Education reform [Mackinac Center for Public Policy]
Other than those grants required by the courts or by federal law, eliminate all "categorical grants" for state-specified school spending items, and use that money to increase unencumbered per-pupil foundation allowances.» www.mackinac.org/8584
57
Eliminate intermediate school districts (ISDs).» www.mackinac.org/5678
58
Expand public school choice programs to allow all students in all districts, not just those students within a certain proximity, to attend public schools outside their district.» www.mackinac.org/3272
59
Adopt a "Michigan Teachers' Bill of Rights" that frees individual teachers from standardized union contracts and gives them the choice to be judged and compensated based on their performance.» www.mackinac.org/1660
60
Repeal teacher certification requirements.» www.mackinac.org/1651
61
Revise the Michigan Teachers' Tenure Act to allow school districts to adopt a full-fledged teacher merit-pay system.» www.mackinac.org/9804
Monday, January 19, 2009
Harbor Theater this week!
231-457-4274(showtimes)
http://www.theharbortheater.com
"Just in time for the announcement of the Oscar nominations on January 22nd, RACHEL GETTING MARRIED has arrived in Muskegon. Come see for yourself and judge whether or not Anne Hathaway and Rose Marie Dewitt's performances are worthy of all the critical hype and awards they have been in contention for the past few months.
Look for Bill Idding's 4 star review of RACHEL GETTING MARRIED in the Muskegon Chronicle on Thursday
Also opening at The Harbor this weekend, a pickup film, which we normally don't do, but had to make an exception at least this one time. The film is DOUBT, and with it being a posisble major contender in this years Academy Awards, we felt it needed to stay in Muskegon just a little bit longer.
Don't forget, we will be open on MONDAY January 19th at 2:00 PM in the afternoon for a free screening of the documentary DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR: A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE.
We will also host a special screening this Thursday, January 22nd, of Alfred Hitchcock's BLACKMAIL. This was Hitchcock's first "talkie" film. He began filming the thriller as a silent movie, but midway through filming, the use of sound became available to filmmakers for the first time. The producers of the film originally only wanted the final reel of the film to feature sound, but director Hitchcock thought that idea was absurd and secretly refilmed almost the entire movie with a soundtrack behind their backs. The film will play Thursday night at 7:15 PM.
Tuesday, January 20th is your last chance to see the gorgeous animated feature from France, AZUR AND AZMAR. The final showtime will be at 7:15 PM. Don't miss this wonderful film from the New York International Children's Film Festival.
On January 25th, we will have a free screening of Roberto Rosselini's THE FLOWERS OF ST. FRANCIS at 3 PM. As always, a discussion will follow this screening. The film chronicles the life story of St Francis of Assisi, known as "the people's saint.""
http://www.theharbortheater.com
"Just in time for the announcement of the Oscar nominations on January 22nd, RACHEL GETTING MARRIED has arrived in Muskegon. Come see for yourself and judge whether or not Anne Hathaway and Rose Marie Dewitt's performances are worthy of all the critical hype and awards they have been in contention for the past few months.
Look for Bill Idding's 4 star review of RACHEL GETTING MARRIED in the Muskegon Chronicle on Thursday
Also opening at The Harbor this weekend, a pickup film, which we normally don't do, but had to make an exception at least this one time. The film is DOUBT, and with it being a posisble major contender in this years Academy Awards, we felt it needed to stay in Muskegon just a little bit longer.
Don't forget, we will be open on MONDAY January 19th at 2:00 PM in the afternoon for a free screening of the documentary DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR: A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE.
We will also host a special screening this Thursday, January 22nd, of Alfred Hitchcock's BLACKMAIL. This was Hitchcock's first "talkie" film. He began filming the thriller as a silent movie, but midway through filming, the use of sound became available to filmmakers for the first time. The producers of the film originally only wanted the final reel of the film to feature sound, but director Hitchcock thought that idea was absurd and secretly refilmed almost the entire movie with a soundtrack behind their backs. The film will play Thursday night at 7:15 PM.
Tuesday, January 20th is your last chance to see the gorgeous animated feature from France, AZUR AND AZMAR. The final showtime will be at 7:15 PM. Don't miss this wonderful film from the New York International Children's Film Festival.
On January 25th, we will have a free screening of Roberto Rosselini's THE FLOWERS OF ST. FRANCIS at 3 PM. As always, a discussion will follow this screening. The film chronicles the life story of St Francis of Assisi, known as "the people's saint.""
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Circuit City-total bummer!
Circuit City: "Liquidators will start arriving in our 567 stores across the U.S. over the weekend, and closing sales will start as early as Saturday, January 17. Closing sales will run as long as it takes to sell existing inventory, but are expected to wrap up by the end of March. When the liquidation sales are completed, the stores will be closed.
Associates at our company headquarters will be asked to come back on Monday, January 19, to find out more about their status and to retrieve their personal belongings."
Associates at our company headquarters will be asked to come back on Monday, January 19, to find out more about their status and to retrieve their personal belongings."
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Elderly NYC Lobster in Restaurant Tank Gets New Lease on Life in Mainews | US News
Elderly NYC Lobster in Restaurant Tank Gets New Lease on Life in Maine
"Lobsters typically live to be 100-plus. PETA, using a rule of thumb based on weight, estimates George is about 140.
The lobster was caught off Newfoundland, Canada. He lived in the restaurant's tank for about 10 days. He is to be released Saturday near Kennebunkport, Maine, in an area where lobster trapping is forbidden."
So, umm, like isn't it gonna die soon anyway.....
"Lobsters typically live to be 100-plus. PETA, using a rule of thumb based on weight, estimates George is about 140.
The lobster was caught off Newfoundland, Canada. He lived in the restaurant's tank for about 10 days. He is to be released Saturday near Kennebunkport, Maine, in an area where lobster trapping is forbidden."
So, umm, like isn't it gonna die soon anyway.....
Friday, January 09, 2009
Editorial: CalPERS made a bet – and lost
Editorial: CalPERS made a bet – and lost - Sacramento Opinion
"CalPERS made aggressive investments in real estate at the worst possible time, when inflated property values had peaked and were already beginning to decline.
As The Sacramento Bee's Dale Kasler detailed in a recent article, one CalPERS real estate misstep stands out in particular. In February 2007, CalPERS invested $922 million in a deal with LandSource Communities Development LLC that involved thousands of homes and lots in seven states including Florida, Arizona and California.
A month before the investment was finalized, Lennar Homes, a principal partner in the LandSource deal, announced it was writing off $500 million in real estate assets because of deteriorating market conditions. That should have served as a clear warning to CalPERS, but it did not.
Sixteen months later, LandSource filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Depending on what assets the partnership sells to pay off creditors, CalPERS could lose its entire investment, nearly $1 billion."
"CalPERS made aggressive investments in real estate at the worst possible time, when inflated property values had peaked and were already beginning to decline.
As The Sacramento Bee's Dale Kasler detailed in a recent article, one CalPERS real estate misstep stands out in particular. In February 2007, CalPERS invested $922 million in a deal with LandSource Communities Development LLC that involved thousands of homes and lots in seven states including Florida, Arizona and California.
A month before the investment was finalized, Lennar Homes, a principal partner in the LandSource deal, announced it was writing off $500 million in real estate assets because of deteriorating market conditions. That should have served as a clear warning to CalPERS, but it did not.
Sixteen months later, LandSource filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Depending on what assets the partnership sells to pay off creditors, CalPERS could lose its entire investment, nearly $1 billion."
Can we Save Our Secret Ballot from political and union stealth?
Can we Save Our Secret Ballot from political and union stealth?: "One of the more odious efforts of American business affairs is about to take center stage in the very early days of our new Congress. And as when the word ‘odious’ is associated with business affairs, it can almost always signal that labor unions are involved. Be prepared America for one of the biggest farcical rip-offs ever attempted, even by shoddy union standards."
More people leaving Michigan than any other state
More people leaving Michigan than any other state
"Michigan saw the nation’s most outbound migration in 2008, with 67.1% of interstate moves heading out, according to a migration study released Wednesday.
It marked the third straight year that Michigan, hard hit by the economy and layoffs in the auto industry, has seen the highest percentage of outbound migration."
"Michigan saw the nation’s most outbound migration in 2008, with 67.1% of interstate moves heading out, according to a migration study released Wednesday.
It marked the third straight year that Michigan, hard hit by the economy and layoffs in the auto industry, has seen the highest percentage of outbound migration."
State economists predict $1.6-billion deficit in 2010
State economists predict $1.6-billion deficit in 2010
"The state budget is almost $200 million out of whack now and faces an estimated $1.6 billion deficit in 2010 unless spending is cut, according to state economists today."
"The state budget is almost $200 million out of whack now and faces an estimated $1.6 billion deficit in 2010 unless spending is cut, according to state economists today."
Why a Tiny Alabama Town Wants a $375 Million Chunk of the Stimulus
Why a Tiny Alabama Town Wants a $375 Million Chunk of the Stimulus
"The tiny town, located near the Georgia border and 26 miles from the nearest 'big city' of Anniston (population: 24,276), added 33 proposals—about two thirds of them related to 'green' energy—to the list of 'ready- to- go' projects assembled by the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Total sum: $375,076,200.
That comes out to nearly $2 million per Edwardsville resident,"
"The tiny town, located near the Georgia border and 26 miles from the nearest 'big city' of Anniston (population: 24,276), added 33 proposals—about two thirds of them related to 'green' energy—to the list of 'ready- to- go' projects assembled by the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Total sum: $375,076,200.
That comes out to nearly $2 million per Edwardsville resident,"
Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon indicted on perjury, theft charges
Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon indicted on perjury, theft charges
"Baltimore Mayor Sheila A. Dixon was charged today with 12 counts of felony theft, perjury, fraud and misconduct in office, becoming the city's first sitting mayor to be criminally indicted."
Another democrat bites the dust!
"Baltimore Mayor Sheila A. Dixon was charged today with 12 counts of felony theft, perjury, fraud and misconduct in office, becoming the city's first sitting mayor to be criminally indicted."
Another democrat bites the dust!
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Need snow shoveling help?
Tonight at about 9:00PM two 40ish women knocked on my door.....AGAIN!
I'm at the age where that normally would "make my day" ..... but sadly, they only wanted to blow my driveway...... well you get my drift.......
These last 2 years two super quality gals have been knocking on my door to see if i needed my driveway cleared.
Snow-blowed!
These hard working entrepreneurs are what America is all about!
If you need someone who will do the job, call Amy 670-3397 or Denise 798-1327.
They do a GREAT job and are dependable!
I'm at the age where that normally would "make my day" ..... but sadly, they only wanted to blow my driveway...... well you get my drift.......
These last 2 years two super quality gals have been knocking on my door to see if i needed my driveway cleared.
Snow-blowed!
These hard working entrepreneurs are what America is all about!
If you need someone who will do the job, call Amy 670-3397 or Denise 798-1327.
They do a GREAT job and are dependable!
Muskegon County Board of Commissioners
Muskegon County Board of Commissioners
"Click here if you have a high speed internet connection
and would like to view/search all 2008 meeting minutes in one PDF document."
This link has ALL of the Muskegon County Commissioners meeting minutes in a searchable format.
Try searching for "floor scrubber".
Have fun!
"Click here if you have a high speed internet connection
and would like to view/search all 2008 meeting minutes in one PDF document."
This link has ALL of the Muskegon County Commissioners meeting minutes in a searchable format.
Try searching for "floor scrubber".
Have fun!
New Muskegon bus depot "riding floor scrubber"!
No sweat. The County has oodles of extra money for a RIDING floor scrubber!
click here:
http://co.muskegon.mi.us/clerk/11252008_board_minutes.pdf
and scroll down to the bottom of page 270-271
2008-580 AWARD THE BID FOR MUSKEGON AREA TRANSIT SYSTEM
CYLINDRICAL RIDING FLOOR SCRUBBER
TR08/11-43
The Transportation Committee recommends, moved by Gill, seconded by Engle, to award
the bid for Muskegon Area Transit System cylindrical riding floor scrubber to Hull Lift Truck,
Inc. for a price of $19,995.00.
Muskegon County Board of Commissioners November 25, 2008
Regular Meeting 3:30 p.m.
271
(Continued)
2008-580 AWARD THE BID FOR MUSKEGON AREA TRANSIT SYSTEM
CYLINDRICAL RIDING FLOOR SCRUBBER
Roll Call
Ayes: Wade, Snider, Scolnik, McMurray, Mahoney, Gill, Engle, Derezinski, Collins,
Buzzell
Nays: Aley
click here:
http://co.muskegon.mi.us/clerk/11252008_board_minutes.pdf
and scroll down to the bottom of page 270-271
2008-580 AWARD THE BID FOR MUSKEGON AREA TRANSIT SYSTEM
CYLINDRICAL RIDING FLOOR SCRUBBER
TR08/11-43
The Transportation Committee recommends, moved by Gill, seconded by Engle, to award
the bid for Muskegon Area Transit System cylindrical riding floor scrubber to Hull Lift Truck,
Inc. for a price of $19,995.00.
Muskegon County Board of Commissioners November 25, 2008
Regular Meeting 3:30 p.m.
271
(Continued)
2008-580 AWARD THE BID FOR MUSKEGON AREA TRANSIT SYSTEM
CYLINDRICAL RIDING FLOOR SCRUBBER
Roll Call
Ayes: Wade, Snider, Scolnik, McMurray, Mahoney, Gill, Engle, Derezinski, Collins,
Buzzell
Nays: Aley
Take a drive by our bus station and imagine a riding floor scrubber just chuggin' along.......how did we EVER live without it?
Coach accused of having sex with 8th grade girl
Coach accused of having sex with 8th grade girl
"WHITEHALL, Mich. (WZZM)- Whitehall High School Girls Basketball coach Jared Bays is accused of having sex with an 8th grade girl.
'She recently divulged the information to her mother and her mother contacted police,' says Muskegon county Prosecutor Tony Tague.
Bays faces 3rd Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct charges.
He is suspended from his job as a coach and teacher at the Whitehall Alternative School."
Nice "alternative".
"WHITEHALL, Mich. (WZZM)- Whitehall High School Girls Basketball coach Jared Bays is accused of having sex with an 8th grade girl.
'She recently divulged the information to her mother and her mother contacted police,' says Muskegon county Prosecutor Tony Tague.
Bays faces 3rd Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct charges.
He is suspended from his job as a coach and teacher at the Whitehall Alternative School."
Nice "alternative".
U.S. companies face $409 billion pension deficit
U.S. companies face $409 billion pension deficit
"Volatile markets have saddled U.S. companies with a $409 billion deficit on pension plans, reversing a $60 billion surplus a year earlier, and will cut into earnings in 2009,"
"Volatile markets have saddled U.S. companies with a $409 billion deficit on pension plans, reversing a $60 billion surplus a year earlier, and will cut into earnings in 2009,"
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Café Scientifique in Muskegon
Café Scientifique in Muskegon
"A fun, interesting, and FREE discussion!January 20, 2009
A discussion on anaerobicdigesters as a means to makeAmerica energy independent
Presenter: Sarah JenanDirector, Renewable Energy Group, Reynolds, Inc."
'The truth is that promoting science isn't just about providing resources-it's about protecting free and open inquiry. It's about ensuring that facts and evidence are never twisted or obscured by politics or ideology. It's about listening to what our scientists have to say, even when it's inconvenient-especially when it's inconvenient. Because the highest purpose of science is the search for knowledge, truth and a greater understanding of the world around us.'
-Barack Obama"
If you are interested in Obama's view of science, here is Muskegon's forum of believers on stage.
I'll be there.
Location: Carmen's878 Jefferson St.Muskegon, MI 49440January 20, 20096:00 to 7:30 pm
click here for directions
"A fun, interesting, and FREE discussion!January 20, 2009
A discussion on anaerobicdigesters as a means to makeAmerica energy independent
Presenter: Sarah JenanDirector, Renewable Energy Group, Reynolds, Inc."
'The truth is that promoting science isn't just about providing resources-it's about protecting free and open inquiry. It's about ensuring that facts and evidence are never twisted or obscured by politics or ideology. It's about listening to what our scientists have to say, even when it's inconvenient-especially when it's inconvenient. Because the highest purpose of science is the search for knowledge, truth and a greater understanding of the world around us.'
-Barack Obama"
If you are interested in Obama's view of science, here is Muskegon's forum of believers on stage.
I'll be there.
Location: Carmen's878 Jefferson St.Muskegon, MI 49440January 20, 20096:00 to 7:30 pm
click here for directions
Madoff is a Piker
Madoff is a Piker
"Politicians go on and on about Wall Street 'greed' and 'irresponsibility.'
But Madoff's scam was small compared to Ponzi schemes the government itself runs: Social Security and Medicare."
Mucho MSM and politician anger at profit making, job creating, product & services creating corporations. Oh yeah. They pay taxes too!
But not much interest or anger at the political ponzis who use the power of government (at EVERY level) to steal from us who have legally earned our money. And are spending our country (at EVERY level) into bankruptcy.
"Politicians go on and on about Wall Street 'greed' and 'irresponsibility.'
But Madoff's scam was small compared to Ponzi schemes the government itself runs: Social Security and Medicare."
Mucho MSM and politician anger at profit making, job creating, product & services creating corporations. Oh yeah. They pay taxes too!
But not much interest or anger at the political ponzis who use the power of government (at EVERY level) to steal from us who have legally earned our money. And are spending our country (at EVERY level) into bankruptcy.
Governor Granholm's trip to Washington
Fact Finder: Governor Granholm's trip to Washington
"How exactly did Governor Granholm get to Washington for her appearance on Meet the Press last weekend? And more importantly, who paid for it? A viewer emailed me wondering exactly that, and the answers I found are the subject of this Fact Finder Report."
The liberal press simply hates business leaders who are crook/hypocrites. They love government leaders who are crook/hypocrites.
Same old, same old.
"How exactly did Governor Granholm get to Washington for her appearance on Meet the Press last weekend? And more importantly, who paid for it? A viewer emailed me wondering exactly that, and the answers I found are the subject of this Fact Finder Report."
The liberal press simply hates business leaders who are crook/hypocrites. They love government leaders who are crook/hypocrites.
Same old, same old.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
JetBlue, TSA Officials Pay $240G in Damages Over Arab T-Shirt Flap ews | US News
JetBlue, TSA Officials Pay $240G in Damages Over Arab T-Shirt Flap
"Jarrar was approached by security officials who told him to remove his T-shirt with the words 'We will not be silent' as he waited near the front of a JetBlue flight at JFK Airport because it apparently made other passengers feel uncomfortable."
Seriously, where can I get one of those T-shirts?
4 JetBlue flights in an offensive T-shirt and $960,000 bucks for your effort?
Sure beats frequent flier miles.....
"Jarrar was approached by security officials who told him to remove his T-shirt with the words 'We will not be silent' as he waited near the front of a JetBlue flight at JFK Airport because it apparently made other passengers feel uncomfortable."
Seriously, where can I get one of those T-shirts?
4 JetBlue flights in an offensive T-shirt and $960,000 bucks for your effort?
Sure beats frequent flier miles.....
Skier Suffers Exposure - January 6, 2009
Serious "Doh!"
Skier Suffers Exposure - January 6, 2009: "JANUARY 6--In a bizarre incident that will surely lead to litigation (or an out-of-court settlement), a skier at Colorado's ritzy Vail resort was left dangling upside down and pantsless from a chairlift"
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