
Wow!
Openess?
Gonna be a long 1000 year reich......
Gov. David Paterson unveils dire New York State budget that includes new taxes, layoffs and cuts
Gov. David Paterson unveils dire New York State budget that includes new taxes, layoffs and cuts
"it's the $4 billion in new fees and taxes that are sure to aggravate everyday New Yorkers, who would be paying more for a host of services:
An 'iPod tax' that charges state and local sales tax for 'digitally delivered entertainment services' - in other words, that new Beyonce song you download.
State sales tax at movie theaters, sporting events, taxis, buses, limousines and cable and satellite TV and radio.
Costlier driving with the repeal of the 8-cents-per-gallon sales tax cap on motor and diesel motor fuel, plus and increase in the auto rental tax.
Tuition increases at SUNY and CUNY, $620 and $600 a year respectively.
A 50 cent tax on cigars. The current tax is equal to 37% of the wholesale price, or 34 cents a cigar.
No more sales tax break on clothes and shoes worth $110 or less, except during two weeks a year.
Higher taxes on wine, beer and flavored malt beverages. He would also impose an 18% tax on non-nutritional drinks like soda.
The rich would pay more for luxury items through an additional 5% tax imposed on cars costing more than $60,000, aircraft costing more than $500,000, yachts costing at least $200,000 and jewelry and furs costing in excess of $20,000.
In addition, a host of a fees, including those related to motor vehicle licensing and registration, parks and auto insurance, would go up, as would various state-imposed fines.
Even with the cuts, the 2009-10 budget would increase"
"it's the $4 billion in new fees and taxes that are sure to aggravate everyday New Yorkers, who would be paying more for a host of services:
An 'iPod tax' that charges state and local sales tax for 'digitally delivered entertainment services' - in other words, that new Beyonce song you download.
State sales tax at movie theaters, sporting events, taxis, buses, limousines and cable and satellite TV and radio.
Costlier driving with the repeal of the 8-cents-per-gallon sales tax cap on motor and diesel motor fuel, plus and increase in the auto rental tax.
Tuition increases at SUNY and CUNY, $620 and $600 a year respectively.
A 50 cent tax on cigars. The current tax is equal to 37% of the wholesale price, or 34 cents a cigar.
No more sales tax break on clothes and shoes worth $110 or less, except during two weeks a year.
Higher taxes on wine, beer and flavored malt beverages. He would also impose an 18% tax on non-nutritional drinks like soda.
The rich would pay more for luxury items through an additional 5% tax imposed on cars costing more than $60,000, aircraft costing more than $500,000, yachts costing at least $200,000 and jewelry and furs costing in excess of $20,000.
In addition, a host of a fees, including those related to motor vehicle licensing and registration, parks and auto insurance, would go up, as would various state-imposed fines.
Even with the cuts, the 2009-10 budget would increase"
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